Mirena
What Is a Mirena?
A Mirena is an intrauterine device or IUD, a small contraceptive device, inserted into the patients’ uterus. This is hormone releasing, and can stay in place for up to five years. It is a small T-shaped plastic device with a string attached to the base, and the hormone levonorgestrel in the stem.
This hormone creates thicker mucus in the cervix, making it harder for sperm to get into the uterus, and affecting movement of the sperm and egg through the uterus and fallopian tubes. The likelihood of fertilisation is reduced by approximately 99.8%.
Who can use Mirena?
- The Mirena is most commonly used by women who are looking for a long term, reliable contraceptive.
- As it reduces menstrual bleeding, women with heavy periods can benefit from using this IUD.
- Women who wish to space their pregnancies, have completed their family, or have no children can all potentially use the Mirena.
- Breastfeeding women are able to use this IUD.
Who should NOT use Mirena?
- If there is a possibility you may be pregnant, you should not have the Mirena inserted.
- Any women with undiagnosed abnormal bleeding from the vagina.
- Women with a pelvic infection (pelvic inflammatory disease or PID)
- If you are waiting for cervical cancer treatment, or cervical changes.
Mirena Insertion Information
For more information about the Mirena, and to make sure it is the right choice for you, please talk to our doctor during your appointment. To see a fees associated, visit our fee schedule page.
When booking and appointment, please advise us if you are planning on having a Mirena inserted, as you will need a longer consultation.