Yaz vs. Kyleena

See how Yaz and Kyleena compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Yaz is a daily pill that also treats PMDD and moderate acne, while Kyleena is a long-acting IUD placed once for up to five years.

  • Kyleena releases hormone mainly within the uterus, so systemic effects like mood changes are less of a concern than with the estrogen-containing Yaz.

  • Yaz depends on daily adherence and carries smoking-related cardiovascular warnings, while Kyleena needs a single insertion but carries procedure-related risks like perforation.

Yaz vs. Kyleena Drug Summary

Yaz

Yaz is a combination oral contraceptive containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, taken once daily to prevent pregnancy. It is also FDA-approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder and moderate acne in women who want birth control. Active tablets are taken for 24 days, followed by four inert tablets.

Kyleena

Kyleena is a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device placed by a clinician to prevent pregnancy for up to five years. It works mainly through local hormone release inside the uterus rather than systemic effects. Once placed, it requires no daily attention until removal or replacement.

Yaz vs. Kyleena Side Effects

Yaz

Most common
headache/migraine (6.7%)
menstrual irregularities (4.7%)
nausea/vomiting (4.2%)
breast pain/tenderness (4.0%)

Kyleena

Most common
vulvovaginitis (24%)
ovarian cysts (22%)
abdominal/pelvic pain (21%)
headache/migraine (15%)

Yaz vs. Kyleena Dosage

Yaz

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 3 mg/0.02 mg once daily Days 1-24
Maximum dose inert tablet once daily Days 25-28
Dose changes 1 increase Every 24 days

Kyleena

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Yaz vs. Kyleena Indications

Yaz

Yaz prevents pregnancy and is also approved to treat PMDD and moderate acne in women who want oral contraception. It combines estrogen and progestin to suppress ovulation. It is not approved for use during pregnancy or in postmenopausal women.

  • Prevents pregnancy

  • Treats premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

  • Treats moderate acne in women 14+ who want contraception

Kyleena

Kyleena prevents pregnancy for up to five years through continuous local release of levonorgestrel in the uterus. It is placed once by a healthcare provider and does not require daily attention. It is not approved for emergency contraception or use before a first period.

  • Prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years

  • Placed once by a clinician

  • Not for emergency contraception

Yaz vs. Kyleena Pros and Cons

Yaz

Yaz offers added benefits for PMDD and acne beyond contraception, but it depends on daily adherence and carries cardiovascular warnings for smokers and people with certain organ conditions. Coverage varies, and monthly out-of-pocket costs can add up over time.

Pros

  • Also FDA-approved for PMDD and acne treatment

  • No clinical procedure or insertion required

  • Fertility returns quickly after stopping

  • Non-invasive daily dosing method

Cons

  • Requires daily adherence for full effectiveness

  • Contraindicated for smokers over 35

  • Contraindicated with renal, hepatic, or adrenal disease

  • Systemic hormone exposure raises clot risk

  • Higher monthly cost, roughly $112 to $226 before savings programs

Kyleena

Kyleena provides years of contraception from a single insertion, with hormone acting mostly within the uterus rather than throughout the body. It requires a clinical procedure for placement and removal and carries device-specific risks like perforation or expulsion. Its amortized monthly cost is lower than a daily pill over the full five years.

Pros

  • Effective for up to 5 years from one placement

  • Mostly local hormone action, less systemic exposure

  • No daily pill routine needed

  • Lower amortized cost, roughly $20 to $24 per month over 5 years

Cons

  • Requires in-office insertion and removal

  • Risk of uterine perforation during placement

  • Risk of device expulsion

  • Not approved for PMDD or acne treatment

  • Higher rates of ovarian cysts and pelvic pain during use

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