Is it safe for a 28 year old single woman, with a high risk of developing breast cancer, to be fitted with Mirena IUD for birth control, and to reduce size of her menstrual flow?
Academic Title: Clinical Associate Professor
Director, Breast Imaging
Board Certifications:
Radiology
The Mirena IUD works by releasing tiny amounts of levonorgestrel, a progesterone hormone, into the uterus. It is highly effective and very convenient Almost none of this hormone goes anywhere else in your body so there are very few side effects. In particular, at least three studies have not shown any increased incidence of breast cancer in women using this IUD. So, a family history of breast cancer is not a contraindication for the Mirena IUD.
Still, it is very important that you voice your concerns to your gynecologist, and your gynecologist can review your medical history and make a specific recommendation for you.