The difference between the Kyleena and the Mirena IUD

You’ve chosen to go for a hormonal IUD as your form of contraception, and you’re usually offered to choose between the Mirena and the Kyleena IUD. Do you know the difference between them? The Mirena IUD is the most commonly used hormonal IUD in the Netherlands, and it is also the one that’s been available for the longest time. That’s why we know more about it from a research and side effects’ standpoint. The Kyleena IUD only became available in 2016, making it the younger and smaller sister.

Just for you to know: There is also a third option available: the Levosert coil. This coil is similar to the Mirena IUD. It releases the hormone levonorgestrel and can be used for 5 years for contraception and heavy menstrual bleeding.

What are the differences?

Dimensions

The Mirena is slightly bigger than the Kyleena, though it’s not big of a difference. Both IUDs are shaped like anchors. According to the package leaflet, the Mirena is 32 x 32 x 4,4 in millimeters and the Kyleena 28 x 30 x 3,8 mm. So, there’s a small difference. This can be important to know for young women+, women+ who haven’t had kids yet, or who have a smaller or tilted uterus. A smaller IUD will fit them better. By the way, it’s not the case that the Mirena wouldn’t fit these women+!

Amount of hormones

Both types of IUDs contain a limited amount of hormones, and can be used safely. The Kyleena does contain fewer hormones than the Mirena IUD, but they each only contain a very small amount. Both IUDs release the progestin hormone. A Kyleena IUD contains 0.009 mg levonorgestrel and a Mirena contains 0.020 mg levonorgestrel (per day).

An IUD with as few hormones as possible sounds like a great thing for most of us. That’s understandable, since many of us experience unpleasant side effects from hormones. Still, you have to realize that fewer hormones can also cause side effects. Just think of breakthrough bleedings, which occur more often with a Kyleena IUD. This is because fewer hormones are released by this IUD. That’s probably not something you’re looking forward to!

How long can you use an IUD?

The Kyleena IUD has to be replaced after five years. For the Mirena this number lies between three and eight years, depending on what you’re using it for. As a contraceptive, the Mirena can be used for 8 years, while it only works to combat perimenopausal symptoms for 3 years, according to the manufacturer.

The similarities between the Kyleena and Mirena IUDs

The cost

Both IUDs cost around the same amount in the Netherlands, about €150. This does not include the cost of having it inserted.

Our advice is to inform yourself properly, and to carefully consider what you find most important. Doctors tend to prefer the Mirena IUD. Not because it’s better, but because it’s been around for longer, which means that more is known about it.