Mirena® | How Effective Is Mirena?

Mirena is one of the most effective low-maintenance birth control options. Once Mirena is placed by your healthcare provider, it is over 99% effective and works consistently to prevent pregnancy for as long as you want, for up to 5 years.

As the chart on this page shows, when choosing birth control, generally the more you have to do the less effective the option. The most effective methods, including intrauterine devices such as Mirena, are found at the top of the chart. If you think Mirena may be right for you, review this list of questions and have a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Convenient birth control

Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is birth control you don’t have to think about every day or even every year. Once it’s placed, check the threads of Mirena once a month to make sure it’s in the correct position. Your healthcare provider can explain how.

Birth control that gives you flexibility to change your mind

Birth control should give you options if you’re not sure you want more children. With Mirena, you get both efficacy and flexibility. Mirena lasts for as long as you want, for up to 5 years, and can be removed by your healthcare provider at any time, so you can try to become pregnant right away. Within a year of having Mirena removed, about 8 out of 10 women succeed at becoming pregnant.

If you’re looking for a highly effective, convenient birth control option, have 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.