Facts About Mirena Birth Control

If a newer form of birth control is what you want, without the hassle of remembering to take it every day, Mirena may be right for you. Mirena is a t-shaped piece placed by your doctor and can be effective for up to five years.

What is Mirena?

• Mirena is a newer form of a contraceptive for women. The difference between Mirena and other forms of hormanal birth control is that it is not taken orally. Rather, Mirena, is a t-shaped, small, plastic, flexible piece that your doctor places in your uterus. This t-shaped piece will deliver small amounts of hormones to the uterus. Once placed by your doctor, the patient will have to check the threads once a month.

When to Start

• First, consult your doctor about using Mirena as your form of birth control. If you both decide this is the best form of birth control for you, your doctor should place the contraceptive seven days after your period for the most effective results.

Precautions and Safety Information

• Spotting of blood or continuous bleeding can occur. If this does happen, consult with your doctor as Mirena may not be right for you. Even though Mirena is placed by your doctor, shifting can occur, and the plastic can catch or even puncture part of the uterus. Studies have shown that Mirena can also cause pelvic inflammation; however, this happens in fewer than 1 percent of users. If any of these problems occur, call your doctor immediately.

Benefits

• Mirena is up to 99 percent effective. Many women like the fact that its not a pill that needs to be taken daily; therefore, you can clear your mind of the daily routine. Mirena can be started and then stopped at anytime, if children are wanted.

Cost

• The cost of birth control can vary, and most likely it will depend on the type of insurance that you have. Even though Mirena can be a little more expensive than a pill or patch at first, over the course of time, Mirena is typically cheaper.