Mirena coil safe after 7 years?

[Notacluebutgivingitago]

Hi I had a mirena coil fitted 7 years ago after the birth of my (definitely final!) child. I have since divorced my husband and have no intentions of becoming sexually active again for some time, if ever. It seems to work for me to leave it in in terms of no periods etc, but is it safe to leave for so long? Chance of infection maybe? I'm 44 if that's relevant (I'm sure i read that they can just leave it in until menopause if fitted after age 45).

Well it won’t do you any harm, but won’t be doing anything for you either.

The progesterone will have depleted and you can’t rely on it for contraception should your circumstances change. Also as the progesterone depletes you’ll find your periods may return as if you didn’t have the coil. It won’t act like a copper coil.

Tbh I would get it replaced.

I had one fitted when I was 39 and had it for 7 years nothing was said when I went to have it replaced. The nurse fitted another and said that one would be until I was 55.

I'm 55, I had a more a coil in at 49, by 54 it had stopped working and I got heavier periods again, I've recently had it changed and periods are very light/non existent again. I was leaving it in until after menopause but I guess that hasn't happened for me yet.

I had mine removed in 2021 that should have been taken out in 2016. I can't comment on contraception but I had no periods, no infection and no issues removing it.

Had my fourth Mirena at 46 and was told it could stay in post 5 years to see me through the menopause. In your shoes I would replace now and it will be your last one just in case you still need it for contraceptive purposes.