Long periods after IUD removal. Menstruation after removal of the IUD

How long does it take for the monthly spiral to arrive? Why is there a delay after the IUD is removed or how does your period go after the IUD is removed?

Currently, many ways have been invented to avoid unwanted pregnancy. The Mirena device is the name given to one of the most effective intrauterine devices, according to doctors. Manufacturers say that installing a spiral of this type allows you to achieve a result that can be equated to the complete sterilization of a woman.

Intrauterine devices do not cause any harm to health at all, provided that the system is installed correctly. This spiral is very often used by gynecologists as a means to significantly reduce the intensity of menstrual bleeding.

Intrauterine devices have always had great advantages over hormonal contraceptives. The most important advantage of the IUD is that it does not affect a woman’s hormonal levels. The spiral is classified as a mechanical device that prevents pregnancy.

The spiral has a local effect, unlike drugs that affect the entire body. The only thing that a woman installing an intrauterine device needs to prepare for is the fact that the long-established nature of menstruation may change after the installation of a contraceptive system.

It is worth noting right away that different types of spirals may differ from each other in their design and the same spiral may not be suitable for two different women. Therefore, doctors have to select a specific type of IUD based on the individual characteristics of each patient’s body. First of all, the doctor pays attention to the characteristics of the menstrual cycle and the nature of the discharge during menstruation.

All modern spirals have one of the standard types. One group includes spirals similar to the Latin letter “T”, others like the Latin letter “S” and the simplest ones are shaped like a ring. The material used to make the spirals is plastic. Metals are used in small quantities in the production of spirals.

The contraceptive effect is based on three methods of influence:

The spiral affects the mucus formed on the cervix in such a way that it thickens greatly and the sperm loses the mobility so necessary for fertilizing the egg.
In the second case, the coil does not allow the endometrium to form sufficiently. A fertilized egg cannot implant on an immature endometrium.
The third method of action is to increase contractions of the fallopian tubes. An already fertilized egg passes through the tube so quickly that it does not have time to prepare for attachment to the wall of the uterus.

Installation

The IUD cannot be installed if you are already pregnant. Therefore, every woman undergoes a thorough examination, the main purpose of which is to exclude the presence of infectious diseases and to ensure that there are no foci of inflammation, primarily in the uterus.

Only a doctor has the right to install a spiral, and it does not matter which type of spiral is installed. The complexity of the process of installing an intrauterine device is that it is necessary to gain access to the area that is located on the other side of the cervical canal.

The diameter of this section of the reproductive system is quite small, especially in women who have not yet become mothers. The likelihood of injury during manipulation is very high.

Considering the special environment in the cervical canal area, a small number of bacteria entering the wound can cause severe inflammation that can spread to the uterine cavity.

Therefore, it is necessary to install the spiral extremely carefully! In addition, infection on the cervix will inevitably lead to the formation of erosions. Therefore, the IUD is most often installed during menstruation, when the cervical canal is slightly dilated and more convenient for better insertion of the IUD. In addition, the neck at this time has a softer consistency.

Another positive aspect of introducing the IUD during menstruation is that all affected parts of the reproductive system will begin to quickly recover after menstruation, and this process will simplify and speed up the adaptation of tissues to a foreign object.

Many women are concerned about a completely logical question in such a situation: where will the discharge from the uterus go if a device is installed during menstruation? Therefore, doctors install an intrauterine device on the last day of menstruation, when the discharge is already insignificant in volume. A small amount of discharge will not interfere with the doctor’s installation of the spiral, and the doctor will clearly see the result of the manipulations he performs.

This approach to the process does not mean that the spiral cannot be installed on ordinary days. But in this case, the quality of the installation will be much higher, which means that complications will be avoided. In addition, the just ended period will guarantee that the woman is not pregnant.

If necessary, the doctor administers local anesthesia. The entire installation process takes very little time. For example, a device such as Mirena can be installed in the last days of menstruation or immediately after a medical abortion.

An important condition is the absence of infection in all parts of the reproductive system. This IUD should not be inserted immediately after birth; installation must be delayed for at least six weeks.

Before installing the Mirena, the cervix is treated with an antiseptic solution. After installing the system, the woman should not have any discomfort. If the patient begins to complain of pain, the coil is removed, since most likely it was installed incorrectly.

The manufacturer of the spiral does not exclude allergic reactions to the material from which the system was made. Most often, the culprit of allergies is the metal present in the spiral. Mirena is not recommended for use in nulliparous patients.

Period

The nature of menstruation changes after the installation of an intrauterine device due to the fact that it affects those parts of the reproductive system that are directly involved in the process of menstruation.

The menstruation that will occur after installing the IUD will always be different from what it was before. A woman can feel the difference by the example of her first menstruation with an intrauterine device installed.

The first periods after installation of the device should begin in accordance with the usual calendar, exactly on schedule. But it is quite possible that menstruation will begin with a slight delay, which is not a sign of pathology, but is caused by stress received by the body during installation of the IUD.

For this reason, a slight hormonal shift may occur, which will be the culprit for the delay. If the IUD was installed on normal days, the likelihood of a missed period increases significantly. But in any case, the delay should not exceed three weeks. Otherwise, you will have to see a doctor.

The presence of the IUD does not prevent the onset of menstruation. If the delay lasts several cycles, then you should consult a doctor, since the IUD does not completely guarantee the absence of pregnancy, and a small percentage of the risk remains. In this case, the spiral must be removed.

The first periods after installation of the IUD are more abundant and longer. The reason for this is the irritating effect of the spiral. The composition of the mucus in the cervical canal also changes and therefore the volume of discharge increases slightly compared to what it was before the spiral.

At the same time, a woman may experience hormonal changes due to stress, which make the discharge more abundant. A woman should not be alarmed if she uses two or three more pads per day than usual. This phenomenon can be considered normal.

You should consult a doctor if she feels weak and dizzy due to heavy periods. In this case, a visit to a medical facility cannot be delayed, as these symptoms may indicate bleeding in the uterus. A woman in this condition needs urgent help.

Simply, heavy discharge is not dangerous and does not require treatment. Minor pain that may accompany the onset of menstruation can be removed with the help of antispasmodics. Increased pain during this period is explained by the presence of the spiral.

If the pain is felt in the form of contractions, and these contractions occur against the background of heavy discharge, you should consult a doctor. Such pain may be a sign of incipient inflammation in the uterus. If no measures are taken, the IUD will begin to be rejected, and the inflammation will increase significantly. It will be very difficult to stop such a process.

Until the start of her first period, after installing the IUD, and during it, a woman should closely monitor her health in order not to miss pathology.

Over time, the patient’s body will fully recover and everything related to menstruation will return to normal. This should happen one cycle after the installation of the intrauterine device. If a woman experiences discomfort after this time, the IUD will have to be removed and other methods of contraception selected.

It is quite acceptable if within three months menstruation will be longer than before using the IUD. The duration of the discharge is determined by the irritating effect of a foreign object on the mucous layer of the uterus.

The appearance of discharge outside menstruation is also considered normal during this period. Such discharge is not abundant. All this is the body’s response to the introduction of the spiral, which needs time to get used to the foreign object. In addition, it is necessary to remember that until the coil is removed, the discharge will always be more abundant, but its volume will be within acceptable limits.

Minor pain during menstruation may be present throughout the entire period of use of the device. If the pain bothers the woman greatly, the IUD will have to be removed. In this case, the benefits of using the spiral will not be commensurate with the suffering it causes. In addition, with this development of events, there is a high probability of developing inflammation and anemia.

It is possible that the first period after installing the IUD has passed, and then the delay begins. This state of affairs is not normal and it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to determine the reason for the absence of menstruation. In the presence of a spiral, the existence of a fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity is possible.

Mirena

The Mirena IUD, unlike conventional types of IUDs, is capable of introducing hormones into the body. The progestins it contains completely eliminate possible pregnancy. It thickens the mucus of the cervical canal and inhibits the development of the endometrium, thus preventing implantation of the fertilized egg.

Modern contraception consists of a wide range of devices and medications. Some people prefer hormonal drugs, but they have a large number of contraindications and side effects. These days, the intrauterine device is very popular. If it is installed correctly and all rules of use are followed, the contraceptive effect reaches 99%. In most cases, female representatives who use this device report unusual discharge after installing the spiral. How safe they are, what is considered normal, and when to sound the alarm, we will discuss in this article.

Features of installing a spiral

The intrauterine device is a method of contraception that has proven itself over many years. It is a T-shaped gynecological device made of plastic or metal. Some IUDs contain a progestin hormone or copper. These include the levonorgestrel-releasing Mirena system.

The action of the spiral is due to stopping the penetration of sperm into the upper parts of the female reproductive system, egg transport and fertilization. The Mirena coil also thickens the cervical mucus, which blocks endometrial proliferation. Due to this root effect, the effect of the contraceptive is quite long, sometimes even reaching several years.

The spiral is installed quickly and painlessly. However, some contraindications for IUDs should be taken into account. These include:

various types of genital neoplasms,
inflammatory processes in the components of the genitourinary system,
various uterine injuries, including postoperative ones,
bleeding of unknown etymology,
cardiovascular diseases,
diabetes.

Apart from a small number of contraindications, this contraceptive has no disadvantages. The advantages also include the fact that it can be used at any age, even teenagers. For example, often at an early stage, when menstruation still sometimes makes itself felt. The product helps to avoid pregnancy and smooth out hormonal changes.

The spiral does not affect other systems and organs of the female body, it can be used for up to 10 years, and the price is affordable for any category of the population. But with Mirena, given its hormonal components, side effects may occur. Whatever IUD you choose, it should only be installed by a competent specialist, as previously prescribed by your doctor.

As a rule, the IUD should be inserted at the end of menstruation. This procedure lasts about 15 minutes. Fixing it in the uterine cavity is painless; local anesthesia is most often used.

What discharge is considered normal during an IUD?

Discharge after placement of the IUD is a common occurrence that causes concern for those who use it for the first time. There is no need to worry, because in most cases this is the norm. Experts say that such symptoms after the installation of an intrauterine device are a common side effect, which most likely means a normal reaction of the body rather than a pathological one.

Basically, this is a brown discharge that can begin a few days after the installation of the IUD, and it can last from several days to several months.

It is worth considering that this device is inserted shortly before the end of the menstrual period, therefore, spotting after installation may be the planned end of menstruation. This may be copious discharge of bloody mucus or minor spotting. It is also normal for such manifestations to occur between periods.

After insertion of the IUD, discharge may also occur due to the fact that small vessels of the endometrium (internal tissue of the uterus) were affected. Such bleeding is insignificant, but may be accompanied by nagging pain.

Brown discharge with a spiral may be a natural reaction of the body to a foreign object. This phenomenon can drag on for even six months. It is also not a violation of the change in the nature of menstruation: bleeding may become much stronger, or vice versa, the amount of blood will decrease.

After installing Mirena, the body may react to externally administered hormones with brown discharge. After a while, the hormonal balance will resume, and these phenomena will disappear.

If the bleeding does not go away for a long time, and the pain does not leave you, you should consult a doctor, because this is already a deviation from the norm.

Pathological discharge when using a spiral

Infection

This contraceptive is designed to protect a woman from unwanted pregnancy, but it does not perform a barrier function against various infections, viruses and fungi. Moreover, it is a kind of conductor for them and in some situations may even be the root cause of inflammation of the pelvic organs. This may be indicated by excessive bleeding with discomfort, or the presence of an unpleasant odor or greenish or yellowish mucus color.

Fixture offset

One of the complications that can cause bleeding during the installation of the coil is its loss or displacement. This includes both spontaneous violation of the position and rejection by the body. A foreign body is a fairly large load on a well-functioning reproductive system, so it can take this device for too long, letting it be known by bloody smears, or not take it at all.

To avoid displacement of this remedy, it is not recommended to lift heavy objects, apply pressure, or have sex in the first 2 weeks after implantation. It is recommended to regularly check that the coil is in place to prevent movement. This can lead to injury to the genitourinary system, as well as unwanted pregnancy.

In 0.02% of cases of installation of this contraceptive, bleeding may be caused by damage to or puncture of the uterus. This occurs due to improper insertion or placement of the device. The phenomenon is very rare, but it does happen. In this situation, the main thing is to consult a doctor in time to avoid inflammatory processes and pathological injury.

Ectopic pregnancy

Since no contraceptive means can guarantee a 100% result, conception may still occur with the IUD. But if this happens, it will most likely be in the form of an ectopic pregnancy. A sure sign of this is brown and bloody discharge with increasing and prolonged pain. Follow the link to see pregnancies may appear.

The spiral has “tendrils” that expand the walls of the uterus. In rare cases, this may be indicated by an increased amount of blood released during menstruation.

Whatever the reason, you need to contact a specialist to determine the cause of the discharge. It is worth remembering that the problem does not go away on its own, and large blood loss can lead to anemia and other serious consequences.

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 reliable and convenient methods of birth control. There is no hassle with it, similar to taking pills, no inconvenience, like with a condom.

The IUD has only a local effect, without affecting the entire body. But since it remains in the uterine cavity for a long time, it is natural that menstruation after the IUD, as well as during it, can change their characteristics.

There are different types of IUDs, they are not suitable for every woman, so it is important to pay attention to menstruation and everything that accompanies it.

Read in this article

Dates of menstruation with an IUD

Menstruation during the spiral should normally come on schedule. But since the body has suffered stress associated with its introduction, and also needs to adapt to the presence of a foreign object in the uterus, a small one is acceptable. It is also made possible by a shock to the nervous system, which provides hormonal accompaniment of the cycle.

In this case, if there is a spiral, a delay in menstruation is likely due to a deficiency of certain substances, which causes a prolonged wait. Its increase is facilitated by installation outside critical days. But the wait for menstruation should not be longer than 3 weeks. And when it exceeds this period, the woman urgently needs to see a doctor.

A short delay in menstruation with the IUD is not an alarming signal if it is observed only for 3-4 cycles. The period of adaptation may well be that long. When this happens for longer, it makes sense to consult a specialist.

If a woman has an IUD and has not had her period for a long time, then it is possible that conception has occurred. This probability is very small, but it should not be denied at all.

This also requires immediate consultation with a specialist. To avoid this, you should use other methods of protection for a couple of weeks after inserting the IUD.

First menstruation and IUD: nature of discharge

The nature of menstruation in most women changes towards increased discharge and duration. The spiral makes it possible due to its irritating effect on the endometrium and changes in the composition of the cervical mucus.

We must also not forget about unstable hormonal levels due to installation-related stress. The spiral makes the first menstruation be especially intense. A woman may need more than 1 pad for 3-4 hours. If she also feels severe pain and severe weakness, she may need medical help immediately.

But normally, menstruation, although it goes beyond what is usual for a particular woman, does not pose any danger. And if they are stronger than before, they are removed with antispasmodics.

If there is no effect from the medications, or severe bleeding occurs, you should consult a doctor immediately. This could mean severe inflammation, the body’s rejection of the IUD, or injury to the uterus. The spiral must be removed immediately.

During the remaining days of your period immediately after inserting the IUD, you should not use tampons. They increase the risk of infection in the internal genital organs and may interfere with adaptation to the spiral.

Installed intrauterine device

Through the cycle after installation

Gradually, the body restores hormonal balance, which brings menstruation after the introduction of the IUD to the usual norm for a particular woman. If their intensity remains at the level of the first, this may indicate that the body does not accept this method of contraception or type of contraceptive.

In some women, due to existing diseases and past surgical interventions, the IUD increases the risk of its occurrence. Therefore, the test will not be superfluous.

Heavy menstruation

The first period after the IUD normally comes within 30-40 days. They may be delayed for the reasons mentioned above, or when the IUD was removed urgently. Menstruation can be heavy, which is associated with hormonal imbalances.

The spiral for a long time interfered with the normal development of the endometrium and prevented the maturation of the egg. This could not but have an impact on the functioning of the ovaries. Discharge becomes intense due to:

Inflammation arising in the reproductive system. In most cases, it is the culprit, so it is important to monitor the cycle in collaboration with a doctor;
Damage to the uterus. The process of removing an IUD is much simpler and shorter than insertion, but injury is still likely. It happens that parts of the contraceptive remain inside the organ. In this case, discharge will be observed from the very beginning after removal. And the pain, which normally should go away soon, will remain for a long time and may intensify.

How menstruation goes after the IUD depends on the diseases the woman has. In some of them, the IUD is prescribed not only as a means of preventing pregnancy, but also as a treatment for existing or preconditions for the occurrence of endometrial hyperplasia.

When the IUD is removed, menstruation may return to its previous form due to the fact that the factors that provoke the abundance of discharge are again in force.

Removing the IUD and scanty periods

Presence of an intrauterine device. Intrauterine device as a cause of heavy menstrual clots. The intrauterine device, what it would not be made of - gold, silver or ordinary polymer material...

IUD and periods. An intrauterine device will also save you from unplanned conception, but will affect the nature and duration of menstruation. ... It has been noticed that the first and second periods with a spiral are more abundant and longer.

Today, many women prefer a contraceptive method such as the intrauterine device, since it represents the safest and most effective protection against unwanted pregnancy. Removal of the intrauterine device should only be performed by a specialist; under no circumstances should you try to get rid of the IUD on your own.

Intrauterine device– it’s convenient, reliable, affordable. There are hormonal intrauterine devices, they help reduce the possibility of developing an ectopic pregnancy, inflammatory processes, and excessive discharge during menstruation. A huge advantage of using an intrauterine device is the fact that this device does not cause discomfort for both the woman and the sexual partner.

Despite all the advantages, there are also disadvantages. For example, the appearance of side effects, the use of a spiral is not able to protect a woman from sexually transmitted diseases, the presence of contraindications.

Removing the intrauterine device

Due attention must be paid to removing the intrauterine device, which, as already mentioned, can only be done by a gynecologist, but at any time - at the request of the woman. Some women report dull aching pain in the abdomen, and scanty bleeding or “spotting” may appear. These phenomena do not require special treatment and go away on their own within a few days after the IUD is removed.

When does my period come after IUD removal?

This question interests many women, since the organization of such a complex process as the menstrual cycle is the key to women’s health. As a rule, the first menstruation after removal of the IUD comes according to the cycle or with a slight delay. When used, menstruation may be delayed somewhat after its removal.

Often, after removal of the intrauterine device, women complain of menstrual irregularities, which may be accompanied by cycle irregularity, an increase or, conversely, a decrease in the amount of discharge, and a decrease in the duration of menstruation.

If your period is delayed for a long time after removal of the IUD, purchase a pregnancy test and visit a gynecologist with complaints, since it is very important to exclude pregnancy, or to confirm it.

The Mirena intrauterine device is a highly effective contraceptive, which also has a therapeutic effect. The manufacturer of this drug is the Finnish company Bayer, whose representative office is located in Germany. According to the anatomical and therapeutic classification, the product belongs to plastic intrauterine devices with progestogens. The active substance released from the spiral is levonorgestrel. During the day, 20 mcg of this hormone is gradually released.

What is the drug

The Mirena hormonal coil consists of a core filled with hormonal-elastomer content, located on a T-shaped body. The contraceptive is covered with a membrane on top that gradually releases hormonal contents in the amount of 20 mcg per 24 hours. The rate of excretion gradually decreases and after 5 years it is 10 mcg per 24 hours.

There is a loop at the free end of the body; threads are attached to it to help remove the spiral. This entire structure is placed in a conductor tube.

Composition of the Mirena spiral: one contraceptive contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel. In addition, the composition includes 52 mg of polydimethyleloxane elastomer, a neutral substance that acts as a reservoir for the drug.

The package contains one contraceptive. The internal contents of the package are sterile, so do not install the spiral if the outer covering is damaged.

Effect on the body

The intrauterine hormone-containing device Mirena releases levonorgestrel into the uterine cavity. In this case, the daily release of gestagen is extremely low, but the hormone content directly in the uterine mucosa is high. The medicine enters the blood in very small quantities, producing virtually no systemic effects. It does not affect lipid metabolism, does not cause a significant increase in blood sugar and blood pressure, and does not increase blood clotting. Therefore, in healthy women, the use of Mirena is practically safe.

Levonorgestrel reduces the sensitivity of sex receptors to both gestagens and estrogens. In this case, the endometrium becomes insensitive to estradiol, stops proliferating (growing) and being rejected. The result is a thinning of the endometrial layer. This is the main mechanism of the contraceptive and therapeutic effects of the drug.

A slight local response to a foreign body is formed in the uterus. The cervical mucus thickens, making it difficult for sperm to enter the organ cavity. Mirena also suppresses their movement in the uterus and tubes. In some women, this remedy even slightly suppresses ovulation. Thus, a full contraceptive effect is achieved.

The drug also affects hormonal regulation: under its influence in the pituitary gland there is a decrease in the production of luteinizing hormone.

Pregnancy after removal of the product in 80-90% of women occurs within a year.

In the first few months of using Mirena, proliferation (cyclical growth) of the endometrium is suppressed, as a result of which there is a slight increase in blood secretion from the genital tract. Gradually, the duration and volume of menstruation are reduced, as a result, menstruation with the Mirena spiral is extremely scanty or completely absent. During this process, the ovaries function normally, and a satisfactory concentration of sex hormones, primarily estradiol, remains in the blood. Ovulation and regression of the corpus luteum are only slightly inhibited.

There are no analogues of the Mirena intrauterine therapeutic system. As an alternative, combination preparations of levonorgestrel and estrogens for oral administration are offered. This hormone in its pure form is used only for postcoital contraception.

Indications for use

The Mirena intrauterine device is used in the following situations:

pregnancy protection;
idiopathic menorrhagia;
prevention of hyperplastic processes of the endometrium (its excessive growth) during treatment with estrogens.

One of the main indications for use is idiopathic menorrhagia. This is a condition manifested by heavy bleeding in the absence of endometrial hyperplasia. It occurs with uterine cancer, large ones, as well as diseases with severe blood clotting disorders (von Willebrandt disease, thrombocytopenia). After six months of use, blood loss is reduced by half, and after two years the effect is comparable to removal of the uterus.

With (submucosal) uterine fibroids, the effect is less pronounced. However, the use of Mirena can reduce the severity of pain during menstruation, as well as reduce the manifestations of iron deficiency anemia. The Mirena spiral for endometriosis has a pronounced therapeutic effect, causing atrophy of endometrioid foci.

There is barium sulfate in the T-shaped base of the coil. It is visible on X-ray examinations, such as computed tomography. Is it possible to do an MRI? Yes, there are no contraindications for or any other diagnostic procedures with the Mirena system installed.

Is it possible to use the Mirena coil for mastopathy? This disease is not a contraindication if breast cancer is excluded.

Mode of application

The drug is administered intrauterinely, its validity period is at least five years. Levonorgestrel is initially released in an amount of 20 mcg per day, gradually decreasing to 10 mcg per day. The average dose of levonorgestrel a woman receives per day is 14 mg of the hormone.

Mirena can be used with any hormone replacement therapy drugs (tablets, patches) containing only estrogens.

Is it possible to get pregnant with the Mirena IUD?

Pregnancy may occur in one in 500 women who use this product in a year. Over five years of use, pregnancy occurs in 7 women out of 1000 using the contraceptive.

On what day of the cycle is the IUD placed?

For the purpose of contraception, it is administered in one of the first 7 days from the beginning of menstrual bleeding. It can be administered immediately after an abortion. The coil is replaced with a new one on any day of the cycle.

In the postpartum period, you need to wait for the involution of the uterus, that is, its contraction to normal size. It usually occurs one and a half months after the end of pregnancy. If the reverse development is slow, the doctor excludes postpartum endometritis. Mirena is installed when the uterus is completely restored.

If the product is used to protect the endometrium during estrogen treatment, then in the absence of menstruation it can be administered at any time. If the patient continues to have menstrual bleeding, the IUD should be installed in its first days.

If pain or heavy bleeding occurs during or after insertion, it is necessary to urgently examine the patient to exclude uterine perforation.

Introduction of the spiral

The insertion of the IUD should be carried out by a well-trained specialist.

Necessary research before installing the system:

general blood and urine tests;
determining the level of human chorionic gonadotropin to exclude pregnancy;
gynecological examination, two-hand examination;
examination and examination of the mammary glands;
analysis of a smear from the surface of the cervix;
tests for infections transmitted through sexual contact;
uterus and its appendages;
extended

The contraceptive is administered in the absence of inflammation of the genitourinary organs, satisfactory general condition, normal body temperature.

Technique for inserting the Mirena spiral

A vaginal speculum is inserted, and the cervix is treated with an antiseptic using a tampon. A conductor - a thin plastic tube - is placed into the uterine cavity through the cervical canal, and the spiral itself is passed inside it. You should carefully monitor the correct location of the “arms” of the drug in the uterus to prevent spontaneous release - expulsion of the spiral.

Is it painful to install the Mirena system?

The insertion of the IUD may be sensitive, but there is no severe pain. With increased pain sensitivity, local anesthesia of the cervix is not excluded. If the cervical canal is narrowed or there are other obstacles, it is better not to install the contraceptive “forcibly”. In this case, it is better to dilate the cervical canal under local anesthesia. The Mirena coil is thicker than usual because it contains a reservoir of hormonal agents.

After administering the product, the woman rests for half an hour. At this time, she may experience dizziness, weakness, sweating, and decreased blood pressure. If these signs persist after 30 minutes, an ultrasound examination is performed to ensure that the device is correctly positioned in the uterus. If it is not located as needed, it is removed.

During the first days after administration of the product, skin itching, urticaria and other allergic manifestations may appear. In this case, the woman should consult a doctor. Sometimes allergies can be treated with medication. In more severe cases, the coil may need to be removed.

A woman should come for a follow-up examination in a month, then in six months, and then annually.

If the instructions for use are strictly followed, no complications are observed after the introduction of the Mirena system.

After each menstruation, the patient must be taught to check the presence of IUD threads in the vagina so as not to miss the expulsion (“loss”) of the contraceptive. If such a condition is suspected, an ultrasound examination should be performed.

Removing the Mirena coil

Pull out the spiral by the threads, which are grabbed with forceps. If this is not possible, the cervical canal is dilated and the contraceptive is removed using a hook. Such removal is normally carried out five years after insertion. If the patient wishes, the next spiral is installed immediately.

It is better to remove the contraceptive during menstruation. If you remove the IUD in the middle of the cycle without installing a new one, a woman can become pregnant if she had sexual intercourse within a week before removal. During these seven days, fertilization could occur, the egg migrating through the tube and exiting into the uterine cavity, where it can attach. Delayed ovulation practically does not occur when the hormonal IUD is discontinued.

After removal of the contraceptive, there may be bleeding, fainting and even epileptic seizures in predisposed patients. Therefore, the procedure must be performed by a trained doctor in a specialized medical facility.

Undesirable effects

During the first months, irregular bleeding persists in 2/3 of women, in a fifth they become more intense, and in every tenth patient they become less frequent. Almost none of the patients stop having periods. By the end of the first year, most women still have rare and irregular bleeding; this is observed in only 16% of patients. All these phenomena are considered normal. Reducing blood loss without affecting the hypothalamus and pituitary gland is even an advantage of Mirena, its therapeutic effect.

Side effects from the Mirena spiral most often (in more than 1% of cases) include the following conditions:

reduced emotional background, even depression;
headache and migraine;
pain in the abdomen, lower abdomen, nausea;
acne, manifestations of hirsutism (for example, elements of male pattern hair - mustache);
backache;
vulvovaginitis, other genital tract infections, heaviness in the mammary glands;
occurrence, which in most cases resolve after some time without treatment.

Many of these unpleasant symptoms do not require treatment and go away on their own after some time.

Less common side effects:

intolerance, allergic reactions;
hair loss, eczema;
arterial hypertension.

When not to use the drug

Contraindications to the Mirena coil:

pregnancy or uncertainty about its absence;
infections of the urinary and genital organs;
precancerous conditions (cervical intraneoplasia grade 2-3) and cervical cancer;
malignant tumor of the uterus and mammary gland;
uterine bleeding of unknown origin;
deformation of the uterine cavity, including fibroids; The Mirena spiral for uterine fibroids can be installed if the nodes are small in size, their location in the thickness of the myometrium or;
tumors and other severe liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis);
age over 65 years;
individual intolerance;
thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the veins), thromboembolism of other organs, suspicion of systemic lupus erythematosus.

The Mirena system can be used with great caution in the following situations:

transient ischemic attacks, migraine, attacks of intense headache;
high blood pressure numbers;
previous myocardial infarction;
severe circulatory failure;
heart defects and other valvular lesions due to the risk of infective endocarditis;
diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2, especially with high blood glucose levels and complications.

If pregnancy occurs while using the IUD, the contraceptive is carefully removed. If this is not possible, the woman is offered to terminate the pregnancy. The development of the fetus in the uterus, where there is a foreign body, can lead to septic abortion in the 2nd trimester, purulent postpartum endometritis and other serious complications. If the pregnancy can be maintained, the child is usually born without significant developmental abnormalities. Although there is a high concentration of levonorgestrel in the uterine cavity, it rarely affects the fetus by causing virilization (increased male characteristics) because the developing baby is protected by the placenta and membranes.

A woman should consult a doctor if she experiences the following symptoms:

absence of menstruation for one and a half months to exclude pregnancy;
prolonged pain in the lower abdomen;
chills with fever, drenching sweats at night;
pain during sexual intercourse;
discharge from the genital tract that is unusual in volume, color or smell;
an increase in the volume of blood released during menstruation (a sign of spiral expulsion).

Intrauterine devices are one of the most common contraceptives. This is due to their high reliability and safety. In addition, women like the fact that using the IUD only requires its installation and removal, and the rest of the time you can forget about contraception. This is much more convenient than, for example, taking birth control pills every day.

Intrauterine devices can be metal-containing (most often coated with copper) and hormonal (Mirena). The use of spirals raises many questions. Often women are interested in what menstruation is like after the IUD, as well as after its removal. Let's consider these questions.

Menstruation after installation of the IUD

The nature of menstruation depends on the type of IUD installed. Menstruation after installation of metal-containing coils may change as follows:

Menstruation becomes longer and more abundant than before using the IUD. Often women note an increase in the intensity of painful sensations.
Spotting, bloody vaginal discharge appears before and after menstruation or between them.

As a rule, such phenomena are observed in the first 3-6 months after installation of the IUD, then the woman’s menstrual cycle normalizes. However, sometimes irregular menstruation and too much pain during menstruation become the reason that the IUD has to be removed ahead of time.

Changes in the nature of menstruation after the installation of a hormonal IUD, as a rule, differ from changes after the installation of a non-hormonal IUD. Typically, a woman's menstrual duration decreases significantly, and her bleeding becomes less abundant. Many people note frequent delays after the IUD, and in 20% of women, menstruation disappears altogether. This is due to the suppression of the development of the uterine mucosa by small doses of hormones. Restoration of menstruation is observed only after removal of the IUD. Some women are afraid of this cessation of menstruation. And completely in vain. This process is absolutely safe, on the contrary, it leads to a qualitative improvement in a woman’s life. In particular, the hormonal intrauterine device Mirena is often used to treat heavy uterine bleeding.

First, it is worth noting that only a gynecologist should remove any spiral. After removal of the IUD, some women experience scanty or spotting discharge and dull aching pain in the lower abdomen. As a rule, such phenomena disappear within a few days and do not require special therapy.

Usually, the first menstruation after removal of the IUD appears according to the cycle or with a slight delay. The exception is the removal of the hormonal IUD. In this case, the menstrual cycle can return to normal within 3-6 months after its removal.

It is worth noting that often the removal of an IUD leads to menstrual irregularities. This is manifested by its irregularity, a decrease or increase in the abundance of discharge, as well as a reduction in the duration of menstruation.

If the delay after the IUD is observed for a long time, pregnancy should be excluded or confirmed. You can use a pharmacy pregnancy test, but it is better, of course, to consult a gynecologist.

If a woman has questions after inserting or removing the IUD, it would be best to consult a specialist. You should not self-medicate or rely on the advice of friends. Only a doctor will be able to determine whether the changes in the menstrual cycle that occur are normal or pathological.