Expert: Norman Solberg - 3/2/2011

Question
i have hyperplasia and was given a mirena five years ago in the course of the d&c i had for it - today i had that mirena removed (over a full month before its expiration date just to be safe) and had another mirena inserted - my doctor's responses were confusing, so i would like to know the following:
- is the new mirena already working as contraception? i am monogamous and do not typically use a backup method - i have not had a period for five years so the guidelines about mirena only working immediately if inserted at certain points of the cycle, are meaningless in my case
- how can i minimize the risk of the mirena dislodging and falling out?

Answer
Your new Mirena is effective immediately, since it's just replacing the one that was there.
It's unusual for a Mirena to dislodge or fall out.  It does happen occasionally, but we don't know why or if there is any way to prevent it.  Most likely it has nothing to do with your activity.  Sorry.