What happens if you leave a mirena longer than 5 years?

[akhems]

Does it still work like a normal iud?

[cazar58]

I'm 56, I've had my second Mirena in for about 7 years and I've had no problems with it at all. Some say it can cause infection but if it didn't in the five years what would make it suddenly cause infection after that. I have a couple of friends who have both had theirs in as long as I have 0 - one is still young enough to get pregnant - and they both swear they have had no problems either. It's easy to forget it. I have had no periods for about four years and feel fine with it still in. I've been through the menopause and actually believe the hormones in it helped me to have a smooth passage through 'the change'. However, after reading some of these posts, I am a little concerned, but what I've taken note of is that doctors are not warning women to get the thing removed the minute it hits the five year mark and for those of us who have smears regularly, again, the clinical staff are not falling over themselves to warn us of any undue dangers of having the coil in after the alloted 5 years. I will keep it in until I know different or am advised otherwise. If it aint broke, don't fix it!

[PlymouthMaid1]

I know this a pretty old thread but it has been useful reading all the tales above. I found this thread by googling 'leaving Mirena in' as mine has been in place for more than 7 years now with no problems and I am inclined to just leave it as I am now 53 and there has to be a menopause sometime soonish I would think although with no periods because of the coil, it is hard to know for sure.

[Kazzabob]

I've had mine for almost 10 years - very slight spotting every so often. Husband had the snip so not needed for contraception - loved the fact that not had periods and really reluctant to have another one put in, as I remember mood swings to begin with. Male doc said leave it be, female doc has said have it taken out. Think given the timeframe I will have to do the latter - shame really ...!

[singlemom83]

I've had my mirena for almost 7 years, I've been told it is still good for a couple of years longer. So far I haven't had any problems. My sex drive has skyrocket within the last 2 or so years (which I believe it was due being in the 30's which apparently libido increases after 30) I love not having periods.
Although I do admit my hormones was out of whack during the first 2-3 years, sex drive was the same... I lightly bled occasionally due some stress with a boyfriend at the time but never happened again with another boyfriend when having stress (with him I'd get cold sores due to stress, very weird how my body reacts to stress with different boyfriends)
I used to use birth control pills, didn't like it, made me very moody and had no sex drive.
I've had the patch, successful for 8 months but got pregnant while on it. Mirena has been very effective for me. If I happen to get pregnant while on mirena, I wouldn't say the IUD didn't work for me, I'd obviously know it would be because I've had it for so long and it no longer works. If I were to have another birth control after next baby.... I'd pick the mirena without hesitation. Yes, it hurt like a bitch when it was put in, I bled all over the paper but it was also because I was having a period that time. Totally worth it IMO.

[jacmack]

I have had one copper coil which gave me v heavy erratic periods then replaced with mirena. I am in my 3rd one now and really starting to question whether its the cause of increase in horrible anxiety problems. Also increased migraines, weight gain, acne (never had before) ibs, nausea just like morning sickness, dizzy spells and tremors. Facial hair, exhausted but cant sleep if i wake in the night. I feel awful every day. Its either iud or diabetes maybe. Im 45 and not intending more children. Like others here i have v low libido too. Get it out do you think?

[Janey50]

So glad I stumbled upon this thread. I had a Mirena fitted in July 2012 and was told that this would be my last one and that it should be removed in July this year (I'm 54 in October). I am assuming I've gone through the menopause,but I've no typical symptoms really,apart from a few warm flushes. Not even sure if they really were 'flushes' as I've been told your whole body goes hot and sweaty,but this was just my face and head. Anyway,what I've been worried about is that when I have the Mirena removed,I am going to experience heavy bleeding and/or pain. I have heard of this happening with women who have had one removed and not replaced with another one,but haven't known how old they were. I have no idea if this could happen if you are postmenopausal. Anyone got any experience in this matter? Would I be better off leaving it in for another year or so? The reason I had the Mirena primarily was because of heavy bleeding and pain and I'm obviously reluctant to go through this again.

[sassie1981]

Phew glad you said that about the not dead on 5 years mine is a month out of date had sore boobs and cramps but still not had a bleed since I had it 5 years ago was wondering when periods return x