WHAT IS THE LEVONORGESTREL IUD (Mirena)?
An IUD is a small device which is placed inside the uterus. The vertical arm of this IUD contains levonorgestrel. This hormone is a progestin much like the progesterone a woman’s ovaries produce each monthly cycle. Each week the levonorgestrel IUD gives off about the same amount of levonorgestrel as a woman gets when she takes one or two of the mini-pills called Ovrette. The levonorgestrel causes the cervical mucus to become thicker so sperm cannot reach the egg. Among typical couples who use this IUD, one in 1,000 will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. Mirena is as effective in preventing pregnancy as tubal sterilization and lasts at least for five years. This method has been available for 10 years in Europe and has been used by approximately 2 million women worldwide. In Europe 10-25% of women use an IUD compared to 2% in the United States. Mirena is part of the reason for the popularity of the IUD in Europe. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES? It is the most effective rever
