Do IUDs cause weight gain. How do different types of IUDs affect body weight. What are the potential side effects of hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs. How do IUDs compare to other forms of birth control in terms of weight changes.

The Evolution of Birth Control and Weight Gain Concerns

The connection between birth control and weight gain has been a topic of discussion for decades. This concern stems largely from the early days of oral contraceptives. In 1960, when the first birth control pill, Enovid, was introduced, it contained significantly higher hormone levels than modern contraceptives.

These early pills contained up to 10,000 micrograms of progestin and 150 micrograms of estrogen. In contrast, today’s lower-dose pills typically contain only 50-150 micrograms of progestin and 20-50 micrograms of estrogen. This dramatic reduction in hormone levels has significantly altered the side effect profile of oral contraceptives.

Historical Context of Birth Control Side Effects

During the early years of oral contraceptives, many women reported experiencing side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness, water retention, and weight gain. These reports contributed to the perception that birth control pills cause weight gain – a belief that has persisted despite advancements in contraceptive formulations.

Modern Birth Control Methods and Weight: Separating Fact from Fiction

Today’s birth control options, including IUDs like Liletta, are vastly different from their predecessors. But do they still cause weight gain? Let’s examine the evidence.

Hormonal Birth Control and Weight

According to Dr. Idries Abdur-Rahman, a board-certified ob/gyn, hormonal birth control methods usually don’t cause significant weight gain. While some women may experience slight weight fluctuations, these are often temporary and minimal.

A 2015 report published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that the evidence was not strong enough to conclusively state that hormonal birth control methods cause weight changes. The researchers found no major effect on weight from these contraceptives.

IUDs and Weight: What You Need to Know

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) like Liletta, Mirena, Skyla, and Kyleena release progestin, a hormone that can cause some water retention. This might lead to temporary bloating, similar to what some women experience during their menstrual cycle. However, this is not the same as actual weight gain.

Comparing Different Types of IUDs: Weight Effects and Beyond

There are several IUD options available, each with its own characteristics. Let’s compare them:

• Mirena: A hormonal IUD that can be used for up to 7 years
• Skyla: A smaller hormonal IUD, ideal for women who haven’t had children, usable for up to 3 years
• Liletta: Another hormonal option, effective for up to 7 years
• Kyleena: A hormonal IUD that can be used for up to 5 years
• Paragard: A non-hormonal, copper IUD that can be used for up to 12 years

While the hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena) may cause some water retention, the non-hormonal Paragard IUD is not associated with any weight-related side effects.

The Depo-Provera Shot: An Exception to the Rule?

While most modern birth control methods don’t significantly impact weight, the Depo-Provera shot is an exception. This method involves receiving a high dose of progestin every three months. Some studies suggest that it may increase appetite, potentially leading to weight gain in some users.

Why Depo-Provera Might Affect Weight

The higher dose of hormones in Depo-Provera, necessary for its long-lasting effect, is thought to be the reason behind its potential to cause weight gain. However, it’s important to note that not all women who use this method will experience weight changes.

Understanding IUD Side Effects Beyond Weight Changes

While weight gain is often a primary concern for many women considering birth control, it’s important to understand the full range of potential side effects associated with IUDs.

Common Side Effects of Hormonal IUDs

• Irregular bleeding or spotting, especially in the first 3-6 months
• Hormonal acne
• Mood changes
• Breast tenderness
• Headaches

Side Effects of Non-Hormonal IUDs

• Heavier periods
• Stronger menstrual cramps
• Spotting between periods

It’s crucial to discuss these potential side effects with your healthcare provider when choosing the best birth control method for you.

Choosing the Right Birth Control Method: Factors to Consider

When selecting a birth control method, weight gain concerns are just one factor to consider. Here are other important aspects to think about:

1. Effectiveness: How well does the method prevent pregnancy?
2. Duration: How long does the method last?
3. Convenience: How easy is it to use?
4. Reversibility: How quickly can you return to fertility after stopping?
5. Non-contraceptive benefits: Does the method offer other health benefits?
6. Personal health history: Are there any medical conditions that might affect your choice?

Consulting with a healthcare provider can help you weigh these factors and make an informed decision.

Debunking Birth Control Myths: Beyond Weight Gain

The myth of weight gain is just one of many misconceptions surrounding birth control. Let’s address some other common myths:

Myth: IUDs Cause Infertility

This is false. IUDs are a reversible form of birth control. Once removed, fertility typically returns quickly.

Myth: You Can’t Use an IUD If You Haven’t Had Children

This is also untrue. While some IUDs are smaller and may be more comfortable for women who haven’t given birth, IUDs are safe and effective for most women, regardless of whether they’ve had children.

Myth: IUDs Cause Ectopic Pregnancies

IUDs actually lower the risk of ectopic pregnancies by preventing pregnancy altogether. However, in the rare event that a pregnancy does occur with an IUD in place, it’s more likely to be ectopic.

Managing Expectations: What to Expect When Getting an IUD

Understanding what to expect when getting an IUD can help alleviate concerns and ensure a smoother experience. Here’s what you should know:

The Insertion Process

IUD insertion is typically a quick outpatient procedure performed by a healthcare provider. It may cause some discomfort or cramping, but this usually subsides quickly. Some women might experience light spotting or cramping for a few days after insertion.

Adjustment Period

It’s common to experience some changes in your menstrual cycle, especially in the first 3-6 months after insertion. This might include irregular bleeding or spotting. For most women, these issues resolve over time as the body adjusts to the IUD.

Long-Term Effects

Many women with hormonal IUDs experience lighter periods or even no periods at all over time. This is considered safe and is often viewed as a benefit by many users. Women with copper IUDs might experience heavier periods, especially in the first few months.

Remember, everyone’s experience with an IUD is unique. What one person experiences may not be the same for another.

The Importance of Personalized Birth Control Choices

When it comes to birth control, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works well for one person may not be the best choice for another. This is why it’s crucial to have an open and honest discussion with your healthcare provider about your needs, concerns, and medical history.

Factors Influencing Birth Control Choices

• Personal health history
• Lifestyle factors
• Future pregnancy plans
• Comfort with different methods
• Potential side effects
• Cost and insurance coverage

Your healthcare provider can help you navigate these factors and find the birth control method that best suits your individual needs.

The Role of Regular Check-ups

Once you’ve chosen a birth control method, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are important. These visits allow you to discuss any concerns or side effects you may be experiencing, and make adjustments to your birth control plan if necessary.

Remember, your birth control needs may change over time. What works for you now may not be the best option in a few years. Regular communication with your healthcare provider ensures that your birth control method continues to meet your needs as they evolve.

Navigating Birth Control Side Effects: When to Seek Help

While most side effects of birth control methods like IUDs are minor and resolve on their own, there are times when you should seek medical attention. Here are some signs that warrant a call to your healthcare provider:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Heavy bleeding that soaks through more than one pad or tampon an hour for several hours in a row
• Fever or chills, which could indicate an infection
• Unusual vaginal discharge or odor
• You can’t feel the IUD strings or they seem longer than usual
• You think you might be pregnant

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing any concerning symptoms or if you’re simply not comfortable with the side effects you’re experiencing. They can help determine if what you’re experiencing is normal or if changes need to be made to your birth control plan.

The Future of Birth Control: Innovations on the Horizon

As medical science advances, new and improved birth control methods are constantly being developed. These innovations aim to provide more options, fewer side effects, and greater convenience for users. Here are some areas of ongoing research:

Non-Hormonal Options

Researchers are working on developing new non-hormonal birth control methods that could provide effective contraception without the potential side effects associated with hormonal methods. These include new types of barrier methods and novel approaches to preventing fertilization.

Male Birth Control

While most current birth control methods are designed for women, there’s increasing research into effective male birth control options. This could include hormonal methods similar to female birth control pills, as well as non-hormonal options.

Longer-Lasting Methods

Scientists are exploring ways to create birth control methods that last even longer than current long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs. This could potentially include methods that provide protection for a decade or more with a single application.

Smart Birth Control

With the advent of digital health technologies, researchers are looking into “smart” birth control methods. These could potentially include methods that can be controlled via smartphone apps or that adapt to an individual’s unique physiology.

As these innovations progress, it’s likely that future generations will have even more options for safe, effective, and personalized birth control. However, it’s important to remember that any new method will need to undergo rigorous testing and receive FDA approval before becoming available to the public.

Empowering Women Through Informed Birth Control Choices

Understanding the facts about birth control, including the realities of potential side effects like weight gain, is crucial for women’s health and empowerment. By dispelling myths and providing accurate information, we can ensure that women are equipped to make the best decisions for their bodies and their lives.

The Importance of Education

Comprehensive sex education and access to accurate information about birth control options are essential. This includes understanding not just how different methods work, but also their potential side effects, benefits, and limitations.

Advocating for Access

Access to a wide range of birth control options is a crucial aspect of women’s healthcare. This includes not just the availability of different methods, but also affordability and insurance coverage. Advocating for policies that support access to contraception is an important part of supporting women’s reproductive health.

Encouraging Open Dialogue

Open conversations about birth control – with healthcare providers, partners, and peers – can help reduce stigma and ensure that women feel comfortable seeking the information and care they need. By fostering these dialogues, we can create a more supportive environment for women’s reproductive health.

In conclusion, while concerns about weight gain and other side effects are valid, they shouldn’t deter women from exploring their birth control options. Modern methods like the Liletta IUD offer safe, effective contraception with minimal side effects for most users. By staying informed, maintaining open communication with healthcare providers, and advocating for comprehensive reproductive healthcare, women can make empowered choices about their birth control methods.

Birth Control And Weight Gain: Does A Link Exist?

Although homework is usually best left for school, it’s key if you’re trying to decide on which contraception is best for you. When you’re mulling over your birth control options, there’s a lot to consider: hormones or no hormones? Are you on top of your sh*t enough to take something every day, or is a “set it and forget it” method like an IUD more up your alley? And, of course, there are the potential side effects, like mood shifts, irregular periods, and…weight gain?

You may have heard the rumor that hormonal birth control can affect the number on the scale. It’s a popular one, ob/gyns say. “I have a lot of patients who come in and say the Pill made them gain weight,” Idries Abdur-Rahman, M.D., a board-certified ob/gyn, tells SELF. But the truth is, it probably didn’t.

The confusion around birth control and weight gain is largely rooted in the first Pill’s effects.

“The short answer is that [hormonal birth control] usually doesn’t cause weight gain, but it can,” says Abdur-Rahman. “It’s kind of old wives’ tale, because when birth control pills first came out, there was a lot of trial and error with pharmaceutical companies,” he explains.

In 1960, the first birth control pill, Enovid, made its debut. “[It] had a lot more hormones in it than needed to prevent pregnancy,” says Planned Parenthood. “It contained 10,000 micrograms of progestin and 150 micrograms of estrogen. In comparison, today’s lower-dose pills are more likely to contain 50–150 micrograms of progestin and 20–50 micrograms of estrogen.”

But those new lower-dose pills weren’t introduced until the 1980s, according to PBS. Before that, there was plenty of time for Enovid to make a name for itself. “Early critics of the Pill were right that a lot could be done to improve it. Among the millions of women using the Pill worldwide, there were disturbing reports of nausea, breast tenderness, water retention, and weight gain,” says Planned Parenthood.

But things are different now.

“The Pill gets a bad rap,” Alyssa Dweck, M. D., assistant clinical professor of obstetrics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and co-author of V is For Vagina, tells SELF. In reality, you shouldn’t experience significant weight gain on hormonal methods like the Pill and similar forms like NuvaRing, she says.

Also, although a 2015 report of published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that “the evidence was not strong enough to be sure that these methods did not cause some weight change,” they still “found no major effect [from birth control] on weight.”

Hormonal IUDs and the Nexplanon implant also shouldn’t cause actual weight gain.

IUD options like Mirena, Skyla, and Liletta release progestin, which can make your jeans feel a little tighter. “All of these can create a little bloating because progestin can make you you retain some water,” says Abdur-Rahman. (The same goes for the Pill and the implant.) But it shouldn’t be a huge amount—more like the type of bloating you would otherwise potentially experience during your period anyway.

The only major exception to this rule is the Depo-Provera shot.

Depo-Provera involves getting a shot of progestin every three months. “It’s a relatively high dose of the hormone” because it needs to protect you for a few months at a time, says Abdur-Rahman, who explains that the thinking is that Depo makes you hungrier, which can lead to weight gain.

Comparing Mirena, Paragard, Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena

Both hormonal and copper (nonhormonal) IUDs are effective methods of birth control. The key differences between Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena, and Paragard (a nonhormonal option) are what they’re made of, how they work, how long they last, and possible side effects.

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Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are an extremely effective method of birth control. An IUD is a small, T-shaped device that’s placed in your uterus. It must be prescribed by a doctor, who will place it in your uterus during an outpatient procedure.

Five brands of IUDs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are available today. Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena release hormones to prevent pregnancy. Paragard contains copper and doesn’t release hormones.

Which one could be right for you? Let’s compare Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena, and Paragard to explore how these IUDs are similar and different.

Learn about what it feels like to have an IUD.

IUDs are long-term birth control. They can stay implanted in your uterus for several years. However, they can be easily removed if you want to become pregnant.

IUDs are made of a plastic called polyethylene. They’re T-shaped, with a string attached to the bottom of the T. The string makes it easier for a doctor to remove the IUD. The string also helps you know that it’s still in place when you check it each month.

An IUD is a form of birth control. It’s about the size of a quarter and is inserted into the uterus, where it stays for several years to prevent pregnancy. There are hormonal and nonhormonal options available.

Inserting an IUD is done by a doctor, and the process only takes a few minutes. The procedure can be painful or uncomfortable. Side effects may include cramping, backaches, dizziness, and discomfort. Some people experience these side effects for a couple of days after insertion, while others experience them for weeks or months.

The IUD can be removed quickly by a doctor if you want to become pregnant or if it expires and needs to be replaced.

Most IUDs start working immediately after insertion, though some take around 7 days to become effective.

You can still have sex and use tampons with an IUD. You may also continue to menstruate, though some people experience a lighter or heavier flow. Some people experience no period at all with an IUD.

A note on pricing

We included average pricing information for each IUD brand without insurance coverage. But if you’re insured, the price will vary on your coverage and what your network covers.

Additionally, if you don’t have health insurance, there are options to help you pay for birth control out of pocket. You may be able to apply for financial assistance or enroll in a co-pay savings program.

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There are five options to choose from: Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena, and Paragard. They can be divided into two main types: hormonal and copper (nonhormonal).

Mirena

• Average pricing: $1,049.24 without insurance ($12.49 a month over a 7-year period or $17.49 over a 5-year period)
• Type: Hormonal
• How long it works: 7 years
• Failure rate: 0.2%

Mirena works by slowly releasing the hormone levonorgestrel (LNG) into your body each day. It can last for up to 7 years and should be replaced at the end of the cycle.

It works to prevent pregnancy by:

1. Potentially making you ovulate less often
2. Thickening cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to pass into your uterus
3. Helping to prevent sperm from binding to an egg and attaching to your uterus

Some common side effects include:

• 3 to 6 months of spotting or irregular periods
• lighter periods
• irregular cycles
• potential to stop periods after a year

You may also experience pain, bleeding, or dizziness before or after placement.

Learn more about Mirena inourreviewhere.

Pros

• Lasts for up to 7 years
• Can make periods lighter and less frequent
• Highly effective

Cons

• Expensive without insurance
• May cause physical and mental health side effects

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Skyla

• Average pricing: $1,291.75 without insurance
• Type: Hormonal
• How long it works: 3 years
• Failure rate: 0.2%

Skyla works to prevent pregnancy using the same mechanisms as Mirena, also releasing the hormone LNG. The main difference, however, is that it needs to be replaced every three years instead of seven.

Common side effects of Skyla can include:

• headache or migraine
• missed menstrual periods
• changes in bleeding
• ovarian cysts
• painful periods
• inflammation of the uterus

Pros

• Begins to work immediately
• May help to treat heavy menstrual bleeding
• Highly effective

Cons

• Expensive without insurance
• Need to replace more frequently than other IUD options

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Liletta

• Average pricing: $899 without insurance
• Type: Hormonal
• How long it works: 6 years
• Failure rate: 0. 2 percent

Liletta works by slowly releasing low doses of LNG into your body. It lasts for 6 years. It was approved by the FDA in February 2015, but it’s one of the newer IUD options on the market.

Some side effects of Liletta may include:

• cramps
• irregular menstrual periods
• spotting
• headache
• nausea
• breast tenderness
• weight gain

Pros

• Longer-lasting hormonal IUD option
• May lighten or eliminate periods
• Highly effective

Cons

• Hasn’t been studied as much as other IUDs
• Can be expensive without insurance

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Kyleena

• Average pricing: $1,049.24 without insurance ($17.49 a month over a 5-year period)
• Type: Hormonal
• How long it works: 5 years
• Failure rate: 0.2%

Kyleena also works by slowly releasing low doses of LNG into your body, lasting 5 years in duration. Kyleena was approved by the FDA in September 2016, and like Liletta, hasn’t been researched as extensively.

Some common side effects of Kyleena include:

• vaginal itching or discharge
• ovarian cysts
• headache or migraine
• acne
• breast pain or discomfort

Pros

• Lasts 5 years
• Lower hormone option than birth control pills

Cons

• Expensive without insurance
• Can cause same physical side effects as other hormonal IUDs

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Paragard

• Average pricing: $941 without insurance
• Type: Non-hormonal
• How long it works: 10 years
• Failure rate: 0.8%

Paragard has copper coiled around the vertical stem of the T-shape and around each side of the horizontal arm. The copper produces an inflammatory reaction within your uterus, creating a harmful environment for sperm. This environment helps prevent the sperm from fertilizing an egg and may prevent an egg from attaching to your uterus.

Paragard IUDs can last for up to 10 years, but they can be removed at any time. They are also effective immediately after insertion and can also be used as a form of emergency contraception after having sex without a barrier method if inserted within 5 days.

Paragard side effects may include:

• anemia
• spotting
• pain during sex
• painful periods
• prolonged periods
• vaginal irritation or discharge

Pros

• Longest-lasting IUD
• Can work as a form of emergency contraception
• Good option for those wanting to avoid hormones

Cons

• Expensive without insurance
• May cause longer and heavier periods, as well as cramping

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Of the different forms of contraception, an IUD is among the least common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 10. 4 percent of women ages 15 through 49 rely on IUDs or implants, compared with 14 percent who use the pill and 18.1 percent who rely on female sterilization.

However, the IUD has its perks that can’t be overlooked.

The IUD is highly effective. It’s more than 99 percent effective. While it’s still possible to become pregnant with an IUD, the chances are less likely than other forms of birth control.

It also lasts for several years. Aside from sterilization and male condoms, oral contraception is the most popular option among women. However, the pill must be taken daily. An IUD is a one-time procedure that lasts for up to 10 years, depending on the type.

Hormonal IUDs have benefits related to female reproductive health aside from contraception. They’re often prescribed to women with endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, and heavy periods.

Many women also opt for hormonal IUDs since they may lessen period pain, reduce period frequency, or get rid of your period altogether.

Once you’ve decided to use an IUD as your primary form of birth control, you have five options to choose from: Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena, and Paragard.

Deciding whether you want a hormonal or nonhormonal IUD can help you narrow down your choices. There are benefits and risks of both. If you decide to go the hormone-free route, your choice is simple, as there’s only one option: Paragard. If you prefer hormonal IUDs, your choices include Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena.

Hormonal IUDs

Hormonal IUDs work by releasing the hormone progestin. This prevents pregnancy in two ways:

1. The mucus in the cervix thickens, which prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg.
2. The lining of the uterus becomes thinner, which partially suppresses ovulation.

Hormonal IUDs don’t last as long as nonhormonal options. The time varies, but a hormonal IUD can last for up to 7 years.

The primary function of a hormonal IUD is contraception, but they have noncontraceptive benefits, such as reducing menstrual pain and menstrual frequency. Hormonal IUDs are often prescribed for those who experience endometriosis, severe menstrual pain or bleeding, anemia, and other conditions. A hormonal IUD may also reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

There are four hormonal IUDs: Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena. Their main differences include size, duration, and amount of hormones released. It may take up to 7 days for hormonal IUDs to become effective depending on the time they’re inserted in relation to your menstrual cycle.

The duration of effectiveness is a point of consideration for many. Copper IUDs last the longest. Paragard can last for up to 10 years before needing to be replaced or removed, while hormonal IUDs last between 3 and 6 years. Of the hormonal options, Skyla lasts the shortest (3 years) and Mirena lasts the longest (7 years). Liletta lasts for 6 years and Kyleena lasts for 5 years.

There may be a cost associated with getting an IUD. There are ways to get free or low-cost IUDs, but the procedure and office visit may increase those costs. Without insurance, IUDs cost between $500 and $1,300 out of pocket. Liletta is the least expensive and Paragard is the most expensive, though the price differences aren’t significant.

Copper IUDs can be used as emergency contraception, but hormonal IUDs can’t. If you have unprotected sex, you can choose to use the Paragard IUD as a form of emergency contraception if it’s inserted with 5 days.

Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena have similar side effects. You may have changes in your period, such as increased menstrual bleeding, discomfort, or no period at all. You may also have:

• acne
• headache
• breast tenderness
• ovarian cysts
• depressed mood
• pain in your abdomen or pelvic area

With Paragard, you may have an allergic reaction to the copper. Other side effects include:

• heavy menstrual bleeding
• discomfort
• a longer period
• backaches and cramps when you’re not having a period

All five devices can also fall out or shift position. This can increase your risk of pregnancy. They could also tear your uterus. In addition, all five can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), but this is rare. If you have multiple sexual partners, this method of pregnancy prevention may not be your best choice.

Learn 11 tips to conquer your IUD side effects.

Results from a 2015 study have shown that these three IUDs have similar effectiveness. Both the copper and hormonal IUDs are more effective at preventing pregnancies than other forms of birth control, besides sterilization.

Overall, IUDs are more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. This means that fewer than 1 in 100 women who use an IUD gets pregnant each year.

If you do get pregnant while using an IUD, there’s a slight risk you could experience an ectopic pregnancy. However, the risk of ectopic pregnancy when not using an IUD is higher.

There’s also a small risk that the IUD may shift position or fall out. This can increase the risk of unwanted pregnancy. Learn what to do if your IUD falls out.

Certain health conditions can cause issues if you use a hormonal IUD or copper IUD. Don’t use any IUD if you have liver disease or if you have or have had the following conditions:

• cervical, breast, or uterine cancer
• PID
• unexplained uterine bleeding

You’ll have to make an appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) to have your IUD inserted. Your doctor will most likely talk through your medical history and any possible side effects you may experience during or after insertion.

Once your IUD has been inserted, you shouldn’t feel it. If you feel sudden discomfort or cramping and think your IUD has shifted or slipped, you should contact your doctor for an appointment.

You should see your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• fever
• intense cramping
• abnormal discharge
• suddenly heavy bleeding

Can an IUD make you gain weight?

Although it’s a common belief that IUDs can cause weight gain, a 2019 study found that copper IUDs don’t affect weight. Additionally, according to the National Center of Biotechnology Information, hormonal birth control most likely won’t cause you to gain a lot of weight.

If you’re concerned about gaining weight on birth control, it’s best to talk to your doctor, who can help you decide on the best form of contraceptive for your lifestyle.

Does an IUD or birth control pills alter hormones more?

Since hormones are slowly released with hormonal IUDs, they can be a better option for patients wanting lower doses of hormones than what they’d get with birth control pills. Unlike many pills, they also don’t contain estrogen.

Can you get pregnant with an IUD?

IUDs are one of the most effective methods of birth control, offering 99% efficacy. But no method is 100% effective and, while unlikely, it is possible to get pregnant with an IUD.

Getting pregnant with an IUD also increases your chances of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, so you should see your doctor immediately if you suspect you may be pregnant.

The key differences between Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena, and Paragard are what they’re made of, how they work, how long they last, and possible side effects.

For instance, Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena release hormones into your body. If you prefer to avoid hormones, you might choose Paragard.

However, the hormones in Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena are only released in one part of your body. They don’t have the same kind of broad effect as the hormones in birth control pills, which are delivered through your bloodstream.

On the other hand, if you already have heavy bleeding and cramping during your period, you may not want to use Paragard, which could worsen your bleeding.

To find out more about IUDs, talk with a doctor. They can give you more information about these devices and point you toward an IUD that may work well for you. Be sure to ask a doctor any questions you might have, such as:

• Are there any benefits to the hormonal IUDs Liletta or Kyleena versus Mirena or Skyla?
• Is there any reason why I should avoid using an IUD that has hormones?
• What other long-term birth control options would you suggest for me?

It’s important to remember that IUDs don’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).