When is mirena effective after placement

Some women also experience cramps or bleeding after their IUD is inserted. These symptoms should subside within about 48 to 72 hours. However, the type of IUD you choose and the timing of the IUD insertion affect whether the device begins protecting against pregnancy right away. Copper IUDs like Paragard are effective immediately after insertion. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Mirena is a hormonal intrauterine device IUD that can provide long-term birth control contraception.

To prevent pregnancy, Mirena: Thickens mucus in the cervix to stop sperm from reaching or fertilizing an egg Thins the lining of the uterus and partially suppresses ovulation. Mirena placement Open pop-up dialog box Close. Mirena placement The Mirena intrauterine device IUD is inserted into the uterus by a health care provider using a special applicator.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Hatcher RA, et al. Intrauterine contraceptives IUDs. In: Contraceptive Technology. New York, N. Hatcher RA, et al. Intrauterine contraceptives. In: Managing Contraception Tiger, Ga. The menstrual cycle. Dean G, et al. Caroline Praderio. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Stay up to date with what you want to know.

Loading Something is loading. Email address. Call your healthcare professional if the bleeding remains heavier than usual or increases after it has been light for a while. Missed menstrual periods. About 2 out of 10 women stop having periods after 1 year of Mirena use. If you have any concerns that you may be pregnant while using Mirena, do a urine pregnancy test and call your healthcare professional.

If you do not have a period for 6 weeks during Mirena use, call your healthcare professional. When Mirena is removed, your menstrual periods should return. Cysts on the ovary. Some women using Mirena develop a painful cyst on the ovary. These cysts usually disappear on their own in 2 to 3 months.

However, cysts can cause pain and sometimes cysts will need surgery. These are not all of the possible side effects with Mirena. For more information, ask your healthcare professional. Call your healthcare professional for medical advice about side effects. You may also report side effects to Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals at For the first 3 to 6 months, your period may become irregular and the number of bleeding days may increase.

You may also have frequent spotting or light bleeding, and some women have heavy bleeding during this time. You may also have cramping during the first few weeks. After you have used Mirena for a while, the number of bleeding and spotting days is likely to lessen.

For some women, periods will stop altogether. In some women with heavy bleeding, the total blood loss per cycle progressively decreases with continued use. The number of spotting and bleeding days may initially increase but then typically decreases in the months that follow. Yes, tampons or menstrual cups may be used with Mirena. Change tampons or menstrual cups with care to avoid pulling the threads of Mirena.

If you think you may have pulled Mirena out of place, avoid intercourse or use a non-hormonal back-up birth control such as condoms or spermicide , and contact your healthcare professional. You and your partner should not feel Mirena during intercourse. Mirena is placed in the uterus, not in the vagina. Sometimes your partner may feel the threads. If this occurs, or if you or your partner experience pain during sex, talk with your healthcare professional.

It depends on whether you were using hormonal birth control prior to getting Mirena and also when Mirena is placed during your menstrual cycle.

Your healthcare professional will confirm if you need to use back-up birth control after Mirena is placed. Yes, you should check that Mirena is in the proper position by feeling the removal threads. It is a good habit to do this 1 time a month. Your healthcare professional should teach you how to check that Mirena is in place. First, wash your hands with soap and water.

You can check by reaching up to the top of your vagina with clean fingers to feel the removal threads. Do not pull on the threads. If you feel more than just the threads or if you cannot feel the threads, Mirena may not be in the right position and may not prevent pregnancy.