Has Your Mirena IUD Moved?
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are used as contraception by approximately 160 million women worldwide, and Mirena is one of the top IUD manufacturers approved by the Food and Drug Administration. While many women experience no problems with their Mirena devices, some do, particularly them moving out of place.
As less than 5% of users experience IUD migration, the overall risk factor may be low. Nevertheless, a Mirena IUD that has moved can lead to an unwanted pregnancy or serious health complications.
If your IUD has migrated, don’t attempt to move it back into place. Contact your doctor to schedule an exam to confirm that it has moved and to discuss your medical options.
What Causes an IUD To Move?
There are multiple causes of IUD migration. A physician should be able to determine which factors led to the displacement of your device.
The causes include:
- Breastfeeding
- Strong uterine contractions while menstruating
- Small uterine cavity
- Tilted uterus
- Uterine fibroids
- Inserted too soon after childbirth
- An inexperienced doctor performed the procedure
When a Mirena IUD is inserted in the wrong location, the woman usually knows it within hours of the procedure. She will experience persistent bleeding or dizziness. Migration, however, typically occurs months after the initial insertion procedure.
The Signs and Symptoms of IUD Migration
According to the Mirena website, symptoms of a displaced IUD include the following:
- Severe pain or cramping
- Heavy bleeding
- Abnormal discharge
The further away the device moves from the uterus, the greater the likelihood that a woman will experience severe symptoms.
It’s important to note that some women may not experience any symptoms at all. For them, the location or length of the strings will serve as an indicator. The length of the strings should be regularly monitored after insertion to keep tabs on the device’s location. If the strings cannot be located, it could be a sign that the IUD has moved inside the uterus.
Other clear signs include being able to feel the IUD but not the strings and a partner being able to feel the device during intercourse.
Complications of a Displaced Mirena IUD
Just as it is uncommon for a Mirena IUD to move, it is pretty rare for a woman to experience complications with the device. However, in the event that the IUD does move, the potential complications can be serious.
On the Mirena website, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceutical (the parent company of Mirena) warns that the device may become embedded in the uterine wall or even go through it, a condition known as perforation.
Not only will the IUD no longer prevent pregnancy if it moves outside of the uterus, but it could also cause internal scarring, infection, or damage to nearby organs, such as the abdomen and bladder.
A research paper published in 2020 in Obstetrics & Gynecology Science discusses the case of a 43-year-old woman whose IUD had become embedded in the fundal part of her bladder wall. Her symptoms, experienced over a span of three months, were lower abdominal pain and dysuria (pain, burning, stinging, or itching of the urethra).
If Your Mirena IUD Moved, Seek Medical Attention
If your Mirena IUD has moved, your first course of action should be to see a physician. At the same time, though, you should also greatly consider consulting a personal injury attorney.
They will review the details of your case to determine whether medical malpractice or negligence had a role in the harm that the device caused you. And if either is the case, they will help you pursue adequate compensation.
Contact the Jacksonville Medical Malpractice Law Firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Medical Malpractice law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W Forsyth St Suite 1000,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167