You may have varying thoughts about a Mirena coil. Some of you may have even heard horror stories..But what is a Mirena and what are the benefits?
It is a small plastic T-shaped device containing the progestogen, levonorgestrel. It is fitted into the womb and releases hormones slowly over 5 years. It has two fine threads that hang down and rest at the top of the vagina, allowing the coil to be removed when necessary.
What is the Mirena coil used for and what are the benefits?
Part of HRT. If you have a womb (uterus), you will need to take a progestogen in addition to oestrogen. This is because oestrogen helps manage your symptoms, and progestogens helps protect your womb lining. If you take oestrogen alone, this can cause the womb lining to thicken, and in turn increase your risk of womb cancer. By taking a progestogen, this will keep the womb lining thin.
Contraception. Widely used as one of the most reliable long-term reversible contraceptives, the Mirena coil can be left in place for up to five years (10 years if over the age of 45). This removes the hassle of remembering to take a pill every day.
Many women are unaware that they may still need contraception when taking HRT. The Mirena coil is the only HRT progestogen that can double up as contraception, giving it that extra advantage when choosing from different progestogen preparations.
Treatment for heavy and painful periods. The Mirena coil is known to significantly reduce period bleeding (with many women having no periods after one year) and is a safe alternative to surgery for treating conditions such as endometriosis.
There are other coil brands. Some contain no hormones, and some have very low hormone levels. Whilst these work well for contraception, they cannot be used to protect the womb lining (as part of HRT), or to treat period problems, which are benefits seen with the Mirena coil.
If this sounds like something you woud like to discuss more, or want to go ahead with a fitting, contact our clinic via the website www.berkshiremenopauseclinic.com or call us 07510 613838
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