Mirena IUD: Frequently Asked Questions

For those women who have used the Mirena IUD, they may have suffered complications as a result. These complications can range from minor to incredibly severe. When you are injured because of a Mirena IUD, you deserve to have your rights protected and to be compensated for the injuries you have suffered. When you use this device, you expect it to work and not cause you harm. Sadly, complications from these devices are all too common.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by the Mirena IUD, the highly experienced attorneys at Gilman & Bedigian are here to fight for you. Here we answer frequently asked questions about the device, as well as what to do once you have suffered an injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Mirena?

Mirena is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD). It is inserted into the uterus for the purpose of the long-term prevention of pregnancy. The device is shaped like a “T” and is about the size of a quarter. It works by preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg. In some cases, it may also stop ovulation. When used correctly, and with no complications, the chances of pregnancy are typically less than 1%.

2. What is a hormonal IUD?

There are two primary types of IUDs. One uses copper to prevent pregnancy. The other, like Mirena, uses hormones to prevent pregnancy instead. It releases the hormone levonorgestrel. It can prevent pregnancy for up to five years through the controlled release of this hormone.

3. What is Mirena made out of?

Mirena is made of a soft, flexible plastic.

4. Does Mirena help to prevent HIV or other STDs?

No. The device is not designed or intended to protect you against HIV or other types of sexually transmitted diseases. If a doctor told you differently, that is malpractice.

5. How is the Mirena IUD supposed to be placed in my body?

When everything goes correctly, the doctor’s placement of Mirena into your body should take only a few minutes. During the process, the doctor will

apply an antiseptic solution to the vagina and cervix
use a slim plastic inserter to place the device in your cervix
ensure the device is positioned correctly
withdraw the inserter, leaving the Mirena IUD in place
ensure that two threads attached to the stem of the IUD are properly extended through the cervix
trim the threads to an appropriate length

The doctor should also teach you how to self-check the threads once a month.

6. Can complications arise during the placement of Mirena in my body?

Doctors can improperly place Mirena, leading to injury, pregnancy, or other related medical conditions. When a doctor’s negligence is the cause of injury to you during the placement process, you have the right to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against that doctor, and to receive financial compensation for your injuries.

If you experienced pain, bleeding, or dizziness for more than 30 minutes after placement, it is likely the device was not placed properly.

7. Approximately how many complaints have there been about Mirena?

Since the year 2000, more than 2 million women have used Mirena. During that time, there have been over 70,000 complaints about dangerous side effects and other issues related to the IUD. Lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer, Bayer Pharmaceuticals. These lawsuits seek to hold the company responsible for the dangers posed by this device.

8. What side effects are associated with the use of Mirena?

The side effects of using Mirena can be very dangerous, or even deadly in some cases. According to the manufacturer, these side effects include:

Pain, bleeding or dizziness during and after placement
Expulsion
Perforation
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Changes in bleeding
Cysts on the ovary
Missed menstrual periods
Life-threatening infection

Many of these side effects can have further complications, which can lead to very serious medical conditions.

9. What medical conditions are caused by Mirena IUDs?

The types of injuries you may receive as a result of a Mirena IUD implantation can vary, but some of the most severe medical conditions include:

Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC)
Chronic headache
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH)
Vision issues – blurred vision or blindness
Balance issues

These conditions can be debilitating and even life-threatening. If you have suffered one of these conditions as a result of your IUD, you deserve to be financially compensated for your injuries.

10. If I have Idiopathic Intracranial hypertension or Pseduotumor Cerebi, what should I do next?

These side effects are among the most dangerous and difficult to live with. They will almost certainly require consulting with a neurologist, which can be both expensive and frightening. They will have to monitor your spinal cord and other neurological functions. An ophthalmologist will also have to monitor you for potential eye problems.

11. What experience does your firm have with Mirena IUD lawsuits?

Our firm is highly experienced in representing women injured by the use of Mirena IUD. With a specialization in medical malpractice law and product liability law, we understand the complicated medical issues associated with this device, as well as how to prove that your injuries were caused by it. Our team of experts is ready to put in the time on your individual case to make sure your rights are protected.

12. What compensation can I receive as a result of a successful lawsuit?

An injured person is entitled to receive financial compensation for her injuries that result from negligent implantation of Mirena or the side effects associated with it. This compensation can include, but is not limited to:

cost of medical bills
future medical costs
rehabilitation costs
pain and suffering
lost wages
loss of consortium
damages related to loss of ability to get pregnant

Mirena IUD Lawyers in Philadelphia

When a Mirena IUD causes you harm, you are entitled to bring a medical malpractice and/or products liability claim to receive financial compensation. The experienced attorneys at Gilman & Bedigian have the knowledge and years of practice to fight for your rights.