Kyleena vs Skyla - Health Guide Net

Kyleena vs Skyla:

Introduction

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a tiny device that is put into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

They are a form of long-acting contraception and are the most effective type of reversible birth control.

Here is a comparison of two popular IUDs:

Kyleena

It is a 30mm long and 28mm wide IUD that contains 19.5 mg of levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin that is a hormone produced by the ovaries.

It releases 17.5 mcg of levonorgestrel a day. After 12 months, this rate slowly declines to 9.8 mcg per day, and after 5 years, it drops to 7.5 mcg per day.

It was originally approved by the US Food and Drug Administration on September 19, 2016.

Insertion of the intrauterine device by your healthcare provider is a non-surgical procedure, and it generally takes just several minutes to place it in the uterus.

This IUD is to be inserted into the uterine cavity within 7 days of the onset of menstruation.

You may have to go back to your healthcare professional’s office about 4 to 12 weeks after the IUD is inserted to ensure it is in the correct position.

Skyla

It is a type of intrauterine device that is approved for 3 years and is specifically manufactured for women who haven’t had kids.

This IUD is not designed to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

For that reason, it is recommended to be used by women in monogamous relationships.

It contains 13.5 mg of levonorgestrel, released at a rate of 14 mcg a day after 24 days, progressively decreasing to 5 mcg a day after 3 years.

This IUD comes in a plastic device that is manually inserted into the uterus by a doctor.

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Benefits

Kyleena

it can provide over 99 percent protection against pregnancy;
it can be removed at any time by your doctor;
after a few months, it should reduce menstrual flow to little or nothing;
safe for women who are breastfeeding or already have children;
approximately 71 percent of women wishing to become pregnant conceived within 1 year after removal of this IUD;
you can keep it in for a long time (5 years);
it can be used to treat menorrhagia (can cause anemia), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and other health-related conditions;
it doesn’t interfere with sex;
once this IUD is placed, it is hassle-free without the daily worries of remembering to use a birth control method.

Skyla

it does not affect sex drive or mood;
it does not cause weight gain;
it is not associated with cancer of any organ;
it can be used by women who are on any type of medication;
fertility returns promptly on discontinuation;
it doesn’t interfere with intercourse;
it is independent of sexual activity;
the onset of action is immediate;
it is highly effective, with a 99% success rate.

Mechanism of Action

Kyleena works by releasing a steady level of levonorgestrel into the uterus and preventing sperm from passing into the cervix.

Skyla works by reducing sperm survival, inhibiting sperm movement, and thinning the lining of your uterus.

Side Effects

Kyleena

Common side effects include:

heavy menstrual bleeding;
cysts on the ovary (fluid-filled sacs in the ovary);
missed menstrual periods.

Less common side effects include:

stopping of menstrual bleeding;
pain in the pelvis;
abdominal cramps;
irregular menstrual periods.

Skyla

Common side effects include:

changes in bleeding patterns or flow;
irregular menstrual periods;
vaginal infection;
pelvic pain;
breast tenderness or pain;
puffiness in your face;
nausea.

Less common side effects include:

swelling of your lips, tongue, face, or throat;
pain during sexual intercourse;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
extreme dizziness;
sensitivity to light;
easy bruising or bleeding;
vaginal discharge that is watery;
a severe migraine headache.

Warnings & Precautions

Kyleena

It is contraindicated in women with the following conditions:

bacterial endocarditis;
recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease;
a previously inserted intrauterine contraceptive that has not been removed;
hypersensitivity to levonorgestrel or any of the IUDs;
malignant liver tumors;
liver disease or dysfunction;
cervical dysplasia;
bacterial vaginosis;
suspected progestogen-dependent neoplasia;
uterine or cervical malignancy;
congenital or acquired uterine anomaly;
abnormal uterine bleeding of unknown etiology;
postpartum endometritis.

Important note – it does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections.

Skyla

It is contraindicated in women with the following conditions:

untreated vaginitis or acute cervicitis or other lower genital tract;
acquired or congenital uterine anomaly if it distorts the uterine cavity;
a previous intrauterine device that has not been removed;
increased susceptibility to pelvic infection;
acute liver disease or liver tumor;
acute pelvic inflammatory disease;
uterine bleeding of unknown etiology;
known or suspected breast cancer;
known or suspected uterine or cervical neoplasia;
postpartum endometritis or infected abortion in the past 90 days.

Drug Interactions

They may be potentiated by CYP3A4 inhibitors (itraconazole, ketoconazole, clarithromycin, nefazodone, atazanavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, darunavir, tipranavir).

Also, they may be antagonized by CYP3A4 inducers.

Alcohol

There are no known negative interactions between alcoholic beverages and these IUDs.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

You can use these intrauterine devices during breastfeeding since the active ingredient has no negative effects on infant growth and development.

However, these IUDs must not be used during pregnancy.

Bottom Line – Kyleena vs Skyla: Which Is Better?

Kyleena intrauterine device consists of a soft, flexible polyethylene frame in the shape of a T. It might be a better option for women who want 5 years of pregnancy prevention.

This IUD can be inserted non-surgically, regardless if you have or haven’t had a baby. After insertion, approximately 4 to 12 weeks later, you must return to the healthcare provider’s office to ensure that it is still in the correct position.

It contains 19.5 mg of levonorgestrel, which is released at a rate of 17.5 mcg a day. After 1 year, the rate declines to 9.8 mcg, and after the 5 year period, the rate is 7.5 mcg a day.

Skyla is a plastic device that is inserted through the vagina and placed into the uterus by a healthcare professional.

This IUD is used to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years at a time. It contains 13.5 mg of levonorgestrel, which is released at a rate of 14 mcg per day after 24 days and 5 mcg/day after 3 years.

Images credit – Shutterstock & Getty

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2971735/
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17434440.2017.1350169?journalCode=ierd20