Sean | January 18, 2023
Has Your Mirena IUD Moved?
There are several choices when it comes to contraception. While many patients choose pills and shots, the intrauterine device (IUD) remains one of the most popular forms of birth control.
Many types of IUDs exist, including Mirena. One of the most significant side effects of this IUD is the potential for movement or expulsion from the uterus.
If your Mirena IUD has moved, you may have a legal claim for your harm.
What Is Mirena?
Mirena is a hormonal IUD. It is a small, T-shaped device inserted and placed into the uterus, where it releases a hormone called progesterone. It is a contraceptive device that helps prevent pregnancies for up to eight years.
Mirena works by thickening the mucus in the cervix, blocking sperm from reaching the egg for fertilization. It also thins the lining of the uterus and suppresses ovulation.
The Mirena IUD is meant to stay in place until it is removed by a healthcare provider. It is not meant to move or be removed at any time otherwise.
What Causes the Mirena IUD To Move Out of Place?
Like many medical products, Mirena does not come without possible risks. One of the biggest risks patients face is the potential movement of the device.
When an IUD moves out of position — called displacement or expulsion — it can be partial or complete. A partial movement involves the IUD moving out of its intended position, while a complete expulsion means the device has been completely expelled from the uterus, which is not supposed to occur.
The Mirena IUD can move or be expelled for several reasons, but patients who are most at risk for movement include those who:
- Experience strong cramping during periods
- Are under the age of 20
- Have never been pregnant
- May have an irregularly shaped uterus
- Had Mirena inserted too soon after childbirth
- Had a physician insert the Mirena IUD device incorrectly
While patients who fall under the above categories have higher chances of displacement or expulsion of their IUD, just about any patient can experience this unpleasant event.
Signs That Your Mirena IUD May Have Moved
With IUD movement, you may experience certain signs of symptoms, commonly including:
- Not being able to feel the strings at the end of the device
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Abnormally severe cramping during periods
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Your partner being able to feel the device during sex
- Bleeding when not on your period
- Unusual vaginal discharge
If you believe your Mirena IUD may have moved, you can attempt to check its placement yourself by feeling for the strings at the bottom of the device. If you don’t feel anything, there is a chance your IUD has been displaced.
Potential Complications of IUD Movement
Unfortunately, issues can occur if your Mirena has moved out of place.
Some of the common complications resulting from IUD movement include:
- The device embedding into the uterine wall
- Perforations of the uterine wall, bladder, or intestines
- Unwanted pregnancies
- Ectopic pregnancies
- Infections
When an IUD moves, it should be dealt with as quickly as possible. However, in some cases, victims have no idea the device has shifted position at all. When this occurs, health complications are more likely to develop.
What To Do If You Believe Your IUD May Have Moved
If you believe your Mirena IUD has moved, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Even if symptoms seem to be mild, it’s best not to ignore the problem to avoid any potential health problems.
Your doctor can decide the best course of action to take, such as removal. In serious cases, removal may require surgery.
After putting your health and well-being first, seek guidance from a skilled lawyer. Depending on the details of your situation, you may have a valid product liability or medical malpractice claim for the injuries and losses resulting from your Mirena IUD movement.
Contact Our Product Liability Law Firm – Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys
Contact a St. Petersburg product liability lawyer at Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys and schedule a free case review today.
Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys
700 7th Ave N Suite B
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 933-0015