Mirena IUD: A Hormonal Birth Control Option for Global Markets
Mirena is a brand of intrauterine device (IUD) that contains levonorgestrel, a progestin hormone that prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus, thinning the uterine lining, and impairing the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg. Mirena is a T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider and can stay in place for up to 8 years. Mirena is also used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in women who choose to use an IUD as a birth control method.
Benefits of Mirena IUD
- Highly effective: Mirena has a failure rate of less than 1% per year, meaning that less than one out of 100 women who use it will get pregnant in a year.
- Long-lasting: Mirena can prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years, but it can be removed at any time if you want to get pregnant or switch to another method.
- Convenient: Mirena does not require daily, weekly, or monthly maintenance. You only need to check the strings once a month to make sure it is still in place.
- Reversible: Mirena does not affect your fertility. You can get pregnant as soon as you have it removed.
- Reduces menstrual bleeding: Mirena can reduce the amount and duration of menstrual bleeding by up to 90%. Some women may stop having periods altogether after using Mirena for a while.
Risks and Side Effects of Mirena IUD
- Pelvic infection: There is a small risk of developing a pelvic infection within the first 20 days after insertion. This can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or chronic pelvic pain if left untreated.
- Uterine perforation: There is a rare chance of the IUD puncturing the wall of the uterus during insertion. This can cause pain, bleeding, or infection and may require surgery to remove the IUD.
- Expulsion: The IUD may partially or completely come out of the uterus by itself. This can cause pain, bleeding, or infection and may increase the risk of pregnancy. You should check the strings every month and use a backup method of birth control if you cannot feel them or if they feel longer or shorter than before.
- Hormonal side effects: Some women may experience hormonal side effects from Mirena, such as acne, breast tenderness, mood changes, headaches, weight gain, or ovarian cysts. These side effects are usually mild and tend to improve over time.
Mirena IUD Price Comparison
| Country | Price | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $1,300 | Healthline |
| Canada | $400 | Options for Sexual Health |
| Australia | $40 | Healthdirect |
| UK | $0 (free with NHS) | NHS |
| India | $50-$100 | Practo |
Top 5 Global Brands of Mirena IUD
According to various sources , the top 5 global brands of levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs are:
- Mirena: Manufactured by Bayer, approved by the FDA in 2000, lasts for up to 8 years, releases 20 micrograms of levonorgestrel per day.
- Kyleena: Manufactured by Bayer, approved by the FDA in 2016, lasts for up to 5 years, releases 17.5 micrograms of levonorgestrel per day.
- Liletta: Manufactured by AbbVie, approved by the FDA in 2015, lasts for up to 7 years, releases 18.6 micrograms of levonorgestrel per day.
- Skyla: Manufactured by Bayer, approved by the FDA in 2013, lasts for up to 3 years, releases 14 micrograms of levonorgestrel per day.
- Jaydess: Manufactured by Bayer, approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2014, lasts for up to 3 years, releases 13.5 micrograms of levonorgestrel per day.
Conclusion
Mirena IUD is a hormonal birth control option that can prevent pregnancy and reduce heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 8 years. It has many benefits, such as convenience, reversibility, and effectiveness, but also some risks and side effects, such as infection, perforation, expulsion, and hormonal changes. Mirena IUD is one of the top global brands of levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs, along with Kyleena, Liletta, Skyla, and Jaydess. The price of Mirena IUD varies depending on the country and the insurance coverage. If you are interested in using Mirena IUD or any other IUD brand, talk to your healthcare provider about the pros and cons and whether it is suitable for you.