Are IUD's safe?

Question

I'm going through the premenopause thing. I was having 2 periods a month, so the Dr. put me on a low dose pill. That worked for about a year, so we are trying a stronger one. She wants me to give it 3 months, but if it doesn't work, she is suggesting a Menna IUD. She says that it will completely stop my periods for about 5 years. Then I will would be 48 and about time for menopause. Anyone know anything about these?

Mirena IUD is what it actually is.

Answer 1

Mirena IUD contains hormones, and this is why your periods might stop. It thins the endometrial layer inside the uterus, with the supposition that if your lining is thin enough it won't support an embryo.

Be aware however that NOT EVERYONE will experience complete period cessation and in some cases it makes it worse than before.

If you're done with having children, you could explore the option of uterine ablation. This would surgically thin the uterine lining, making your periods SUPER light.

You can always try the IUD and if it doesn't work, you can have it removed. It is certainly not the last step in your options.

You should know however that about 1 in 5 women will have their device removed within 12 months because of severe (and sometimes life threatening) side effects.

Answer 2

There website states:
"May also help shorten, lighten or even eliminate periods. In fact, by one year of use, there may be up to a 90% reduction in menstrual bleeding, and 20% of Mirena users had no bleeding or spotting at all."

Years ago I used an IUD called a Copper T. It looked much like the Mirena IUC but was not medicated and copper wound around part of it.

I had very good luck with it. Now with the Mirena IUC, it uses less the hormones than the pill does but gives a constant 24/7 slow dosage for a period of 5 years.

I would think it should be safe.

Answer 3

There are also 2 types of IUD's. There is one with hormones, that lasts about 5 years and one without hormones that lasts almost 10 years. You also have to keep checking the strings to make sure the IUD is still in place.