Apri vs. Skyla
See how Apri and Skyla compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Apri is a pill you take every day, while Skyla is a hormonal IUD placed once by a clinician and left in for up to three years.
Apri's effects reverse as soon as you stop taking it, while Skyla requires an in-office removal before fertility returns.
Neither Apri nor Skyla protects against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections, so barrier methods are still needed for that.
Apri vs. Skyla Drug Summary
Apri
Apri is a combination oral contraceptive containing desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, used to prevent pregnancy. It comes in a 28-day pack of 21 active tablets and 7 inert ones, taken by mouth once a day at the same time.
Skyla
Skyla is a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system used to prevent pregnancy for up to three years. It is placed once by a clinician directly in the uterus and needs no daily attention afterward.
Apri vs. Skyla Side Effects
Apri
Skyla
Apri vs. Skyla Dosage
Apri
Skyla
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 tablet once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 1 tablet once daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 13.5 mg IUS, one insertion | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 13.5 mg IUS, one insertion | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Apri
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 tablet once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 1 tablet once daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Skyla
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 13.5 mg IUS, one insertion | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 13.5 mg IUS, one insertion | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Apri vs. Skyla Indications
Apri
Apri is approved to prevent pregnancy in women who choose an oral contraceptive. It works by combining an estrogen and a progestin to suppress ovulation, and it is taken as one tablet a day for a full 28-day cycle. It is not intended to protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Prevents pregnancy in women choosing oral contraceptives
Taken once daily, same time each day, for cycle control
Not approved for prevention of HIV or other STIs
Suited to women who want control over starting or stopping
Skyla
Skyla is approved to prevent pregnancy for up to three years after a single insertion. It releases a low dose of levonorgestrel directly into the uterus, so there is nothing to remember day to day. It is not intended for emergency contraception or STI prevention.
Prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years after insertion
Single insertion procedure, no daily action needed
Not approved for emergency contraception or before menarche
Not approved for prevention of HIV or other STIs
Apri vs. Skyla Pros and Cons
Apri
Apri gives users direct, day-to-day control over their contraception, and its effects wear off quickly once tablets are stopped. As a long-available generic combination pill, it has a well-established safety record, though it depends on the user remembering a daily dose and carries some clot-related risks.
Pros
Effects reverse quickly after stopping the pill
No insertion procedure or in-office visit required
Desogestrel has minimal androgenic activity, less acne risk
Easy to adjust or discontinue without a clinician
Cons
Requires daily adherence; missed doses lower effectiveness
Contraindicated in women over 35 who smoke
Small increased risk of blood clots and stroke
Higher real-world failure rate than long-acting methods
Skyla
Skyla removes the need for daily action, protecting against pregnancy for up to three years from one insertion. It has a very low user-error failure rate, but placement and removal require a clinical visit, and it carries device-specific risks not seen with pills.
Pros
One insertion covers up to 3 years, no daily routine
Very low user-error failure rate compared to a daily pill
Efficacy data specifically studied in nulliparous women
Smallest, lowest-dose hormonal IUD currently available
Cons
Requires an in-office procedure for insertion and removal
Small risk of uterine perforation or device displacement
Small risk of ectopic pregnancy if pregnancy occurs with device in place
Shortest approved duration among levonorgestrel IUS options
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.