Unexpected Bleeding After 4 Years with Mirena

Published on, 24 October, 2024. Answered by Dr. Mini Sood and Verified by Dr.Galen Team

Patient Question

Hello Doctor,

I’ve had a Mirena IUD for the past four years and didn’t have a period during that time. Now, I’m suddenly experiencing bleeding. Should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Mini Sood

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.

If the absence of a period wasn’t causing any distress, it’s generally safe to continue using Mirena. The bleeding you’re experiencing is most likely a breakthrough bleed. However, while rare, the failure rate of the Mirena system is about 2-3%. To be 100% certain that it isn’t related to a pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy, I recommend taking a urine pregnancy test and getting a scan. If you’re considering switching to another contraceptive method, consult with a healthcare provider. A visit to the nearest clinic will help confirm the diagnosis and guide any necessary treatment.

Thanks