Product Description.

Mirena is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) that can provide long-term birth control (contraception).

The device is a T-shaped plastic frame that's inserted into the uterus, where it releases a type of the hormone progestin. To prevent pregnancy, Mirena:

• Thickens mucus in the cervix to stop sperm from reaching or fertilizing an egg
• Thins the lining of the uterus and partially suppresses ovulation.

Procedure.

Your health care provider will insert a speculum into your vagina and clean your vagina and cervix with an antiseptic solution. Special instruments might be used to gently align your cervical canal and uterine cavity and to measure the depth of your uterine cavity.

Next, your health care provider will fold Mirena's horizontal arms and place the device inside an applicator tube. The tube is inserted into your cervical canal, and Mirena is carefully placed in your uterus. When the applicator tube is removed, Mirena will remain in place.

Your health care provider will trim Mirena's strings so that they don't protrude too far into the vagina, and may record the length of the strings.

During Mirena insertion, you may experience cramping, dizziness, fainting or a slower than normal heart rate.

Side Effects.

• Headache
• Acne
• Breast tenderness
• Irregular bleeding, which can improve after six months of use
• Mood changes
• Cramping or pelvic pain