Mirena treatment for menstrual problems

A Mirena is one of the treatment options available for those with menstrual problems. It is also a reliable contraceptive.

Menstrual problems are common; most settle over time or can be treated with simple medication. People with persistent problems may consider a Mirena system.

What is Mirena?

A Mirena is a small T-shaped piece of smooth plastic, which is placed into the womb.

It carries a progesterone type of hormone in a sheath around the stem, which is gradually released. The hormone works directly on the womb lining. It causes it to be thinned out, usually reducing bleeding or even stopping periods altogether. Very little hormone is absorbed into your body. At the base of the T shaped frame a thread is attached for removal of the Mirena from the womb.

Is the Mirena system suitable for you?

Before fitting a Mirena, any unusual bleeding, such as after sex or between periods, may need to be investigated. A small number of women have polyps or fibroids, which may require treatment or removal prior to fitting a Mirena.

Those who are 40 years or older often benefit from a pelvic ultrasound scan prior to a Mirena fitting to exclude fibroids or polyps. It is also a very reliable contraceptive if required and may be a good alternative to sterilisation.

Local research shows that approximately half of the people who suffer with heavy bleeding also have painful periods. This may be due to a simple uterine (womb) cramping when bleeding occurs. It can also be due to conditions such as adenomyosis or endometriosis, which are known to cause painful periods. A Mirena may reduce period pains. It is often suggested as a first option if period pain is a problem.

How effective is the Mirena system?

A Mirena is a very effective treatment for heavy periods; it reduces monthly blood loss in nine out of ten women. Periods may stop altogether in two out of ten users.

The improvement is gradual over six months. Health specialists believe that the Mirena system is an important alternative to hysterectomy and other surgical treatments.

Fitting and removing

It is essential that a Mirena is fitted when you are not pregnant. Most people have a fitting during or just after a period. You should discuss timing of a Mirena fitting when you book your appointment for the procedure.

To fit a Mirena, a vaginal examination, is carried out to view the cervix. For some women it is easy to simply push the Mirena device through the cervical opening into the womb cavity. If the cervical opening is narrow or scarred it may be necessary to use a local anaesthetic injection, grasp the cervix with forceps or use a sounding device to locate the cervical canal. Most women find the procedure perfectly tolerable. If it is too uncomfortable you can ask that the procedure is discontinued at any time. If necessary it can be fitted with sedation or an anaesthetic.

A Mirena is a long-term contraceptive and can stay in place for at least five years before it requires changing. The effect of a Mirena on heavy periods can begin to decline after 3 or 4 years. A Mirena may need to be changed if the beneficial effect on periods is lost.

A Mirena can easily be removed. If used for contraception as well as to control a menstrual problem, then it should not be removed between periods. Removal involves a simple vaginal examination by a doctor or nurse. The threads of the Mirena system are located and it is removed easily and usually with minor discomfort.

Are there any complications?

There is a small risk of pelvic infection in the first two weeks after fitting a Mirena.

The long term risk of pelvic infection is much lower with a Mirena than other uterine contraceptive devices. Damage or perforation of the womb during a fitting is rare (less than 1 in 100). The risk of ectopic pregnancy is also very low. If a pregnancy did occur you should contact your GP to arrange an early scan.

A Mirena can be expelled or become dislodged (approximately in 1 to 5 women 100). This is usually just after it is fitted and occurs more commonly in women with fibroids.

If a Mirena is being used as contraceptive the threads can be checked by a doctor or nurse after your first period. It is advisable to intermittently check that the Mirena is in place. You can do this yourself by feeling for the two fine threads that are attached to the system and run through the cervix to the top of the vagina. If you cannot feel the threads you should use another method of contraception until you can see a doctor or nurse.

Further information

If you want to arrange a Mirena fitting, please contact your GP or speak to your hospital specialist. If you have any concerns after a Mirena fitting you can contact the gynaecology ward or clinic staff. Alternatively you can contact your GP. In emergency attend an accident and emergency unit who will contact the gynaecology team if required.