- Heavy, constant or irregular bleeding
- Severe cramping
- Extreme fatigue and lethargy
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Sleeplessness
- Weight gain
- Diminished libido
- Painful sex
Lesser Known Mirena IUD Side Effects
The Mirena IUD, a birth control device used by millions of women worldwide, is marketed by Bayer as a safe and effective way to avoid pregnancy. The device is inserted by a doctor into the uterus of women who have already given birth to at least one child. It releases hormones that cause a thickening of the mucus on the uterine wall, making the successful journey of sperm virtually impossible. It has an effective rate of 99 percent in preventing pregnancy. Well Known Risks Recently there have been lawsuits brought against Bayer, across the US, due to injuries caused by the device migrating within the uterus and puncturing the wall. In some cases the device traveled into the abdominal cavity, causing damage to organs such as the colon and liver. Bayer is accused in the lawsuits of playing down the dangers and marketing the device as safe and pleasurable. These cases have received much publicity, yet many women choose to take the risk because of the benefits and convenience. What is not as well know but also extremely serious are the more common side effects from the device that may not be life-threatening but can be debilitating. Other Possible Mirena IUD Side Effects Doctors are very quick to prescribe and insert the device, not only as a means of contraception but also to control the heavy blood flow of some women. Although they are aware of the possibility of side effects, some doctors continue to push the coil on patients. In many cases when patients complain of side effects like increased bleeding, loss of energy or intense abdominal cramping, doctors tell them that the symptoms will subside in “time.” Some women have reported Mirena IUD side effects that were severe, such as bleeding daily at a rate so heavy they were afraid to go out in public. The loss of blood led to lethargy, depression, and loss of appetite. They reported excessive irritability that put a strain on their relationships. Many of these women when reporting the severe side effects to their physicians were told to hang in there as the benefits in the long term would be worth it. These women had already experienced six months or more of living hell. Side effects that have been associated with the use of the Mirena IUD include: