Health & Wellness

On ‘SHE MD’: How to Find the Right Long-Term Birth Control That Works with Your Goals

October 28, 2025

Sponsored by Mirena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) 52 mg

Choosing birth control can feel overwhelming, but when conversations are open, honest, and backed by medical expertise, the decision can be empowering. On a recent episode of SHE MD, hosts Mary Alice Haney and board-certified ob-gyn Dr. Thais Aliabadi sat down with special guest and fitness leader Kendall Toole to discuss how women can make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Together, they explore why education and access are key, how birth control decisions should always reflect individual needs and goals, and why having options matters.

Toole, a Mirena IUD partner, shared her journey as an athlete looking for a long-term birth control that also helped with heavy periods, which led her to a Mirena IUD.

INDICATIONS FOR MIRENA

Mirena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a hormone-releasing IUD that prevents pregnancy for up to 8 years. Mirena also treats heavy periods for up to 5 years in women who choose intrauterine contraception.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

If you have a pelvic or genital infection, get infections easily, or have certain cancers, don’t use Mirena. Less than 1% of users get a serious pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Bleeding and spotting may increase in the first 3 to 6 months and remain irregular. Periods over time usually become shorter, lighter, or may stop.

The conversation highlights a central message: When it comes to birth control, it’s your body and your decision, made in partnership with your healthcare provider. There are many birth control options that meet different goals and needs. A Mirena IUD is a long-term option that can be removed by your healthcare provider at any time if your plans change. Take the next step and talk to your provider to see what your options are.

Toole’s story: From heavy periods to a low-maintenance option

Toole’s relationship with her health started early. As a competitive athlete and later a fitness instructor, heavy periods often interfered with her performance. “I would bleed through a super plus tampon every hour,” she recalls.After talking with her ob-gyn and being diagnosed with heavy menstrual bleeding, Toole’s doctor recommended a Mirena IUD which is approved to treat heavy periods for up to five years in women who choose an IUD for birth control.

What stood out to Kendall most was that it was low maintenance. Dr. Aliabadi notes that while Mirena doesn’t require a daily pill, it’s important to check the threads once a month—a quick step your healthcare provider can teach you. Mirena offered the efficacy Kendall wanted now with the flexibility to have her doctor remove it if her plans change.

Planning for now and later

If a woman decides she’s ready to try for a family while using a Mirena, her healthcare provider can remove it at any time. Once removed, she can get pregnant right away. Dr. Aliabadi explains that 8 out of 10 women who want to get pregnant typically do within the first year after Mirena is removed. That reassurance is meaningful for Toole, who shares that while she’s focused on building her career right now, she looks forward to motherhood in the future.

For many women, it’s empowering to know you have the option of a long-term birth control, but if your plans change, your doctor can remove it. And unlike daily pills or short-term methods, Mirena only requires a monthly thread-check.

Making informed choices

SHE MD’s mission is to normalize informed conversations about women’s health, access, and education. As Haney puts it, “We have all these options, but really, it’s up to you to research, and talk to your doctor. And then you have an informed decision.” Birth control is a personal choice that should align with your health needs, lifestyle, and goals. The key is also having access to accurate information and supportive healthcare providers.

For more information about Mirena visit mirena-us.com or mirena-us.com/pi to learn more.

INDICATIONS FOR MIRENA

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

If you have a pelvic or genital infection, get infections easily, or have certain cancers, don’t use Mirena. Less than 1% of users get a serious pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
If you have persistent pelvic or stomach pain, or excessive bleeding after placement, tell your healthcare provider (HCP). If Mirena comes out, call your HCP and avoid intercourse or use non-hormonal back-up birth control (such as condoms or spermicide). Mirena may go into or through the wall of the uterus and cause other problems.
Pregnancy while using Mirena is uncommon but can be life threatening and may result in loss of pregnancy or fertility.
Ovarian cysts may occur but usually disappear.
Bleeding and spotting may increase in the first 3 to 6 months and remain irregular. Periods over time usually become shorter, lighter, or may stop.

Mirena does not protect against HIV or STIs.

Only you and your HCP can decide if Mirena is right for you. Mirena is available by prescription only.

For important risk and use information about Mirena, please see Full Prescribing Information.