Unfortunately, there are still drawbacks of using the Mirena. The main disadvantage with the Mirena is that there is always the possibility of still becoming pregnant while using it, so it is not one hundred percent reliable. It can even lead to unhealthy pregnancies, such as ectopic or tubal, where the fertilized egg does not mature in the womb (where it is supposed to) but instead the fallopian tubes, and the developing baby dies. The many side effects are another reason why the Mirena may not be a desired birth control. They include painful sexual intercourse, cysts in the ovaries, perforation (tearing) of the uterus, allergic reactions, and more. Although you can become pregnant after using the Mirena, you must wait at least one year after the removal, making it difficult for people who want children as soon as possible. In addition, the Mirena does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, such as Herpes and HIV, so having safe sex while using the Mirena is not guaranteed.
The Mirena poses economical and social impacts. Many people overlook the Mirena because of its high cost at first glance, in comparison to other forms of birth control. However, the IUD is actually one of the most economical types of contraceptive devices. According to Klonick (2009), ‘While daily or monthly forms of birth control can cost up to $60 a month, an IUD is a one-time cost between $300 and $500—though it's often covered by insurance (2009).’ The price covers the IUD itself, the health care provider who helps insert it, and checkups. The total cost ranges from between $200 to $500 USD. The Mirena also makes social impacts, as it is becoming more and more popular because of its values (long lasting, easy to use, removable, economical), with over 2,000,000 women in the U.S using it.
There are ethical impacts related to the use of the Mirena. As it is a form of birth control, there is controversy between people who are ‘Pro-choice’ versus ‘Pro-life’. Some cultures and religions, such as certain Christians, believe that ‘life’ of the potential baby begins at conception, the moment the sperm and an egg meet. Others think it starts later, in implantation, where the fertilized egg travels to the uterus and attaches itself. The ethical concerns raised are from those who believe life takes place during conception. This is because in the event that the sperm manage to enter the uterus and fertilize an egg, the IUD causes the uterus lining to thin, and prevents the egg from being implanted, in other words a form of ending the ‘life.’
To all intents and purposes, the Mirena Intrauterine System is an effective but controversial form of birth control. It has helped to solve the ever-growing problem of unplanned pregnancies, and to a certain extent, overpopulation. The procedure is uncomplicated and economical, as well as sought-after by society. However, there is always risk of side effects, and even harmful pregnancies. The Mirena brings to mind the moral principle of the preservation of one’s life, as in certain cultures, using it is seen as killing a future baby.
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