Birth control for busy moms
Size of MirenaMirena is an FDA-approved intrauterine device (IUD) that is recommended for women who’ve had a child. It’s made of soft, flexible plastic. Getting Mirena is nonsurgical, and placement is done by your healthcare provider during a routine office visit. It typically takes just a few minutes.
Every woman is different, and some women may experience discomfort or spotting during or after placement. These symptoms should go away shortly. If they don’t, contact your healthcare provider. Within 4 to 6 weeks you should return for a follow-up visit to make sure that everything is okay.
Talk to your healthcare provider about Mirena if you’re looking for birth control that is:
Highly Effective—One of the most effective birth control methods—over 99%—and does not rely on you to be effective
Convenient—No daily pills and no monthly refills. It lasts for as long as you want, for up to 5 years. The timeframe is up to you. You should do a monthly self-check to make sure it’s in place. Ask your healthcare provider to explain how
Reversible—You can have it removed by your healthcare provider at any time, and try to become pregnant right away
Estrogen-free—It delivers small amounts of progestin locally into your uterus
Approved to treat heavy periods—Mirena is the first and only birth control that’s FDA-approved to treat heavy periods in women who choose intrauterine birth control
If you have a pelvic infection, get infections easily, or have certain cancers, don’t use Mirena. Less than 1% of users get a serious infection called pelvic inflammatory disease. If you have persistent pelvic or abdominal pain, see your healthcare provider.
You should schedule a follow-up visit 4 to 6 weeks after your Mirena is placed to check that it’s in the right position.
Mirena does not protect against HIV or STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).
Mirena lasts for as long as you want, for up to 5 years.
If you have any questions about Mirena, have a conversation with your healthcare provider, who can help you decide which birth control option is best for you.
Important Safety Information
Only you and your healthcare 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 healthcare 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 healthcare provider.
- Although uncommon, pregnancy while using Mirena 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.
