Mirena coil- how can you tell when it's ineffective?

[drumandhake]

So I've just come on after not having a period for just under five years. Does this mean I am fertile now? It should come out in early December according to the card I have but I'm worried that now I'm having a cycle that's a sign it's no longer effective?

It will still work as an iucd but won’t be as effective as the progesterone is running out. I have had mirenas for almost 30 years and it was always a reminder to get it changed.

@MatildaTheCat ah good so you would come on like clockwork when time was running out then?

Not everyone doesn’t have periods with a Mirena. It is effective up to the 5 year point. After that there is some contraceptive benefit by dint of being in your womb but no hormonal protection.

Yes, it would only be a small bleed but it’s a sign the progesterone isn’t working as well anymore. You’d still have contraception though it might e a tiny bit less effective I guess.

I've got a mirena which is due for replacement next month. I've sill had periods since it was fitted although very light bleeding.

I would get onto your GP now about having it replaced anyway, whether you're concerned it's running out or not. I just waited 4 months for my new one, even though it had technically expired. Long backlog in fitting them in my area due to Covid lockdowns.