Mirena is a brand of intrauterine contraception (IUD) that has been approved by the American Food and Drug Administration. The use of Mirena can provide long-term control of pregnancy whose effectiveness can reach 5 years if used and treated properly. Once Mirena is placed in the uterus, you will need to have regular checks to make sure it doesn't shift its position. Some things you can do are to check the position of Mirena with the help of a doctor, or to check the position of the thread that should be slightly out of the cervix by inserting your hand into the vagina.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Checking Mirena's Position Independently
Step 1. Check Mirena's position once a month
Most health agencies recommend that you check the position of the thread once a month, in the middle of your period, to make sure it doesn't shift. However, there are also those who recommend that you check Mirena's position every three days for the first 3 months after installation, especially since Mirena's position is more prone to shifting during that time frame.
Step 2. Wash your hands thoroughly
Before checking Mirena's position, wash your hands first with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. After that, dry your hands with a dry towel.
Step 3. Squat or sit down
Squat or sitting position will make it easier for you to reach the cervix. Choose the position that feels most comfortable for you!
Step 4. Insert your index or middle finger into the vagina until you find the location of the cervix
The cervix should feel firm and slightly elastic, just like the texture of the tip of your nose.
- If you have trouble getting your finger into your vagina, try lubricating it with a water-based lubricant first.
- Before doing so, it's a good idea to trim or trim your nails first so you don't risk scratching or irritating the cervix and/or vagina.
Step 5. Feel for the thread
After locating the cervix, look for the presence of spiral threads. The thread should feel a little out of the cervix, about 2.5-5 cm. Don't pull it! If Mirena's position feels shifted or doesn't fit properly, contact a doctor immediately instead of trying to fix it yourself. Call your doctor if:
- The thread feels longer or shorter than it should be.
- You can't feel the thread at all.
- You can feel the plastic tip of the Mirena.
Method 2 of 2: Checking Mirena's Position with the Help of a Doctor
Step 1. See a doctor for a routine health check
Most likely, the doctor will schedule an examination about a month after Mirena is installed. At the examination, the doctor will make sure Mirena remains in place and does not cause health problems for you. Don't hesitate to ask questions that are stuck in your mind regarding these contraceptives and how to check them independently.
Step 2. Call your doctor immediately if you suspect Mirena's position has shifted
Although you can feel the presence of the thread, sometimes its position in the uterus is actually shifted or not quite right. Some symptoms to watch out for:
- The emergence of pain in yourself and / or your partner during sexual intercourse.
- There is a sudden change in thread size, or the hard tip of Mirena pierces the inside of the vagina.
- There is a change in the menstrual period.
Step 3. Call your doctor immediately if you experience serious symptoms
Occasionally, Mirena doesn't work as well as it should or causes serious health complications. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you experience:
- Heavy bleeding outside of menstrual periods in the vagina, or bleeding that is more intense than usual during menstruation.
- A foul-smelling vaginal discharge or pain in the vagina.
- Great headache.
- Fever with no apparent cause (for example, not caused by a cold or influenza).
- Pain in the abdomen or pain during sexual intercourse.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eye area).
- Pregnancy symptoms.
- Sexually transmitted disease.
Warning
- Never try to release Mirena without a doctor's help!
- If you have trouble finding or feeling the position of the thread, call your doctor immediately! While waiting to see the doctor, use other non-hormonal contraceptives such as condoms.
