Mirena is a hormonal intrauterine device, or IUD, that can be used for long-term birth control and to treat heavy periods. Mirena IUDs work to prevent pregnancy by thickening the mucus in the cervix, which stops sperm from fertilizing an egg, and thinning the lining of the uterus, which suppresses menstrual bleeding.
Mirena birth control is a T-shaped intrauterine device (IUD). Bayer manufactures Mirena. The IUD contains levonorgestrel, a type of hormone that prevents pregnancy.
Mirena lasts for up to five years, according to 2017 Mirena prescribing information.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Mirena birth control for the U.S. market in December 2000. In 2009, the FDA approved Mirena to treat heavy periods (menorrhagia).
