While IUDs are considered among the most effectivebirth controloptions, there are differences between the brands that you should consider. Knowing more about them can help you decide whether an IUD is right for you and, if so, which one.
Similarities Between IUD Brands
IUDs all have a number of similarities.
They can be used on their own and are reversible, meaning that you can become pregnant once you stopping using the IUD.
IUDs generally have a low risk of side effects and adverse events. However, they can fall out, in which case you can get pregnant until you begin to use another method of birth control or have your IUD replaced.
There is also a slight risk of pelvic infection or a uterine perforation, although these complications are uncommon.
Medical evidence indicates that due to an IUD being in the uterus, there is a slightly increased risk of an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, which is a non-viable and potentially life-threatening pregnancy that implants in the fallopian tube.Ectopic pregnancies can cause the tube to rupture, which can cause significant bleeding.
IUD Side Effects to Help You Make Informed Decisions
Differences Between IUD Brands
The main distinction among the different IUDs is that all but one release the hormone levonorgestrel (a progestin) to prevent pregnancy. ParaGard, which is hormone-free, works because it is made of copper.
Hormonal IUDs
Marketed under the brand names Mirena, Liletta, Skyla, and Kyleena, these IUDs are made of a polydimethylsiloxane sleeve that contains levonorgestrel on the stem.
The hormone doses differ for each of the levonorgestrel IUDs. They each initially release a higher dose of the hormone, which decreases over time. Even as the released dosage declines, the device remains effective in preventing pregnancy throughout the duration of recommended use and so long as it remains in its proper position.
Each brand is recommended for a specified time period, ranging from three to seven years.
Because these four IUDs contain progestin, you may experience a decrease in your menstrual flow. For instance, you may spot for the first few months and then have lighter and shorter periods. Your period may also stop altogether, which is considered safe.
Other side effects may include:
Copper IUD
Paragard triggers an inflammatory response to the copper, which damages the egg, impairs sperm’s movement and ability to live, and diminishes the ability of an egg to implant even if it is fertilized.
Of all the IUDs, the Paragard can be used for the longest duration, which is up to 10 years.
Because the copper IUD is hormone-free, it should not alter the timing of your menstrual cycle. However, it may cause heavy periods with more cramping or back pain than usual, especially in the first several menstrual cycles after its placement.
Guide to the Paragard IUD
Considerations
You should consider several factors when selecting an IUD. Have an open discussion with your healthcare provider about them before making a decision.
If you’ve had repeated episodes of pelvic inflammatory disease, liver disease, orirregular menstrual bleeding, an IUD may not be right for you. You and your healthcare provider candiscuss the risks and benefits of an IUDin your specific case.
Hormone Exposure
The hormone in Liletta, Kyleena, Mirena, and Skyla is only released into the uterus, so it does not have the same kind of broad effect as the hormones found inbirth control pills.
If you’ve had adverse effects from hormone exposure or have a history ofbreast,cervical, uterine, orovarian cancer, you may choose to stay away from hormone use altogether.The Paragard IUD may be the best choice for you.
Duration of Effectiveness
As mentioned, the length of time you can keep the device in place ranges fairly substantially.
When factoring this into your decision making, also consider:
Size of the IUD
IUD Birth Control for Teenagers
Who Should Not Use an IUDYou should not use any IUD if you:Are pregnant or suspect you areHave unexplained vaginal bleedingHave an ongoing pelvic infectionHave known or suspected uterine or cervical cancerHave any uterine abnormality that interferes with the placement of the IUD (e.g., fibroids)
Who Should Not Use an IUD
You should not use any IUD if you:Are pregnant or suspect you areHave unexplained vaginal bleedingHave an ongoing pelvic infectionHave known or suspected uterine or cervical cancerHave any uterine abnormality that interferes with the placement of the IUD (e.g., fibroids)
You should not use any IUD if you:
A Word From Verywell
No matter which IUD you choose, you can have the peace of mind that all five are considered safe and among the most effective forms of birth control methods.
In fact, they are as effective as permanent methods, likevasectomiesandtubal ligation. Additionally, they do not affect your chance of getting pregnant after removal.
It’s important to remember that IUDs do not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You need to use abarrier methodof protection if you are sexually active with a partner who could be living with an STI.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLevonorgestrel is a progestin, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. Levonorgestrel is used to prevent pregnancy and is found in Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena, and Mirena IUDs.It shouldn’t. Hormonal IUDs use a synthetic version of progesterone, which does not cause weight gain. Some women may experience stronger hunger signals when using progesterone, which if you aren’t careful can cause weight gain.Progesterone may actually help you lose weight. If you have low progesterone levels, a hormonal IUD can help balance your hormones and improve your metabolism. In addition, progestin has diuretic properties, which can help you to shed water weight.Mirena. Mirena has more progesterone than Kyleena and can be left in place longer. Mirena lasts for seven years and contains 20mcg of levonorgestrel. Kyleena has 17.5 mcg and can be left in place for 5 years. Liletta has 19.5 mcg, but only lasts eight years. Skyla has the lowest dose of progesterone at 14 mcg. It is only good for three years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Levonorgestrel is a progestin, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. Levonorgestrel is used to prevent pregnancy and is found in Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena, and Mirena IUDs.
It shouldn’t. Hormonal IUDs use a synthetic version of progesterone, which does not cause weight gain. Some women may experience stronger hunger signals when using progesterone, which if you aren’t careful can cause weight gain.Progesterone may actually help you lose weight. If you have low progesterone levels, a hormonal IUD can help balance your hormones and improve your metabolism. In addition, progestin has diuretic properties, which can help you to shed water weight.
It shouldn’t. Hormonal IUDs use a synthetic version of progesterone, which does not cause weight gain. Some women may experience stronger hunger signals when using progesterone, which if you aren’t careful can cause weight gain.
Progesterone may actually help you lose weight. If you have low progesterone levels, a hormonal IUD can help balance your hormones and improve your metabolism. In addition, progestin has diuretic properties, which can help you to shed water weight.
Mirena. Mirena has more progesterone than Kyleena and can be left in place longer. Mirena lasts for seven years and contains 20mcg of levonorgestrel. Kyleena has 17.5 mcg and can be left in place for 5 years. Liletta has 19.5 mcg, but only lasts eight years. Skyla has the lowest dose of progesterone at 14 mcg. It is only good for three years.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Yoost J.Understanding benefits and addressing misperceptions and barriers to intrauterine device access among populations in the United States.Patient Prefer Adherence. 2014;8:947–957. doi:10.2147/PPA.S45710Nelson AL, Massoudi N.New developments in intrauterine device use: focus on the US.Open Access J Contracept. 2016;7:127–141. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85755Grandi G, Farulla A, Sileo FG, Facchinetti F.Levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine systems as female contraceptives.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2018;19(7):677-686. doi:10.1080/14656566.2018.1462337Sanders JN, Adkins DE, Kaur S, Storck K, Gawron LM, Turok DK.Bleeding, cramping, and satisfaction among new copper IUD users: a prospective study.PLoS One. 2018;13(11):e0199724. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0199724Additional ReadingACOG Committee Opinion No. 735 Summary: Adolescents and Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Implants and Intrauterine Devices.Obstet Gynecol. 2018;131(5):947-948. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002627
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Yoost J.Understanding benefits and addressing misperceptions and barriers to intrauterine device access among populations in the United States.Patient Prefer Adherence. 2014;8:947–957. doi:10.2147/PPA.S45710Nelson AL, Massoudi N.New developments in intrauterine device use: focus on the US.Open Access J Contracept. 2016;7:127–141. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85755Grandi G, Farulla A, Sileo FG, Facchinetti F.Levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine systems as female contraceptives.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2018;19(7):677-686. doi:10.1080/14656566.2018.1462337Sanders JN, Adkins DE, Kaur S, Storck K, Gawron LM, Turok DK.Bleeding, cramping, and satisfaction among new copper IUD users: a prospective study.PLoS One. 2018;13(11):e0199724. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0199724Additional ReadingACOG Committee Opinion No. 735 Summary: Adolescents and Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Implants and Intrauterine Devices.Obstet Gynecol. 2018;131(5):947-948. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002627
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Yoost J.Understanding benefits and addressing misperceptions and barriers to intrauterine device access among populations in the United States.Patient Prefer Adherence. 2014;8:947–957. doi:10.2147/PPA.S45710Nelson AL, Massoudi N.New developments in intrauterine device use: focus on the US.Open Access J Contracept. 2016;7:127–141. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85755Grandi G, Farulla A, Sileo FG, Facchinetti F.Levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine systems as female contraceptives.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2018;19(7):677-686. doi:10.1080/14656566.2018.1462337Sanders JN, Adkins DE, Kaur S, Storck K, Gawron LM, Turok DK.Bleeding, cramping, and satisfaction among new copper IUD users: a prospective study.PLoS One. 2018;13(11):e0199724. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0199724
Yoost J.Understanding benefits and addressing misperceptions and barriers to intrauterine device access among populations in the United States.Patient Prefer Adherence. 2014;8:947–957. doi:10.2147/PPA.S45710
Nelson AL, Massoudi N.New developments in intrauterine device use: focus on the US.Open Access J Contracept. 2016;7:127–141. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85755
Grandi G, Farulla A, Sileo FG, Facchinetti F.Levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine systems as female contraceptives.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2018;19(7):677-686. doi:10.1080/14656566.2018.1462337
Sanders JN, Adkins DE, Kaur S, Storck K, Gawron LM, Turok DK.Bleeding, cramping, and satisfaction among new copper IUD users: a prospective study.PLoS One. 2018;13(11):e0199724. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0199724
ACOG Committee Opinion No. 735 Summary: Adolescents and Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Implants and Intrauterine Devices.Obstet Gynecol. 2018;131(5):947-948. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002627
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