Both hormonal and copper (nonhormonal) IUDs are effective methods of birth control. The key differences between Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena, and Paragard (a nonhormonal option) are what they’re made of, how they work, how long they last, and possible side effects.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are an extremely effective method of birth control. An IUD is a small, T-shaped device that’s placed in your uterus. It must be prescribed by a doctor, who will place it in your uterus during an outpatient procedure.
Five brands of IUDs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are available today. Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena release hormones to prevent pregnancy. Paragard contains copper and doesn’t release hormones.
Which one could be right for you? Let’s compare Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena, and Paragard to explore how these IUDs are similar and different.
IUDs are long-term birth control. They can stay implanted in your uterus for several years. However, they can be easily removed if you want to become pregnant.
IUDs are made of a plastic called polyethylene. They’re T-shaped, with a string attached to the bottom of the T. The string makes it easier for a doctor to remove the IUD. The string also helps you know that it’s still in place when you check it each month.
An IUD is a form of birth control. It’s about the size of a quarter and is inserted into the uterus, where it stays for several years to prevent pregnancy. There are hormonal and nonhormonal options available.
Inserting an IUD is done by a doctor, and the process only takes a few minutes. The procedure can be painful or uncomfortable. Side effects may include cramping, backaches, dizziness, and discomfort. Some people experience these side effects for a couple of days after insertion, while others experience them for weeks or months.
The IUD can be removed quickly by a doctor if you want to become pregnant or if it expires and needs to be replaced.
Most IUDs start working immediately after insertion, though some take around 7 days to become effective.
You can still have sex and use tampons with an IUD. You may also continue to menstruate, though some people experience a lighter or heavier flow. Some people experience no period at all with an IUD.
A note on pricing
We included average pricing information for each IUD brand without insurance coverage. But if you’re insured, the price will vary on your coverage and what your network covers.
Additionally, if you don’t have health insurance, there are options to help you pay for birth control out of pocket. You may be able to apply for financial assistance or enroll in a co-pay savings program.
There are five options to choose from: Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena, and Paragard. They can be divided into two main types: hormonal and copper (nonhormonal).
Mirena
- Average pricing: $1,049.24 without insurance ($12.49 a month over a 7-year period or $17.49 over a 5-year period)
- Type: Hormonal
- How long it works: 7 years
- Failure rate: 0.2%
Mirena works by slowly releasing the hormone levonorgestrel (LNG) into your body each day. It can last for up to 7 years and should be replaced at the end of the cycle.
It works to prevent pregnancy by:
- Potentially making you ovulate less often
- Thickening cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to pass into your uterus
- Helping to prevent sperm from binding to an egg and attaching to your uterus
Some common side effects include:
- 3 to 6 months of spotting or irregular periods
- lighter periods
- irregular cycles
- potential to stop periods after a year
You may also experience pain, bleeding, or dizziness before or after placement.
Pros
- Lasts for up to 7 years
- Can make periods lighter and less frequent
- Highly effective
Cons
- Expensive without insurance
- May cause physical and mental health side effects
Skyla
- Average pricing: $1,291.75 without insurance
- Type: Hormonal
- How long it works: 3 years
- Failure rate: 0.2%
Skyla works to prevent pregnancy using the same mechanisms as Mirena, also releasing the hormone LNG. The main difference, however, is that it needs to be replaced every three years instead of seven.
Common side effects of Skyla can include:
- headache or migraine
- missed menstrual periods
- changes in bleeding
- ovarian cysts
- painful periods
- inflammation of the uterus
Pros
- Begins to work immediately
- May help to treat heavy menstrual bleeding
- Highly effective
Cons
- Expensive without insurance
- Need to replace more frequently than other IUD options
Liletta
- Average pricing: $899 without insurance
- Type: Hormonal
- How long it works: 6 years
- Failure rate: 0.2 percent
Liletta works by slowly releasing low doses of LNG into your body. It lasts for 6 years. It was approved by the FDA in February 2015, but it’s one of the newer IUD options on the market.
Some side effects of Liletta may include:
- cramps
- irregular menstrual periods
- spotting
- headache
- nausea
- breast tenderness
- weight gain
Pros
- Longer-lasting hormonal IUD option
- May lighten or eliminate periods
- Highly effective
Cons
- Hasn’t been studied as much as other IUDs
- Can be expensive without insurance
Kyleena
- Average pricing: $1,049.24 without insurance ($17.49 a month over a 5-year period)
- Type: Hormonal
- How long it works: 5 years
- Failure rate: 0.2%
Kyleena also works by slowly releasing low doses of LNG into your body, lasting 5 years in duration. Kyleena was approved by the FDA in September 2016, and like Liletta, hasn’t been researched as extensively.
Some common side effects of Kyleena include:
- vaginal itching or discharge
- ovarian cysts
- headache or migraine
- acne
- breast pain or discomfort
Pros
- Lasts 5 years
- Lower hormone option than birth control pills
Cons
- Expensive without insurance
- Can cause same physical side effects as other hormonal IUDs
Paragard
- Average pricing: $941 without insurance
- Type: Non-hormonal
- How long it works: 10 years
- Failure rate: 0.8%
Paragard has copper coiled around the vertical stem of the T-shape and around each side of the horizontal arm. The copper produces an inflammatory reaction within your uterus, creating a harmful environment for sperm. This environment helps prevent the sperm from fertilizing an egg and may prevent an egg from attaching to your uterus.
Paragard IUDs can last for up to 10 years, but they can be removed at any time. They are also effective immediately after insertion and can also be used as a form of emergency contraception after having sex without a barrier method if inserted within 5 days.
Paragard side effects may include:
- anemia
- spotting
- pain during sex
- painful periods
- prolonged periods
- vaginal irritation or discharge
Pros
- Longest-lasting IUD
- Can work as a form of emergency contraception
- Good option for those wanting to avoid hormones
Cons
- Expensive without insurance
- May cause longer and heavier periods, as well as cramping
Skyla | Mirena | Paragard | Liletta | Kyleena | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Size | 28 mm x 30 mm | 32 mm x 32 mm | 32 mm x 36 mm | 32 mm x 32 mm | 28 mm x 30 mm |
Type | progestin hormone | progestin hormone | copper | progestin hormone | progestin hormone |
Effective for up to | 3 years | 7 years | 10 years | 6 years | 5 years |
Notable side effect | may cause changes in your period | may cause changes in your period | may cause bleeding and discomfort | may cause painful or irregular periods | may cause irregular periods and bleeding |
Of the different forms of contraception, an IUD is among the least common. The
However, the IUD has its perks that can’t be overlooked.
The IUD is highly effective. It’s more than 99 percent effective. While it’s still possible to become pregnant with an IUD, the chances are less likely than other forms of birth control.
It also lasts for several years. Aside from sterilization and male condoms, oral contraception is the most popular option among women. However, the pill must be taken daily. An IUD is a one-time procedure that lasts for up to 10 years, depending on the type.
Hormonal IUDs have benefits related to female reproductive health aside from contraception. They’re often prescribed to women with endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, and heavy periods.
Many women also opt for hormonal IUDs since they may lessen period pain, reduce period frequency, or get rid of your period altogether.
Once you’ve decided to use an IUD as your primary form of birth control, you have five options to choose from: Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena, and Paragard.
Deciding whether you want a hormonal or nonhormonal IUD can help you narrow down your choices. There are benefits and risks of both. If you decide to go the hormone-free route, your choice is simple, as there’s only one option: Paragard. If you prefer hormonal IUDs, your choices include Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena.
Hormonal IUDs
Hormonal IUDs work by releasing the hormone progestin. This prevents pregnancy in two ways:
- The mucus in the cervix thickens, which prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg.
- The lining of the uterus becomes thinner, which partially suppresses ovulation.
Hormonal IUDs don’t last as long as nonhormonal options. The time varies, but a hormonal IUD can last for up to 7 years.
The primary function of a hormonal IUD is contraception, but they have noncontraceptive benefits, such as reducing menstrual pain and menstrual frequency. Hormonal IUDs are often prescribed for those who experience endometriosis, severe menstrual pain or bleeding, anemia, and other conditions. A hormonal IUD may also reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
There are four hormonal IUDs: Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena. Their main differences include size, duration, and amount of hormones released. It may take up to 7 days for hormonal IUDs to become effective depending on the time they’re inserted in relation to your menstrual cycle.
The duration of effectiveness is a point of consideration for many. Copper IUDs last the longest. Paragard can last for up to 10 years before needing to be replaced or removed, while hormonal IUDs last between 3 and 6 years. Of the hormonal options, Skyla lasts the shortest (3 years) and Mirena lasts the longest (7 years). Liletta lasts for 6 years and Kyleena lasts for 5 years.
There may be a cost associated with getting an IUD. There are ways to get free or low-cost IUDs, but the procedure and office visit may increase those costs. Without insurance, IUDs cost between $500 and $1,300 out of pocket. Liletta is the least expensive and Paragard is the most expensive, though the price differences aren’t significant.
Copper IUDs can be used as emergency contraception, but hormonal IUDs can’t. If you have unprotected sex, you can choose to use the Paragard IUD as a form of emergency contraception if it’s inserted with 5 days.
Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena have similar side effects. You may have changes in your period, such as increased menstrual bleeding, discomfort, or no period at all. You may also have:
- acne
- headache
- breast tenderness
- ovarian cysts
- depressed mood
- pain in your abdomen or pelvic area
With Paragard, you may have an allergic reaction to the copper. Other side effects include:
- heavy menstrual bleeding
- discomfort
- a longer period
- backaches and cramps when you’re not having a period
All five devices can also fall out or shift position. This can increase your risk of pregnancy. They could also tear your uterus. In addition, all five can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), but this is rare. If you have multiple sexual partners, this method of pregnancy prevention may not be your best choice.
Results from a
Overall, IUDs are more than
If you do get pregnant while using an IUD, there’s a slight risk you could experience an ectopic pregnancy. However, the risk of ectopic pregnancy when not using an IUD is higher.
There’s also a small risk that the IUD may shift position or fall out. This can increase the risk of unwanted pregnancy. Learn what to do if your IUD falls out.
Certain health conditions can cause issues if you use a hormonal IUD or copper IUD. Don’t use any IUD if you have liver disease or if you have or have had the following conditions:
- cervical, breast, or uterine cancer
- PID
- unexplained uterine bleeding
You’ll have to make an appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) to have your IUD inserted. Your doctor will most likely talk through your medical history and any possible side effects you may experience during or after insertion.
Once your IUD has been inserted, you shouldn’t feel it. If you feel sudden discomfort or cramping and think your IUD has shifted or slipped, you should contact your doctor for an appointment.
You should see your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- fever
- intense cramping
- abnormal discharge
- suddenly heavy bleeding
Can an IUD make you gain weight?
Although it’s a common belief that IUDs can cause weight gain,
If you’re concerned about gaining weight on birth control, it’s best to talk to your doctor, who can help you decide on the best form of contraceptive for your lifestyle.
Does an IUD or birth control pills alter hormones more?
Since hormones are slowly released with hormonal IUDs, they can be a better option for patients wanting lower doses of hormones than what they’d get with birth control pills. Unlike many pills, they also don’t contain estrogen.
Can you get pregnant with an IUD?
IUDs are one of the most effective methods of birth control, offering 99% efficacy. But no method is 100% effective and, while unlikely, it is possible to get pregnant with an IUD.
Getting pregnant with an IUD also increases your chances of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, so you should see your doctor immediately if you suspect you may be pregnant.
The key differences between Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena, and Paragard are what they’re made of, how they work, how long they last, and possible side effects.
For instance, Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena release hormones into your body. If you prefer to avoid hormones, you might choose Paragard.
However, the hormones in Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena are only released in one part of your body. They don’t have the same kind of broad effect as the hormones in birth control pills, which are delivered through your bloodstream.
On the other hand, if you already have heavy bleeding and cramping during your period, you may not want to use Paragard, which could worsen your bleeding.
To find out more about IUDs, talk with a doctor. They can give you more information about these devices and point you toward an IUD that may work well for you. Be sure to ask a doctor any questions you might have, such as:
- Are there any benefits to the hormonal IUDs Liletta or Kyleena versus Mirena or Skyla?
- Is there any reason why I should avoid using an IUD that has hormones?
- What other long-term birth control options would you suggest for me?
It’s important to remember that IUDs don’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Also, because they’re foreign objects, they can increase the risk of an infection. Barrier methods such as condoms can reduce the risk of STIs and prevent an unwanted pregnancy.