To worry my Mirena has stopped working?

[prepared101]

Hoping for some posters in the know to talk me down from panic.

Had Mirena fitted in October 2017. Called GP last week to make appointment for new coil and got told to call back in September as there's a waiting list due to Covid!

The past month I've noticed I have PMS again (one reason I had it fitted) as well as awful cramps (another reason I had it fitted!). Today I have lost some 'old' blood (very dark brown discharge). I haven't had a proper period in about 4 years.

I'm now petrified that it's stopped working and I might be pregnant. I honestly couldn't imagine anything worse; don't like pregnancy, bad labour with DD2 and our family is definitely complete- we've talked about DH having a vasectomy but he hasn't booked it yet the thought of it is making me feel nauseous which in turn makes me panic it's morning sickness!

AIBU to expect a five year contraceptive to last at least the minimum of five years!?

I had to have mine changed after 4 years and 6 months as I was starting to flood again. That started off as horrible "old" blood periods so I would def get yours checked. I was able to get mine swapped over at the same appointment.

5 years is the max time for Mirena, not the minimum. I was always told to get mine booked in a few months early (to account for possible waiting times) and to book in earlier if I felt there were any issues like what you describe. If you’re noticing symptoms you had pre-Mirena then I’d double up on contraception and wait, hopefully a cancellation will come up while you’re waiting!

I realised a couple of months ago that mine was supposed to have been replaced in January 😳was straight on to the doctors, they were issued guidance with covid that they're good up until the 6th year although slightly less reliable (about as reliable as a condom). They said to use protection for a month before having it replaced and do a pregnancy test before the appointment to be on the safe side, but it was all fine.
You're before the 5 years so I'm sure you'll be fine, though I would push to get an appointment booked in as soon as you can to be on the safe side

5 years is not the max time, it's the recommended time. Like BBE dates - better before, not that it stops working on a specific date.

During lockdowns, they admitted it can be effective up to 7yrs, however if it's fine to change it, get it changed. You might do better to see a Gum clinic if there is one - I had to wait months for my GP surgery to have a clinic.

I used to work for Schering Healthcare who made Mirena. It was licensed for 7 years in Finland so has enough progesterone for that long.

You're making me feel much better- thank you!

DH will be booking that vasectomy tomorrow