Choosing between Kyleena and Mirena IUDs can feel a bit overwhelming! These two popular birth control options have some key differences worth knowing about before you make your decision.
We’ve seen many patients struggle with this choice in our clinic, so let’s break it down simply.
Kyleena lasts for 5 years while Mirena can now be used for up to 8 years, and both are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Isn’t that amazing?
The smaller size of Kyleena makes it a fab option for people who haven’t had children, while Mirena tends to be better at reducing heavy periods due to its higher hormone dose.
Both release levonorgestrel (a tongue-twister, we know!), but Mirena contains more of it.
Do you need serious help with heavy periods? Mirena might be your bestie.
Want something smaller and easier to insert? Kyleena could be the way to go.
Either way, both options give you years of worry-free protection without having to remember a daily pill!
How Kyleena and Mirena Work
Both Kyleena and Mirena are hormonal IUDs that prevent pregnancy through similar mechanisms, though they differ in hormone dosage and longevity.
Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty of how these little T-shaped devices actually do their job!
Basics of Hormonal IUDs
Kyleena and Mirena are T-shaped plastic devices that doctors place in your uterus.
Unlike copper IUDs, these are hormonal intrauterine systems (IUS) that release small amounts of hormones daily.
The T-shape helps the IUD stay put, while the vertical stem contains a hormone reservoir.
Kyleena is slightly smaller than Mirena, making insertion potentially less uncomfortable for some women, especially those who haven’t had children.
Both devices create multiple barriers to pregnancy:
- They thicken cervical mucus to block sperm
- They thin the uterine lining
- They can sometimes prevent ovulation
The main difference? Kyleena works for up to 5 years, while Mirena lasts up to 8 years.
The Role of Levonorgestrel
Both Kyleena and Mirena release levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin hormone.
It’s like progesterone that your body naturally produces, but engineered to be more effective for contraception.
The hormone amounts differ significantly between the two.
Mirena contains 52mg of levonorgestrel and releases about 20mcg daily when first inserted.
Kyleena contains 19.5mg and releases about 17.5mcg daily at first.
These rates gradually decrease over time, but remain effective throughout the lifespan of the IUD.
Because Kyleena releases less hormone, some women experience fewer hormonal side effects.
The beauty of these IUDs is their localized hormone delivery.
Unlike the pill which circulates throughout your bloodstream, levonorgestrel works mainly in and around your uterus.
This means effective pregnancy prevention with lower hormone levels in your system.
For those tracking efficacy stats: Mirena is 99.9% effective while Kyleena is 99.7% effective.
Kyleena vs Mirena: Key Differences
When deciding between these two popular hormonal IUDs, there are several important differences worth noting.
Both are fantastic options for long-term birth control, but they vary in ways that might make one a better fit for your specific needs.
Hormone Levels and Dosage
The biggest difference between these two contraceptives is the amount of hormone they release.
Mirena packs more hormonal punch! It contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel, while Kyleena has just 19.5 mg.
The higher hormone dose in Mirena makes it super effective at reducing heavy periods—some users even stop having periods altogether!
Kyleena, with its lower hormone level, might be less likely to stop your periods completely.
The smaller hormone dose in Kyleena might appeal if you’re concerned about hormonal side effects.
Some folks find the lower dose leads to fewer hormone-related issues like mood changes or breast tenderness.
Duration and Effectiveness
Both these IUDs are pregnancy-preventing superstars, but there are slight differences in how long they last and how effective they are.
Mirena now works for up to 8 years (they recently extended it from 5 years!), and it’s 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy.
For women over 45, Mirena can actually be used until age 55 if inserted at or after age 45.
Kyleena is approved for 5 years of use and is 99.7% effective.
Kyleena has a smaller frame and insertion tube, which might make it more comfortable for insertion, especially if you haven’t had children.
The physical size difference is something to chat with your doctor about if you’re concerned about comfort.
Benefits and Side Effects
Both Kyleena and Mirena offer effective birth control while also affecting your monthly cycle.
These hormonal IUDs have similar benefits and side effects, but with some key differences worth knowing about.
Menstrual Changes
Most women notice their periods getting lighter after getting an IUD—that’s one of the biggest perks!
With Mirena, your periods might stop completely after a year (amenorrhea), which happens in about 20% of users.
Kyleena tends to make periods lighter but is less likely to stop them entirely.
During the first 3-6 months, you might experience spotting or irregular bleeding with either device.
This is totally normal! Your body’s just getting used to the new hormone situation.
Both IUDs release levonorgestrel (a progestin hormone) that thins your uterine lining.
Less lining = lighter periods or no periods at all!
Potential Side Effects
Both Kyleena and Mirena can cause similar side effects, though they might vary in frequency or intensity.
Common side effects include:
- Ovarian cysts (usually harmless and disappear on their own)
- Abdominal or pelvic pain (especially during the first few days after insertion)
- Headaches or migraines
- Acne
- Breast tenderness
Most side effects tend to decrease after the first few months as your body adjusts.
About 5% of users might experience hormonal side effects like mood changes or decreased libido.
Serious complications are rare but can include perforation of the uterus (about 1 in 1000 insertions) or expulsion (the IUD coming out on its own).
If you experience severe pain or abnormal bleeding, give your doctor a call right away!
Who Should Consider Kyleena or Mirena?
Both Kyleena and Mirena are excellent choices for many people seeking long-term birth control.
The right option depends on your specific health needs and family planning goals.
Health Considerations
If you’re dealing with heavy periods, Mirena might be your best bet.
It’s FDA-approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding and can be a game-changer for those suffering each month.
We’ve seen patients with endometriosis experience significant relief with Mirena too!
Those with uterine fibroids should chat with their doctor first.
Both IUDs can sometimes help with fibroid symptoms, but every case is different.
Got a history of breast cancer? Unfortunately, hormone-releasing IUDs might not be recommended.
Same goes for certain liver diseases or active pelvic infections.
The insertion process is similar for both, though Kyleena’s smaller frame might make it slightly less uncomfortable for those who haven’t given birth before.
Family Planning and Fertility
Planning your family? Mirena lasts up to 8 years while Kyleena works for 5 years—both offering amazing pregnancy prevention (over 99% effective!).
The beauty of these IUDs is that fertility returns quickly after removal.
Unlike some birth control methods, there’s no waiting period once you decide you’re ready for pregnancy.
If you’re spacing out pregnancies but want options in the near future, either IUD gives you flexibility.
Many of our patients love that they can “set it and forget it” until they’re ready for their next family planning step.
Be aware that while extremely rare, ectopic pregnancies (when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus) can still occur with an IUD in place.
For those concerned about future fertility, rest easy! Neither Mirena nor Kyleena causes infertility after removal.
Insertion, Removal, and Everyday Use
Getting an IUD like Kyleena or Mirena involves a quick medical procedure.
Both devices offer years of worry-free contraception with minimal maintenance in between.
The Insertion Process
The insertion process for both Kyleena and Mirena is pretty similar, taking just 5-10 minutes in your doctor’s office.
No need for hospital stays!
You might feel cramping during insertion.
Taking ibuprofen about an hour before your appointment can help take the edge off.
Kyleena has a slight advantage here for some patients.
Its insertion tube is a bit smaller than Mirena’s, which might make placement easier, especially if you’ve never had children.
Your doctor will use a speculum (like during a pap smear), clean your cervix, and then place the IUD in your uterus.
Pro tip: Schedule your insertion during your period when your cervix is naturally more open!
What to Know About Removal
Removing either Kyleena or Mirena is typically simpler than insertion.
The whole process usually takes less than 5 minutes—quick and easy!
Your healthcare provider will grasp the IUD strings that hang into your vagina with special instruments and gently pull.
You might feel a brief cramp as the arms of the IUD fold up and it slides out.
Want your IUD out early? No problem!
While Mirena can stay in for up to 8 years and Kyleena for 5 years, you can have either removed whenever you choose.
Fertility typically returns quickly after removal.
Important safety note: Never try to remove an IUD yourself!
This could cause serious injury or infection like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Living With an IUD
Day-to-day life with Kyleena or Mirena? You likely won’t even notice it’s there!
Neither you nor your partner should feel the IUD during sex—just the strings, which soften over time.
After insertion, we recommend checking the strings monthly to ensure your IUD is still properly placed.
Just wash your hands, then reach up to feel for the strings near your cervix.
Both IUDs are MRI-safe, so no worries if you need that type of scan.
However, always mention your IUD to healthcare providers before any procedures.
Spotting and irregular bleeding are common in the first 3-6 months.
With Mirena, your periods might disappear completely, while Kyleena users often have lighter periods but may still get them regularly.
No daily pills to remember—just set-it-and-forget-it protection!
Comparing Alternatives and Special Considerations
When choosing an IUD, it’s helpful to know all your options.
Beyond just Kyleena and Mirena, there are several other IUDs with different hormone levels and durations, as well as ways to combine methods for extra protection.
Skyla, Liletta, and Other IUDs
Skyla is the baby of the bunch—it’s smaller than both Kyleena and Mirena, making it a fab choice if you’ve never had children.
It only lasts for 3 years, which might be perfect if you’re not ready for a longer commitment.
Liletta is Mirena’s twin sister—they’re practically identical in hormone dose and effectiveness.
Liletta has recently been FDA-approved for up to 8 years of use, matching Mirena’s duration.
For folks who want to avoid hormones altogether, copper IUDs like Paragard are hormone-free alternatives.
They work differently—the copper acts as a spermicide, creating an environment where sperm can’t survive.
Paragard lasts a whopping 10+ years!
Mixing with Other Birth Control Options
While IUDs like Kyleena and Mirena are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, they don’t protect against STDs. That’s why we recommend using condoms alongside your IUD for that extra layer of protection.
Some patients ask about using spermicides with their IUD. While it’s not necessary for pregnancy prevention, it’s not harmful if you choose to use both.
Hormonal IUDs contain progestins, not estrogen. This makes them different from many birth control pills and often suitable for people who can’t take estrogen-containing contraceptives.
IUDs prevent pregnancy from occurring and do not terminate existing pregnancies. They create an environment that’s inhospitable to sperm, so fertilization rarely occurs.