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There are growing fears about serious side-effects from two popular contraceptive devices on the market.

An ABC investigation has found women around the country are reporting serious concerns about the Implanon hormonal arm implant and Mirena intra-uterine devices.

Their concerns include chronic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, serious scarring and depression.

More than 945,000 Implanon devices were inserted in Australia over the past decade, and of those the Therapeutic Goods Administration has received more than 1,000 reports from treating doctors and specialists of side-effects and other problems.

These include more than 500 unintended pregnancies, more than 50 vaginal haemorrhages and 27 ectopic pregnancies.

With more than 967,000 Mirenas implanted in the past decade the Therapeutic Goods Administration has received more than 850 reports of adverse effects.

These include 70 pregnancies and more than 100 uterus perforations.

In a statement Bayer, the makers of Mirena, said millions of women worldwide had used the device, “But like any prescription product, Mirena has risks and benefits”.

“We investigate reports on side-effects thoroughly and collaborate closely with the Therapeutic Goods Administration concerning the use, benefits and risks of all products,” a spokeswoman said.

The ABC reported that the Royal Australian New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said the side-effects reported by women were “not typical”.

Dr Amber Moore from the college said women with Implanon should only get a tiny scar similar to a vaccination scar.

“They provide a great deal of a certainty for women in terms of safety against pregnancy, and they’re incredibly cost-effective,” she said.

“After the first few months … most women will in fact end up never going through another packet of pads or tampons.

“All the studies internationally and here have indicated that women like them because they go back in, they have another one.”

Read the full report HERE on ABC news.

In June a new study suggested birth control pills could have more dangerous side effects than previously thought. Read more on that HERE.

Read more: Research has found a link between the use of hormonal contraception and increased risk of depression.

Have you experienced any side effects while using Implanon or the Mirena?

Share your story below.

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  • This has been interesting to read. I had the miners inserted 6 months ago and I still have severe cramping and pain all through the month. I feel like I have no energy and have become quite moody and impatient. I am considering having it removed and I don’t think it is for me. I have friends who have them too and who love them.

    Reply

  • wow this is what happens with more research. good to know

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  • Thanks for passing on this update.

    Reply

  • I have used both of these.
    The implanon was when it was first released about 14 years ago. I had trouble finding a Dr qualified to insert it. I needed up with constant bleeding, and after getting numbness down the right side of my body, which drs thought was a stroke or Ms. I had it removed
    The mirena was recommended after I had my daughter. I had very heavy bleeding, and depression.
    That was removed after 4 months

    Reply

  • No, but if you never want another baby, I have to warn you that there is still a very small risk you could bet prgnant after having a tubal ligation. They no longer cut and knot/tie them. They put clips on them to close them. I know a Mum who had one clip open (I’ve seen the Xray) and she now has 3 children instead of 2.

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  • Fortunately I’ve never used either of these devices.

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  • Interesting. I was about to google this device. It has been suggested to me for menopause!!

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  • I don’t use either. I was on the pill for a few years and that was it. There are only 2 ways to 100% prevent pregnancy. No sex or no uterus.

    Reply

  • I’ve heard a lot about Implanon but never used it. Quite a lot of side effects indeed. I don’t know Mirena at all.

    Reply

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