Expert: Ramona Quilter - 3/23/2007

Question
I have been searching and searching but can't seem to find any information, maybe you could help.  I was looking for any kind of information on how long the Mirena will really last.  Meaning specifically could the hormone start to decrease or wear out before the 5 years or if it was forgotten and left in place longer than the 5 years would hormone continue to be released.  All information I can find is that use is only for 5 years, but no specifics.  I'm asking because of poor timing my next check up will be just over the 5 years by a couple of months.  I feel like I am getting more PMS symptoms lately than I have in the last couple of years and am wondering if it could wear off earlier.  Hopefully your researching skills could be of some help.

Thanks for your time.
Michaelle

Answer
Everything I've read says 5 years.  I'm sure it doesn't "self-destruct" at five years, so a couple of months isn't going to be an immediate risk of pregnancy.  Potentially, it has already started to be less than potent as compared to 5 years ago but it certainly isn't going to 0 effectiveness.  It is a gradual reduction of effectiveness which may explain the increase in your other symptoms as well.