Preparing for your Mirena and beyond
The fitting of Mirena
During your appointment your doctor or nurse can talk you through everything and make sure you're happy to proceed.
When you are comfortable and ready, Mirena is placed in the womb using a thin tube. Once inside, it opens into the 'T' shape and the two small threads at the bottom of Mirena are cut to the right length.
Your doctor or nurse will teach you how to check that your Mirena is in place by finding and feeling the threads.
You may experience some pain and/or dizziness during the placement. If you are epileptic, please tell your doctor or nurse.
Once it is fitted, you should not be able to feel your Mirena.
Will it be painful?
Placing Mirena may feel similar to a smear test, so some women may feel uncomfortable. Your doctor or nurse can advise you on ways to minimise discomfort ahead of your appointment.
You may want to bring a panty liner in case there is a little bleeding following the fitting.
Collecting Mirena from the Pharmacy
Before you have your Mirena fitted, you may have to collect it from the pharmacy. It comes in a box that'll look big for such a small contraceptive, but don't worry. This is because the box contains everything that is needed to fit Mirena, not just the Mirena itself.
You don't need to worry about doing anything with your Mirena at this point, you just need to remember to bring it with you to your appointment. Your doctor or nurse will handle the rest.
After the insertion
After insertion, you may feel some pain similar to menstrual cramps. However, this usually disappears within a few days. If you experience severe pain, fever or heavy bleeding after Mirena is inserted, or if pain/bleeding persists for more than a few weeks, please make an appointment to see your doctor or nurse.
You should be offered a check-up 4-6 weeks after placement to make sure everything is going okay.
At the end of the 4th, 5th or 8th year, depending on what you have been prescribed Mirena for, your Mirena should be removed by your doctor or nurse. If you wish to continue on Mirena, you can have a new one placed during the same appointment.
If you wish to continue using Mirena, you can get a new one placed during the same appointment.
Mirena can be removed by your healthcare provider at any time
There are several reasons why you may choose to remove Mirena. Here, you'll find information about getting pregnant after using Mirena and continuing to prevent pregnancy after Mirena is removed.
Reasons to remove Mirena
I need a new one
Mirena can remain in the uterus for up to 8 years to prevent pregnancy and up to 4 years for endometrial protection. For heavy periods it can remain for up to 8 years but if symptoms come back please contact your doctor or nurse. If you chose to continue using Mirena, make an appointment with your doctor or nurse to remove the Mirena and put in a new one immediately afterwards during the same appointment.
I want to get pregnant
If you are removing Mirena because you want to get pregnant, you can start trying as soon as Mirena has been removed. Your healthcare provider can remove Mirena at anytime, you may become pregnant as soon as Mirena is removed.
I no longer want to use Mirena
You can stop using Mirena at anytime by asking your healthcare provider to remove it. You could become pregnant as soon as Mirena is removed, so you should use another method of birth control if you do not want to become pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best birth control methods for you, because your new method may need to be started 7 days before Mirena is removed to prevent pregnancy.
What to expect during the removal process
If you've made the decision with your healthcare provider to remove Mirena for any of the reasons above, they can do so during a routine appointment. Removing Mirena does not require surgery, but you may experience some pain, bleeding, dizziness, or have vasovagal reactions (feeling faint/passing out, or seizure in patients with epilepsy). Talk with your healthcare provider if you have other questions about the removal process.
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PP-MIR-GB-0214 April 2024
INDICATION FOR MIRENA
Mirena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a hormone-releasing IUS that helps prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years. Mirena also treats heavy periods for up to 5 years in women. If symptoms do not return after five years of use, Mirena can be considered for continued use for up to eight years. Mirena provides endometrial protection for up to 4 years.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
- If you have a pelvic or genital infection, get infections easily, or have certain cancers, don't use Mirena. Less than 1% of users get a serious pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- If you have persistent pelvic or stomach pain, or excessive bleeding after placement, tell your healthcare provider (HCP). If Mirena comes out, call your HCP and avoid intercourse or use non-hormonal back-up birth control (such as condoms or spermicide). Mirena may go into or through the wall of the uterus and cause other problems.
- Pregnancy while using Mirena is uncommon but can be life threatening and may result in loss of pregnancy or fertility.
- Ovarian cysts may occur but usually disappear.
- Bleeding and spotting may increase in the first 3 to 6 months and remain irregular. Periods over time usually become shorter, lighter, or may stop.
Mirena does not protect against HIV or STIs.
Only you and your HCP can decide if Mirena is right for you. Mirena is available by prescription only.
For important risk and usage information about Mirena, please see Full Patient Information Leaflet
Reporting adverse events and quality complaints
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the yellow card scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
