The Intrauterine system is a t shaped device around the size of a matchstick similar in shape to the intrauterine device or IUD. More commonly known as a Mirena, it contains a hormone known as levonorgestral a common component of several types of contraceptive pill. The Mirena is placed inside of the uterus and works by slowly releasing progestogen into the body at a constant rate. The hormone assists in contraception by thickening the mucus within the cervix which helps to block entry of the sperm into the womb. As with other progestogen based contraceptives, the lining of the uterus is also thinned. This lowers the chances of a fertilized egg becoming accepted. In some instances, the progestogen inside the Mirena has also been known to prevent the release of eggs from the ovaries. Structurally, as with the IUS, the device has two threads which hang slightly down from the vagina and are most commonly used by doctors to check and remove the device correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The IUS should always be fitted by a doctor with experience and training in installing these devices. The installation should usually take place within a week of a period beginning. Alternatively the Mirena should be fitted six weeks following the birth of a child. In an instance where a termination has taken place, the IUS can be installed immediately. Before the procedure takes place, you may be asked to take a painkiller such as aspirin or alternatively your doctor may use local anaesthetic. The installation process is nearly identical to that of the IUD and takes around ten minutest to perform. It begins with the doctor examining the cervix using a speculum. The length of the womb is then verified using a tool called a sound. Next, the IUS is carried into the womb in a straw like device which enters through the vagina and then cervix and finally ejected inside the uterus. Sexual intercourse is not advised for the first day or so after insertion. Tampons should also be avoided for a couple of days. Over the course of those next few days some discomfort and bleeding may be experienced, however if this persists and is coupled with any discharge, it is advised that you consult your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The IUS is often prescribed by doctors to women in a post menopausal stage in order to assist in the balance of hormone within a designated programme of hormone replacement therapy. Traditionally, the IUS is used by women who have experienced childbirth, as this allow easier and less painful installation. As with the IUD, a test for any type of sexual infection which may become aggravated through the fitting of a Mirena is required. For many, the IUS can not be used because of the contraceptives key use of the progestogen hormone.\u00a0 Women that suffer from unexplained vaginal bleeding or heart valve complications are strongly advised against using the device. Furthermore, if a pelvic infection is discovered, a patient should be redirected to another type of contraception. Due to the nature of the installation process, any irregularities within the structure of the cervix or womb may also rule out use of the Mirena device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The combination of the installation within the uterus and the release of the hormone progestogen help to make the IUS one of the most reliable forms of contraceptive with an effectiveness of roughly 99% when used and fitted correctly. It also represents a long term solution to birth control with the potential for the Mirena device to work effectively for around five years before any replacement is required. Use of the IUS eradicates the need for strict adherence to a programme of pills. Use of the IUS also ensures that the spontaneity of the build up to intercourse is maintained.\u00a0 In the long term, the device also offers relief from heavy periods making them lighter, often pain free, briefer and over time leading to an eradication of periods altogether. Once fitted, the Mirena device also offers immediate contraceptive protection. Additionally, if a patient wishes to come off this form of contraception, upon removal, fertility immediately returns to its previously normal rate. Because the device is confined to the uterus rather than linked directly to the bloodstream, the risk of side effects from the progestogen hormone is reduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because the IUS is fitted within the uterus, there remains a risk of rejection by the body and the device has also been known to fall out of the vagina on occasions. This highlights the need for consistent check ups from a doctor. During the first few months of use, a patient may experience irregular bleeding while the IUS adapts to control over periods within the body. The hormone within Mirena can also cause breast tenderness, acne and headaches or mood swings amongst users. As with the IUD device, there remains a risk of damage wall of the womb as the Mirena has been known to perforate or damage this area, sometimes during the fitting process itself. If pain is experience in the lower area of the stomach, a doctor should be consulted. As with the fitting of any outside device into the womb, a small risk of infection remains and can be passed on to any partners. The progestogen hormone has also be known to cause cysts around the ovaries which while relatively non threatening, should be assessed and monitored by your doctor at all times. The presence of the progestogen hormone also brings an increased risk of certain cancers in the cervix and ovaries.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Intrauterine system is a t shaped device around the size of a matchstick similar in shape to the intrauterine device or IUD. More commonly known as a Mirena, it contains a hormone known as levonorgestral a common component of several types of contraceptive pill. The Mirena is placed inside of the uterus and works…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.caughtout.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/36"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.caughtout.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.caughtout.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.caughtout.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.caughtout.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.caughtout.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/36\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37,"href":"https:\/\/www.caughtout.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/36\/revisions\/37"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.caughtout.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}