For many women in the U.S. there has been a limited choice in convenient, reliable, and reversible long-acting contraception. Mirena's availability gives these women a choice they need and deserve. In addition to preventing pregnancy, Mirena use may result in a change in bleeding patterns. In the first three to six months following insertion, there may be an increase in intermenstrual bleeding. After this, a woman's period may become shorter and lighter.
Some women experience an absence of menstrual bleeding after one year.
Mirena does not contain estrogen. It delivers a low dose of the progestin levonorgestrel directly to the lining of the uterus. Berlex will market Mirena under a license from the Population Council, which initially developed the contraceptive. The insertion and removal of Mirena takes only a few minutes and is easily done by a trained health care professional in a doctor's office on an outpatient basis. Health care professionals should be thoroughly familiar with insertion procedures before inserting Mirena.