Complications of Mirena

One of the most serious complications of the Mirena IUD is a brain injury when hormones cause elevated pressure inside the skull. These brain injuries are known as Pseudotumor Cerebri (PTC) and Intracranial Hypertension (IH), and they can cause severe headaches, vision loss, and blindness.

The Mirena IUD

Mirena is an IUD (intra-uterine device) which is used to prevent pregnancy. It consists of a T-shaped, flexible plastic device that is implanted through the patient’s cervix into the uterus. It releases a synthetic hormone called levonorgestrel, which prevents pregnancy so long as the IUD is in place, up to five years.

Unfortunately, like all medical device and medications, Mirena can have complications. You should talk to your doctor if you are concerned about complications. You may qualify for a lawsuit if your Mirena migrated spontaneously, perforated your uterus, and required surgical removal. If you decide to file a lawsuit, you could receive compensation for your injury, medical expenses, and more.

Mirena Brain Injury Complications

Brain injuries: Levonorgestrel, the hormone in Mirena, may elevate levels of cerebrospinal fluid, which puts pressure on the brain. The most common symptom is a headache that worsens. Over time, it can also damage the optic nerve and cause vision problems, double-vision, papilledema, and blindness. The condition is also known as:

Complications of Mirena in More than 10% of Women

Changes in menstrual bleeding
Abdominal pain
Missed menstrual periods
Ovarian cysts

During clinical trials of Mirena, 12% of women developed ovarian cysts. These are fluid-filled sacs that grow inside the ovary. These cysts are usually harmless, but in some cases, these cysts can grow quite large and cause abdominal pain or require surgery.

Complications of Mirena in 5-10% of Women

Acne
Headaches / migraine
Depressed mood
Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding

Complications of Mirena in Less than 5% of Women

Vaginal discharge
Breast pain or tenderness
Nausea
Nervousness
Inflammation of cervix, vulva or vagina
Pelvic pain during your period
Back pain
Weight increase
Decreased sex drive
High blood pressure
Pain during intercourse
Anemia
Unusual hair growth or loss
Skin irritations (such as hives, rash, eczema or itching)
Feeling bloated
Swelling of hands and feet
Expulsion

Rare but Serious Complications of Mirena

Uterine perforation: This life-threatening complication can occur during insertion of Mirena. In rare cases, it occurs when Mirena spontaneously migrates out of its normal position. Once Mirena has perforated the uterus, it may no longer protect against pregnancy, and it may puncture other tissues (such as the intestines). Surgery is often necessary to locate and remove the IUD. Scarring from the perforation or surgery can cause damage to the uterus, potentially causing infertility.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Women with Mirena have an increased risk of PID. This disease occurs when sexually-transmitted bacteria (such as gonorrhea or chlamydia) move up into the uterus from the vagina. PID is a life-threatening infection that can severely damage a woman’s reproductive system and cause infertility. In some cases, women require a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the womb).

Ectopic pregnancy: This is a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies usually occur in the fallopian tubes (called a “tubal pregnancy”) but they can also occur in the cervix, ovary, or abdomen. The pregnancy is life-threatening for the mother and the baby. Approximately half of Mirena pregnancies are ectopic.