On April 27, Dexter Tyler was born in Fort Mitchell (Alabama / United States); It was a scheduled cesarean delivery that her mother had arranged with the obstetrician, so as not to risk another emergency cesarean section (as happened with one of her brothers). But none of these details are relevant, because what is really striking is that Lucy Hellein used a Mirena IUD, which had been placed in August 2016; and even more: the device did not appear anywhere, until they discovered that after having displaced from its original place, it was behind the placenta.
Lucy and her partner did not want any more children, although they are delighted with the new member of the family. As we have read in Metro, the implant can have an efficiency of up to 98%, if it is well placed; Nevertheless, There is a lot of information to reveal and many doubts about this topic, we will try to answer them all below. In the words of Dexter's parents, the baby is "a blessing" to the family; and their arrival has defied all logic and caution, but many babies are like that, "suddenly they land in our lives" and turn them upside down.
See if Lucy was confident with her IUD, which she did not know until week 18 of gestation that she was pregnant. The hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) is a useful contraceptive method in the prevention of pregnancy (but not in the transmission of Sexually Transmitted Diseases). It is T-shaped and conforms to the uterus; is reversible if removed, and for the latter to be possible, the instrument (which is made of soft and flexible plastic) incorporates 2 threads in the lower part. It is also long-lasting, because over time, a hormone similar to progesterone is released (it is called the progestin levonorgestrel). The duration of the effectiveness of the IUD is about 5 years.
Mirena IUD: do you have doubts about it?
The Mirena is not only effective and comfortable, it is also used to reduce very heavy menstruation bleeding, so secondarily, it also improves anemia from this cause. This IUD works because it thickens the "mucus" of the cervix, so the sperm cannot pass, it also makes it difficult for the ovum to implant (in the case of fertilization). Efficacy is currently considered to be similar to sterilization (only reversible). Its usefulness is proven from the moment it is implanted, and when the 5 years it is effective have passed, the gynecologist will be able to place another.
The implantation is carried out by a gynecologist, generally during menstruation, or when the quarantine has elapsed (6 weeks after delivery). It is placed inside the uterus, using the vagina as a route. The Mirena is safe, and before putting it, tests such as a vaginal ultrasound and exploration are always practiced; this way the doctor makes sure that there are no previous complications. It is recommended to wait about 4 days before having sexual intercourse, since the uterus is inflamed and the possibility of displacement of the device increases, and if this happens, its effectiveness is reduced.
In the consultation they will give you an appointment after a few weeks of the placement, to conduct a review; and the rest of the reviews are scheduled annually.
What happens when the 5 years have passed?
After 5 years, the device expires, therefore, unless you want to get pregnant, it must be replaced, but from a week before it is advisable complementary use of another contraceptive method. It can be withdrawn at any other time, before the age of five. Also in this case it should be combined with other methods for a few days. It has to be a gynecologist (preferably experienced in the use of IUDs) who replaces or removes.
Side effects.
In the first months after putting it on, low intensity hormonal discomfort may be noticed, but there are some warning signs that require to be seen by a doctor:
- Discomfort in sexual intercourse.
- Very heavy vaginal discharge.
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen.
- Fever.
- Expulsion (it is considered that 20% of organisms expel the IUD).
- The threads are longer or not noticeable
In addition to the above assumptions, with more than 52 years, amenorrhea and hot flashes, the IUD will be removed.
Don't get an IUD if ...
You have endometriosis or urine infection; if you suffer from any type of cancer or recurrent infections; you have bleeding in the uterus with no apparent cause ... There are several reasons that advise against the insertion of an IUD, find out well and trust your doctor who will assess your particular case.
I am wearing a Mirena, can I get pregnant?
The IUD can move or fall, and be expelled, that is one of the possible causes of pregnancy, the other is a 2/1% error in the contraceptive method. So that although it is possible for you to get pregnant using it, it is quite unlikely. If you suspect that the device "has fallen", use another method of contraception, until you visit the doctor; do it also during ovulation, to increase protection. Because menstrual bleeding is greatly reduced, it is not reliable to rely on its absence to detect a possible pregnancy.
As I have told you above, Lucy did not know until the 18th week of pregnancy that she was pregnant, it is frequent that it goes unnoticed, and it also poses a risk to the fetus, so the doctors remove it if it happens. This is because hormones could cause premature labor or miscarriage. Another complaint regarding pregnancy despite wearing a Mirena, is that there is a certain risk of ectopic pregnancy, which is detected by very strong abdominal pain, in addition to nausea and bleeding. In an ectopic pregnancy, it is usually caused by accommodation of the ovum in the fallopian tubes.
I recommend viewing this video by Alicia Rodríguez, on the subject:
It remains for me to say, regarding the IUD, which is compatible with breastfeeding, as Nati explained here. And remember, you cannot replace the advice you read with professional advice, do not hesitate to go to your gynecologist to help you assess whether it is convenient for you to wear this device.
More information - Mirena