Yaz vs. Mirena
See how Yaz and Mirena compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Yaz is a daily pill that also treats PMDD and moderate acne, while Mirena is a long-acting IUD placed once by a clinician and left in for years.
Mirena's most common side effect is irregular uterine bleeding, while Yaz's most common side effect is headache.
Yaz carries a boxed warning about cardiovascular risk in smokers over 35 because it contains estrogen, while Mirena is progestin-only but requires an insertion procedure.
Yaz vs. Mirena 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 an oral contraceptive.
Mirena
Mirena is a progestin-releasing intrauterine system placed by a clinician to prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years. It is also approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 5 years in women who choose it for contraception.
Yaz vs. Mirena Side Effects
Yaz
Mirena
Yaz vs. Mirena Dosage
Yaz
Mirena
| 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 | ~21 mcg/day LNG release | Day 24 |
| Maximum dose | ~7 mcg/day LNG release | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
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 |
Mirena
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | ~21 mcg/day LNG release | Day 24 |
| Maximum dose | ~7 mcg/day LNG release | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Yaz vs. Mirena Indications
Yaz
Yaz prevents pregnancy when taken correctly every day and is also approved to ease the mood and physical symptoms of PMDD. It carries a separate approval for treating moderate acne in women 14 and older who also want oral birth control.
Prevent pregnancy
Treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Treat moderate acne vulgaris in women 14 and older
Not approved for use during pregnancy
Mirena
Mirena prevents pregnancy for up to 8 years after a single placement, with no daily or weekly action needed. It is also approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 5 years in women using it for contraception.
Prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years
Treat heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 5 years
Placed once by a clinician, no daily dosing
Not approved for emergency contraception
Yaz vs. Mirena Pros and Cons
Yaz
Yaz gives women daily control over their contraception and doubles as treatment for PMDD and acne, appealing to those who want more than pregnancy prevention. Because it contains estrogen, it carries a boxed warning about smoking-related cardiovascular risk and is not suitable for women with certain kidney, liver, or adrenal conditions.
Pros
Also treats PMDD and moderate acne
Effects reversible immediately after stopping
No insertion procedure required
Can be started or stopped independently
Cons
Requires remembering a daily pill
Estrogen raises risk of blood clots and stroke
Not safe for smokers over 35
Contraindicated with kidney, liver, or adrenal disease
Mirena
Mirena offers years of pregnancy prevention without daily effort and can also reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, appealing to women who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it option. Because it is progestin-only and placed directly in the uterus, it avoids estrogen-related clotting risks but requires a clinical procedure for insertion and removal.
Pros
Lasts up to 8 years with no daily action
Also treats heavy menstrual bleeding
Progestin-only, avoids estrogen-related clot risk
Highly effective with minimal user error
Cons
Requires clinician insertion and removal
Risk of uterine perforation or device expulsion
Irregular bleeding common in first months
Not approved for emergency contraception
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