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What is Mirena

What Is Mirena^®?

Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is an intrauterine contraceptive that delivers small amounts of hormone directly to the uterus. Made of soft, flexible plastic, it is put in place by your health care provider during an office visit. Mirena is birth control that lasts as long as you want, for up to 5 years. Mirena works continuously, without a pill, without a daily hassle. Once Mirena is properly placed, all you have to do is check the threads once a month. Your health care provider can show you how. If you have trouble finding the threads, be sure to use a backup form of birth control and call your health care provider.

What Mirena does:

• Offers an over 99% effective form of contraception, among the most effective forms of birth control
• Prevents pregnancy for as long as you want, for up to 5 years
• When removed by your health care provider, you can to try to become pregnant immediately*

When Mirena should be placed:

Mirena should be placed within 7 days of the start of your period. When properly placed, Mirena prevents pregnancy for as long as you want for up to 5 years.

No birth control is right for everyone and there are certain risks associated with Mirena that you should know about. For detailed information about possible side effects, some potentially serious, please see Safety with Mirena.

How Mirena Works

Learn how Mirena prevents pregnancy, and see how it works.

Mirena vs. Other Birth Control Methods

Compare Mirena to different birth control methods.

Benefits of Mirena

Over 99% effective and one of the most effective forms of birth control—and that's just for starters.

* A woman's chances of getting pregnant within 12 months of having Mirena removed are approximately 80%.

INDICATIONS & USAGE
Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a hormone-releasing system placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for as long as you want for up to 5 years. Mirena also treats heavy periods in women who choose intrauterine contraception.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT MIRENA
Only you and your health care provider can decide if Mirena is right for you. Mirena is recommended for women who have had a child.
-Don't use Mirena if you have a pelvic infection, get infections easily or have certain cancers. Less than 1% of users get a serious infection called pelvic inflammatory disease. If you have persistent pelvic or abdominal pain, see your health care provider.
Mirena may attach to or go through the wall of the uterus and cause other problems. If Mirena comes out, use back-up birth control and call your health care provider.
-Although uncommon, pregnancy while using Mirena can be life threatening and may result in loss of pregnancy or fertility.
-Ovarian cysts may occur and usually disappear.
-Bleeding and spotting may increase in the first few months and continue to be irregular. Periods over time may become shorter, lighter or even stop.

Mirena does not protect against HIV or STDs.