Mirena (IUD) Birth Control

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to mirena (iud) birth control including topics such as mirena and pregnancy, mirena drug interactions, and mirena uses. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.

Description of Articles in Mirena (IUD) Birth Control

Mirena is an intrauterine device that is used to prevent pregnancy for up to five years. This eMedTV Web article provides a complete overview of Mirena, including detailed information on how it works, potential side effects, and general precautions.

Common side effects of Mirena may include nausea, headaches, and vaginal infections. This eMedTV page lists several Mirena side effects that can occur while using this contraceptive device, including those that may require prompt medical attention.

This eMedTV page explains that at least 5 percent of women who are using Mirena gain weight. This article also covers what to do if you are taking Mirena and weight gain occurs, such as increasing physical activity and limiting your alcohol intake.

Mirena is used for preventing pregnancy for up to five years. This selection from the eMedTV Web site offers a discussion on Mirena uses, including detailed information on the type of women this intrauterine contraceptive is specifically designed for.

This portion of the eMedTV library explains that the standard Mirena dosage contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel, which is slowly released over a period of five years. This page also provides tips on when and how this intrauterine device is used.

As this eMedTV page explains, there are currently no known Mirena drug interactions. However, the hormone in Mirena can interact with other drugs when it is used in tablet form, and it is not known if these interactions could also apply to Mirena.

Ovarian cysts are common in women taking Mirena. This portion of the eMedTV library offers a list of other important Mirena warnings and precautions, including information on why some women should not use this contraceptive.

Mirena is a pregnancy Category X medication, which means that it should not be used during pregnancy. This eMedTV page describes what to do if you are using Mirena and pregnancy occurs. This page also describes the problems Mirena can cause.

This eMedTV resource explains that the hormone in Mirena does pass through breast milk, but it is not likely to affect the quality or quantity of breast milk. This page describes some of the risks of using Mirena and breastfeeding at the same time.

A patent currently prevents any company from manufacturing a generic version of Mirena. This eMedTV Web article explains that as soon as the patent expires in December 2015, other drug companies may begin producing generic Mirena products.