What is Mirena, and how does it work?

Mirena is a type of intrauterine device (IUD) that releases a small amount of hormone to prevent pregnancy. It's a small, T-shaped device that's inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider.

What are the benefits of using Mirena?

Mirena offers several benefits, including period-free living, reduced heavy bleeding, and improved overall health and energy levels.

How long does Mirena last?

Mirena is designed to last for up to 5 years, but it can be removed at any time if you decide you want to try for a pregnancy.

What are the potential side effects of Mirena?

Some potential side effects of Mirena include cramping, bleeding or spotting, and changes in menstrual cycle.

How do I insert and remove Mirena?

Mirena is inserted by a healthcare provider, and it can be removed by a healthcare provider as well.

Is Mirena safe for everyone?

Mirena is not suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or allergies. It's essential to discuss your medical history and any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Can I get pregnant while using Mirena?

Mirena is designed to prevent pregnancy, but it's not 100% effective. There's a small chance of getting pregnant even with Mirena in place.

What are the costs associated with Mirena?

The cost of Mirena varies depending on your location and insurance coverage. It's essential to discuss costs with your healthcare provider before making a decision.

Mirena IUD Review: 9 Years of Period-Free Living

Let's talk about IUDs - I'm sure every single one of you has heard of them, and some of you might even have one inside you right now.

I've had one living inside me for 14 years now, since 2011. ✔️ 2011 - 2016 years - a regular copper IUD was inserted in me after the birth of my second child (I was 30 years old, weighed 47 kg, and stood 168 cm tall) to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

My local gynecologist, knowing that I had heavy periods (menorragia), didn't suggest a hormonal IUD... My periods were extremely heavy with the copper IUD, which isn't surprising, given that my hemoglobin levels were always below normal with it: 106-116 (normal range is 120−160 g/l for women). See my weight above - every single unit of this reading was crucial for me!

And then in 2016, I met her - not just an IUD, but the best gynecologist in another city (of course, thanks to recommendations and reviews), whom I visited again yesterday.

I always choose my own doctor for my annual check-up (for work), not the one assigned to my organization.

It turned out we already knew each other: back in 2007, I had a laparoscopy (I was treated for infertility), and guess what? This gynecologist came to visit me after the operation! Fate, right? ✔️ Since 2016 up to today (29.03.2025) – I've had a hormonal intrauterine spiral "Mirena" inserted into my uterus (I'm now 43 years old).

"Mirena" is an intrauterine spiral that helps women avoid unwanted pregnancies. The device looks like a "T" and contains the hormone levonorgestrel.

Country of origin:

Finland

Some key features of the "Mirena" spiral:

Can be used regardless of age.

I've noticed that using Mirena has made my periods way less intense. Sometimes they've even stopped altogether.

It's also been a game-changer for dealing with various issues in the pelvic area - it's like it's got some kind of healing effect.

The good news is that Mirena is designed to last for five years, after which you can get a new one.

A bit of research I've done online suggests that when you use Mirena, you start to see some pretty significant changes in your body:

The endometrium (that's the lining of the uterus) starts to change, and there's a bit of a local reaction to the presence of the device. The mucus in your cervix gets thicker, which makes it harder for sperm to get in, and that reduces the chances of getting pregnant. Some women even experience ovulation suppression.

Now, I know some people might be worried about the side effects, but from what I've read, hormonal IUDs like Mirena tend to have fewer issues than copper ones. Still, there are some potential complications to watch out for - things like infections and inflammatory diseases in the reproductive system. And, in rare cases, it can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy or even cause a perforation of the uterus.

But here's the thing: because of the levonorgestrel in Mirena, it's got some pretty cool benefits:

It can help reduce the amount of menstrual bleeding in women with heavy periods, which is a total lifesaver for some people.

It can also prevent iron deficiency anemia in women who experience heavy bleeding during their periods.

It can even help prevent hyperplastic changes in the endometrium, which is a big deal for women in their 40s or 50s.

And, believe it or not, it can even help with conditions like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and PMS.

I want to mention some potential contraindications for getting an IUD. These include pregnancy, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, infections of the lower urinary and genital tract, and other conditions.

Only a doctor should insert an IUD.

Make sure to consult a gynecologist before using the Mirena IUD!

I won't go into the details of the insertion process, but I will say that it was painful, but manageable. The IUD is inserted very quickly, so you can tolerate a few minutes of cramping in your lower abdomen.

My first Mirena was removed by my gynecologist (in just 2 seconds) in February 2022, after being in place for about 6 years. She then put in a new one in April 2022 (see the photo below from my medical records). My second Mirena has been with me for 3 years now, and I'm expecting a few more years of companionship.

I want to share my story with women who are still unsure about getting an IUD. Remember, everyone's experience is unique! How has my life changed for the better over the past 9 years with Mirena?

It's been a total game-changer!

1. I have very light periods and no more pelvic pain.

I've been using these sanitary pads for 9 years now, and I have to say, they're a lifesaver. The light flow is barely noticeable, and I only need to change them a couple of times a day. I've ditched the bulky pads for good, and I don't miss them one bit!

One of the best things about these pads is that I can keep up with my fitness routine all year round. My hemoglobin levels have always been within the normal range (130-140 g/l), and I don't have to worry about heavy periods holding me back. I can hit the gym, go for a swim, or take a beach vacation whenever I want!

I've never missed a family water therapy session, and I've never missed a water therapy session at sanatoriums that I've grown to love.

I've been going to the gym for 7 years (yes, I'm that witch who eats and doesn't get fat), and for 6 of those years, I've been working with a personal trainer. He had no idea why all his clients would miss a couple of sessions every month, but I've never missed one.

It's so convenient not to rely on the dreaded 'red day calendar'! I've got my own fitness routine down pat, and I can do it whenever I want.

Of course, I've still got to work on my lower body strength, but that's a whole different story...

One thing I don't have to deal with is PMS.

4. I don't get mood swings before 'crunch time' because I don't have PMS.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a complex set of symptoms that appear towards the end of the cycle, just before menstruation, and usually resolve on their own in the first few days of your period.

PMS symptoms affect both the physical and emotional state of a woman.

Working in a female team, I immediately 'pick up' on who's experiencing PMS 😅. I'm pretty sure any guy would be able to tell too 😂.

I've forgotten all about PMS with 'Mirrena' for 9 years! I remembered the mood swings when I went 2 months without Mirrena before getting the second one installed - that was a nightmare!

'How do you cope with this?'

I asked all my friends 😂🤯😂.

According to my gynecologist, we'll install the third Mirrena as soon as she removes the second one.

My doctor also said:

'A woman shouldn't lose blood: she should either be pregnant or breastfeeding.'

I completely agree, but being constantly pregnant isn't my thing 😅. My thing is 'Mirrena'!

I do notice a slight tenderness in my breasts before my period, that's probably the only sign of my PMS)

5. In 9 years, no pregnancies, and my libido is still great 😎😜!

6. I've got to say, I don't think the Mirena had any impact on my appearance. The weight gain with the hormonal coil, which some girls mentioned, didn't happen to me not that I'm a witch 😅: I've always gained 2 kg with birth control pills (before getting pregnant). And let's be real, I love to eat 😄,

just like my dog find your dog)))

So, I've covered the main pros of Mirena (at least, from my personal experience).

One thing I want to mention about the downsides of cohabiting with a hormonal coil is that

✔️ besides the two or three days of light periods, I get a spotting every month for a couple of days. And that's normal when you have a hormonal coil!

I used to keep a period tracker, but it got boring after a while: what's the point? Time to conquer the world! 😁

Here's my example of red days 🩸(the second date is the spotting day). I wouldn't say my cycle with Mirena is as regular as clockwork (without the coil, my periods were super unpredictable!), but it doesn't bother me too much: I know I'm not pregnant, and I don't really notice the discharge.

I've had annual ultrasounds show functional cysts - totally normal (they just go away on their own), and I don't even notice them unless occasionally my lower abdomen feels a bit off. I didn't find any other downsides: the fact that you need to get checked up by a gynecologist every year with the spiral is the same whether you have one or not.

I've had my Mirrena for 9 years now, and it's still going strong - no issues with it falling out. I've worked out with weights, done hours of cardio on the rowing machine, and even participated in team competitions in the pouring rain. And through it all, my Mirrena has stayed firmly in place.

I've even taken it to the Lushniks in Moscow, where I've sweated buckets in the gym. And still, my Mirrena has remained securely in place.

In fact, it's become such a trusted companion that I hardly even notice it's there - it's just a part of me now.

So, to all my friends and acquaintances out there, if your doctor gives you the green light to get a hormonal IUD, I highly recommend giving Mirrena a try.

Verdict. If you've got the go-ahead from your doc, give Mirrena a shot - it's been a total game-changer for me.

I have to say, Mirrena has genuinely improved my life!

I'm not even kidding, those awful, heavy periods were a nightmare 😖😩.

The price of 17,000 rubles today is completely worth it!

I bought a spiral in 2016 for 10,000 rubles, and in 2022, I paid 13,500. I know some people order or bring one from Turkey, where it costs 10,000 rubles.

I hope my review will be helpful to someone!

I've shared my personal experience, but it's something familiar to every woman 🤗!

Wishing you all good health and normal hemoglobin levels! 🌀