My ob/gym could not remove my mirena iud yesterday due to strings not reachable. It has been in for 5 yrs. She ultrasounded me after multiple/long attempts with different removal instruments. Ultrasound showed it was in place but as I am 49yrs, she suggests just to leave it in permanently or could have it surgically removed. I was hoping to have it removed as I feel like I have had side effects of weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, loss of libido ever since I've had it in but wasn't expecting to have to have minor surgery. Is she correct that I can just leave it in place forever?