Mirena Birth Control: Your Guide to the Hormonal IUD

The Birth Control Revolution

The contraceptive revolution started in the 1960s. Suddenly, women were able to delay, space, and avoid pregnancies. Birth control has been life-saving for us as women. It is one of the most affordable and empowering inventions, and we at Mums & Bums are here to support it.

A Brief History of Contraception

The Mirena is a stand-out option thanks to incredible advancements in contraceptive management. Because it is a long-term option that requires minimal maintenance, the benefits include nearly 100% effectiveness, long-term protection, and regulation of your period (or, in some cases, no period at all).

What is the Mirena?

So, I’m sure you're wondering, “What is the Mirena?” The Mirena is a T-shaped plastic device inserted into your uterus. It works by releasing a steady stream of hormones into your system that can prevent pregnancy for up to 7 years.

How Does The Mirena Prevent Pregnancy?

The Mirena works in a few ways. Firstly, it thickens the mucus in your cervix, which prevents sperm from reaching the egg and fertilizing it. Secondly, it thins out the lining of your uterus so that if an egg were to be fertilized, it would not be able to implant. Lastly, the hormones in Mirena prevent the release of an egg, a process known as ovulation. This means that your body will not release eggs for fertilization.

The Benefits of The Mirena

There are so many benefits to using this as a method of contraception:

1. The Mirena is effective for up to 7 years. This means if you have completed your family, the Mirena is a great option for a long-term contraceptive until you reach menopause.

   
   

2. It is convenient. Unlike the pill, which you need to remember to take at the same time each day and need to collect once a month, when the Mirena is placed, it is effective for 7 years. The only maintenance required from your side is to check that you can feel the strings once a month after your period.

   
   

3. There is a lower risk of pregnancy due to your error because once it is in, you don’t need to remember anything except for string checks and replacing it every 7 years.

   
   

4. There are also some non-contraceptive benefits, such as possible reduction in menstrual bleeding and cycle regulation.  

Who Can Use Mirena?

Almost all women are suitable candidates for the Mirena, but if you have the following, you may benefit even more from having the Mirena placed:

• Heavy bleeding during periods

• Severe pain or cramping during periods

• Endometriosis

• Anaemia

• Fibroids

Who Can't Use the Mirena?

As with any medical option, this is not suitable for everyone. If you have any of the following, you may better benefit from another contraceptive option:

• Have or have had breast cancer

• Have or have had uterine or cervical cancer

• Liver disease

• Fibroids that hinder the placement of the Mirena

• Pelvic infection or pelvic inflammatory disease

• Atypically shaped uterus

• Migraines

• Blood clotting disorders

Mirena Insertion: What to Expect

Mirena Removal: What to Expect

Common Myths and Misconceptions About The Mirena

Myth 1: My partner will be able to feel the device during intercourse.

Fact: Intrauterine devices such as the Mirena are inserted into the uterus, which is much higher up than where you will be having intercourse (vagina).

Myth 2: Women who have never been pregnant may not get a Mirena.

Fact: Not having a previous pregnancy is not a contraindication for the Mirena. This may be a great option for many women, regardless of whether you have been pregnant before.

Myth 3: The Mirena is not safe; many women have babies who are born with the Mirena in their hands.

Fact: While there is no one method that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, intrauterine devices such as the Mirena and Copper-T are the number one most effective contraception methods. Less than 1% of women with an intrauterine device become pregnant while using this method.

In fact, this picture was found to be set up after the birth. You can see the full details here: https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-baby-born-iud-mirena-268471572996 

Comparing The Mirena to Other Birth Control Options

Method	Effectivity	Effective Time	Effect on Period	Ease of Use
Mirena/Kyleena	>99%	3 – 5 years	It may take your period away completely	4/5 No additional effort is required besides string checks.
Copper T/Loop	>99%	7 – 10 years	No effect on your period	4/5 No additional effort is required besides string checks.
Implant	99%	3 years	May take your period away completely	5/5 No additional effort is required.
Injection	96%	2 or 3 months	It may take away or greatly reduce your period	4/5 No additional effort is required. However, you must attend the clinic every 2 – 3 months to receive the injection.
Pill	92%	Monthly (or daily – it’s not effective if you miss one)	It may help to regulate your period.	1/5 You need to remember to take it at the same time each day.
Patch	91%	Weekly (needs to be changed for it to be effective)	It may help to regulate your period.	3/5 You need to change it weekly, but you don’t need to remember to do it each day.
Condoms	98% If used correctly	One sex act	None	0/5 It needs to be used correctly each time.
Pull Out Method (Coitus-Interruptus)	80%	One sex act	None	0/5 It can be risky if not done in time.

---

So, Is Mirena Right for You?

Whether Mirena is right for you depends entirely on you. Contraception is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each of your circumstances and issues needs to be considered before choosing the method you want to try.

Make an appointment at Mums & Bums today, and we will walk you through your options.

---