About Mirena IUD’s
What is a Mirena IUD?
The Mirena is a type of hormonal IUD (a small device that sits in your uterus to stop pregnancy). It’s one of the most effective types of birth control and lasts for
up to 8 years.
The Mirena is small, only 32mm long and shaped like a small T. You won’t feel it once it’s in place.
It slowly releases a small amount of hormone into your uterus to stop you from getting pregnant, and you can choose to take it out anytime if you want to get pregnant or change birth control.
Why Choose the Mirena IUD?
Over 99% Effective
One of the most reliable forms of contraception available.
Low Maintenance
Once inserted by a healthcare provider, there's nothing you need to remember daily or weekly.
Long Lasting Protection
Effective for up to 8 years, but can be removed anytime if you wish to start a family.
Fertility Returns Quickly
Once removed, most women can get pregnant right away.
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99%
Effectiveness Rate
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8 Years
Long Lasting Protection
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32mm
In Size
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15 Minutes
Quick/Easy Appointment
Guide at a Glance
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Getting your IUD for the first time
To get an IUD, you need to be sure you’re not pregnant at your appointment (unless you're getting a copper IUD for emergency contraception).For the month before your appointment, you’ll need to either avoid penis-in-vagina sex or use reliable contraception every time (like the pill and condoms together).
We may need to cancel or reschedule your appointment if:
You’ve had unprotected sex, or
There’s any chance you’re pregnant (unless it's for copper IUD emergency contraception).
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Eat something beforehand to avoid feeling light-headed or dizzy during your appointment.
Take pain relief an hour before — 2x 500mg paracetamol and/or 2x 400mg ibuprofen — to help with discomfort.
Wear comfy clothing to help you relax.
If you have tamariki, try to arrange care for them during your appointment.
Most people feel fine afterward and go on with their day, but if you feel faint or have cramps, it’s helpful to have a friend or whānau member available to take you home so you can rest.
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Most people are able to go back to their usual activities after getting an IUD.
For the first 48 hours, use pads instead of tampons or a menstrual cup. After that, you can go back to using whatever period products you prefer.
What to Expect:
You may feel some cramping, pain, or dizziness during insertion — this is normal and usually settles quickly.
The IUD has small threads that sit inside your vagina. They don’t hang out like tampon strings and are used later for removal.
You won’t feel the IUD once it’s in place, except if you check for the threads.
Your partner shouldn’t feel it during sex.
You may notice some changes to your period:
With a copper IUD, periods might become heavier, longer, or more painful, especially in the first few months.
With a hormonal IUD like Mirena or Jaydess, you might have spotting at first, then lighter or no periods over time.
Want to Learn More
About the IUD?
If you'd like a more in-depth look at how the IUD works, including details on what happens during the insertion, and answers to common questions, you can click below to explore further.
FAQs
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Mirena is more than 99% effective, making it one of the most reliable forms of birth control available.
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Some people feel mild to moderate discomfort during insertion. The procedure is quick, and any cramping usually settles within a few hours or days.
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Yes, it’s safe to use both tampons and menstrual cups with a Mirena. Just be careful when removing a cup so you don’t tug on the IUD strings.
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Yes. Fertility usually returns quickly once the Mirena is taken out.
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Many people notice lighter periods, less pain, or no period at all after a few months. This is normal and safe.
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Yes, the Mirena is safe to use while breastfeeding.
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Yes. Mirena is often recommended to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and ease period pain.
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That’s absolutely fine. A trained nurse or doctor can take it out at any time if you want to stop using it or try for a baby.
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The actual insertion takes just a few minutes, but your whole appointment might take about 15–30 minutes.
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Some people may experience mild cramping, spotting, or irregular periods in the first few months. These usually improve over time.
Visit Us
6 Avalon Drive, Nawton, Hamilton 3200
Hours
Wednesday
8am - 4:30pm
Phone
07 846 0082
Ready to Take the
Next Step?
Book your consultation today.