Hormonal Intrauterine device

removal strings of intrauterine device exiting cervical os of nulliparous woman. image taken after insertion , injection of lidocaine.



illustration of intrauterine device

hormonal iuds (brand names mirena, skyla, kyleena , liletta; referred intrauterine systems in uk) work releasing small amount of levonorgestrel, progestin. primary mechanism of action making inside of uterus fatal sperm. can thin endometrial lining , potentially impair implantation not usual function. because thin endometrial lining, reduce or prevent menstrual bleeding, , can used treat menorrhagia (heavy menses), once pathologic causes of menorrhagia (such uterine polyps) have been ruled out.

the progestin released hormonal iuds acts locally; use of mirena results in lower systemic progestin levels other very-low-dose progestogen contraceptives.

mirena approved use 5 years in us, though studies support efficacy 7 years. kyleena similar mirena, smaller , releases less levonorgestrel, still approved 5 years. skyla uses same mechanism of action, smaller , releases lower dose of levonorgestrel kyleena , approved 3 years. liletta more similar mirena in both shape , dose of levonorgestrel released; has been approved usage 3 years.