Hormone IUDThe IUD gradually releases a small amount of hormones and causes the mucus in the cervix to become 'tougher', making it more difficult for sperm cells to pass through. The release of the hormone Levonorgestrel in the uterus slows down the sperm cells.
The hormonal IUD can suppress ovulation. If no egg is released, fertilization cannot take place. If it does come to fertilization, it cannot implant because the endometrium is not built up. Because the endometrium is hardly built up, some women with a hormonal IUD have little or no periods.
There are two types of hormonal IUDs, namely the Mirena
and Kyleena. Below we describe some similarities and differences of these two spirals.
The form
The Mirena and Kyleena are both a T-shaped IUD. The legs expand after the IUD is in your uterus. That way it stays in place.
The Kyleena is slightly smaller than the Mirena (this is a 4 millimeter difference). Therefore, a Kyleena might be a better option if you've never been pregnant.
The Kyleena releases slightly less hormone than the Mirena (Kyleena 0.009 mg per day, Mirena 0.012 mg per day). This is both a very low dose that is therefore continuously released gradually.
Pros and cons
A hormonal IUD may be a suitable method if you normally have heavy periods. Many women have less blood loss during menstruation with a hormonal IUD (Mirena 57%, Kyleena 26%) or even no blood loss at all (Mirena 16%, Kyleena 12%).
NB! Some women notice no difference in their menstrual pattern or have more breakthrough bleeding.
You cannot regulate the timing of your period yourself.
Operating time
The Mirena coil can remain in place for 6 years, the Kyleena for 5 years (you can always remove it earlier).
Costs
Both spirals cost approximately €140 (excluding costs for installation).
Reliability
Is equal in both and very high, namely 99%.
Side effects
The first months (up to 1 year) after placement there may be an unpredictable bleeding pattern: from much to little blood loss, possibly with abdominal and back pain.
The most common side effects in >10% of women are: headache, abdominal pain, (youth) pimples/oily skin, altered menstrual pattern and breakthrough bleeding.
Less often we see in 1-10% of women: gloomy mood/depression, decreased sex drive, migraine, nausea, hair loss, sore/tender breasts, more vaginal discharge, inflammation of the labia and vagina or weight gain.
Do you notice after 6 months that you suffer from side effects of the IUD. Please contact us.
Advice on use
Tampons: You can safely use tampons if you have had an IUD placed. Do not use a tampon until a few days after insertion of your IUD and preferably not at night during the first menstrual period. You do not have to worry that you will pull out the IUD when you remove a tampon, it is safely in the uterus.
Menstrual cup: Little research has been done on the use of a menstrual cup by women with an IUD. The literature shows that the use of a menstrual cup may lead to an increased risk of expulsion of the IUD. If you do want to use a menstrual cup, do not use it until 3 months after insertion of your IUD, because the risk of expulsion is greatest during the first few months. Then very carefully break the vacuum before removing the cup. Be careful not to accidentally pull the wires of the IUD when removing the cup and check that the IUD is not in your cup.
Feel monthly if you can feel the threads of the IUD. That way you know it's in place.