What's the difference between the IUDs?

There are two kinds of IUDs available in the U.S—IUDs with hormones and without. All IUDs are T-shaped, made of plastic, and placed in the uterus by a health care provider. The major differences come down to how they can change your periods, how long they last, and if they can be used as emergency contraception (EC).

The hormonal IUDs release a small amount of the synthetic hormone progestin to help your body keep sperm from reaching your cervix. Those hormones can cause you to have lighter and irregular periods or cause them to go away altogether. Mirena and Liletta last up to 8 years; Kyleena has a slightly lower dose of hormones and lasts up to 5 years; and Skyla has the lowest dose of hormones and lasts up to 3 years.

The Paragard IUD contains a small amount of copper, is hormone-free, and doesn’t alter the timing of your periods, but may cause them to be heavier and have more cramping; it can work for at least 12 years.

The copper IUD, Paragard, and hormonal IUDs, Liletta and Mirena, can all be used as emergency contraception.