Factsheet
The Progestogen IUD (Mirena ®)
Date 30 January 2009
BASIC FACTS |
WHAT IS THE PROGESTOGEN IUD?
The only Progestogen IUD available in Australia is called Mirena®. It is a small plastic device in the shape of a 'T' with a hormone called levonorgestrel in its stem. It is placed inside the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy. It has a fine nylon string attached and when the IUD is in place, the string comes out through the cervix (the end of the uterus) into the vagina. The Progestogen IUD can stay in place for up to five years.
HOW DOES PROGESTOGEN IUD WORK?
The hormone makes the mucus in the cervix thicker so that sperm cannot get into the womb and it also changes the lining of the womb. It can also sometimes stop your ovaries from releasing an egg.
HOW WELL DOES IT WORK?
The Progestogen IUD works very well. It is more than 99% effective.
WHO CAN USE THE PROGESTOGEN IUD?
Most women who have had children can use it, but ask your doctor if it is suitable for you. It reduces menstrual bleeding which helps women who have heavy periods. Women who are breastfeeding can use it when the baby is more than 6 weeks old.
WHO SHOULD NOT USE THIS TYPE OF IUD?
You should not use it if you could be pregnant. There are some medical conditions that you may have which could prevent you from using the Progestogen IUD. It is very important to talk with your doctor to be sure it is safe for you to use it.
HOW DO YOU GET THE PROGESTOGEN IUD?
You need to go to a doctor or Family Planning clinic. You may be asked to make two visits. On the first visit the doctor asks questions about your health and tells you about the IUD. You will have a vaginal/pelvic examination, and possibly a test for vaginal infection. On the second visit the IUD is inserted. The procedure takes about 10 minutes. Some women find it a little uncomfortable so it helps to take paracetamol before the procedure. You will probably be asked to rest for a while before you leave the clinic.
HOW IS THE PROGESTOGEN IUD TAKEN OUT?
You need to go to a doctor or Family Planning clinic to have it taken out. The doctor uses a special instrument to remove the IUD by gently pulling on the string. This only takes a couple of minutes. Some women find it a little uncomfortable and some don't feel much at all.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Feel inside your vagina with your finger to check for the string each month after a period to be sure the IUD is in place.
If you, or your partner, ever have casual sex or of if you have a new sexual partner, use a condom every time until you both have been checked for sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
If you have any unusual discharge from your vagina or pain in your lower abdomen, see your doctor straight away.
For further information
- Contact the Healthline on 1300 658 886.
