Life After Mirena: What to Expect When Saying Goodbye to Your IUD

So, you’ve had the Mirena IUD keeping you company for a while now…

It’s been a solid companion in your birth control journey, but maybe it’s time to part ways. You're curious about what happens next, right? Well, buckle up because we’re about to take a ride through the twists and turns of life after Mirena.

How it Works and Its Impact on Your Body

First things first, let’s talk about how Mirena does its thing. This little T-shaped device releases a hormone called levonorgestrel, which works wonders in preventing pregnancy. It thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg, and thins the lining of your uterus, making it less likely for an egg to attach. It’s a pretty cool trick, huh? Well, after prolonged use, this device may actually increase your risk of mild to severe side effects from such drastic changes to your physiology.

I mean, they do say that nothing in life comes without side effects, right? While Mirena does its job like a champ, it can also throw your body a few curveballs. Some people might experience irregular bleeding or spotting, while others might notice changes in their mood or sex drive. It's like a hormonal rollercoaster, and not everyone gets a golden ticket.

While you’re using the Mirena, you may have experienced some changes to your body. A lot of the time folks don’t realize that these changes are very likely a side effect of this hormonal IUD. Some of the common side effects of Mirena are: (list from here)

• missed periods (amenorrhea),

• bleeding and spotting between periods,

• heavier bleeding during the first few weeks after device insertion,

• abdominal/pelvic pain,

• ovarian cysts,

• back pain,

• headache/migraine,

• nervousness,

• dizziness,

• nausea,

• vomiting,

• bloating,

• breast tenderness or pain,

• weight gain,

• changes in hair growth,

• acne,

• depression,

• changes in mood,

• loss of interest in sex,

• itching or skin rash, and

• puffiness in the face, hands, ankles, or feet.

Mirena may also cause serious side effects including:

• severe cramps or pelvic pain,

• pain during intercourse,

• extreme dizziness,

• lightheadedness,

• severe migraine headache,

• heavy or ongoing vaginal bleeding,

• vaginal sores,

• vaginal discharge that is watery, foul-smelling discharge, or otherwise unusual,

• pale skin,

• weakness,

• easy bruising or bleeding,

• fever,

• chills,

• signs of infection,

• sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body),

• confusion,

• vision problems,

• sensitivity to light,

• yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice),

• hives,

• difficulty breathing, and

• swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;

• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out;

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.

I think it’s important to note these side effects, because as you begin your breakup with the IUD, you may notice some of these symptoms changing as your body adapts to its new hormone levels and removal of it’s levonorgestrel supplementation.

It’s actually really interesting too that there have been a few cases of women who were not fertile in the first year after removal and for those who did conceive that there were traces of levonorgestrel detected in their breastfed infants.

Breaking Up is Hard to Do: Life After Mirena

So, let's fast forward to the moment you bid farewell to your trusty Mirena. You might be thinking, "Freedom at last!" And sure, that's one way to look at it. But brace yourself, because your body might need some time to readjust.

One of the biggest things to watch out for is the potential hormonal imbalance. See, Mirena has been calling the shots on your hormone levels for however long you've had it. So, when you remove it, your body needs to figure out how to regulate those hormones all on its own again. It's like taking the training wheels off your bike – you might wobble a bit before finding your balance.

The Waiting Game: How Long Does it Take to Get Back to Normal?

Ah, the million-dollar question: How long until you feel like yourself again? Well, friend, I wish I could give you a concrete answer, but the truth is, it varies from person to person. Some folks bounce back in a few weeks, while others might take a few months or years to find their groove again.

During this transition period, you might experience some annoying side effects. Think about the above symptoms and how your body was reacting to them. It's like your body is throwing a going-away party for Mirena, complete with unpredictable periods and vapid mood swings.

Long-Term Health: What’s the Verdict?

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: the long-term effects of using Mirena. The good news is that for most folks, there haven’t been any reported serious health risks associated with using Mirena. Some studies suggest that it may lower your risk of certain cancers, like endometrial cancer. That being said, it’s important to be conscious of who is funding this research. To this day, there hasn’t been too much publicized research about the long-term effects on the menstruating body. I mean, in 2023 they finally admitted that tampons hadn’t been tested with anything but water… that’s another story though. Like any form of birth control, Mirena is not without its potential drawbacks.

For some folks, using Mirena can increase their risk of developing certain health issues, like ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Plus, there's always the chance of an ectopic pregnancy, although it's rare. It's like playing a game of risk – you must weigh the pros and cons and hope for the best. Every person has a unique situation that makes it more or less appropriate for their life. I’m writing this article to help keep you informed about all sides of the argument. As, if you were like me, I was only informed about the fact that it will “stop me from getting pregnant and make my hormones better.” Personally, I’m not sure that it really does that.

In Conclusion: Riding the Waves of Change

So, there you have it – a glimpse into life after Mirena. It's a journey filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, but hey, isn't that what life's all about? Whether you're saying goodbye to Mirena or considering giving it a whirl, remember to listen to your body and trust your instincts. After all, nobody knows you better than you do.

And hey, if you ever need a shoulder to lean on or someone to commiserate with about the joys of hormonal imbalance, you know where to find me. Until then, hang in there, friend. You've got this.