Thinking about using mirena (levonorgestrel) for contraception. what do i need to know?

Side Effects: Mirena (levonorgestrel) is an excellent contraceptive. The failure rate is only anout1%. Like other progestin releasing birth control the number one side effect is breakthrough bleeding - over 50% will have some spotting or bleeding. For most women that will stop by 3 to 8 months of use. The second biggest side effect is weight gain - because progestins stimulate the appetite, if you eat more - you gain weight.

Very effective: Much lower than 1% failure rate, safe, and well tolerated. Placing it is done in the office and with some Ibuprofen and some numbing medicine is usually easier to tolerate than getting dental work done. Almost every woman will have lighter periods, and 20% will stop bleeding altogether. It has not been shown to cause weight gain.