Craig D. Rosenbaum | November 20, 2021 | Medical Malpractice
A Mirena IUD can move from its intended position inside the uterus. It may shift, become partially or completely expelled, or, in uncommon cases, perforate the uterine wall and move outside the uterine cavity. A displaced Mirena may cause pain, unusual bleeding, or reduced contraceptive protection.
If you believe your IUD has moved, seek medical care. A healthcare provider can determine where the device is located and whether it needs to be removed or replaced.
What Is Mirena?
Mirena is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) that releases levonorgestrel. A healthcare provider places the small, T-shaped device inside the uterus. It is approved for pregnancy prevention and can also be used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in some patients.
Mirena is designed to remain in the correct position after insertion. However, complications such as expulsion and uterine perforation can occur.
How Can a Mirena IUD Move?
An IUD may move if it shifts from its intended position, is pushed partly or completely out of the uterus, or perforates the uterine wall. Perforation most often occurs during insertion, although it may not be detected right away.
According to Mirena’s prescribing information, delayed detection or removal after perforation can allow the device to migrate outside the uterine cavity. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to locate and remove it.
The risk of perforation may be higher under certain circumstances, including when Mirena is inserted while a patient is breastfeeding or during the postpartum period.
What Are the Signs That Mirena Has Moved?
A displaced IUD does not always cause obvious symptoms. Some people may not realize that anything is wrong until a healthcare provider examines them.
Possible warning signs include:
- New or worsening pelvic or abdominal pain
- Unusual or heavy bleeding
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- A change in the length or position of the IUD strings
- Being unable to feel the strings
- Feeling part of the device in the vagina
- Unexpected pregnancy
These symptoms do not necessarily mean that Mirena has moved. They can have many causes, so a medical examination may be needed to identify the problem.
What Complications Can a Displaced Mirena Cause?
The potential complications depend on where the device is located and how long the problem remains undetected.
If an IUD is partially or completely expelled, it may no longer provide effective contraception. Pregnancy can occur when Mirena is not properly positioned.
Uterine perforation can lead to more serious complications. Mirena’s prescribing information warns that delayed detection or removal following perforation may result in adhesions, infection, intestinal injury, bowel obstruction, abscesses, or damage to nearby organs.
A patient may need imaging tests to locate the device. In some cases, surgical removal may be required.
What Should I Do if I Think My Mirena Has Moved?
Contact a healthcare provider if you experience severe pain, unusual bleeding, cannot locate the IUD strings, or otherwise suspect that Mirena is no longer properly positioned. Do not attempt to push the device back into place or remove it yourself.
Until a doctor confirms that the IUD remains properly positioned and effective, ask about whether you should use another form of birth control. Seek prompt medical attention for severe symptoms or if you believe you may be pregnant.
Keep copies of relevant medical records, including records from the original insertion, follow-up visits, imaging studies, and any removal procedure. These documents may also be important if the displacement caused an injury.
Can I File a Lawsuit if My Mirena Moved?
A displaced Mirena does not automatically give someone grounds for a lawsuit. Whether a legal claim is available depends on why the device moved, whether anyone acted negligently, and what injuries resulted.
For example, a medical malpractice claim may be possible if a healthcare provider negligently inserted the device, failed to recognize signs of a perforation, or failed to respond appropriately to reported symptoms. Other circumstances could raise questions about the device itself or the warnings provided with it.
New York generally provides two years and six months to bring a medical malpractice action, although exceptions and different deadlines may apply. Because identifying the proper claim and filing deadline can be complicated, an injured patient should have the circumstances reviewed promptly.
Contact the New York City Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Rosenbaum Meier Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
A displaced Mirena can cause pain, unexpected medical treatment, and serious complications in some cases. Determining whether another party may be responsible requires reviewing how the IUD was inserted, when the problem was discovered, and what injuries followed.
The New York City medical malpractice lawyers at Rosenbaum Meier Personal Injury Lawyers can review the circumstances surrounding a Mirena-related injury and explain the legal options that may be available. Contact the firm today to schedule a free consultation.
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