Mirena has recently come to light as a treatment for endometriosis. Studies indicate that it is an effective treatment for endometriosis and may have the potential to be a long-term treatment for women who want to postpone pregnancy. If, in fact, Mirena proves to be effective as a long-term treatment for endometriosis, it has several potential advantages over current treatments, including fewer side effects, no need for pills, no need for regular injections and no need for contraception
The Mirena reduces the amount of blood flow during a woman’s period. In some cases, it stops it altogether. It is this fact that has made the Mirena an attractive option for treatment. The Mirena, like other types of IUDs and IUSs, is inserted by a doctor and remains in the womb for five years. A low dose of levonorgestrel goes directly into the lining of the womb rather than into the bloodstream where it can lead to possible progesterone-type side effects. At the end of the five-year period, the coil should be removed and, if desired, it can be replaced immediately. The Mirena coil shows much promise for relief of endometriosis symptoms for women who suffer with this painful condition.
Like all medications, Mirena has side effects. Common side effects include acne, back pain, breast pain, changes in menstrual bleeding, changes in sex drive, bleeding, cramping, headache, nausea, vomiting, weight gain and cramping during placement. In rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur. Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, hives, itching, breathing difficulties, chest tightness and swelling of the mouth, lips or tongue. Other severe reactions can include genital sores, fever, breast lumps, vision changes, sudden leg pain, severe headache, vomiting, unusual vaginal discharge or odor, sudden crushing chest pain and painful sexual intercourse. Patients should alert their physician to these conditions immediately.