Hormonal spiral "Mirena": review, instructions for use, composition, effectiveness and feedback

Thanks to modern methods of contraception, a woman can not only protect herself from the onset of an unwanted pregnancy, but also get rid of certain diseases. One of the popular protection options that can give such a result is the hormonal spiral. This method of contraception has many positive aspects. The intrauterine device "Mirena" is the latest development in this field of gynecology. Let's consider this device in more detail, and also pay attention to its advantages, shortcomings and reviews of patients.

What is the intrauterine device?

One of the most effective methods of birth control - the intrauterine device - is a device that is inserted into the uterine cavity and makes it difficult for the male sex gamete to pass through to the egg, preventing them from merging and attaching the fetal egg (embryo).

The installation of the intrauterine system reduces the possibility of becoming pregnant up to a tenth of a percent. This is especially true now, when women increasingly postpone the birth of a child. The device most often has a T-shape and is set on 3-5 days of the new menstrual cycle. About whether this method of protection is suitable, can only be said by the treating gynecologist after the medical examination of the woman.

How does the spiral work?

The main task of the intrauterine device is to prevent the fertilization of the egg and further attachment of the fetal egg to the walls of the uterus. If, however, the fusion of the two sex cells does occur, the system begins to have abortive action. In this case, the hormonal spiral causes an increased contraction of the fallopian tubes, which leads to a rapid ingress of the fetal egg into the uterine cavity and its further death. After that, the uterus recognizes the "object" as foreign and includes the process of rejection - the walls of the uterus begin to contract.

Types of intrauterine spirals

In gynecological practice, a variety of spirals are used, which differ primarily in form. The intrauterine system can be loop-shaped and ring-shaped, in the form of a spiral or umbrella, in the form of a letter F. However, devices in the form of the letter T are more popular.

Materials from which intrauterine contraception is manufactured also differ: copper, silver, gold, plastic. The size of the contraceptive is chosen individually for each woman and depends on the patient's anatomical features.

The intrauterine device may be hormonal and non-hormonal. In the first case, the contraceptive effect provides the hormone contained in the leg of the device, which is released in a small amount. But even a low dose of the hormone causes a thickening of the mucous layer of the uterine cavity and prevents the penetration of male sex cells. Spirals made of copper and silver, refer to the second, non-hormonal type and have a retarding effect on spermatozoa. Learn about whether the hormonal spiral (this or that model) will help the treating gynecologist.

"Mirena" - a modern method of protection

The intrauterine system "Mirena" is the latest scientific achievement in the field of gynecology. It has a T-shape and can be placed in the uterine cavity for a long time (up to 5 years). The hormone "Mirena" (the price of a contraceptive is about 12 thousand rubles) contains the levonorgestrel hormone, which has a gestagenic effect at the local level with gradual release.

The amount of active substance is 52 mg. The hormone begins to be released immediately after the spiral is placed in the uterine cavity. At first, levonorgestrel is released at a rate of 20 μg per day. This indicator is reduced by half by the end of the fifth year after the installation of the intrauterine system. The hormone is not practically absorbed into the total bloodstream, which makes this method of protection safe for health.

Features of the Mirena spiral

Hormonal intrauterine spiral "Mirena" already in the first month of installation slightly changes the character of menstruation. In the first months, bleeding may increase, but with time (usually by the end of the first year), the discharge becomes scarce. Some patients note the onset of amenorrhea - a complete absence of menstruation.

Due to this therapeutic effect, the spiral is often prescribed to women with a therapeutic purpose. The attending physician-gynecologist should check the status of the contraceptive every 6 months.

How is the installation process going?

Hormonal spiral can be established only by the attending physician. Beforehand, the patient needs to take tests (cytology, a swab for flora and sexually transmitted infections, a general blood and urine test). You will also need to do ultrasound.

A hormonal spiral is established during the first 7 days of the new menstrual cycle (usually 3-5 days). In some cases, a later introduction is possible. After the birth, the spiral is allowed to be installed in no less than 4-5 weeks, when the uterus is finally restored. If there is discomfort, bleeding, or other pathological symptoms after the introduction of the spiral, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Indications for use

It should be understood that the installation of a hormonal spiral is indicated in specific cases and is not a means of protection for every woman. To recommend to the patient such method of contraception the expert can also at some diseases. The main indications for use are:

• Endometriosis - pathological proliferation of the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity - endometrium;
• Idiopathic menorrhagia - abundant menstrual discharge;
• Uterine myoma is a benign tumor that occurs in the muscle tissue of the body (the spiral can be used as a prophylaxis).

Who does not fit the hormonal intrauterine system?

Having decided to establish intrauterine contraception, a woman must undergo a medical examination, which will help to exclude conditions in which this procedure is unacceptable. Contraindicated to establish a spiral in the following cases:

• pregnancy;
• dysplasia;
• cervical erosion;
• Cervicitis;
• Anomalies in the structure of the uterus (acquired or congenital);
• Infectious or inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
• Postpartum endometritis;
• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome;
• Postpartum period (first 4 weeks);
• Pathology of the liver;
• Deep vein thrombosis;
• Intolerance of the components of the spiral.

Intrauterine contraception is not recommended for the installation of nulliparous women. In case of side effects, the reproductive function may be adversely affected.

Hormonal spiral Mirena: reviews

Women who have opted for protection from unwanted pregnancy spiral production in Finland, leave mostly positive reviews. The main advantage is a high degree of contraception. The hormone released during the operation of the device prevents the occurrence of pregnancy equally throughout the entire time. In addition, the active substance has a therapeutic effect. Therefore, in some cases, doctors strongly recommend that a hormonal spiral "Mirena" be installed.

The price of such a device is really high, even compared to most analogues. And if there are side effects - the spiral will have to be removed. Money will be wasted. However, judging by the reviews, side effects occur extremely rarely, and the cost of the intrauterine system pays for the entire process of use. One has only to compare it with the amount that should be spent for 5 years on hormone pills or other remedies.

Women should not worry that after a while after the installation of the spiral menstrual bleeding stopped. This is a normal reaction of the body. The monthly cycle will be restored in the first months after removal of the device from the uterine cavity.

Popular intrauterine systems

Depending on the preferences of the woman herself and the doctor's recommendations, the most suitable hormonal spiral can be chosen. The price in this matter also plays one of the most important roles. Popularity deserved several types of the Navy, which in pricing is much more affordable than the device "Mirena".

Intrauterine spirals of the brand "Juno" are represented in the form of the letter T and rings of various diameters. The cost of the systems is from 300 to 1000 rubles. T-shaped spirals can be made of plastic, contain silver, copper. Before installation, allergy to the selected material should be ruled out. "Juno Bio-T Super" is made of plastic and has a copper winding. In addition, the surface of the device is treated with a special antiseptic solution, which contains propolis.

The Nova-T spiral is another popular analogue of the Mirena. You can also install the system for up to 5 years. The material from which the spiral is made is absolutely safe for health. The base is made of plastic, the winding is made of copper. The price of the spiral is 2300-2600 rubles.

"Levonov" is a popular hormonal spiral. The feedback from specialists shows that this is a complete analog of the "Mirena". The main active ingredient is the levonorgestrel hormone.

Before buying an intrauterine hormonal device, you should get advice from a specialist who will help you choose the optimal remedy.