Thanks to modern methods of contraception, a woman can not only protect herself from an unwanted pregnancy, but also get rid of some diseases. One of the popular protection options that can give such a result is a hormonal spiral. This method of contraception has many positive aspects. The Mirena intrauterine device is the latest development in this area of gynecology. Let us consider this device in more detail, and also pay attention to its advantages, disadvantages and patient reviews.
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 reproductive gametes to pass to the egg, prevents them from merging and attaching the fetal egg (embryo).
Installing an intrauterine system reduces the chance of becoming pregnant to a tenth of a percent. This is especially true at the present time, when women are increasingly delaying the birth of a child. The device most often has a T-shape and is installed on 3-5 days of a new menstrual cycle. Only the attending gynecologist after a medical examination of a woman can tell whether this method of protection is suitable.
How does the spiral work?
The main task of the intrauterine device is to prevent the fertilization of the egg and the further attachment of the fetal egg to the walls of the uterus. If the fusion of two germ cells nevertheless happened, 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 includes 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 looped and ring-shaped, in the form of a spiral or umbrella, in the form of the letter F. But still, devices in the form of the letter T are more popular.
The materials that make intrauterine contraception are also different: copper, silver, gold, plastic. The size of the contraceptive is selected individually for each woman and depends on the anatomical features of the patient.
The intrauterine device can be hormonal and non-hormonal. In the first case, the contraceptive effect is provided by the hormone contained in the device leg, which is released in a small amount. 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 belong to the second, non-hormonal type and have an inhibitory effect on sperm. To find out whether a hormonal spiral (one or another model) will help the attending gynecologist.
Mirena - a modern method of protection
The intrauterine system Mirena is 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 period (up to 5 years). The hormonal spiral Mirena (the price of a contraceptive is about 12 thousand rubles) contains the hormone levonorgestrel, which has a progestational effect at the local level during gradual release.
The amount of active substance is 52 mg. The hormone begins to be released immediately after placing the spiral into the uterine cavity. At first, levonorgestrel is released at a rate of 20 mcg 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 bloodstream, which makes this method of protection safe for health.
Features of the spiral "Mirena"
The hormonal intrauterine device Mirena already 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 end of the first year), the discharge becomes scarce. Some patients note the onset of amenorrhea - a complete absence of menstruation.
Due to this therapeutic effect, the spiral is often prescribed to women for therapeutic purposes. The attending gynecologist must check the condition of the contraceptive every 6 months.
How is the installation process going?
Hormonal spiral can only be installed by your doctor. Previously, the patient must be tested (cytology, smear on the flora and sexually transmitted infections, general blood and urine tests). 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 possible. After childbirth, the spiral is allowed to be installed at least 4-5 weeks later, when the uterus is finally restored. In case of discomfort, bleeding or other pathological symptoms after the introduction of the spiral, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Indications for use
It should be understood that the installation of a hormonal spiral is indicated in specific cases and is not a means of protection for every woman. The specialist can also recommend such a method of contraception to a patient for certain diseases. The main indications for use are:
- endometriosis - pathological proliferation of the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity - endometrium;
- idiopathic menorrhagia - profuse menstrual flow;
- uterine fibroids - a benign tumor that occurs in the muscle tissue of this organ (the spiral can be used as a prophylaxis).
Who doesn’t have a hormonal intrauterine system?
Having decided to establish intrauterine contraception, a woman should 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;
- the postpartum period (first 4 weeks);
- liver pathology;
- deep vein thrombosis;
- intolerance to the components of the spiral.
Intrauterine contraception is not recommended for women who are not giving birth. In case of side effects, a negative effect on reproductive function is possible.
Hormonal spiral "Mirena": reviews
Women who choose Finland's helix for protection against unwanted pregnancy leave mostly positive reviews. The main advantage is a high degree of contraception. The hormone released during the operation of the device prevents the onset of pregnancy equally throughout the entire time. In addition, the active substance also has a therapeutic effect. Therefore, in some cases, doctors strongly recommend that the Mirena hormone spiral be installed.
The price of such a device is really high, even compared to most analogues. And if there are side effects - the spiral will have to be removed. 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. It is only necessary to compare it with the amount that should be spent over 5 years on hormonal pills or other remedies.
Women should not worry about the fact that some time after the installation of the spiral, menstrual bleeding stopped. This is a completely normal reaction of the body. The monthly cycle will recover in the first months after removal of the device from the uterine cavity.
Popular intrauterine systems
Depending on the preferences of the woman herself and the doctor's recommendations, the most suitable hormonal spiral can be selected. Price in this matter also plays one of the most important roles. Several types of IUDs deserved popularity, which are much more affordable in the pricing policy than the Mirena device.
Intrauterine devices of the Juno 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, allergy to the selected material should be excluded. "Juno Bio-T Super" is made of plastic and has a copper winding. In addition, the surface of the device is treated with a special antiseptic solution, which contains propolis.
The Nova-T spiral is another popular analogue of Mirena. You can also install the system for up to 5 years. The material from which the spiral is made is absolutely safe for health. The base is made of plastic, the winding is made of copper. The price of a spiral is 2300-2600 rubles.
Levonova is a popular hormonal spiral. Feedback from experts suggests that this is a complete analogue of Mirena. The main active ingredient is the hormone levonorgestrel.
Before acquiring an intrauterine hormonal device, you should consult a specialist who will help you choose the best means of protection.