Hormonal Levonorgestrel IUD are T shaped intrauterine delivery system that after insertion releases the hormone levonorgestrel in the uterine cavity. Now the question arises what is Mirena. Mirena is one of the brand names of these hormonal IUDs.
The device has two horizontal arms that adjust the device in place in the uterus and one vertical arm that contains the drug reservoir containing levonorgestrel.
- HORMONAL (Levonorgestrel)IUD what is it used for?
- What is the advantage of HORMONAL (Levonorgestrel)IUD ?
- When not to use Mirena ?
- What are the Special care should be taken if
- What are the Side effects of hormonal IUDs ?
- When should hormonal IUDs be inserted?
- How effective are hormonal IUD?
- How long should you wait to have intercourse after the insertion?
- Cost of these IUDs
- Summary
HORMONAL (Levonorgestrel)IUD what is it used for?
These hormonal IUDs are an effective and long term contraception method. It can be used in any age group.
Apart from being used as an effective contraception, it is also being used for other conditions. These are mentioned below:-
1. Heavy menstural bleeding (HMB) or Abnormal uterine bleeding(AUB)
2. Fibroids
3. Adenomyosis
4. Endometrial hyperplasia (after endometrial biopsy to rule out cancer)
5. Endometriosis
What is the advantage of HORMONAL (Levonorgestrel)IUD ?
Some of the benefits of these IUDs is that they can be placed for 5 years, can be easily removed, can be used during breast feeding, and estrogen related side effects can be avoided.
When not to use Mirena ?
1. If you are pregnant or pregnancy is suspected.
2. If you have pelvic inflammatory disease, or infections of lower genital tract.
3. If Paps smear is abnormal.
Also Read : << WHAT IS PAPS SMEAR TEST | KNOW ABOUT PAPS SMEAR TEST ? >>
4. If uterine cavity is distorted due to fibroids.
5. If you have active liver disease or liver tumour.
6. If hypersensitive or allergic to the drug, levonorgestrel.
7. endometritis (infection of uterus) after delivery or abortion.
8. uterine cancer or cervical cancer.
9. Breast cancer
What are the Special care should be taken if
- If you have high blood pressure.
- Migraine.
- Any heart disease or blood clotting disorder .
- Diabetes
What are the Side effects of hormonal IUDs ?
1. Changes in menstrual bleeding pattern, spotting, infrequent bleeding or complete absence of periods.
2. Abdominal or pelvic pain
3. Headache
4. Migraine
5. Acne, hirsutism, nausea
6. Breast pain, tenderness
7. Upper genital tract infection
When should hormonal IUDs be inserted?
These can be inserted within 7 days of onset of menstrual cycle as the os of cervix is open at that time and so it can be inserted easily.
If it is used in an amenorrheic women ( in those person who are not having their menstural cycle, it can be inserted at any time.
How effective are hormonal IUD?
Hormonal IUD are one of the best contraceptive method available which is reversible also.
Lets compare the pearl index of these IUDs with copper T.
(Pearl index is the number of contraceptive failures per 100 women years of exposure)
| IUDs | Pearl index |
|---|---|
| Hormonal IUDs | 0.2 -0.6 |
| Copper T IUDs | 0.8 |
Also read: << 7 Side Effects of the Morning-After Pill(What to do) >>
How long should you wait to have intercourse after the insertion?
It it advisable to wait for 24 hours to have sexual intercourse to give your body rest and let the pain of insertion subside. As soon as it is inserted, these IUDs prevent pregnancy.
Cost of these IUDs
Hormonal (Levonorgestrel) IUDs comes under different brand names like mirena , Emrille.
Approximate cost of these Levonorgestrel IUDs is between ₹3500-₹4000 in India depending upon the brand.
Summary
Hormonal Levonorgestrel IUDs are long-term reversible contraceptive method that also decreases heavy menstrual bleeding. These hormonal IUDs are also used in other conditions also which have been discussed under this post.
Also Read : <<What is Pregnancy test called ? >>
