The Mirena IUD (intrauterine device) is one of the most popular long-term contraceptives in the United States, but women have reported serious complications.

The bad side effects of Mirena vary among patient reports, but pseudotumor cerebri, also called intracranial hypertension, is the basis for some 917 lawsuits pending as of last month in a multidistrict litigation against Bayer Pharmaceuticals.

Pseudotumor cerebri is a medical condition caused by increased intracranial pressure, or pressure inside the skull.

“Because this condition causes symptoms of elevated pressure in the head – which is also seen with large brain tumors – but have normal scans, the condition has been called pseudotumor cerebri, meaning ‘false brain tumor,’ ” according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

While the exact cause of pseudotumor cerebri is not known, the Mayo Clinic explains that it may be linked to an excess amount of cerebrospinal fluid in the bony confines of the skull. The Mirena device could be causing the body’s issues in reabsorbing cerebrospinal fluid.

The United States Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS), had a higher than expected number of reports of intracranial hypertension in women using Mirena, according to study results published by the National Institutes of Health in 2015.

Released in the early 2000s, Mirena appealed to many women because of its long-term effectiveness. The device can be removed at any time and allows the body to return to fertility. It can even be used while breastfeeding.

There are various other benefits of the IUD, but many women are asking about the side effects of Mirena.

What is the Mirena IUD?

The Mirena IUD is a small T-shaped device that is directly implanted into the patient’s uterus and then releases synthetic progestin from its endpoints. This mechanism causes the mucus in the cervix to thicken, preventing sperm to egg fertilization, while also partially suppressing ovulation.

What are the side effects of Mirena?

There are several serious side effects of Mirena, including the formation of ovarian cysts and potential ectopic pregnancies. Approximately 12 percent of women who get the Mirena IUD develop ovarian cysts, which normally go away on their own.

However, ovarian cysts can be painful, and in serious cases may require surgery. Women who feel sharp or increasing abdominal pain lasting more than a few hours, are advised to contact their doctor.

In addition, according to Women’s Health Magazine, the Mirena IUD could fall out if it’s not properly implanted or gets dislodged. Sudden device expulsion symptoms may include bleeding, pain, and increased menstruation. Patients should contact their doctor as soon as possible if this happens.

 Other Bad Side Effects of Mirena May Include:

• Missed or Spotty Periods
• Abdominal or Pelvic Pain
• Ovarian Cysts
• Back Pain
• Headache or Migraine
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Weight Gain
• Puffiness in Face, Hands, Ankles or Feet
• Skin Irritation

How is the Mirena IUD Removed?

Planned Parenthood says that getting the Mirena IUD removed should be a quick and simple procedure, with the medical professional gently pulling on the strings and removing the device.

The patient may experience momentary cramping, but should not experience any other problems. In very rare cases, surgery may be needed to remove the Mirena IUD.