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Mirena, an intrauterine birth control device (IUD) approved by the FDA in 2000, may not be as safe as its manufacturer, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, and many doctors will have you believe. Recently, the IUD has come under scrutiny for allegedly causing side effects which have led to infertility and life-threatening complications.
These scary facts about Mirena IUD will make you think twice choosing it as your birth control method!
Many people believe Mirena works the same way as many birth control methods in preventing conception. While Mirena does prevent conception by releasing a synthetic hormone called levonorgestrel which prevents ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus and to keep sperm from reaching the ovum. However, when both of these fail and conception does occur, Mirena’s third line of defense against pregnancy is to prevent the sperm from implanting into the egg, essentially causing an early-term abortion.
For some women, this many not be an issue, however, women have the right to know how Mirena works, since for many it can go against their morals or religious beliefs.
During insertion, the IUD may actually get stuck in or puncture your uterus. Although this is one of the more rare side effects, occurring in only 2 of every 1,000 Mirena users, it can have serious consequences including infertility. In severe cases, uterine perforation can even be life threatening.
Early symptoms of perforation include lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, nausea and vomiting, chills, fever and increased heart rate. Women experiencing these symptoms after Mirena implementation should seek medical attention immediately.
Delayed detection of perforation may lead to migration – the device can actually move outside of you uterus and migrate around your abdomen, leaving it free to damage other organs. Some Mirena patients have had to undergo multiple surgeries to safely locate and remove the device from other organs. Migration is very dangerous and can lead to internal bleeding, infections, and in severe cases, even death.
Mirena was originally marketed as the go-to birth control method for the busy mom, with implications that it will improve her sex life and make her “look and feel great.” In clinical studies, however, nearly 5% of women reported a decreased libido. And while the advertisements highlight simplicity and convenience, many women who have tried Mirena struggled with side effects such as crippling cramps and depression.
Bayer advertises the widespread use of Mirena around the world, however it fails to mention that in many of these countries, IUDs are not used by choice. In China, for example, women are forced to choose between implementing an IUD or being sterilized, after giving birth, as a form of population control.
Since its approval in 2000, there have been over 47,000 reports and more than 800 lawsuits in the U.S. by women who have experienced serious Mirena side effects. As of February 7, there are 570 cases pending in a Mirena IUD Multidistrict Litigation, currently in the discovery phase, where evidence is gathered. Currently, this phase is tentatively set to be culminated by September 2014.
Women looking into Mirena as a birth control method should be informed of the dangers it may pose. If you are already using Mirena, be aware of potential symptoms that may signal dangerous side effects, such as perforation. Symptoms of Mirena can sometimes take months to manifest but should be dealt with quickly to prevent permanent damage.
If you or someone you know have experienced severe or lasting side effects while on Mirena, we advise you to seek legal counseling by an experienced personal injury attorney in order to receive compensation for your financial and emotional suffering.
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