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If you are considering using the Liletta IUD, understanding the facts of this device, including the following, may help you make a more confident decision.
How It Works
Liletta releases the same amount of progestin hormoneas the pill does. Liletta is also completely reversible, so once you have this IUD removed, yourfertility should quickly return.
Liletta vs. Mirena?
Liletta was researched in a large study to determine its effectiveness and safety within the widest range of possible users. Most IUD studies only include women ages 18– 35 and do not include women who have never given birth or women with larger body sizes.The Liletta study included both younger and older women (ages 16–45), women who have and have not given birth, and women who are overweight.
Another difference between Liletta and Mirena is how long each IUD can be used for. Even though the Liletta IUD and the Mirena IUD both contain a similar amount of levonorgestrel (52 mg) and release it at a similar rate, the Mirena IUD protects against pregnancy for seven years, while Liletta protects against pregnancy for eight years.
Advantages
Who Should Get the Liletta IUD?
Women who have or have never given birth can use Liletta, as can those who are overweight. But since IUDs are not recommended for all women, make sure you meet the criteria of being a good candidate and talk to a healthcare provider about any potential risks.
When Should You Get Liletta?
You should have your Liletta IUD inserted sometime during the first seven days of your menstrual cycle or immediately after a first-trimester abortion or miscarriage. If you have Liletta inserted during this time, it is immediately effective, so you do not need backup birth control.
If you have your Liletta IUD inserted at any other time during your monthly cycle, you will need to use another birth control method (such asspermicideorcondoms) during the first week after having Liletta inserted. Your pregnancy protection will begin after seven days.
You should wait at least six weeks to have Liletta inserted after giving birth or undergoing a second-trimester abortion or miscarriage. This time frame will give your uterus time to fully heal before having your Liletta IUD inserted.
Disadvantages
Most women do not have any problems adjusting to an IUD. But you may experience some pain, bleeding, or dizziness during and/or after your Liletta IUD has been inserted. These symptoms should go away within half an hour after insertion. You may also have bad cramping or a backache for several days or weeks after your Liletta IUD is inserted.
Side Effects
As with any IUD, you may have side effects after having your Liletta IUD inserted. Usually, these will go away after the first few weeks to months after insertion. The most commonly reported Liletta IUD side effects include:
Will Liletta Cause Changes to Your Period?
Risks and Complications
Serious complications with Liletta are very rare.Tell a healthcare provider right away if any problems occur. That being said, more serious Liletta side effects may include:
Removal
Cost
Effectiveness
The Liletta IUD one of the most effective methods of birth control. This reversible, long-acting contraceptive method is over 99% effective.
Keep in mind that when using Liletta, most pregnancies happen because your device has come out, and you may not realize that this has happened. Even though the chance of pregnancy while using Liletta is very low, it could happen. If you become pregnant when your Liletta IUD is still in place, call a healthcare provider as soon as you realize that you’re pregnant—since there can be possible risks associated withthis type of pregnancy.
Does Liletta Offer Any STI Protection?
The Liletta IUD offers no protection againstsexually transmitted infections(STIs). You may be more likely to getpelvic inflammatory diseaseafter your Liletta insertion if you have an STI during this time. You may also be more at risk if you have multiple sexual partners or a sexual partner who has had multiple sexual partners.
A Word From Verywell
Liletta and other IUDs can offer a safe and effective contraceptive method if you’re a good candidate. If you don’t think the Liletta IUD is the right method for you, there are many otheravailable birth control options.
You may feel overwhelmed when trying to navigate the world of birth control, especially if you don’t fully understand how each method works or is used. But after doing some research, asking questions, and talking to a healthcare provider, you can make a more informed decision and find the birth control method that best matches what you’re looking for.
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.
The Embryo Project at Arizona State University, “Hormone Releasing Intrauterine Devices”
Eisenberg, DL. et al. “Three-year efficacy and safety of a new 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system.“Contraception. 2015;92(1):10-16. DOI:10.1016/j.contraception.2015.04.006
US Food & Drug Administration, Liletta:“HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION”
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