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Any opinions on Mirena birth control?


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It might have abortive properities...here's what I found out. It sounds like they really don't know how it works:

 

The local mechanism by which continuously released levonorgestrel enhances contraceptive effectiveness of Mirena has not been conclusively demonstrated. Studies of Mirena prototypes have suggested several mechanisms that prevent pregnancy: thickening of cervical mucus preventing passage of sperm into the uterus, inhibition of sperm capacitation or survival, and alteration of the endometrium.

 

I think "alteration of the endometrium" might mean that a fertilized egg couldn't implant.

 

Ria

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alteration of the endometrium.

 

I think "alteration of the endometrium" might mean that a fertilized egg couldn't implant.

 

Ria

 

Most people who use the Mirena don't have periods, or have occasional spotting only. That would suggest to me that the lining of the womb either doesn't develop, or doesn't shed in a normal way, so as to grow afresh and be receptive to a fertilised egg.

 

Laura

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Most people who use the Mirena don't have periods, or have occasional spotting only. That would suggest to me that the lining of the womb either doesn't develop, or doesn't shed in a normal way, so as to grow afresh and be receptive to a fertilised egg.

 

Laura

 

This information seems to indicate that about half of women continue to ovulate:

 

Ovulation is inhibited in some women using Mirena. In a 1-year study approximately 45% of menstrual cycles were ovulatory and in another study after 4 years 75% of cycles were ovulatory. http://www.rxlist.com/mirena-drug.htm

 

If ovulation does occur, couldn't fertilization occur? So the question remains....how does this prevent pregnancy?

 

ETA: I hope that doesn't sound snarky. I'm genuinely curious.

 

Ria

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I loved having the Mirena. I got it a few months after C was born (5/07).

 

In November of '08, I did get pregnant, even though there were no indications of any slippage or anything of that sort. It did wind up being an ectopic pregnancy that lead to failed methotrexate therapy and emergency surgery. But my point is, I did get pregnant. *Someone has to be in the .01-.1 percentile. I don't know why it always seems to be me!

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I used Mirena for 5 years and LOVED it. I had it removed at the end of the recommended term and have not replaced it. We'd love to have another baby!

 

I know that some people have had problems with it, but for me it was perfect. I only spotted a day or two a month, and never had cramps. PMS did increase in the last year, but I think it is because my Mirena was nearly "expired."

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Ugh. My bigger point was, the Mirena is supposed to make the womb "inhospitable" (which is why the ectopic risk is raised), which I'm sure qualifies as "abortifacient".

 

:iagree: This is what I found out when I researched it a couple of years ago, both online and talking to my gyn.

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The hormones in Mirena act in much the same way as the birth control pill.

 

The Paraguard (copper T) does not contain hormones, is good for ten years rather than five, and has been tested for the abortifactant rate. The rate of spontaneous abortion (aka miscarriage of the fertilized egg) with the copper T is the same as with no birth control at all. Plus, it's actually more effective at preventing pregnancy than tubal ligation with the benefit of being completely reversible. The current research suggests that the way it works is that the copper damages the sperm so that it cannot fertilize the egg in the first place.

 

I'm actually on my second copper T. I had the first put in after the birth of my younger son in 1998, had it removed in Nov. 2002 to TTC ouur third child. We had a positive home pregnancy test in February and our DD will be 6 in Oct. ;) I had my second copper T put in after she was born and I won't hesistate to get another when this one expires in a few years.

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It puts out a hormone so that you ovulate *LESS* - it's about the same as normal usage of a mini-pill. (Meaning, most people don't take it at the exact same time of day every single day and never miss - "normal" usage isn't perfect.) With that consideration, the "average" woman will continue to ovulate 3-4 times per year.

 

*In addition to* those hormones, it does do things to the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation.

 

Keeping in mind the chances of an ovulated egg being fertilized in the first place, plus the significantly lowered number of ovulations in a year, and the chances of the abortive actions taking place (IE, the egg being fertilized and not being able to implant itself) are extremely slim. In addition, the Mirena IUD in particular is not as... (what's the word?) forceful in the lining of the uterus efforts as most other IUDs are. Meaning, if an egg DOES become fertilized, it has a better chance of implanting and surviving with Mirena than with any other IUD.

 

 

I am *very* opposed to b/c with abortive properties, and I have a Mirena IUD. Part of the decision-making process for me was that I knew we would be without medical insurance after the birth of my youngest child, and we needed longer-term b/c without going permanent. (Plus I needed something that I could continue to breastfeed while using.)

 

Mirena has been great for me. I've loved it... and will have it pulled later this year. :) Feel free to PM me if you have more questions! Because this was a very important issue for me, I really did my research (5 years ago, almost) before making this decision. Prayers for guidance on making the best decision for you!

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The hormones in Mirena act in much the same way as the birth control pill.

 

The Paraguard (copper T) does not contain hormones, is good for ten years rather than five, and has been tested for the abortifactant rate. The rate of spontaneous abortion (aka miscarriage of the fertilized egg) with the copper T is the same as with no birth control at all. Plus, it's actually more effective at preventing pregnancy than tubal ligation with the benefit of being completely reversible. The current research suggests that the way it works is that the copper damages the sperm so that it cannot fertilize the egg in the first place.

 

I'm actually on my second copper T. I had the first put in after the birth of my younger son in 1998, had it removed in Nov. 2002 to TTC ouur third child. We had a positive home pregnancy test in February and our DD will be 6 in Oct. ;) I had my second copper T put in after she was born and I won't hesistate to get another when this one expires in a few years.

 

My #4 child was conceived with the copper T in place. I was high risk until I was out of the first tri after they removed the IUD. He was determined to stick though.

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The hormones in Mirena act in much the same way as the birth control pill.

 

The Paraguard (copper T) does not contain hormones, is good for ten years rather than five, and has been tested for the abortifactant rate. The rate of spontaneous abortion (aka miscarriage of the fertilized egg) with the copper T is the same as with no birth control at all. Plus, it's actually more effective at preventing pregnancy than tubal ligation with the benefit of being completely reversible. The current research suggests that the way it works is that the copper damages the sperm so that it cannot fertilize the egg in the first place.

 

I'm actually on my second copper T. I had the first put in after the birth of my younger son in 1998, had it removed in Nov. 2002 to TTC ouur third child. We had a positive home pregnancy test in February and our DD will be 6 in Oct. ;) I had my second copper T put in after she was born and I won't hesistate to get another when this one expires in a few years.

 

:iagree:This is what my research last fall indicated as well. They actually did a test (I posted the links months ago), in which they tested the sperm inside the uterus post TEA making -- and found that the motility of the sperm was similar to that of using spermicide.

 

If the abortive action of an IUD were accurate, there should be a higher rate of miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies with an IUD (because theoretically a woman would be getting pregnant every month and aborting it).

 

I went with a paraguard IUD (copper wire, no hormones). The BC hormones mess with my body pretty badly, so I need BC to be hormone-free, just like my chicken:D

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My #4 child was conceived with the copper T in place. I was high risk until I was out of the first tri after they removed the IUD. He was determined to stick though.

 

Man... I already have a 3% baby, I can't imagine a .3% baby on top of that! :001_huh:

 

Lisa

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My #4 child was conceived with the copper T in place. I was high risk until I was out of the first tri after they removed the IUD. He was determined to stick though.

 

 

That isn't unheard of at all (a friend's DD was an IUD baby), but the failure rate of tubal ligation is higher. Go figure! :blink:

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Just wanted to say thanks for posting this question! I'm happy to see what others think of the Mirena. I currently have a copper IUD and can't stand it. The cramps are killing me! I'm going to the gyn on Monday and planning to talk options with him. So thanks again to the OP for the question and for everyone else for responding!

 

The cramping side effect with the copper is why I decided to go with Mirena instead. I'm happy with my choice. :)

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The cramping side effect with the copper is why I decided to go with Mirena instead. I'm happy with my choice. :)

 

I had copper years ago. It was not good for me. Heavy bleeding for 2 weeks - then 2 weeks later it starts again.... It was AWFUL. Which totally sucked because I LOVE the idea of long term/no thinking birth control. I am contemplating the Mirena even though I don't really like hormones - because IT IS the hormones in it that would keep me from the problems I encountered with the copper.

 

I haven't heard too many complaints about Mirena - everyone seems to like how it works for them.

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I had copper years ago. It was not good for me. Heavy bleeding for 2 weeks - then 2 weeks later it starts again.... It was AWFUL. Which totally sucked because I LOVE the idea of long term/no thinking birth control. I am contemplating the Mirena even though I don't really like hormones - because IT IS the hormones in it that would keep me from the problems I encountered with the copper.

 

I haven't heard too many complaints about Mirena - everyone seems to like how it works for them.

 

I agonized for months before going ahead with Mirena because I was concerned about the hormones. While I still don't love the fact that I'm using hormonal bc, it has worked out pretty well for us. :)

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I had my first consultation fully planning to get the copper since I have always tended to avoid things that mess with hormones, but I went ahead and asked the nurse about the advantages and disadvantages of each. When she said copper often causes more cramping and heavier periods while the Mirena causes less cramping and lighter or sometimes no periods, my mind was changed. I have occasional spotting, but not even enough to qualify for a pad. No one really does seem to completely understand all the reasons an IUD works. My nurse insisted that even though I would still ovulate it does prevent conception. I'm not sure I buy it, but it also doesn't bother me tremendously. I've had mine for a year and a bit and I must say I really like it. If it is important to you to not have any chance at all of a conception, it is probably not the right choice for you.

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Hmmm, my husband and I used only natural family planning techniques. All four conceptions were intentional. After #4, he had a vassectomy. One fertilized egg that was unable to implant due to my actions would have been one too many for me. I looked into to IUD's etc, but never could feel peace about taking that chance.

 

ps. I'm not catholic.

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I'm still undecided about the Mirena. I have to use this due to a life threatening situation after a miscarriage in December. (LONG STORY!)

 

My gyn said that the hormones are non-systemic- meaning the hormones stay in your uterine area and don't go through your whole body. This was a big deal since my mom had pre-menopausal brea*t cancer a few years ago and the docs say not to use hormone birth control if you have that in your family. Also, at the time I was on seizure meds (from the miscarriage) and they said that systemic BC couldn't be used when taking seizure meds since it halves the strength and effectiveness of both drugs.

 

I am struggling with the fact that it DOES have the ability to cause an abortion (doc said it is the 3rd line of "defense") BUT the number of times it could happen are much slimmer since it inhibits ovulation and sperm mobility in the first two lines of defense. It still really bothers me, but right now it is the ONLY form of BC that I can use. And, if I get pregnant it could be a very life threatening situation. (Mirena has 99% prevention rate.) I just keep praying that God would close my womb and protect any of those little eggs from fertilizing since He is the One that allowed me to have this health condition!

 

I've only had this in for 6 weeks and I've spotted all but three days! And, hubby can feel the strings. So, even though it's doing it's job, I have had a bunch of symptoms that aren't too fun. I go back for my follow up and I'm hoping that the strings can be cut shorter and that the spotting will end in month or two...

Just my experience.

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When I first had it inserted I did feel quite crampy for several days and was told that I could have continual spotting or light bleeding for-I think I remember this correctly-up to 12 weeks. For me it didn't last quite that long, but it was several. Since then, it's been great. My wires seem to curve behind my cervix. Dh says he ocassionally can feel that they're there, but it's not painful or uncomfortable. Usually he doesn't notice them. The nurse also said they start out stiff and get more supple over time.

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I've only had this in for 6 weeks and I've spotted all but three days! And, hubby can feel the strings. So, even though it's doing it's job, I have had a bunch of symptoms that aren't too fun. I go back for my follow up and I'm hoping that the strings can be cut shorter and that the spotting will end in month or two...

Just my experience.

 

I had my strings cut shorter about 6 weeks after insertion. Now he doesn't feel them. The cramping went away over time as well. :)

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