Choosing a birth control method is a highly personal decision. For women who want highly effective, "set-it-and-forget-it" pregnancy prevention—and who also want relief from heavy, disruptive periods—Mirena offers a dual solution.
Mirena is a small, T-shaped intrauterine device (IUD) made of soft, flexible plastic. Placed directly into the uterus during a simple in-office visit, it provides a slow, continuous release of the hormone levonorgestrel.
Because the hormone is delivered locally to the uterus, only small amounts enter your bloodstream, minimizing systemic side effects while maximizing targeted results.
Over 99% Effective Birth Control
When it comes to preventing pregnancy, IUDs are considered one of the most effective reversible methods available by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
- Long-Lasting: Mirena is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years.
- Reversible: If your plans change, your MomDoc provider can remove Mirena at any time, and your natural fertility will return immediately.
- Low Maintenance: There are no daily pills to remember or monthly pharmacy trips to make. Once placed, Mirena works around the clock.
Mirena prevents pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus (which blocks sperm), inhibiting sperm movement, and thinning the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for an egg to implant.
Relief from Heavy Periods
The clinical term for abnormally heavy periods is Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB) during a single cycle. You may have HMB if you consistently need to double up on pads, frequently wake up to change products at night, or soak through pads every hour for several consecutive hours.
Mirena is the first hormone-releasing IUD specifically FDA-approved to treat heavy periods (for up to 5 years).
The localized progestin in Mirena actively thins the lining of your uterus. In clinical trials, the majority of women using Mirena experienced an 80% reduction in bleeding after three months, and a greater than 90% reduction after six months.
What to Expect: Placement and Adjustment
Mirena placement is a nonsurgical procedure performed right in your MomDoc office.
The Placement Visit
Your provider will insert the small, flexible device into your uterus. You may experience some cramping, mild pain, or dizziness during and immediately after the procedure. If pain is a concern, we recommend asking your provider about taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen shortly before your appointment.
The First 3–6 Months
As your body adjusts to the localized hormone, your periods may temporarily become irregular. You might experience an increase in the number of bleeding days, frequent spotting, or even heavier-than-usual bleeding initially. Mild cramping during the first few weeks is also normal.
Long-Term Changes
After the initial adjustment phase, the number of bleeding and spotting days is likely to decrease significantly. For many women, periods become very light, and for about 20% of users, periods stop altogether by the end of the first year. Your normal cycle will return if you choose to have the IUD removed.
Is Mirena Right for You?
Mirena is a highly effective option for women who have had children, as well as those who have not. It can also be safely used while breastfeeding.
However, Mirena is not right for everyone. You should not use Mirena if you:
- Have or suspect you might be pregnant.
- Have an active pelvic infection, an untreated active genital infection, or have had Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) recently.
- Have certain cancers, including breast, cervical, or uterine cancer.
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding, liver disease, or abnormalities of the uterus (like large fibroids) that change its shape.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. A MomDoc provider must evaluate your medical history to determine if an IUD is safe and appropriate for you.