My Crash Experience After Mirena Removal
I was off on vacation soaking up the sun, sand, and having lots of fun telling some jokes and then WHAMO. it hit me.
Not knowing about the crash, I had the Mirena IUD removed a couple of weeks prior to leaving for our vacation.
I had trouble with my Mirena from the beginning of getting it inserted. After five years, I had it removed. I could have removed it sooner, but I wanted to keep it in for the full 5 years.
The Mirena crash came out of nowhere.
I went to bed feeling relaxed and happy to be on vacation, and then woke up with a crushing, heavy, almost suffocating feeling of blah. Not just any blah, but an I need to go home now because I cannot stand this feeling anymore blah.
That was just day one.
For four days, I felt a crushing anxiety. Then I realized I was experiencing the dreaded Mirena crash.
I wont lie: it sucked. But after four days, I felt pretty much back to normal. Thank you very much, Mirena.
How Effective Are Iuds When Used As Birth Control
IUDs are one of the best birth control methods out there more than 99% effective. That means fewer than 1 out of 100 people who use an IUD will get pregnant each year.
IUDs are so effective because theres no chance of making a mistake. You cant forget to take it , or use it incorrectly . And youre protected from pregnancy 24/7 for 3 to 12 years, depending on which kind you get. Once your IUD is in place, you can pretty much forget about it until it expires. You can keep track of your insertion and removal date using our birth control app.
When Do You Need To Remove Mirena
Intrauterine devices have to be removed every five to ten years depending on the type and the age you had it put in. Talk to a medical practitioner on the time when the IUD has to be removed. It can also be removed when a woman wants to get pregnant or just doesnt want to use it anymore.
- When a woman wants to get pregnant
A woman can have the device removed at any time and fertility will return quickly. It is best to talk it out with a doctor about things a woman needs to do before pregnancy like taking folic acid and the required immunizations. This usually starts at least a month before the IUD removal.
- If a woman doesnt want to get pregnant
A woman can have another IUD put in after the old one is taken out. If a new IUD isnt immediately being inserted, then a woman must start on another contraception at least a week before removal. The best time to remove an IUD is when it is day 1-3 of the womans period, the woman hasnt had sex a week prior to the removal or if the woman has used another contraceptive seven days before removal.
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How Long Does It Take For Mirena To Stop Periods
The Mirena IUD is the only one of the main types of IUD that can stop or reduce periods completely within three to six months. Some women get reduced periods straight away while others keep getting their period for longer and then one day it will just stop suddenly.
Some women find that once they have had their Mirena in place for a few months, they stop getting any periods at all, especially if their periods were already very light. This is not uncommon.
There are no side effects on your hormones if this does happen, you simply are not having periods any more and you may become pregnant straight away without waiting once you have your IUD removal.
Mirena And Other Forms Of Contraception Dont Affect The Onset Of Menopause
Mirena partially suppresses ovulation the release of an egg from its follicle to stop you from getting pregnant. Stands to reason that releasing fewer eggs will make the ones you have last longer and make you go into menopause later, right? Wrong.
Even if you dont ovulate, you steadily lose follicles as you get older. Mirena or any other type of contraceptive doesnt seem to affect the time it takes to get to menopause.
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Timing Of Removal If You Wish To Avoid Pregnancy
Scotchie says you can remove an IUD at any time. But if you want to prevent pregnancy right away, you need to use another form of contraception such as condoms or birth control pills until you want to become pregnant.
Talk with your doctor ahead of time to determine the right method of birth control for you. Examples of other reversible methods include:
- oral contraceptives
- birth control implant or shot
Expect A Quick Removal
The removal process usually doesn’t take long. Typically, your doctor will have you lie down on the exam table, just like you would for a pelvic exam. The process requires no anesthesia or other sedating drugs.
The actual removal starts when your healthcare provider locates the strings that dangle from the end of the IUD. “It’s literally just seconds,” says Phillips. “It involves putting in the speculum, locating the IUD strings, and gently pulling. Seconds.”
“It takes longer for a woman to have her blood pressure checked than it does to remove the IUD,” says Dehn.
You might feel a little cramping as the IUD comes down through the cervix and the vagina and out of your body. Once it’s out, you can get a new IUD placed right away, if that’s your desired plan.
Occasionally, it can be hard to find the strings for removal, though. In that case, your doctor or NP might need to use a small brush or other tool to tease or pull the strings into place. In rare cases, a doctor might need to take you into the operating room and use ultrasound to aid in removal.
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Here Are 5 Faq About Issues Related To Using Iuds:
1. What if the IUD moves?
It is uncommon for an IUD to move. If an IUD moves, it could result in some increased menstrual cramping or change in menstrual bleeding. There also is a small possibility that it could result in some discomfort during intercourse. If these symptoms occur, you should be evaluated by your health care provider.
2. What if the IUD comes out?
The risk of IUD expulsion is 36% for levonorgestrel IUD and 310% for copper IUD. If your IUD comes out, you should see your health care provider to discuss replacement versus changing to another form of contraception.
3. What if I do not have my period for a long time and then suddenly I have my period again?
Approximately half of women with a hormonal IUD will stop having their menstrual cycles. It is common for some women to have irregular, light menstruation with a hormonal IUD. If you have not had a menses for a prolonged period of time and then suddenly you resume your menses, you should see your health care provider.
4. What if I can’t find the IUD strings?
You should check your IUD strings regularly. It is common for IUD strings to get pulled up inside the uterine cavity, and this is the most common cause for not being able to feel the IUD strings. If you cannot feel the IUD strings after several attempts, you should be evaluated by your health care provider.
5. Can I remove the IUD by myself?
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Do You Have To Be On Your Period To Get An Iud Removed
An IUD can be removed at any time during your menstrual cycle. That being said, studies have shown that it may be a little easier to remove an IUD while you are on your period. This is because your cervix is naturally softened during this time.
When a woman can insert an IUD?
Some women may also feel lightheaded from the pain. You can have most IUDs placed at any time in your cycle. But it may be more comfortable to have one inserted while youre having your period. This is when your cervix is most open.
Why does IUD have to be inserted during period?
Some doctors prefer to insert an IUD while the cervix is softer and more open, which can happen during your period. When someone is menstruating, the cervix opens a little bit to let the blood out and that can make it easier to put the IUD in, according to Streicher. You can have the IUD inserted at any time.
What should I do before IUD insertion?
Eat a light meal or snack beforehand so you dont get dizzy. Also drink some water. Youll need to give a urine sample so your doctor can make sure youre not pregnant before they put the IUD in. Ask your doctor if you should take a pain reliever, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, before your appointment.
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Pull The Iud Right Out
As the IUD passes out of the uterus and into the cervix, you may experience cramping.
Expect that! Dont be alarmed by it.
Instead, keep pulling the device out. Slight cramping isnt a sign that something is wrong.
Congrats! Your uterus is free! But before you junk the little bugger, though, look at it.
Like, really look at it.
Are all the parts still there? Google the brand of device you have and compare your IUD to pictures to make sure.
Its possible for a part of the IUD to snap off and remain in the body, says Huong Nghiem-Eilbeck, MD, MPH, a provider at Pandia Health and board certified OB-GYN in Los Angeles, California.
If it looks like part of it is missing, seek care immediately
Save all of the parts of the IUD that did come out in a baggie and then come in for an evaluation by a doctor, Nghiem-Eilbeck says.The missing pieces can get embedded into the uterus or travel elsewhere in the reproductive tract causing things like discomfort, scarring, or even internal bleeding.
Can My Iud Fall Out
Your doctor will check your device during your regular office visits. Your cervix should hold the IUD in place, but in rare cases, it can fall all the way or part of the way out.
This is more likely if:
- You dont have children.
- Youâre under 20 years old.
- You had the IUD put in right after having a baby or after having a second-trimester abortion.
- You have fibroids in your uterus.
- Your uterus is an unusual size or shape.
IUDs are more likely to come out during your period. You may see the device on a pad or tampon. Check periodically to make sure you can feel the strings. If they feel shorter or longer or if you can feel the IUD itself pushing against your cervix, it may have moved. If this happens, contact your doctor.
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Who Can Use An Iud
Most people with a womb can use an IUD.
A GP or nurse will ask about your medical history to check if an IUD is suitable for you.
The IUD may not be suitable if you:
- think you might be pregnant
- have an untreated STI or a pelvic infection
- have problems with your womb or cervix
- have unexplained bleeding between periods or after sex
People who have had an ectopic pregnancy or who have an artificial heart valve must consult their GP or clinician before having an IUD fitted.
How Long After Iud Removal To Get Pregnant: Iud Qs Answered
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Fact Checked by Shaza Oliyath
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Getting rid of your IUD is often the first step in the journey to getting pregnant.
But how long after your IUD is removed are you able to get pregnant? Some IUD users will experience a delay in time to conceive because the device is so effective as a form of birth control that prevents unwanted pregnancies.
If you have the copper IUD or hormonal IUD, you will have to get it removed if you’re trying to conceive. Your period could start again within days or weeks after you remove the intrauterine device, or it might also take a little bit of time for your uterus to get back to normal.
Read on to find out more about trying for a baby after removing your IUD. And if you want to know more about what to expect while you’re expecting, then check out this piece on early pregnancy anxiety, or find out how many days after your period you can get pregnant.
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Ask For Local Anaesthetic When Getting It Fitted
Iâve had a Mirena for five or six years. I chose it because the single hormone option had less side effects, I wanted a LARC , but when I tried the implant I experienced constant low level bleeding. The IUD was recommended to me by friends who had one.
Insertion was fine as I was offered the option of a local anaesthetic. Not all are offered this! I could feel sometimes, and my partner could feel them during sex, but this wasnt a problem. No periods. Iâve been very happy. It was super easy to have removedâjust a quick cough.
I had it removed as decided to start a family and will get another one once were done having kids. Itâs great if youre in a stable monogamous relationship, and dont want kids for a few years or more. Still good if youre not in a relationship and dont want to have to remember a pill, but obviously youâll need to use something else as well for STI protection. Ask for the local anaesthetic when getting it fitted! âAnonymous, female, 33, Scotland
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Complications From The Removal Process
Complications during removal are rare, but they occasionally occur. Once you return home, make a note of any symptoms that may indicate trouble developing. These are severe cramping or heavy bleeding, vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, pain during sex, or a fever over 101 degrees F. If you experience any of these symptoms or are simply concerned about how you feel once you return home, get in touch with your doctor.
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What To Expect During The Removal Process
If you’ve made the decision with your healthcare professional to remove Mirena for any of the reasons above, they can do so during a routine office visit. Removing Mirena does not require surgery, but you may experience some pain, bleeding, dizziness, or have vasovagal reactions . Talk with your healthcare professional if you have other questions about the removal process.
Clinical Pharmacology Of Mirena
Levonorgestrel is the hormone used in Mirena, and it is a progestin used in man contraceptives. Low doses of this hormone can be released in the uterus through the intrauterine delivery system of Mirena. The hormone has local effects in the uterine cavity. Because of this, there are morphological changes that can be observed in the endometrium such as glandular atrophy, stromal mitoses, etc. Depending on age, medical history, and personal preference one can select suitable IUD. Heres our post on important factors to consider while choosing your birth control.
Initially, the hormone is released at a rate of 20 g/day, and then it is progressively reduced to half the value after five years. When women use Mirena, around 505 have their ovulation inhibited. A study for one year found 45% of cycles being ovulatory while after four years, 75% of the cycles were ovulatory. Multiple factors triggered by Mirena can prevent pregnancy, including alteration of the endometrium.
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When To See A Doctor
Both hormonal and copper IUDs can cause unpleasant side effects when a doctor fits an IUD and afterward.
People may experience temporary pain, bleeding, or dizziness immediately after receiving an IUD. People should contact their doctor if these symptoms last longer than 30 minutes.
Some women may find that their body expels or rejects an IUD. In some cases, part of the IUD might dislodge from the uterus, or puncture the uterine wall. If this happens, a doctor needs to remove it as soon as possible.
Although rare, people can become pregnant with an IUD. This can lead to serious health complications, such as
People wishing to change their birth control can discuss their options with a doctor. A doctor will assess the individuals risk of developing adverse side effects. Some factors that the doctor may take into consideration include:
- their medical history
- their current health status
- any medications a person is taking
The risk of having an unintended pregnancy increases when a person switches birth control methods. Doctors try to avoid gaps in protection by overlapping the new contraceptive with a previous birth control method.
People should consider using condoms or some other form of backup contraception until the new birth control takes effect.
How Does Mirena Removal Affect Fertility
Most womens fertility will go back to normal after Mirena removal, and they can get pregnant quickly. If a woman does not want to get pregnant after having an IUD removed, she should use another form of birth control.
We found no difference in 12-month pregnancy rates or time to pregnancy between former IUD users and users of other contraceptive methods. However, there was a clinically and statistically significant reduction in fertility in African American women.
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