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
Kyleena
Yaz vs. Kyleena Dosage
Yaz
Kyleena
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.