Mirena® | See Mirena Up Close

Use this interactive tool to learn more about the flexibility, size, and placement of Mirena. The tool will give you a better idea of how Mirena looks and feels, as well as how its size compares to items you use everyday.

Mirena is an IUD made of soft, flexible plastic that’s placed directly into your uterus by a healthcare provider during a routine office visit.

What is Mirena? How does it work? Why should you consider it? Get quick answers to these and other general questions about Mirena.

How does Mirena look and feel?

• Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is small, T‑shaped, and made of soft, flexible plastic

• Mirena is placed in the uterus, not the vagina, so neither you nor your partner should be able to feel it during sex. Sometimes male partners may feel the threads

• Mirena has threads that allow you to do a simple monthly check to make sure it’s in place, your healthcare provider can explain how. If you have trouble finding the threads, call your healthcare provider right away. And in the meantime, use a non-hormonal form of birth control as a back-up

A highly effective birth control option

Mirena is:

• A hormone-releasing IUD placed into your uterus by your healthcare provider

• Convenient—No daily routine and no trips to the pharmacy

• More than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy for as long as you want, for up to 5 years—one of the most effective birth control options available

• A nonpermanent form of birth control, meaning you can have it removed at any time by your healthcare provider and try to become pregnant right away

• Birth control that’s also proven to treat heavy periods in women who choose intrauterine contraception

If you’re looking for a highly effective, convenient birth control option, start a conversation with your healthcare provider, who can help you decide if Mirena is right for you.

Indications & Usage

Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a hormone-releasing system placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for as long as you want for up to 5 years. Mirena also treats heavy periods in women who choose intrauterine contraception.

Important Safety Information About Mirena

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 few months and continue to be irregular. Periods over time may become shorter, lighter or even stop.

Mirena does not protect against HIV or STDs.

Available by prescription only.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects or quality complaints of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For important risk and use information about Mirena, please see the Full Prescribing Information.