Mirena IUS

Mirena Intra Uterine System

The reasons for inserting a Mirena intra uterine system (IUS) are for treatment of your heavy periods, whilst at the same time providing contraception. Before the Mirena IUS is inserted, we need to perform a screen for asymptomatic infection, in other words, infections within the cervix which are not causing you any symptoms and therefore only detected by taking the appropriate swabs. If any of the swabs come back as positive we will treat you prior to inserting the Mirena IUS. Assuming the swabs are negative, there are no increased risks of you developing pelvic inflammatory disease by inserting the Mirena IUS.

How is the Mirena Intra Uterine System Inserted?

Insertion of the Mirena IUS takes approximately 10 minutes and involves you lying on a couch. A speculum is inserted into the vagina and local anaesthetic is instilled into the cervix. The depth of the uterus is then measured with a ‘sound’. This is a fine probe which allows us to insert the Mirena IUS to the correct depth. The Mirena IUS will then be inserted through the cervix into the cavity of the uterus where it is to be held in place. Two fine threads will remain in the vagina, just beyond the cervix, which can be used to check the Mirena IUS position. The thread is then trimmed and it is usually advisable for you to rest on the couch for a few minutes afterwards, as you may feel slightly faint during the procedure. After insertion, we recommend that you sit in the waiting room for 15-30 minutes.

What happens next?

Once the Mirena IUS has been inserted, it is common to have irregular and sometimes heavy bleeding for up to 2 months, while the hormone in the Mirena IUS thins the lining of the womb. Your Doctor will review you at 2 months to check that the Mirena IUS is still nicely positioned and has not fallen out. Thereafter, you can anticipate either having no periods or very light periods which may become very infrequent.

Possible Side Effects

Apart from menstrual changes, side effects may include headaches, acne, nausea or breast pain. However due to the low level of hormone, these are not common after the first few months. It is possible to experience some abdominal or back pain, but this should settle as your uterus accepts the Mirena IUS’ presence.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact the clinic or your doctor.