Skyla vs. Kyleena
See how Skyla and Kyleena compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Skyla and Kyleena are both levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs, but Skyla is approved for up to 3 years while Kyleena is approved for up to 5 years.
Skyla is the only levonorgestrel IUD with FDA efficacy data specifically studied in a large number of nulliparous women.
Kyleena delivers a higher hormone dose than Skyla, which lines up with somewhat higher reported rates of vulvovaginitis and ovarian cysts.
Skyla vs. Kyleena Drug Summary
Skyla
Skyla is a progestin-only intrauterine device that releases a low dose of levonorgestrel to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years. It is placed once by a clinician and needs no daily attention afterward.
Kyleena
Kyleena is a progestin-only intrauterine device that releases levonorgestrel to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. Like Skyla, it is inserted once by a clinician and requires no daily maintenance.
Skyla vs. Kyleena Side Effects
Skyla
Kyleena
Skyla vs. Kyleena Dosage
Skyla
Kyleena
| 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 |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 19.5 mg IUS, one device | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 19.5 mg IUS, one device | 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 |
Kyleena
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 19.5 mg IUS, one device | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 19.5 mg IUS, one device | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Skyla vs. Kyleena Indications
Skyla
Skyla is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years and is the levonorgestrel IUD with efficacy data specifically studied in nulliparous women. It is not approved for emergency contraception or for use before a first period.
Prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years
FDA efficacy data include nulliparous women
Not for emergency contraception
Not for use before menarche
Kyleena
Kyleena is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years, the longest duration among low-dose hormonal IUDs. It is not approved for emergency contraception or for use before a first period.
Prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years
Lowest hormone dose among Bayer's levonorgestrel IUDs
Not for emergency contraception
Not for use before menarche
Skyla vs. Kyleena Pros and Cons
Skyla
Skyla's smaller frame and lower hormone dose make it a common choice for younger or nulliparous patients, and it is the only levonorgestrel IUD with FDA efficacy data specifically studied in that group. Its tradeoff is a shorter approved lifespan than Kyleena.
Pros
FDA efficacy data specifically include nulliparous women
Smallest frame and lowest hormone dose among current levonorgestrel IUDs
Longest real-world track record, approved since 2013
May cause fewer hormone-related side effects due to lower dose
Cons
Shortest approved duration among current levonorgestrel IUDs, at 3 years
Needs replacement sooner than Kyleena for those wanting longer coverage
Lower hormone dose may mean less reduction in menstrual bleeding
Kyleena
Kyleena's higher hormone dose and 5-year duration make it a good option for patients wanting fewer replacements over time, though it was not specifically studied in nulliparous women at approval. Its reported rates of common reactions like vulvovaginitis and ovarian cysts run somewhat higher than Skyla's.
Pros
Longest duration among low-dose hormonal IUDs, up to 5 years
Fewer replacement procedures needed over a 5-year span
Higher hormone dose than Skyla, which may more effectively lighten periods
Newer design with a smaller frame than older levonorgestrel IUDs like Mirena
Cons
Not specifically studied in nulliparous women at FDA approval, unlike Skyla
Higher reported rates of vulvovaginitis, ovarian cysts, and headache than Skyla
Higher hormone dose than Skyla, which may increase hormone-related side effects
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.