Uzm. Dr. Ertan Özen
GynaecologyVerified
- 36+years exp.
English · Turkish
FromPrice on request
Free quote
60 seconds · no obligationView Profile
Gynaecological Procedures
Mirena intrauterine device
What the Mirena intrauterine device is, how its slow-release hormone prevents pregnancy and lightens heavy periods, what the evidence says, who it suits, how fitting feels, side effects in the first months, how it compares with the copper coil and the implant, approximate costs in Turkey against the UK, US and Germany, risks, and how to check a clinic.
A written plan with the surgeon's name and the full price — usually within 24 hours.
- Category
- Gynaecological Procedures
- Hospitals
- 2
- Verified
- 2
- Price from
- Price on request
Verified surgeons for Mirena Intrauterine Device
2 doctors Compare doctors, ratings and prices — ask any of them for a free quote.
Prof. Dr. Zehra Neşe Kavak
GynaecologyVerified
- 36+years exp.
English · Turkish
FromPrice on request
Free quote
60 seconds · no obligationView Profile
What is the Mirena intrauterine device and how does it work?
The Mirena intrauterine device (often called the Mirena coil) is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that sits inside the womb and releases a low dose of the hormone levonorgestrel. Strictly it is an intrauterine system (IUS) rather than a plain device, because it carries a hormone. The hormone thickens the mucus at the neck of the womb so sperm struggle to pass, thins the womb lining and in some women reduces ovulation. Because the dose acts mainly inside the womb rather than throughout the body, the blood level of the hormone is much lower than with the pill. Mirena is used for contraception, for heavy periods and, in some women taking oestrogen as hormone replacement, to protect the womb lining. Gynaecology clinics in Turkey fit it as a short outpatient procedure.
This guide explains how it works, what the evidence says, who it suits, how fitting feels, what the first months are like, what it costs compared with the UK, US and Germany and how to check a clinic. For related care, see our overview of gynaecology treatments in Turkey.
How effective is Mirena, and does it really stop heavy periods?
As contraception, Mirena is one of the most effective reversible methods: fewer than one in a hundred women becomes pregnant in a year of use, and it does not depend on remembering a daily pill. It is licensed for at least five years of contraception, and for heavy periods it is recommended as a first-line option by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England, with good evidence that it reduces bleeding substantially. Many women find periods become much lighter and a proportion stop altogether after the first year; that is a normal, harmless effect, not a sign that something is wrong. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so condoms are still needed where that matters.
Mirena is not a quick fix for every cause of heavy bleeding. If fibroids or polyps are distorting the womb cavity, they may need to be dealt with first; see our guide to hysteroscopic myomectomy.
Who is a good candidate, and who should not have a Mirena?
Mirena suits women who want long-term contraception without a daily routine, women with heavy or painful periods, and women who need womb-lining protection with HRT. It is suitable for many women who have never been pregnant, as well as after childbirth. It is not suitable if you are pregnant, have an active pelvic infection or untreated cervical or womb cancer, have unexplained vaginal bleeding that has not been investigated, or have a womb shape that prevents safe placement. A history of breast cancer, serious liver disease or a current hormone-sensitive cancer also rules it out or needs specialist advice. Your doctor will ask about your history and may perform a pelvic exam, a swab for infections and a pregnancy test before fitting.
Mirena or the copper coil: which is right for you?
The copper IUD contains no hormone and works by making the womb environment hostile to sperm; see our guide to the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). The hormonal implant sits under the skin of the arm; see subdermal contraceptive implant.
| Method | Best suited to | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| Mirena (hormonal IUS) | Contraception plus lighter or no periods; heavy period treatment | Irregular spotting in first months; hormonal side effects possible |
| Copper IUD | Women who want no hormones | Periods can become heavier and more painful |
| Contraceptive implant | Women who prefer no womb procedure | Unpredictable bleeding; minor procedure to insert and remove |
None is right for everyone. A doctor should explain why they recommend one for your periods, medical history and future plans.
Mirena intrauterine device cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany
The figures below are approximate ranges for the device with fitting, not clinic quotes. Each clinic confirms its own price in writing. In the UK the Mirena is free on the NHS for contraception and many heavy-period cases, so the private-price comparison below applies to women choosing to pay.
| Country | Approximate cost range |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €150 – €450 |
| United Kingdom (private) | €250 – €550 |
| United States (without insurance) | €800 – €1,800 |
| Germany | €300 – €600 |
What changes the price: the device itself, the consultation and ultrasound, whether local anaesthetic or sedation is used, and whether a check-up is included. A package normally includes the examination, the device, fitting and a follow-up. Because the price difference with the UK is small and the NHS provides it free, travelling only for a Mirena rarely makes financial sense; it is mainly worthwhile when you are already in Turkey for other treatment.
What happens during Mirena fitting, step by step?
Fitting takes about 10 to 20 minutes. After a pregnancy test and a pelvic examination, the doctor places a speculum, cleans the cervix and measures the womb with a thin instrument. The Mirena is then loaded into a narrow applicator, passed through the cervix and released at the top of the womb; the applicator is withdrawn and the two thin threads are trimmed to just below the cervix. Most women feel period-type cramping, and some feel faint or have a sharp pinch as the device passes through the cervix. A local anaesthetic gel or injection around the cervix, painkillers beforehand or sedation can be arranged on request. Fitting is easier and often less painful when done during or just after a period, or when the cervix is slightly open.
What are the side effects in the first months?
The first three to six months are the adjustment period. Light, unpredictable bleeding or spotting is very common and can last for weeks or months before periods settle into a lighter pattern. Some women notice breast tenderness, headaches, acne or mood changes, often mild and temporary. Functional ovarian cysts can form; they are usually harmless and resolve on their own. Mirena is not known to reduce long-term fertility: after removal, ovulation and fertility normally return quickly. If you plan to travel soon, note that you can usually fly the same day, but some women prefer a day of rest in case of cramping.
How long is the recovery, and how many days should you stay in Turkey?
Recovery is brief. Most women walk out within 30 minutes, have cramping for a few hours to a couple of days and return to normal activity the same or the next day. A stay of one to two nights is enough if the fitting is the only reason for travel, and many clinics advise a check of the threads or a scan a few weeks later, which can be done by your own doctor at home. Avoid tampons, swimming and sex for a short period only if your doctor advises it, usually 24 to 48 hours. Call a doctor if you have severe pain, fever, heavy bleeding, an unusual discharge or cannot feel the threads.
What are the risks and complications of Mirena?
Mirena is generally safe, and serious complications are uncommon. The main risks are expulsion, where the device slips out of the womb, usually within the first year; perforation of the womb wall at fitting, which is rare (a few cases per thousand) and is more likely shortly after childbirth or while breastfeeding; and pelvic infection in the first weeks after fitting, which is why infection screening is advised. Ectopic pregnancy is less likely overall with Mirena than with no contraception, but if pregnancy does occur it is more likely to be ectopic, so unusual pain with a missed period needs urgent assessment. The NHS and the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) advise checking the threads regularly and seeing a doctor if they cannot be felt. A device lost inside the womb may need removal under ultrasound or hysteroscopy.
How do you choose a clinic, and what are the red flags?
Check that the doctor is a registered specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, that the clinic is licensed, that an examination and pregnancy test happen before fitting and that the device is a genuine, sealed Mirena with the batch number shown to you. Red flags include fitting without any consultation, unclear device brand, no explanation of side effects and no way to reach the clinic after you leave. Read how our process works and request a plan on our free quote page; the clinic reviews your history and sends a written plan and price.
What should you ask the clinic before you book?
- Is the device a genuine, sealed Mirena, and can I see the packaging?
- Is an ultrasound, pregnancy test and infection screen part of the price?
- What pain relief is available during fitting?
- Will I need a follow-up check, and can my own doctor do it?
- When should I have the device replaced or removed, and who will do it at home?
Hospitals with Gynaecology in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
Mirena is a small T-shaped hormonal coil that sits in the womb and releases levonorgestrel. It prevents pregnancy, lightens heavy periods and, with oestrogen HRT, protects the womb lining.
Approximate ranges are €150 to €450 in Turkey with fitting, against about €250 to €550 privately in the UK, where it is free on the NHS. The clinic confirms its price in a written quote.
Most women feel period-type cramping and some feel a sharp pinch as it passes the cervix. Painkillers, local anaesthetic gel or injection, or sedation can be arranged on request.
It is licensed for at least five years of contraception, and use for heavy periods or HRT has its own licensed durations. Your doctor will tell you when to replace it.
Periods usually become lighter, and some women stop having them after the first year. Irregular spotting is common for the first three to six months.
Common effects are spotting, breast tenderness, headaches, acne and mood changes, often mild and temporary. Functional ovarian cysts can form but usually resolve by themselves.
Neither is better for everyone. Mirena usually makes periods lighter but is hormonal, while the copper IUD has no hormone and can make periods heavier. A doctor should explain which suits you.
Most women can fly the same or the next day. Some prefer a day's rest in case of cramping. Contact a doctor if you have severe pain, fever or heavy bleeding.
It is generally safe. Risks include expulsion, rare perforation at fitting and infection in the first weeks. Do not use it if pregnant or if there is an untreated infection or unexplained bleeding.
One to two nights is enough if fitting is the only reason for travel. A follow-up check of the threads a few weeks later can usually be done by your own doctor.
Patient stories