So as you can see, this was not the scheduled topic. Every topic this week will be pushed back one day because I felt I had to update on what happened today. I had an IUD implanted. For those gals who haven't heard of the IUD (intrauterine device), it's a small, plastic T shaped birth control method commonly referred to by there brand names of Mirena or Paraguard.
I have had problems with my blood pressure and was told by my doctor that I could no longer be on the pill due to the risk of having an embollism. To be eligible for an IUD you must be in a long term monogomous relationship since there is a high risk of infection leading to infertility if you have multiple sex partners. I am engaged to my partner of 5 years so this was no problem. They also recommend that you have children or be previously pregnant in order to recieve an IUD since your uterus will be expanded. I have had a previous failed pregnancy so again, I was still a candidate.
After reserching on the internet I became very nervous because nearly every site I went to describe the implantation procedure to be horribly painful. I am happy to report it was just some cramping and light bleeding, nothing terrible and I am now protected from becoming pregnant for the next 5 years with Mirena (the paraguard is 10 years of protection, but I am hoping to have kids in 4-5 years).
If you are seeking an alternative to condoms or the pill and are in a monogomous relationship I would look into the implant as it was also 90% covered by insurance! Another bright spot? No pun intended, your periods will become very very light, and may stop all together! To find out more about Mirena, and if you qualify to recieve the implant, visit
www.mirena-us.com
Check out some info from the website:
What to watch for right after Mirena is placed
Some women may experience uterine cramps, bleeding, and/or dizziness during and right after Mirena is placed. To help minimize the cramps, ask your healthcare provider about medications that may be used before placement. If these symptoms last for more than 30 minutes, let your healthcare provider know. Mirena may not have been correctly placed and your healthcare provider should examine you.
Visit your healthcare provider shortly after having Mirena placed
As a follow up, you should visit your healthcare provider once in the first 4 to 12 weeks after Mirena (levornorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is placed to make sure it is in the right position. After that, Mirena can be checked once a year as part of your routine exam.
Your periods may change
For the first 3 to 6 months, your monthly period may become irregular. You may also have frequent spotting or light bleeding. A few women have heavy bleeding during this time. After your body adjusts, the number of bleeding days is likely to decrease (but may remain irregular), and you may even find that your periods stop altogether for as long as Mirena is in place. Around the end of the third month of use, you may see up to a 75% reduction in the amount of menstrual bleeding. By one year, about 1 out of 5 users may hay have no period at all. Your periods will return once Mirena is removed. If you do not have a period for 6 weeks during Mirena use, contact your healthcare provider to rule out pregnancy.
Why your menstrual cycle may change
The reason many women may have lighter periods or stop having periods altogether with Mirena centers on the uterine lining.
Typically, this is how your period works:
* Every month, the lining of the uterus thickens during the first half of your menstrual cycle
* The lining is shed as menstrual flow
* On average, a woman's menstrual flow lasts 3 to 4 days. It may be shorter or longer, depending on the woman
Once Mirena is properly placed:
* The levonorgestrel in Mirena reduces the monthly thickening of the lining of your uterus
* Less thickening means less menstrual flow
* Eventually your menstrual flow may stop completely
Once Mirena is removed, your menstrual cycle will come back
If you have not gotten your period or have other symptoms of pregnancy during the first 6 weeks of use, contact your healthcare provider to rule out pregnancy.
More Mirena Information
* Patient Prescribing Information
* Safety Information
Just The Facts
Just The Facts
Find out why Mirena might be a good choice for women who don't want to think about taking birth control every day.
Track Your Periods
Track Your Periods
Keep track of your periods and bleeding patterns with the Mirena Diary.
Could Mirena Be Right
for You?
Could Mirena Be Right For You?
How does Mirena compare with other forms of birth control?
INDICATIONS & USAGE
Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a hormone-releasing system placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for as long as you want for up to 5 years. Mirena also treats heavy periods in women who choose intrauterine contraception.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT MIRENA
Only you and your healthcare provider can decide if Mirena is right for you. Mirena is recommended for women who have had a child.
* Don't use Mirena if you have a pelvic infection, get infections easily or have certain cancers. Less than 1% of users get a serious infection called pelvic inflammatory disease. If you have persistent pelvic or abdominal pain, see your healthcare provider.
* Mirena may attach to or go through the wall of the uterus and cause other problems. If Mirena comes out, use back-up birth control and call your healthcare provider.
* Although uncommon, pregnancy while using Mirena can be life threatening and may result in loss of pregnancy or fertility.
* Ovarian cysts may occur and usually disappear.
* Bleeding and spotting may increase in the first few months and continue to be irregular. Periods over time may become shorter, lighter or even stop.
Mirena does not protect against HIV or STDs.
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