The Mirena coil: more than contraception

Most people meet the Mirena as a contraceptive. It is an excellent one. But the same small device is one of the most useful tools in women's health, and it is recommended for several things that have nothing to do with preventing pregnancy.

Heavy periods

The Mirena is a first-line treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding. It reduces blood loss dramatically, by around 80 percent within a few months and more over time, and for many people periods become very light or stop. For heavy periods it is licensed for up to 5 years. For a lot of women it is the difference between planning life around their period and barely noticing it.

Endometrial protection on HRT

If you take oestrogen as part of hormone replacement therapy and still have your womb, you need a progestogen to protect the womb lining. The Mirena can be that progestogen, delivered locally, while also handling contraception if you still need it. It is a tidy option that many women on HRT choose.

Other uses

It is used to manage the lining in endometrial hyperplasia, and it can ease the heavy, painful periods of conditions like adenomyosis and endometriosis. Your doctor will talk through whether it fits your situation.

The point is simple: if a doctor or specialist has suggested a Mirena, it may be for your periods, your HRT, or your womb lining, as much as for contraception.

Coming soon. Coil fitting is on its way at our clinic, the Mirena included. It is not bookable yet. For now the NHS fits coils free. Our women's health lead, Dr Ferhat Uddin, will fit them.