What Are the Side Effects of Mirena?

Mirena is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) that consists of progestin (levonorgestrel)—similar to a hormone produced by women. It prevents pregnancy by the following methods:

• Makes the cervical fluid thicker
• Interferes with sperm movement
• Reduces sperm survival
• Prevents the fertilization of an egg
• Changes the lining of the uterus to prevent the attachment of a fertilized egg
• Stops ovulation in some women

As Mirena is a hormonal IUD, there are chances of weight gain. This is mainly due to the hormone progestin because it causes water retention and bloating that adds extra pounds.

People with the following conditions should avoid using Mirena:

• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Pelvic infections
• Pregnancy
• Cervical cancer or uterine cancer
• Unexplainable vaginal bleeding
• Liver disease
• Breast cancer
• History of pelvic inflammatory diseases
• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• Leukemia
• Intravenous (IV) drug abuse
• Infected abortion in the past three months
• Allergy to levonorgestrel
• History of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy implanted outside the uterus walls) in the past

You should keep in mind about the following things while using Mirena:

• It doesn’t prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
• There is a risk of ectopic pregnancy or infertility.
• You should inform your physician if you suspect pregnancy.
• There is a high possibility of pelvic inflammatory diseases.
• Irregular bleeding and spotting may be present during the first few weeks after insertion.
• The intrauterine device (IUD) may expel from or may perforate the uterus.

Mirena is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD), and there are chances of weight gain. Weight gain is mainly due to the hormone progestin because it causes water retention and bloating.

Some lifestyle changes may be necessary to avoid weight gain, such as exercising regularly; eating healthy and performing other weight loss methods should curtail the risk of weight gain.