Mirena (generic name: levonorgestrel) is a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) intrauterine system (IUS) contraceptive device that is inserted into the uterus similarly to a coil. Once inserted, it steadily releases levonorgestrel directly into the uterus. Levonorgestrel is a synthetic form of the female sex hormone progesterone. It reduces the chance of pregnancy by increasing the natural mucus thickness at the cervix. This makes it more difficult for sperm to cross into the uterus, making fertilization less likely.
Mirena IUD works for up to eight years and is claimed to be 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It is also FDA-approved to help with heavy periods (known as heavy menstrual bleeding or HMB) for up to five years in women who are using an IUD for birth control.
This text is for informational purposes only. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
Read the information leaflet that comes with the medication.
Most people who use Mirena do not experience any negative side effects. Doctors prescribe Mirena because they assess that the benefits that such treatment yields outweighs any likely unwanted effects.
Serious side effects can be possible. These include:
- Increased risks of ectopic pregnancy and intrauterine pregnancy if you become pregnant while using Mirena. Be sure to consult a healthcare provider immediately if there is any indication of pregnancy.
- Severe pain or fever shortly after Mirena is placed, which can be a sign of infection that can become life‐threatening. Call your healthcare provider immediately.
- Some IUD users may get a severe pelvic infection (called pelvic inflammatory disease) with symptoms such as long-lasting or heavy bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, low abdominal pain, chills, fever, painful sex, genital lesions, or sores.
- Some women using Mirena develop a painful cyst on the ovary. These cysts usually disappear on their own within two or three months. However, cysts can cause pain, and they may need surgical removal if they persist.
- In very rare cases, there may be a tear in the wall of the uterus (uterine rupture). This is extremely serious and must be attended to immediately. The likelihood that a uterine rupture may be directly caused by the device itself is low. Most complications such as perforation occur at or near the time of insertion and are typically identifiable and managed by the attending doctor.
Other common side effects include:
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Inflammation or infection of the outer part of your vagina (vulvo-vaginitis)
- Headache or migraine
- Vaginal discharge
Possible long-term Mirena side effects:
- Irregular periods
- Pelvic pain or cramping
- Breast tenderness
- Occasional spotting between periods
- Mood changes
- Ovarian cysts
Not all side effects are listed here. If these or other unlisted symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist.
The Mirena intrauterine device is a highly effective method of birth control. It offers several advantages over oral contraceptives, such as not requiring a woman to remember to take a pill every day and reducing the risk of pregnancy if a dose is missed. It is a reversible form of contraception that allows normal pregnancy to occur once it is removed.
Important Information Regarding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):
HRT medications are powerful tools for managing hormonal changes. To ensure the medication’s safety and effectiveness, it’s important to understand who can benefit from it most. According to Israeli Ministry of Health regulations, Mirena can currently only be prescribed for individuals assigned as female at birth.