Hormonal IUDs cause weight gain in about 5% of patients.
Non-Hormonal IUDs generally do not cause any weight gain. Hormonal IUDs cause weight gain in about 5% of patients. As Mirena is a hormonal IUD, there are chances of weight gain. This weight gain is mainly due to the hormone progestin that causes water retention and bloating.
Some lifestyle changes may be necessary to avoid weight gain, such as exercising regularly, eating healthy, and other weight loss methods.
What is an IUD?
IUD stands for an intrauterine device, which is a small T-shaped plastic device positioned in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The IUD acts as a foreign body in the uterus and hampers the union of sperm and ovum by causing a reaction in the uterus.
There are two types of IUDs:
Copper IUDs: It is hormone-free and mainly consists of copper. It kills sperm before it reaches the egg. Copper IUDs like ParaGard last longer than hormonal IUDs.
Hormonal IUDs: It mainly releases the hormone progestin into the uterus, which prevents sperm and the egg from uniting. The four common hormonal IUDs available in the United States are:
- Liletta
- Kyleena
- Mirena
- Skyla
What is Mirena?
Mirena is a hormonal IUD that consists of progestin (levonorgestrel), which is similar to a hormone produced by women. It prevents pregnancy by the following methods:
- Makes cervical fluid thicker
- Interferes with sperm movement
- Reduces sperm survival
- Prevents fertilization of an egg
- Changes the lining of the uterus to prevent the attachment of a fertilized egg
What are the other side effects of using IUD?
Side effects, although mild, are present and subside with time. They are:
- Weight gain due to progesterone
- Pain while IUD insertion
- Backaches or cramping for the first few days
- Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods
- Irregular or heavy bleeding during periods
- Acne
- Mood changes
- Excess hair growth
- Nausea
- Headache
- Ovarian cysts
- It may cause extrauterine pregnancy (ectopic) in some cases
Most of the side effects subside in about three to six months once the body gets used to the IUD.
Some rare and serious side effects of IUDs include:
- Risk of pelvic infection
- Slippage or movement of IUD
- Device expelled from the uterus
Who should avoid using Mirena (IUDs)?
People with the following conditions should avoid using Mirena:
- Sexually-transmitted disease
- Pelvic infection
- Immediately after delivery
- Cervical cancer or uterine cancer
- Unexplainable vaginal bleeding
- Liver disease
- Breast cancer
What are other birth control options?
If IUD doesn’t work for you, then consider one of the many birth control options available. Consult a physician before deciding on which birth control option suits you better. The most common birth control methods include:
- Birth control pills
- Depo-Provera or other birth control injections
- Vaginal rings
- Contraceptive implant
- The Xulane patch