Hormone IUD

The hormonal IUD is a reliable method of contraception and offers 5 years of protection against pregnancy. A hormonal IUD is a small, T-shaped IUD that is placed in the uterus. There it releases a small amount of hormone (levonorgestrel) on a daily basis. There are two hormonal IUDs on the market: the Mirena and the Kyleena.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

A hormonal IUD protects you against pregnancy in the following ways:

  • The mucus in the cervical canal becomes 'tougher', making it more difficult for sperm cells to pass through.
  • Due to the release of the hormone levonorgestrel in the uterus, sperm cells cannot move and function normally here. This reduces the chance of conception.
  • The endometrium (this is the 'inner lining' of the uterus) is hardly built up or not at all. As a result, if fertilization does take place, a fertilized egg cannot implant.
  • Due to the presence of the IUD in the uterus, a fertilized egg cannot implant in the endometrium.
  • In some women, ovulation is suppressed. If no egg is released, fertilization cannot take place.

EFFECT ON YOUR MENSTRUATION

Due to the release of the hormone in the uterus, the endometrium is no longer built up, and your periods often become lighter and less painful. It can take up to six months before you notice this effect. In the first months after the insertion of the IUD, you may have interim blood loss. In the beginning, this can be prolonged, making it seem like your period lasts for several weeks. After about three to six months, this decreases to only a few days of blood loss per month. With a hormonal IUD you cannot influence the timing of your period yourself because you cannot skip, shift, or delay it.

EFFECTS

The hormone levonorgestrel is released directly into the uterus, so less of this hormone is needed compared to the pill. The amount of hormone that enters the blood and therefore the rest of the body is about 20 to 60 times less than with the contraceptive pill. Due to this topical action, Mirena and Kyleena have few side effects. Changes in body weight, complaints such as headache, nausea, breast tenderness and mood changes can occur, but they usually diminish or disappear over time.

At the bottom of the IUD are two thin threads, which are needed to be able to remove it later. You or your partner cannot feel the IUD during sex. Sometimes the threads can be felt; if this is a problem, contact your doctor or midwife to have the wires trimmed shorter.

HORMONE COIL AND BREAST FEEDING

Mirena and Kyleena can be used safely while you are breastfeeding.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MIRENA AND KYLEENA?

There are some differences between Mirena and Kyleena:

AMOUNT OF HORMONE

The Kyleena coil contains less hormone than Mirena, about half the amount. But if you look at the amount of hormone that is released in the womb every day, Kyleena is only about 15-20% less than Mirena. Despite this, the hormonal side effects of both coils seem similar. The reliability of Kyleena and Mirena is also almost the same (around 99.8%).

SIZE OF THE SPIRAL

The Kyleena is slightly smaller in size than the Mirena. Kyleena also has a slightly narrower applicator sheath. This can be an advantage, especially for women who have not yet had children.

EFFECT ON THE MENSTRUATION

One year after the Mirena is placed, about 75% of women have only slightly menstrual periods for two days a month, while 20% of women have no blood loss at all. This effect of reducing menstruation may be slightly smaller with Kyleena, because Kyleena contains fewer hormones. But do you have a light/normal period of your own? Then the influence on the menstruation in Kyleena and Mirena is probably the same.

PLACEMENT

A Mirena or Kyleena can be inserted by the midwife during the IUD consultation at PUUR. You are protected against pregnancy a week after the placement. Until then, use another method of contraception. Before inserting an IUD, read tips before inserting an IUD and how it works.

REMOVING

Removing an IUD is a simple operation. By pulling the wires with a forceps, a doctor or midwife can remove the IUD almost painlessly. You can get pregnant right away afterwards.

COST

Placing an IUD is reimbursed by most health insurers, but sometimes the costs are deducted from your deductible. Check your policy conditions for this. You usually pay the costs for the purchase of the IUD yourself:

  • Placing or removing a spiral: €67.01 (rate 2021)
  • Mirena: €147.47
  • Kyleena: €153.91