All three are levonorgestrel IUDs from the same manufacturer, on the same T-shaped frame. They differ in frame size, hormone dose, approved duration, and effect on periods. Knowing the differences makes choosing one simpler.
Side by side
- Mirena. Up to 8 years. ~20 mcg/day levonorgestrel. Largest frame. ~20% of users stop menstruating within year 1. Approved for both contraception and heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Kyleena. Up to 5 years. ~17.5 mcg/day. Smaller frame. ~12% stop menstruating within year 1. Contraception only.
- Jaydess. Up to 3 years. ~14 mcg/day. Smallest frame. ~6% stop menstruating within year 1. Contraception only.
Mirena: maximum duration, period control
Mirena is the largest, highest-dose option. About 20% of users stop menstruating entirely within the first year. Most others see substantially reduced flow. Mirena holds Health Canada approval as a standalone treatment for menorrhagia (heavy bleeding), independent of contraceptive use, which makes it the right call for many patients with heavy or painful periods. The larger frame may cause more insertion discomfort for nulliparous individuals (those who haven't been pregnant).
Kyleena: the middle ground
Kyleena's smaller frame delivers ~17.5 mcg/day initially, over five years. About 12% of users stop menstruating within year 1, with the rest typically seeing lighter periods. Clinical data suggests improved insertion tolerability for nulliparous individuals.
Jaydess: lowest hormone, shortest commitment
Jaydess offers the lowest systemic exposure with the lowest dose and a three-year approved lifespan. Only about 6% of users achieve complete period cessation. The trade-offs are more frequent replacement and higher cumulative cost over time, but for patients who want minimal hormones it's the cleanest option.
Copper IUDs: the hormone-free option
Three copper options are available in Canada: Mona Lisa, Liberté, and Flexi-T. They release copper ions that are toxic to sperm. Lifespan: 3 to 10 years depending on model. Copper IUDs typically make periods heavier, longer, and more crampy, especially during the first 3 to 6 months. They're also over 99% effective as emergency contraception within 5 days.
How to decide
- Maximum duration: Mirena
- Lightest periods or treatment for heavy periods: Mirena
- Smaller frame, easier insertion (especially nulliparous): Kyleena or Jaydess
- Minimum hormone exposure: Jaydess
- Hormone-free, willing to accept heavier periods: copper IUD
- Need EC and long-term contraception in one step: copper IUD
Insertion, removal, fertility return
Removal is brief and outpatient, doable any time during the device's approved lifespan. Fertility returns immediately, ovulation can resume within the first cycle after removal. We coordinate insertion at Meadowlark Place, typically within one week of prescription.
Insurance and cost
Alberta Blue Cross covers all options under most plans. Out-of-pocket costs typically range from $100 to $300 depending on device. We bill direct to most drug benefit plans.
What our pharmacist can do
Prescribe all three hormonal IUDs. Coordinate your insertion appointment at Meadowlark Place. Walk you through the trade-offs in a private consultation room before you commit. Answer questions about side effects, expulsion risk, perforation rates, and what to expect during the first three months. If an IUD is not the right fit for you, your Acme pharmacist can also prescribe birth control like the pill, the patch or the ring, with no doctor visit needed.
Walk in or call
(780) 443-0202. Unit 103, 15508 87 Ave NW, Meadowlark Place, Edmonton.