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Pregnancy After Mirena Removal

Dr. Manisha Acharya
Reviewed by Dr. Manisha Acharya ,
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This information has been reviewed and approved by an experienced fertility specialist at Indira IVF to provide accurate and up-to-date guidance for our readers.

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Last updated: January 27, 2026

Synopsis

Mirena is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) used by many women as a method of reversible contraception. It is very effective, easy to use, and comes with the added benefit of decreased menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhea. When it is time to begin planning a family, one question often asked is "How soon can I become pregnant after I remove my IUD?" This article discusses how the Mirena IUD works, when fertility resumes after its removal, when ovulation can be expected, how to increase the chances of getting pregnant, potential health risks, and when to contact a physician for help.

Introduction

Many women want to know whether the IUD will interfere with future fertility or pregnancy outcomes. The good news is that Mirena does not lead to future infertility. In most cases, once a woman removes her Mirena, ovulation will resume within a few weeks or sooner, and many women will successfully conceive during their first year of trying. In addition to when a woman removes her IUD and how long she used it, several variables can affect how long it takes to conceive a child, including maternal age, gynaecological health, hormone levels, length of time using the device, and other factors. This article will discuss common misconceptions about fertility and getting pregnant after using the Mirena IUD, along with some suggestions on things to do to increase the chances of getting pregnant after Mirena removal.

How Does Mirena Work?

Mirena is an intrauterine device (IUD)that uses hormones to provide long-term contraception (birth control). Birth control (contraception) is a way to prevent pregnancy. The Mirena IUD consists of a T-shaped plastic frame and releases a type of progestin. The Mirena works to prevent pregnancy by:

  • Thickening the mucus present in the cervix prevents sperm from travelling to the egg or fertilising it.
  • Thinning the uterine lining, as well as partially inhibiting ovulation (the release of an egg).

What Happens After Mirena Removal?

Mirena's lifespan is approximately 8 years. Usually, removal of the Mirena IUD causes less discomfort than insertion, but you may experience mild discomfort, light bleeding, and cramping for a few hours to days immediately after removal. After removing the Mirena IUD, the majority of women can resume their daily activities immediately.

Risks and Complications of Mirena Removal

The majority of the time, a Mirena can be removed quickly, efficiently, and with very little risk of severe complications, particularly if the strings can be seen from outside of the cervix. However, some factors can make removing a Mirena more difficult, which include:

  • The Mirena migrates out of the uterine cavity and into a different space within the body.
  • It enters the abdominal cavity and lodges deeply in the uterine wall.
  • It pieces apart when it is being removed.

In these situations, a doctor may need to use an ultrasound to locate the Mirena, or, in some cases, may need to perform a surgical procedure to remove it.

How Soon After Mirena Removal Can I Get Pregnant?

The most important benefit of Mirena is that most women regain their ability to get pregnant quickly after removing the IUD. Women may start to ovulate within 2–4 weeks after they have removed Mirena. Most women's first menstrual cycle after removal will happen within 4–6 weeks, although this timeframe can vary from woman to woman. Many women will be able to conceive within 3–6 months of having their IUD removed. More than 80% of all women attempting to conceive will become pregnant within 12 months of having their IUD removed. Women do not need to wait any length of time after removing Mirena unless instructed by their doctor to do so.

How to Improve the Chances of Pregnancy After Mirena Removal?

You can use the following ways to increase your chance of conceiving through natural means:

  • Charting your menstrual cycle (ovulation) is key
  • Keep your body mass index (BMI) at a healthy level
  • Eat foods that contain vitamins and minerals that can help you become pregnant
  • Reduce your overall stress & get enough sleep every night (7–9 hours)
  • Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol & consuming too much caffeine will decrease your chances of becoming pregnant; avoid these habits.
  • Take care of any pre-existing medical conditions, including having an imbalance in thyroid hormones or having diabetes.
  • Start taking prenatal vitamins that contain folic acid, iron, and vitamin D.

When Should I Consult a Doctor?

Some women can get pregnant quickly after Mirena removal, but others may need a medical evaluation. You should consult with a doctor in the following cases:

  • If you’re under age 35 and have not yet been able to become pregnant within 12 months after trying, you should see a physician to discuss your options.
  • If you’re over age 35, you’re also encouraged to visit a doctor if you haven’t been able to conceive within 6 months.
  • If your monthly cycle has stopped completely after 3 weeks or longer, or if you’re experiencing extreme discomfort in your pelvic region, excessive amounts of blood from your uterus, or signs of hormonal fluctuations.
  • If you have PCOS, hypothyroidism, or endometriosis.

Early detection will allow you to receive treatment sooner, which will increase your chances of having a successful pregnancy.

Conclusion

It is common to become pregnant after removing a Mirena. It is a reversible method of contraception, and as soon as you stop using it, your body usually ovulates shortly thereafter (usually within weeks) and will be able to conceive within months. There are no additional risks associated with pregnancy or the baby based on how soon or late you conceive after removing the Mirena. When you understand your menstrual cycle, take care of your body, and see your physician in an appropriate time frame, your chances of having a successful pregnancy may be improved. If you feel anxious about a delayed pregnancy or other potential medical issues, it is advisable to talk with your healthcare professional at the time of your visit for guidance and support in achieving a healthy pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a potential risk for pregnancy following the removal of the Mirena?

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There is no risk involved with getting pregnant after the removal of the Mirena, provided that the woman has no other underlying health issues.

Will women likely have a hormonal imbalance after they remove their Mirena?

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Some women may experience a small degree of a hormone imbalance following the removal of their Mirena. However, this is usually resolved within a couple of cycles.

Will a woman get a monthly menstrual cycle immediately after the removal of Mirena?

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For some women, it can take up to four or six weeks to start monthly periods after having their Mirena removed; this is especially true if the woman stopped getting her monthly periods while using the Mirena IUD.

What action should I take if I do not become pregnant by six months after having my Mirena removed?

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You must consult a fertility expert to evaluate your reproductive health, hormonal balance, and ovulation.

Does using Mirena increase the chances of having a miscarriage?

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Having previously used the Mirena will not contribute to a greater likelihood of experiencing a miscarriage.