Thanks to modern methods of contraception, a woman can not only protect herself from unwanted pregnancy, but also get rid of some diseases. One of the popular protection options that can give such a result is the hormonal spiral. This method of contraception has many positive aspects. The Mirena intrauterine device is the latest development in this field of gynecology. Let's take a closer look at this device, and also pay attention to its advantages, disadvantages and patient feedback.
What is an intrauterine device?
One of the most effective methods of birth control - the intrauterine device - is a device that is inserted into the uterine cavity and makes it difficult for male gametes to pass to the egg, preventing their fusion and attachment of the fetal egg (embryo).
Installation of an intrauterine system reduces the possibility of getting pregnant to a tenth of a percent. This is especially true at presenta time when women are increasingly postponing childbirth. The device most often has a T-shape and is installed on the 3rd-5th day of the new menstrual cycle. Whether such a method of protection is suitable can only be said by the attending gynecologist after a medical examination of the woman.
How does the spiral work?
The main task of the intrauterine device is to prevent the fertilization of the egg and further attachment of the fetal egg to the walls of the uterus. If the fusion of two germ cells did occur, the system begins to have an abortive effect. In this case, the hormonal spiral causes an increased contraction of the fallopian tubes, which leads to the rapid entry of the fetal egg into the uterine cavity and its further death. After that, the uterus recognizes the “object” as foreign and turns on the process of rejection - the walls of the uterus begin to contract.
Types of intrauterine devices
In gynecological practice, a variety of spirals are used, which differ primarily in shape. The intrauterine system can be loop-and ring-shaped, in the form of a spiral or an umbrella, in the form of the letter F. But still, devices in the form of the letter T are more popular.
The materials from which intrauterine contraception is made also differ: copper, silver, gold, plastic. The size of the contraceptive is selected individually for each woman and depends on the anatomical features of the patient.
Intrauterine device can be hormonal and non-hormonal. In the first casethe contraceptive effect is provided by the hormone contained in the leg of the device, which is released in small quantities. But even a low dose of the hormone causes a thickening of the mucous layer of the uterine cavity and prevents the penetration of male germ cells. Spirals made of copper and silver are of the second, non-hormonal type and have an inhibitory effect on spermatozoa. The attending gynecologist will help to find out if the spiral (one or another model) is hormonal.
Mirena is a modern method of protection
Intrauterine system "Mirena" - the latest achievement of science in the field of gynecology. It has a T-shape and can be installed in the uterine cavity for a long time (up to 5 years). The Mirena hormonal coil (the price of a contraceptive is about 12 thousand rubles) contains the hormone levonorgestrel, which has a progestogenic effect at the local level with gradual release.
Amount of active substance - 52 mg. The hormone begins to be released immediately after the spiral is placed in the uterine cavity. At first, levonorgestrel is released at a rate of 20 micrograms per day. This figure is reduced by half by the end of the fifth year after the installation of the intrauterine system. The hormone is practically not absorbed into the general circulation, which makes this method of protection safe for he alth.
Features of the Mirena spiral
Hormonal intrauterine device "Mirena" in the first month of installation somewhat changes the nature of menstruation. In the first months, bleeding may increase, but over time (usually towards the endfirst year) discharge becomes scarce. Some patients note the onset of amenorrhea - the complete absence of menstruation.
Due to this therapeutic effect, the spiral is often prescribed to women for therapeutic purposes. The attending gynecologist should check the condition of the contraceptive every 6 months.
How is the installation process?
The hormonal coil can only be installed by the attending physician. Previously, the patient must pass tests (cytology, a smear for the flora and sexually transmitted infections, a general blood and urine test). You will also need to do an ultrasound.
A hormonal spiral is established during the first 7 days of a new menstrual cycle (usually 3-5 days). In some cases, a later introduction is also possible. After childbirth, the spiral is allowed to be installed at least 4-5 weeks later, when the uterus is completely restored. If you experience discomfort, bleeding or other pathological symptoms after the insertion of the coil, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Indications for use
It should be understood that the installation of a hormonal coil is indicated in specific cases and is not a remedy for every woman. A specialist can also recommend such a method of contraception to the patient for certain diseases. The main indications for use are:
- endometriosis - pathological growth of the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity - endometrium;
- idiopathic menorrhagia - heavy menstrualselection;
- uterine fibroids is a benign tumor that occurs in the muscle tissue of this organ (the spiral can be used as a prophylaxis).
Who is the hormonal intrauterine system not suitable for?
When deciding to install intrauterine contraception, a woman must undergo a medical examination, which will help to exclude conditions in which this procedure is unacceptable. It is contraindicated to install a spiral in the following cases:
- pregnancy;
- dysplasia;
- cervical erosion;
- cervicitis;
- anomalies in the structure of the uterus (acquired or congenital);
- infectious or inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
- postpartum endometritis;
- acquired immunodeficiency syndrome;
- postpartum (first 4 weeks);
- liver pathology;
- deep vein thrombosis;
- intolerance to the components of the helix.
Intrauterine contraception is not recommended for nulliparous women. In case of side effects, a negative effect on reproductive function is possible.
Hormonal coil "Mirena": reviews
Women who have chosen a Finnish-made spiral to protect against unwanted pregnancy leave mostly positive feedback. The main advantage is a high degree of contraception. The hormone released during the operation of the device prevents pregnancy in the same way throughout the entire time. In addition, the currentthe substance also has a therapeutic effect. Therefore, in some cases, doctors strongly recommend that the Mirena hormonal coil be installed.
The price of such a device is really high, even compared to most analogues. And if side effects occur, the spiral will have to be removed. The money will be wasted. However, judging by the reviews, side effects are extremely rare, and the cost of the intrauterine system pays off for the entire process of use. One has only to compare it with the amount that should be spent within 5 years on hormonal pills or other means of protection.
Women should not worry about the fact that after some time after the installation of the spiral, menstrual bleeding has stopped. This is a completely normal reaction of the body. The monthly cycle will be restored in the first months after the removal of the device from the uterine cavity.
Popular intrauterine systems
Depending on the preferences of the woman herself and the recommendations of the doctor, the most suitable hormonal coil can be selected. The price in this matter also plays a major role. Several types of IUDs have earned popularity, which in terms of pricing are much more affordable than the Mirena device.
Intrauterine devices of the Yunona brand are presented in the form of the letter T and rings of various diameters. The cost of systems is from 300 to 1000 rubles. T-shaped spirals can be made of plastic, contain silver, copper. Before installation, allergies to the selected material should be excluded. "Junona Bio-T super"made of plastic and has a copper winding. In addition, the surface of the device has been treated with a special antiseptic solution containing propolis.
The Nova-T spiral is another popular analogue of the Mirena. You can also install the system for up to 5 years. The material from which the spiral is made is absolutely safe for he alth. The base is made of plastic, the winding is made of copper. The price of the spiral is 2300-2600 rubles.
"Levonova" is a popular hormonal spiral. Reviews of experts indicate that this is a complete analogue of Mirena. The main active ingredient is the hormone levonorgestrel.
Before you buy an intrauterine hormonal device, you should consult a specialist who will help you choose the best remedy.
