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Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla & Liletta - What's the difference?

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on July 11, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

The main differences between the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) for birth control (Kyleena, Liletta, Skyla, and Mirena) are the the duration of effectiveness, the total amount of hormone per device, and the size of the IUD.

Brand Strength Indication Company
Mirena levonorgestrel 52 mg
(release rate of 21 mcg/day)

prevention of pregnancy
for up to 8 years

treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 5 years

 Bayer Health Care
Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Skyla levonorgestrel 13.5 mg
(release rate of 14 mcg/day)

prevention of pregnancy
for up to 3 years

 Bayer Health Care
Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Liletta levonorgestrel 52 mg
(release rate of 20 mcg/day)

prevention of pregnancy
for up to 8 years

treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 5 years

 AbbVie and Medicines360
Kyleena levonorgestrel 19.5 mg
(release rate of 17.5 mcg/day)

prevention of pregnancy
for up to 5 years

 Bayer Health Care
Pharmaceuticals Inc.

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) approved by the FDA are considered to be highly effective methods of birth control. They are placed into the uterus by a health care professional and can be used for the maximum approved duration, or removed sooner if required.

The levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs work to prevent pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus, inhibiting sperm movement, reducing sperm survival, and thinning the lining of the uterus.

The levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs may also work to decrease menstrual flow, and periods may end up being lighter, shorter, or even stop altogether.

Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena can all be used whether or not you have given birth to a child.

The Skyla and Kyleena IUDs are slightly smaller in size than Mirena and Liletta, and may be more suitable for women who have a smaller uterus, such as younger women.

Related Questions

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Yes, it is possible to become pregnant with an IUD; however, this is extremely rare, occurring in less than 1% (one out of every 100 women) who use an IUD. If you do become pregnant, there is a higher chance that your pregnancy will be ectopic (occurring outside of the uterus) or you will develop complications with your pregnancy, if it continues. Continue reading

Yes, Kyleena can cause weight gain in some women although this is not listed as a common side effect of Kyleena. Weight gain associated with Kyleena is most likely due to water retention caused by the progestin contained in Kyleena, rather than an increase in body fat percentage. In most women, the bloating should subside within a few months. Continue reading

Yes, acne is a common side effect of Kyleena, reported in 14.1% of women who were assigned to Kyleena in clinical trials. Women who are predisposed to hormonal acne (for example, they typically have a breakout of acne just before their period) are more likely than others to develop acne with Kyleena. Continue reading

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