Mirena Removal Aftermath: Experiencing Side Effects and Strategies for Cope
The removal of the Mirena intrauterine device (IUD) often brings about changes in a woman's body as it readjusts to its natural hormone cycles. This article aims to provide an overview of common symptoms, potential complications, and management strategies following Mirena IUD removal.
The Mirena IUD is a highly effective birth control method, boasting a 99.9% success rate for up to 5 years. However, its removal may trigger a range of symptoms, including mood swings, anxiety, depression, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, weight changes, acne, headaches, and breast tenderness. Menstrual changes are also common, with periods possibly becoming heavier, lighter, irregular, or more painful in the first few cycles after removal.
Potential complications include bleeding irregularities, menstrual cycle disruptions, and, in rare cases, signs of a problematic removal or IUD expulsion, such as pain, heavy bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, or intense cramping. Some women may also experience a 'Mirena crash,' which includes long-lasting psychological, neurological, and physical symptoms.
Management strategies for these symptoms and potential complications include monitoring and self-care, medical evaluation, hormonal support, emotional support, and lifestyle adjustments. Expect changes in menstrual bleeding and mood; most symptoms improve within a few cycles. However, if symptoms persist beyond several months, are severe, or if heavy bleeding, foul discharge, or pain occurs, medical attention is advised to rule out complications such as uterine injury or retained device parts.
For those who wish to conceive, a doctor will need to remove the Mirena IUD. In some cases, a hysteroscope may be used during removal, which may cause mild cramping and a bloody discharge for a few days. It's important to note that people who had their IUD removed showed no difference in fertility to those who had used other methods of birth control over 12 months.
Doctors may recommend removing an IUD for people with certain conditions, such as a blood clotting disorder, migraine with aura, severe headache, significant increase in blood pressure, severe cardiovascular diseases, gynecological cancer, jaundice, or a history of pelvic infections that do not respond to treatment. Anyone who develops a fever, chills, or heavy bleeding following IUD removal should consult a doctor immediately.
In summary, post-Mirena removal symptoms usually reflect hormonal and menstrual adjustments and typically resolve with time and supportive care. Persistent or severe symptoms should prompt consultation with a healthcare provider for appropriate evaluation and management. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help with any pain after Mirena removal. People who experience cramping after removal may benefit from trying herbal remedies such as black cohosh, evening primrose oil, or vitex (chasteberry).
- The removal of the Mirena intrauterine device (IUD) can cause multiple symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, depression, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, weight changes, acne, headaches, and breast tenderness.
- Some women may also experience conditions like psoriatic arthritis, migraine, eczema, or depression following Mirena IUD removal.
- Science and health-and-wellness professionals suggest strategies for managing these symptoms and potential complications, including monitoring, self-care, medical evaluation, hormonal support, emotional support, and lifestyle adjustments.
- In rare cases, signs of a problematic removal or IUD expulsion may occur post-removal, such as pain, heavy bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, or intense cramping.
- For individuals with certain conditions like a blood clotting disorder, migraine with aura, or a history of pelvic infections that do not respond to treatment, doctors may recommend removing an IUD.
- Women who wish to conceive should consult their doctor for the removal of the Mirena IUD, and it's important to note that they show no difference in fertility to those who had used other methods of birth control over 12 months.
- In addition to over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol), women may also benefit from herbal remedies like black cohosh, evening primrose oil, or vitex (chasteberry) to help with any pain after Mirena removal.
