The problem of bleeding after installation of an intrauterine device (IUD). How does the menstrual cycle change after installation of an intrauterine device?

The intrauterine device is the most popular and effective female method of preventing unwanted pregnancy. In order to prevent complications, it is necessary to undergo all examinations and contact only a professional doctor; self-insertion of the IUD is not allowed. But even compliance with all conditions does not guarantee absolute smoothness. It happens that after the installation of the coil there is bleeding, this happens for various reasons. Everything about the IUD insertion procedure and complications is in this article.

An intrauterine device is a special device consisting of inert plastic and some metal (copper or silver), small in size. This device is inserted into the uterine cavity and does not allow the girl to become pregnant. When, fertilization with an IUD can occur, but the spiral will not allow the embryo to attach to the endometrium of the uterus; the principle of action is similar to an abortifacient. The IUD is inserted into the girl on the 3rd or 4th day of her period, while the cervix is open.

Kinds

Today, 2 types of intrauterine device are actively used:

Copper IUD. A copper coil inserted into the uterus releases copper ions, acidifying the uterine environment and reducing sperm activity. The lifespan of a copper IUD is no more than 10 years.
Hormonal IUD. After administration, the hormone progesterone is released. This hormone is released daily and inhibits egg maturation. You can use it for up to 5 years, then the spiral is changed.

In appearance, both pregnancy coils resemble the letter T, at the end of which there are two small antennae.

In addition to its main function, uterine devices protect against inflammatory diseases.

Indications

As noted above, the benefit of the IUD is not only the inability to get pregnant. The spiral is indicated for the treatment of various diseases, such as:

Problems with menstruation. Painful, difficult to tolerate periods, irregular, etc.;
Pelvic pain;
Uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Early endometrial cancer and precancerous condition;

The spiral produces a bactericidal effect, therefore it alleviates the condition of the disease and prevents deterioration.

The intrauterine device is highly recommended for women who have given birth and do not have STDs or cervical diseases.

Various complications

The most common period after the installation of an IUD when various complications appear is the first three months.

Spiral falling out. It is not necessarily accompanied by painful sensations and does not cause harm to the body. Sometimes a woman does not notice at all that the spiral has fallen out. Loss can occur either immediately after the procedure or for quite a long time after the insertion of the IUD. The cause of the IUD falling out can be heavy physical exertion and deformation of the cervix. Also, if an incompetent doctor installed the IUD incorrectly or chose an IUD that is unsuitable in size and type for the body. Sometimes prolapse occurs due to the harmless reason that the body does not accept a foreign object. In this case, after getting used to it, everything goes away.

Often in the first month after the procedure, girls experience a delay in menstruation. In this case, anti-inflammatory drugs are taken that normalize the cycle and protect against inflammatory processes in the uterus. Inflammation of the uterus occurs due to intolerance to the IUD as a type of contraceptive.

If there is heavy or prolonged bleeding after the IUD insertion procedure, you should immediately go to the hospital. The doctor prescribes tests and examination. The first thing the doctor will pay attention to is whether the woman has gynecological diseases. If it does not stop, and there are no serious diseases, the spiral is removed, otherwise a complication may arise in the form. During treatment, the patient is regularly examined and monitored for the course of the disease.

To prevent symptoms, the doctor prescribes medications containing iron and recommends eating more foods that are rich in iron.

Other complications

Common complications from starting to use an IUD are heavy bleeding and the IUD falling out at different times. But there are other, more rare complications.

The majority arises, as a rule, from a copper spiral.

Too painful menstruation;
Pelvic infections;
Damage to the uterus by the coil;
Irregular periods. Sometimes they disappear completely;
Ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, subsequent early birth.

Infertility. It is because of this complication that doctors recommend using spirals only for women who have given birth.

Contraindications

Before installing the IUD, a woman needs to undergo a short examination and undergo tests prescribed by the doctor, because the IUD is not suitable for everyone, and sometimes individual intolerance appears after insertion.

The IUD cannot be installed in case of cancer of the genital organs, if a woman suffers from cervical cancer, pelvic infections, cervical cancer, uterine bleeding, etc. Also with deformation of the uterus and if there are sexually transmitted infections. It is prohibited for a woman to use an IUD if less than 3 months have passed since the abortion and if the woman has had an ectopic pregnancy in the past.

An examination is necessary to identify possible problems and the doctor will decide whether the IUD can be inserted without harm to the woman’s body.

Installation

Before going to the IUD insertion procedure itself, you need to carry out a number of preparatory measures: take tests prescribed by the doctor, undergo an examination by a gynecologist and carry out the procedure.

Examinations that must be completed before the procedure:

Pregnancy testing;
Screening for STDs and other gynecological problems;
and other types;
The doctor must examine the genital organs: vagina, uterus, etc. and then select the best type of IUD for the woman.

Before the procedure, the gynecologist measures the size and depth of the uterus. The process of installing an intrauterine device feels like inserting a gynecological speculum during an examination. There is no severe pain during the procedure, but there is some discomfort. If a woman does not tolerate the slightest discomfort, the doctor may inject painkillers into the cervical area. Installing the spiral takes 10 minutes.

Rehabilitation

After installing an intrauterine device, you need a gentle daily routine, more rest, and you cannot strain yourself too much with work. The spiral is a foreign object for the body; it takes some time to get used to it and the body experiences stress, so extra stress during rehabilitation will only aggravate the condition. The rehabilitation period after installation of the IUD is different for all women. If there is no pain or heavy bleeding, you can perform the usual amount of work. Just don’t forget that any overvoltage can cause problems, the most common of which is the coil falling out.

Since the prolapse of the IUD from a woman’s uterus most often occurs during the first 8 months, a verification procedure must be carried out. The position of the spiral can be determined by the antennae. You can check this yourself with your fingers, but if a woman cannot check it herself, you need to entrust the matter to a gynecologist. You need to be examined by a doctor monthly. Then the dangerous period will pass easily and without complications.

When to see a doctor

Small or scanty spotting is a natural reaction of the body after insertion of the IUD, as it occurs in almost all women. The average period is 6 months, but the time for cessation of discharge varies individually and can vary from 4 to 8 months. It happens that there is no discharge at all, but this is very rare and harmless.

Only prolonged and heavy discharge becomes dangerous. It's like having a period that doesn't stop for several weeks. If there is heavy bleeding, you should immediately consult a doctor. Also, if the discharge continues for quite a long time, it is better to visit the hospital, since severe bleeding and smears for more than 8 months can be caused by serious disorders in the body.

Sometimes the IUD in a woman can provoke various diseases of the uterus, then bleeding signals inflammation. If the examination reveals a negative effect of the spiral, it is removed and no longer installed. In this case, other methods of protection are prescribed.

Using the IUD during breastfeeding

An IUD can only be inserted after six weeks after birth. The ions released by the intrauterine device penetrate the mother's blood, but harmful substances make up only one thousandth of a percent of the daily volume of mother's milk. This amount is too small to harm the baby’s health, so using the device during breastfeeding is safe for mother and child.

Need for removal

There are many reasons why you need to remove the coil or replace it with a new one.

The need to remove the spiral may arise in the following cases:

The hormonal intrauterine device needs to be changed after every five years of use, and the copper one after ten years.
When using other protection against pregnancy, the IUD must be removed at the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
After removing the intrauterine device, the next installation is made only after a month.
If inflammation or infection occurs due to the coil, or if there is heavy bleeding, the coil must be removed.
In case of individual intolerance to the IUD. If, when using an IUD, a woman has constant abdominal pain in the area of the uterus, or experiences discomfort, the IUD must be removed and another method of protection must be used.

Pregnancy with an intrauterine device

The IUD is the most popular method of preventing unwanted pregnancy, not only because of the simplicity of the procedure, but also because of its excellent effectiveness. There is practically no chance of getting pregnant with an IUD. And yet, pregnancy with an intrauterine device is possible, although it is extremely rare and for certain reasons. For example, an incorrectly installed device, or one that came off during too passionate intercourse.

To exclude a pathology such as ectopic pregnancy, if you suspect pregnancy, you should consult a doctor for examination. If the pregnancy proceeds normally, there are no complications, and the woman wants to carry and give birth to a child, the IUD is removed.

The doctor will remove the IUD without harm to the mother and child. But there are cases when, when the IUD is removed, the pregnancy is terminated.

If a woman does not trust doctors, the child can be carried without removing the intrauterine device from the uterus. But in this case, you need to be mentally prepared for the fact that the development of the fetus will not go so smoothly; complications in the growth and development of the child are possible.

By the way, there are very few known cases of successful pregnancy with an intrauterine device. But there is always a risk of pathologies for the child.

To avoid unpleasant consequences and make pregnancy comfortable and safe, it is necessary to remove the IUD. Or, if a woman does not want to give birth to a child, terminate the pregnancy, since the IUD and pregnancy cannot successfully exist at the same time, and for delay, both mother and child may lose their health.

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterine cavity to achieve a contraceptive effect.

There are 2 types of coils: coils containing copper or silver, and coils containing hormones. Spirals containing hormones are recognized as more effective, and therefore are now more often used in gynecological practice.

What is the Mirena intrauterine device?

The Mirena IUD is a coil containing the hormone levonorgestrel. Every day, Mirena releases a certain small dose of a hormone into the uterine cavity, which acts only within the uterus and is practically not absorbed into the blood. Thanks to this, the risk of side effects of hormonal effects is significantly reduced, the ovaries are not suppressed and there is a therapeutic effect, which we will discuss below.

How effective is the Mirena IUD?

More than 20 years have passed since the introduction of the Mirena IUD. During this time, Mirena has shown high effectiveness in preventing unwanted pregnancy.

According to statistics, within one year of using Mirena, pregnancy occurs in one woman out of 500. Compared to birth control pills, the Mirena spiral is a more reliable means of contraception.

What are the pros and cons of the Mirena IUD compared to other methods of contraception?

Mirena has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is not suitable for all women. After learning about the pros and cons of Mirena, you can decide whether this method of pregnancy protection is right for you.

Pros of Mirena:

Once you install the IUD, you no longer need to worry about contraception. While birth control pills must be taken every day in order for the contraceptive effect to remain reliable.
The spiral does not need to be changed often: you can walk with one spiral for up to 5 years in a row. While birth control pills or condoms need to be replenished monthly.
Unlike condoms, during sexual intercourse the coil is not felt by either you or your sexual partner.
Unlike birth control pills, the IUD does not increase appetite and does not cause water retention in the body, which means it will not cause weight gain.
Can be used as a treatment method for adenomyosis (endometriosis of the uterus) and.
Reduces blood loss during menstruation and.

Cons of Mirena:

It is impossible to install the IUD yourself: to do this you need to visit a gynecologist.
In contrast, it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV infection, herpes, etc.), therefore it is not suitable for women who have sex with unfamiliar partners.
In the first 4 months after installation of the IUD, a woman has an increased risk of inflammation of the fallopian tubes ().
May cause long-term appearance in the first months after installation.
May cause irregular periods in the first months after installation.
It may cause a temporary cessation of menstruation, but after removal of the device, menstruation returns within 1-3 months.
May cause . These cysts are not dangerous to health and rarely require any treatment. Usually, they resolve on their own within a few months after their appearance.
There is a risk of the IUD falling out unnoticed, which can lead to an unwanted pregnancy.
If pregnancy occurs while wearing the IUD, there is a risk of early miscarriage.

At what age can Mirena be installed?

There is an unwritten rule among gynecologists that intrauterine devices can only be installed in women who have given birth. However, there are studies in which IUDs were installed in nulliparous women, and even girls under 18 years of age, and the IUDs were effective and safe.

And yet, most gynecologists will not undertake to install an IUD if you are under 25 years old and have not yet given birth.

What tests need to be done before placing the Mirena coil?

Before installing the IUD, your doctor will prescribe:

to make sure there is no inflammation. If the smear reveals inflammation, you will need to be treated first and only after recovery the doctor will install the IUD.
to make sure your cervix is normal and there are no precancerous or cancerous changes.
to make sure that the uterus has a normal shape and installation of the IUD will be safe. You will not be able to have an IUD if you have a bicornuate uterus, the presence of septa in the uterus, or other abnormalities of the uterus.
or to make sure you are not pregnant.

Who is the Mirena IUD contraindicated for?

There are not many contraindications for installing Mirena. This:

Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
Inflammation of the vagina or cervix
Chronic genital tract infections that often get worse
Inflammation of the urethra or bladder
Precancerous or cancerous changes in the cervix
Breast cancer or suspected breast cancer
Inflammation of the uterus (endometritis) after childbirth or abortion within the last 3 months
Anomalies of the uterus: bicornuate uterus, septum in the uterus, etc.

To make sure that the spiral is in place, you can try to feel its “antennae” yourself. To do this, wash your hands thoroughly and insert the fingers of one hand deep into the vagina to reach the cervix. The “antennae” feel like threads of fishing line. The length of the “antennae” can vary: you can only feel the tips, or feel 2-3 cm. If the threads are longer than 2-3 cm, or if you cannot feel them, then you need to contact a gynecologist.

How often should you visit a gynecologist if you have a Mirena spiral?

If nothing worries you, then the first visit to the gynecologist should be made a month after installing the IUD. Then visit your doctor after another 2 months. If the doctor confirms that Mirena is in place, then further visits should be made once a year.

Spotting after installation of the Mirena coil

In the first months after Mirena installation, prolonged spotting and bloody (dark brown, brown, black) discharge may appear. This is a normal phenomenon associated with the installation of the spiral. Such discharge may be observed during the first 3-6 months after Mirena installation. If spotting persists for more than 6 months, then you need to visit a gynecologist.

Irregular periods after Mirena installation

Some women using the Mirena IUD may experience irregular periods. This not connected with hormonal disorders or ovarian dysfunction. The cause of the menstrual cycle failure is the local effect of the IUD on the endometrium of the uterus. This is not hazardous to health and does not lead to any negative consequences.

Consult your gynecologist if your irregular periods persist for 6 months or more after insertion of the IUD.

No periods after installing the Mirena IUD

About 20% of women who use the Mirena IUD for a year or more stop having periods altogether.

If your next period has not come, and more than 6 weeks have passed since your last menstruation, first of all it is necessary to exclude pregnancy. To do this, you can either turn it in.

If pregnancy is excluded, then the lack of menstruation is caused by the IUD. The hormones released by the intrauterine device act on the endometrium, suppressing its growth. The endometrium remains thin and therefore menstruation does not occur. The absence of menstruation does not have a negative effect on the body and does not cause any consequences in the future.

Menstruation recovers on its own within 1-3 months after removal of the IUD.

What to do if pregnancy occurs while wearing Mirena?

The likelihood of pregnancy while wearing Mirena is quite small, and yet such cases have been described.

If the pregnancy test shows a positive result, then you need to visit a gynecologist as soon as possible. The gynecologist will examine you and refer you for an ultrasound. An ultrasound will help determine where the fetus is located: in the uterus or is it an ectopic pregnancy. If the fetus is located in the uterus, then there is a chance to maintain the pregnancy.

Is it necessary to remove the IUD if pregnancy occurs?

In order to reduce the risk of early miscarriage, doctors recommend removing the intrauterine device. In the first hours and days after removal of the IUD, the risk of miscarriage will be quite high, but if the pregnancy can be maintained, then nothing will threaten the unborn child.

If you decide not to remove the IUD, or if its removal is impossible for other reasons, then during pregnancy you will need more careful medical supervision in order to prevent or promptly identify possible complications (miscarriage, inflammation, premature birth).

Can Mirena cause developmental abnormalities in an unborn child?

Unfortunately, this is not yet known, since there were not many cases of pregnancy, and it is impossible to compile any reliable statistics.

Cases of healthy children being born after pregnancy with the IUD have been described. Cases of children being born with developmental anomalies also exist, but it has not yet been possible to establish whether there is a connection between these anomalies and the fact that the IUD was not removed during pregnancy.

How is the Mirena IUD replaced or removed?

The Mirena spiral works for 5 years. After this period, the IUD should be removed (if you are planning a pregnancy or want to switch to another method of contraception), or replaced with another IUD (if you are not planning a pregnancy and do not want to switch to other methods of contraception).

You can remove the IUD earlier if you are planning a pregnancy. To do this, you do not have to wait until Mirena’s five-year term expires.

It is best to remove the Mirena coil during your next period. If you stop menstruating while wearing Mirena, or if you want to remove the IUD outside of your period, you will need to start using condoms 7 days before removing the IUD.

If you want to replace the IUD, you do not need to use condoms, and the replacement can be done on any day of the cycle.

When can I get pregnant after Mirena removal?

The Mirena spiral does not affect the functioning of the ovaries, so you can become pregnant in the next cycle after Mirena removal.

The most popular intrauterine hormonal contraceptive is the Mirena device (IUD). Intrauterine contraceptives (IUDs) have been used since the middle of the last century. They quickly fell in love with women due to many positive qualities: the absence of a systemic effect on the female body, high performance, ease of use.
The spiral does not affect the quality of sexual contact, is installed for a long period, and requires virtually no control. But the IUD has a very significant disadvantage: many patients develop a tendency to metrorrhagia, as a result of which they have to abandon this type of contraception.

In the 60s, intrauterine systems containing copper were created. Their contraceptive effect was even higher, but the problem of bleeding from the uterus was not solved. And as a result, in the 70s, the 3rd generation of VMK was developed. These medical systems combine the best qualities of oral contraceptives and IUDs.

Description of the Mirena intrauterine device

Mirena has a T-shape, which helps to securely fit into the uterus. One of the edges is equipped with a loop of threads designed to remove the system. In the center of the spiral is a whitish hormone. It slowly enters the uterus through a special membrane.

The hormonal component of the IUD is levonorgestrel (gestagen). One system contains 52 mg of this substance. An additional component is polydimethylsiloxane elastomer. The Mirena IUD is inside a tube. The spiral has individual vacuum plastic and paper packaging. It should be stored in a dark place, at a temperature of 15-30 C. Shelf life from the date of manufacture is 3 years.

Effect of Mirena on the body

The Mirena contraceptive system begins to “release” levonorgestrel into the uterus immediately after installation. The hormone enters the cavity at a rate of 20 mcg/day; after 5 years, this figure drops to 10 mcg per day. The spiral has a local effect, levonorgestrel is almost all concentrated in the endometrium. And already in the muscular layer of the uterus the concentration is no more than 1%. The hormone is contained in the blood in microdoses.

After inserting the spiral, the active ingredient enters the bloodstream in about an hour. There its highest concentration is reached after 2 weeks. This indicator can vary significantly depending on the woman’s body weight. With a weight of up to 54 kg, the level of levonorgestrel in the blood is approximately 1.5 times higher. The active substance is almost completely broken down in the liver and evacuated by the intestines and kidneys.

How Mirena works

The contraceptive effect of Mirena does not depend on a weak local foreign body reaction, but is mainly associated with the effect of levonorgestrel. The introduction of a fertilized egg is not carried out due to the suppression of the activity of the uterine epithelium. At the same time, the natural growth of the endometrium is suspended and the functioning of its glands is reduced.

Also, the Mirena coil impedes the motility of sperm in the uterus and its tubes. The contraceptive effect of the drug increases the high viscosity of the cervical mucus and thickening of the mucous layer of the cervical canal, which complicates the penetration of sperm into the uterine cavity.

After installation of the system, a restructuring of the endometrium is observed for several months, manifested by irregular spotting. But after some time, proliferation of the uterine mucosa provokes a significant decrease in the duration and volume of menstrual bleeding, up to its complete cessation.

Indications for use

An IUD is installed primarily to prevent unwanted pregnancy. In addition, the system is used for very heavy menstrual bleeding for an unknown reason. The possibility of malignant neoplasms of the female reproductive system is preliminarily excluded. As a local gestagenic agent, the intrauterine device is used to prevent endometrial hyperplasia, for example, during severe menopause or after bilateral oophorectomy.

Mirena is sometimes used in the treatment of menorrhagia, if there are no hyperplastic processes in the uterine mucosa or extragenital pathologies with severe hypocoagulation (thrombocytopenia, von Willebrand disease).

Contraindications for use

The Mirena spiral is an internal contraceptive; therefore, it cannot be used for inflammatory diseases of the genital organs:

endometritis after childbirth;
inflammation in the pelvis and cervix;
septic abortion performed 3 months before installation of the system;
an infection localized in the lower part of the genitourinary system.

The development of acute inflammatory pathology of the pelvic organs, which is practically untreatable, is an indication for removal of the coil. Therefore, internal contraceptives are not prescribed if there is a predisposition to infectious diseases (constant change of sexual partners, severely decreased immunity, AIDS, etc.). To protect against unwanted pregnancy, Mirena is not suitable for cancer, dysplasia, fibroids of the body and cervix, and changes in their anatomical structure.

Since levonorgestrel is broken down in the liver, the spiral is not installed in case of malignant neoplasm of this organ, as well as in case of cirrhosis and acute hepatitis.

Although the systemic effect of levonorgestrel on the body is insignificant, this progestin substance is still contraindicated in all gestagen-dependent cancers, for example, breast cancer and other conditions. This hormone is also contraindicated for stroke, migraine, severe forms of diabetes, thrombophlebitis, heart attack, and arterial hypertension. These diseases are a relative contraindication. In such a situation, the question of using Mirena is decided by the doctor after laboratory diagnostics. The spiral should not be installed if pregnancy is suspected and hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Side effects

Common side effects

There are several side effects of Mirena, which occur in almost every tenth woman who has the IUD installed. These include:

disorders of the central nervous system: short temper, headache, nervousness, bad mood, decreased sexual desire;
weight gain and acne;
gastrointestinal dysfunction: nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting;
vulvovaginitis, pelvic pain, spotting;
chest tension and tenderness;
back pain, as with osteochondrosis.

All of the above signs appear most clearly in the first months of using Mirena. Then their intensity decreases, and, as a rule, unpleasant symptoms disappear without a trace.

Rare side effects

Such side effects occur in one patient out of a thousand. They are also usually expressed only in the first months after the installation of the IUD. If the intensity of manifestations does not decrease over time, the necessary diagnostics are prescribed. Rare complications include bloating, frequent mood swings, itching, swelling, hirsutism, eczema, baldness and rash.

Allergic reactions are very rare side effects. If they develop, it is necessary to exclude another source of urticaria, rash, etc.

Instructions for use

Installation of the Mirena spiral

The intrauterine system is packaged in a sterile vacuum bag, which is opened before inserting the IUD. If the system is opened in advance, it must be disposed of.

Only a qualified person can install the Mirena contraceptive. Before this, the doctor must conduct an examination and prescribe the necessary examination:

gynecological and breast examinations;
cervical smear analysis;
mammography;
colposcopy and pelvic examination.

You need to make sure there is no pregnancy, malignant neoplasms or STIs. If inflammatory diseases are detected, they are treated before placing Mirena. You should also determine the size, location and shape of the uterus. The correct position of the spiral ensures a contraceptive effect and protects against system expulsion.

For patients of fertile age, an IUD is inserted in the first days of menstruation. In the absence of contraindications, the system can be installed immediately after an abortion. If the uterus contracts normally after childbirth, Mirena can be used after 6 weeks. You can replace the IUD on any day, regardless of your cycle. To prevent excessive growth of the endometrium, the intrauterine system should be inserted at the end of the menstrual cycle.

Precautionary measures

After installation of the IUD, you need to see a gynecologist in 9-12 weeks. Then you can visit the doctor once a year, more often if complaints arise. So far, there are no clinical data proving a predisposition to the development of varicose veins and thrombosis of the leg veins when using the spiral. But if signs of these diseases appear, you need to consult a doctor.

The effect of levonorgestrel negatively affects glucose tolerance, as a result of which patients with diabetes need to systematically monitor blood glucose levels. If there is a threat of septic endocarditis in women with valvular heart defects, insertion and removal of the system should be performed with the use of antibacterial agents.

Possible side effects are minor

Ectopic pregnancy is extremely rare and requires emergency surgery. This complication can be suspected if symptoms of pregnancy occur (long delay of menstruation, dizziness, nausea, etc.) together with severe pain in the lower abdomen and signs of internal bleeding (severe weakness, pale skin, tachycardia). There is a higher likelihood of developing such a complication after severe inflammatory or infectious pathologies of the pelvis or a history of ectopic pregnancy.
Penetration (ingrowth into the wall) and perforation (perforation) of the uterus usually develop when the IUD is inserted. These complications may be accompanied by lactation, recent childbirth, or unnatural position of the uterus.
Expulsion of the system from the uterus occurs quite often. For its early detection, patients are recommended to check the presence of threads in the vagina after every menstruation. It’s just that, as a rule, it is during menstruation that the probability of the IUD falling out is high. This process goes unnoticed by the woman. Accordingly, when Mirena is expelled, the contraceptive effect ends. To avoid misunderstandings, it is recommended to inspect used tampons and pads for loss. The manifestation of the beginning of the IUD falling out in the middle of the cycle can be bleeding and pain. If incomplete expulsion of the intrauterine hormonal device occurs, the doctor must remove it and install a new one.
Inflammatory and infectious diseases of the pelvic organs usually develop in the first month of using the Mirena system. The risk of complications increases with frequent changes of sexual partners. The indication for removal of the coil in this case is recurrent or severe pathology and the lack of results from the treatment.
Amenorrhea develops in many women while using an IUD. The complication does not occur immediately, but about 6 months after Mirena installation. When you stop menstruating, you must first rule out pregnancy. After removing the IUD, the menstrual cycle is restored.
Approximately 12% of patients develop functional ovarian cysts. Most often, they do not manifest themselves in any way and only occasionally may pain during sex and a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen occur. Enlarged follicles usually return to normal within 2-3 months on their own.

Removal of the IUD

The spiral must be removed 5 years after installation. If the patient does not plan pregnancy further, then the manipulation is carried out at the beginning of menstruation. By removing the system in the middle of the cycle, there is a possibility of conception. If desired, you can immediately replace one intrauterine contraceptive with a new one. The day of the cycle does not matter. After removing the product, you need to carefully inspect the system, since if there are difficulties in removing Mirena, the substance may slip into the uterine cavity. Both insertion and removal of the system may be accompanied by bleeding and pain. Sometimes fainting or a seizure occurs in patients with epilepsy.

Pregnancy and Mirena

The IUD has a strong contraceptive effect, but not 100%. If pregnancy nevertheless develops, then first of all it is necessary to exclude its ectopic form. In a normal pregnancy, the IUD is carefully removed or a medical abortion is performed. Not in all cases, it is possible to remove the Mirena system from the uterus, then the likelihood of premature pregnancy increases. It is also necessary to take into account the likely adverse effects of the hormone on the formation of the fetus.

Use during lactation

Levonorgestrel IUD enters the bloodstream in small dosages and can be excreted in milk when breastfeeding. In this case, the hormone content is about 0.1%. Doctors say that at such a concentration it is impossible that such a dose could affect the general condition of the baby.

FAQ

The price of Mirena is quite high, and the use of a contraceptive can cause many side effects. Does the product have any positive effect on the female body?

Mirena is often used to restore the condition of the endometrium after bilateral ovarian removal or during pathological menopause. Also intrauterine device:

increases hemoglobin levels;
prevents endometrial cancer and hyperplasia;
reduces the duration and volume of idiopathic bleeding;
restores iron metabolism in the body;
reduces pain during algomenorrhea;
carries out the prevention of fibroids and endometriosis of the uterus;
has a general strengthening effect.

Is Mirena used to treat fibroids?

The spiral stops the growth of the myomatous node. But additional diagnostics and consultation with a gynecologist are needed. It is necessary to take into account the volume and localization of the nodes, for example, in case of submucosal formations of fibroids that change the shape of the uterus, installation of the Mirena system is contraindicated.

Is Mirena intrauterine drug used for endometriosis?

The IUD is used to prevent endometriosis because it stops the growth of the endometrium. Recently, the results of studies proving the effectiveness of treating the disease were presented. But the system provides only a temporary effect and each case must be considered individually.

Six months after the introduction of Mirena, I developed amenorrhea. Is this how it should be? Will I be able to get pregnant in the future?

The absence of menstruation is a natural reaction to the influence of the hormone. It gradually develops in every 5 patients. Just in case, take a pregnancy test. If it is negative, then there is no need to worry; after removal of the system, menstruation resumes and you can plan a pregnancy.

After installing the Mirena contraceptive, can you experience discharge, pain or uterine bleeding?

Usually these symptoms appear in a mild form, immediately after the introduction of Mirena. Severe bleeding and pain are often indications for IUD removal. The cause may be ectopic pregnancy, improper installation of the system, or expulsion. Contact your gynecologist immediately.

Can the Mirena IUD affect your weight?

Weight gain is one of the side effects of the drug. But you need to take into account that it occurs in 1 woman out of 10 and, as a rule, this effect is short-lived; after a few months it disappears. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the body.

I protected myself from unwanted pregnancy with hormonal pills, but often forgot to take them. How can I change the drug to the Mirena spiral?

Irregular oral hormone intake cannot completely protect against pregnancy, so it is better to switch to intrauterine contraception. Before this, you need to consult a doctor and undergo the necessary tests. It is better to install the system on days 4-6 of the menstrual cycle.

When can I get pregnant after taking off Mirena?

According to statistics, 80% of women become pregnant, if that is what they want, of course, in the first year after removing the IUD. Thanks to its hormonal action, it even slightly increases the level of fertility (fertility).

Where can I buy the Mirena spiral? And what is its price?

The IUD is available only with a prescription and is sold at pharmacies. Its price is determined by the manufacturer, and varies from 9 to 13 thousand rubles.

The intrauterine device is one of the most reliable means of contraception, second only to subcutaneous hormonal implants in effectiveness. However, its use has several inconveniences, one of which can be considered the removal of this medical device. Usually, a copy that has served its useful life is removed during a woman’s menstruation; removal of the IUD without menstruation is resorted to less often, trying to reduce possible physical discomfort to a minimum. Despite this, the procedure can be performed on any day of the cycle at the request of the patient.

Removing the IUD

Common reasons for removing an intrauterine device are:

replacing a used one with a new one;
the need for surgery or other gynecological treatment;
switching to another type of contraception;
desire for pregnancy;
a device that is physically inappropriate.

Often, one week before the planned removal procedure, the doctor advises to refuse sexual intercourse or start using barrier protection if the woman does not want pregnancy. The reason is the increased risk of conception after removal of the IUD, since a small amount of sperm may be present near the cervical canal and penetrate the uterine cavity.

You should go to the gynecologist’s office on the penultimate day of your period; the IUD is usually removed when menstruation has not ended. This makes the device easier to fold and slide out, and the soft walls of the uterus, contracting, help push it out. In the absence of menstruation, the contraceptive is removed in urgent cases, and the discomfort felt is slightly higher.

During the procedure, the doctor acts in almost the same way as during a regular examination: the woman is in a chair, a dilator is placed inside the vagina, and the spiral is grabbed by the antennae with tweezers and carefully removed. To reduce discomfort and pain, local anesthesia in the form of a spray is allowed.

In most cases, menstruation does not go astray after removal of the IUD, however, sometimes there is a risk of slight irregularities. Possible complications are likely when part of the spiral grows into the mucosa. In this case, the device must be removed using hysteroscopy or laparoscopy. As a result, damage to the endometrium occurs. Bleeding and subsequent cycle disturbances are possible.

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Restoring the cycle after removing the spiral

After removal of the IUD, most women do not lose their periods. Common changes: a reduction in their number, which can be explained simply - the impact of the foreign body on the uterine cavity stops, and bleeding becomes weaker.

If the IUD was removed during menstruation, their next arrival is possible exactly on schedule. However, a shift in menstruation in time, or slight delays, may also be possible. The risk increases if you remove the device without having your period. The reason may be insufficient growth of the endometrium and difficulties with its rejection.

After removal of the hormonal intrauterine device, there is likely to be a slight fluctuation in hormonal levels, due to which there may also be a delay in the next menstruation. If the cycle has gone wrong before, this reaction of the body almost always occurs.

You should consult a doctor in case of a positive test result, absence of menstruation for more than 2 months, severe pain during menstruation, purulent or green clots in the discharge, and other disorders.

Heavy periods

An increase in the amount of discharge after removal of the coil is possible in rare cases. Normally, heavy bleeding is possible on the first day of the onset of critical days. This picture is explained by the individual characteristics of the location of the endometrium and the cessation of the influence of the spiral on it. If the bleeding becomes more and more profuse over and over again, in order to exclude the possibility of illness, it is better to consult a doctor. One of the common reasons for increased menstruation is the development of uterine fibroids.

Delayed menstruation

The shift in critical days can be by 1–2 weeks, sometimes menstruation is absent for up to 1–2 months. In all cases, after 10–12 days of a missed period, a pregnancy test should be performed, since a small probability of conception remains.

In addition to a normal pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy is also possible, which poses a great threat to the health and life of a woman.

Situations in which there are no periods for a long time after removal of the IUD may signal the development of a hormonal imbalance or an inflammatory disease. If the delay occurs due to adhesions or inflammation of the appendages, it is accompanied by pain in the abdominal cavity. With the penetration and development of infections, purulent discharge from the genital tract, a feeling of itching, and severe discomfort may appear.

The intrauterine device is one of the most effective methods of contraception exclusively for women. You won’t be able to use it yourself, since its administration must be done by a gynecologist. But before such a procedure, you must first undergo an appropriate examination in order to prevent possible complications.

Types of intrauterine device

Today, there are 2 most common types of IUDs known: the hormone-containing IUD and the copper IUD. They both look like the letter "T" with two small tendrils at the end. After insertion, the hormone-containing coil begins to release the hormone progesterone, and the copper coil accordingly releases copper ions. The service life of a hormone-containing IUD should not exceed 5 years, and a copper IUD can be inside the uterus for 10 years.

There are opinions that after removing such a device, a woman will no longer be able to give birth. This is absolutely not true, and to be more precise, it is not true for everyone. Many people become pregnant after removing the IUD and have a successful birth. It is also worth noting that two types of IUDs provide excellent protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

In what cases is it necessary to install spirals?

All installations of the IUD are done purely to prevent unwanted pregnancy. But, despite this, these types of contraceptives can be installed for other purposes. Most often this occurs to treat diseases such as pelvic pain, precancerous conditions or early endometrial cancer, heavy and painful menstruation. This rather short series of reasons why coils are installed may seem pointless at first. But this is absolutely not true, because many women really cannot do without it, especially if we are talking about a young girl with early problems of female function. After installing such a spiral, health improves.

Complications after installation of an IUD coil

The most common complication after installation is the IUD falling out of the uterus. It is worth noting that this phenomenon can occur not only immediately after it is introduced into the uterus, but also for three months after the procedure. The body gets used to the spiral and loss in some cases can be normal. We can say with confidence that it is during this period that complications of various types occur.

Uterine bleeding is another type of complication after insertion of the IUD. As a rule, the problem occurs if the bleeding is strong enough. Then the woman needs individual treatment, which is prescribed either after removal of the IUD or with its presence. If the bleeding is not significant, then there is no cause for concern. After appropriate treatment, the IUD should be removed if it does not have any contraceptive effect.

Today, another quite serious complication is known after the installation of an intrauterine device - uterine perforation. This complication occurs quite rarely, but if it occurs, it must be treated urgently. Further use of the spiral after such a complication is strictly not recommended.

Why does blood bleed after insertion of the IUD?

There is no cause for concern if, during the first six months after insertion of the intrauterine device, light uterine bleeding or spotting occurs. Such phenomena do not pose any danger to a woman’s health and may well be observed in every patient. You should only worry if the bleeding is strong enough and for a long time. In this case, you need to consult a doctor for help, because self-medication will not help.

Normally, light bleeding should subside, but if after eight months after installation of the IUD it does not stop, you should consult a doctor. As for the issue of menstruation, you can take special anti-inflammatory drugs to normalize them. They will help not only restore the cycle, but also slightly protect against unwanted inflammatory processes around the inserted IUD in the uterus. Such inflammations also happen sometimes. Most often this is explained by individual intolerance to this type of contraceptive.

What to do if there is heavy bleeding after inserting the IUD?

Most often, patients with severe bleeding after installation of the coil are prescribed special and regular monitoring for a certain time. The necessary tests are taken and examined for possible gynecological diseases. If nothing special or serious is revealed, and the blood continues to flow heavily, then the spiral is removed. If this is not done, then cases of anemia in women are known as a complication. To prevent the disease, medications containing iron and all kinds of food products rich in iron are prescribed.

Other complications that arise after installation of the IUD

In addition to the fact that women often complain of bleeding after insertion of the IUD, other side effects may also occur. These are cramps, severe pain during menstruation, the IUD falls out of the uterus, subsequent infertility, various pelvic infections, mechanical damage to the uterus during installation of the IUD, irregular periods or their absence. Most often, complications of this nature arise after the installation of a copper spiral. If a woman becomes pregnant while the IUD is present, there is a high probability that this pregnancy is ectopic. Other problems may also occur, namely miscarriage, pelvic infections and early labor.

It is worth noting that the intrauterine device is not suitable for all women. Therefore, before installing it, it is necessary to carefully check and pass all the necessary tests and only after that decide on this procedure. Let us highlight the main cases when the use of a spiral is strictly prohibited:

uterine deformation;
vaginal bleeding of various types;
the occurrence of an ectopic pregnancy by inheritance;
previous abortion in the last three months or pelvic infections;
the presence of various sexually transmitted diseases;
presence of cervical or cervical cancer;

All of the above problems must be detected and clarified during an examination with a doctor, and only after that should you prepare to install the IUD.

Spiral installation procedure

Before proceeding directly to the procedure, a woman must undergo the following examination:

pregnancy test and the presence of sexually transmitted diseases;
examination of the uterus, vagina and other organs;
The most suitable type of intrauterine device for installation is determined.

Anesthesia is not used for this procedure. You can only use a special gel, which will slightly numb all the doctor’s actions. In some cases, a special injection is given to the cervical area to reduce possible pain and discomfort. The insertion of the IUD itself resembles a routine examination by a gynecologist with a gynecological speculum. Only before the actual installation, the doctor should measure the size of the uterus and its depth. The whole procedure takes no more than 10 minutes. This procedure does not cause much pain.

There may only be discomfort during the insertion of the spiral or after. If desired, some patients are given painkillers to reduce unpleasant sensations.

What to do after installing the spiral?

Recovery after insertion of the IUD may take some time. As a rule, everything happens differently for each woman. As generally accepted rules, it is recommended to get more rest at first and not to overexert yourself with physical activity, especially if heavy bleeding is observed. If nothing hurts and there is practically no bleeding, you can return to your normal work schedule. But remember, any tension can lead to malfunction.

This is already a new phenomenon for the body, and additional stress can only do harm. For a certain period of time every month, check with your fingers for the presence of antennae in the vagina. This will help you independently control the position of the device in the uterus. If you cannot do this on your own, then visit a gynecologist monthly for a check and an accurate result. In order for the recovery process to be successful, follow the doctor’s instructions as much as possible. in this case, the rehabilitation period will be successful.

In what cases should you consult a doctor if you have bloody discharge?

As mentioned above, spotting or light spotting during the first 4 months is normal. There are cases, of course, when this is not the case. But this is so rare that long-term discharge has begun to be considered the norm. You should sound the alarm only in cases where the bleeding is too strong and for a long time. It may look like your period continues for several weeks. With such a diagnosis, you should definitely go to the hospital for help to make sure there are no serious violations or to stop them in time.

Quite often there are cases when bleeding is a signal of the presence of serious diseases, which was provoked by the introduction of the IUD. Then the IUD must be urgently removed and other possible methods of contraception prescribed.

Using the IUD while breastfeeding

Scientists have found that it does not pose any danger to the baby. This can be explained by the fact that the IUD substance still penetrates into the blood plasma, but the harmful contents constitute only 0.1% of the daily dose of milk secreted. This amount cannot harm the baby. Therefore, using the IUD after childbirth is completely safe for both the child and the mother. Just remember that the IUD must be installed six weeks after the birth of the child.

In what cases is it necessary to remove the spiral?

After five years of use, in particular a hormonal intrauterine device. The copper coil must be removed after 10 years of successful use.
Removal of the IUD with possible other contraceptives must be done at the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
It is possible to install a second IUD one month after the removal of the previous IUD.
If there is heavy bleeding for a long time.
For constant pain in the lower abdomen and discomfort during sexual intercourse. Perhaps the IUD is not suitable for you and it is better to choose another method of contraception.

Intrauterine device and pregnancy

This type of contraception is almost 100% reliable. The chance of getting pregnant with the IUD is almost zero. But there are quite tricky cases when a woman still gets pregnant. This can happen if the instrument was initially installed incorrectly or came off during violent sexual intercourse. If pregnancy is detected, it is necessary to first exclude an ectopic pregnancy. If the pregnancy is progressing normally and the woman decides to keep the baby, the IUD must be carefully removed.

There are cases when it is not possible to remove the IUD without terminating the pregnancy. It also depends on the professionalism of the doctor. The development of temporality is also possible in the presence of a spiral. But in this case, it is necessary to take into account the possible adverse effects on the development of the fetus and its further growth. To date, there are very few cases of successful pregnancy in the presence of an intrauterine device. But, if this happens, then it is necessary to carefully monitor the child’s development with regard to pathologies.

For the safest period of pregnancy, it is necessary to completely remove the IUD, or initially terminate the pregnancy. The two phenomena are simultaneously incompatible and can harm not only the unborn child, but also the woman herself.

How did I become a doctor? Quite a difficult question... If you think about it, there was no choice. I was born into the family of a resuscitation doctor, and every day at dinner I heard my father’s story about how his day went. As a child, this all seemed fantastic, beyond reality.