Three Hormonal IUDs, One Manufacturer — But Not the Same Device
Mirena, Kyleena, and Jaydess are all hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) available in Canada, and all three are made by Bayer. They share the same active hormone — levonorgestrel (LNG), a progestin — and the same T-shaped frame design. But they differ meaningfully in frame size, hormone dose, approved duration of use, and effect on menstruation.
Understanding these differences is essential for making an informed choice that fits your body, lifestyle, and contraceptive goals.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Mirena
Kyleena
Jaydess
Mirena: Maximum Duration and Period Control
Mirena is the largest and highest-dose hormonal IUD. Approved for up to 8 years of contraception, it releases approximately 20 mcg of levonorgestrel per day initially, with the rate declining gradually over its lifespan.
Its effect on menstruation is significant: approximately 20% of Mirena users stop menstruating entirely within the first year. Most others experience substantially lighter, shorter, or less crampy periods. This makes Mirena the preferred choice for individuals whose primary contraceptive goals include managing heavy menstrual bleeding — it holds a Health Canada approval as a standalone treatment for menorrhagia, independent of its contraceptive indication.
Mirena’s larger frame may make insertion feel more noticeable, particularly for individuals who have not been pregnant.
Kyleena: The Middle Ground
Kyleena uses a smaller frame than Mirena and delivers a slightly lower hormone dose (~17.5 mcg/day initially), approved for up to 5 years. The smaller T-frame is specifically designed to address insertion comfort concerns, and clinical studies suggest it may be associated with improved tolerability during insertion for nulliparous individuals (those who have not previously had a pregnancy).
About 12% of Kyleena users stop menstruating within the first year. Most others see lighter periods, though the effect is less pronounced than Mirena. For individuals who want meaningful period reduction without the full hormonal load of Mirena, Kyleena is often the best balance.
Jaydess: Lowest Hormones, Shortest Commitment
Jaydess is the smallest device with the lowest hormone dose (~14 mcg/day initially) and is approved for 3 years. Only about 6% of users achieve complete period cessation — most will continue to have periods, though they may be lighter than before insertion.
Jaydess suits individuals who want minimal systemic hormonal exposure, a shorter commitment period before reassessment, or who are trying an IUD for the first time. The trade-off is more frequent replacement, which adds procedure visits and cost over time compared to Mirena or Kyleena.
Copper IUDs: The Hormone-Free Option
Copper IUDs Available in Canada
Mona Lisa, Liberté, and Flexi-T are the primary copper IUD options available through Canadian clinics. Copper IUDs contain no hormones — they work by releasing copper ions that are toxic to sperm, preventing fertilization.
Duration: 3 to 10 years depending on the device model selected.
Effect on periods: Copper IUDs typically make periods heavier, longer, and more crampy — especially during the first 3–6 months after insertion. This makes them poorly suited for individuals who already experience heavy periods.
Emergency contraception use: The copper IUD is the most effective emergency contraception available — over 99% effective when inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex, regardless of cycle timing or body weight. It is the only emergency contraception option that simultaneously provides ongoing long-term contraception.
How to Decide: Key Questions
| Your Priority | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| Maximum years between replacements | Mirena (8 years) |
| Lightest or no periods | Mirena |
| Treating heavy menstrual bleeding | Mirena (approved for HMB) |
| Smaller frame, better insertion comfort | Kyleena or Jaydess |
| Minimal hormonal exposure | Jaydess (hormonal) or Copper IUD |
| Shorter commitment / easier reassessment | Jaydess (3 years) |
| Hormone-free contraception | Copper IUD (Mona Lisa, Liberté, Flexi-T) |
| Emergency contraception + ongoing BC | Copper IUD (within 5 days) |
Other individual factors — history of hormonal sensitivity, partner preferences, insurance coverage, and plans for future pregnancy — also influence the decision. A consultation at Acme Drug Mart can help you work through the options before your insertion appointment.
Removal, Insertion & Fertility Return
Removal is a brief outpatient procedure that can be done at any point during the approved device lifespan. Fertility returns immediately — ovulation can resume within the first cycle after removal. IUDs are not associated with any delay in return to fertility, unlike some hormonal methods such as Depo-Provera.
Insertion at Acme Drug Mart is coordinated through the Meadowlark Place Professional Centre clinics. The typical timeline from prescription to insertion is within one week. Your pharmacist will write the prescription and coordinate the referral — you do not need a family doctor as an intermediary.
Insurance Coverage and Costs
Alberta Blue Cross covers Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess, and copper IUDs under most provincial and employer group plans. Most private insurers also cover IUD devices. Out-of-pocket device costs without drug coverage typically range from approximately $100 to $300 depending on the device. Insertion fees through the clinic are separate.
Direct billing is available at Acme Drug Mart for most drug benefit plans. Bring your insurance card to your consultation and your pharmacist will verify coverage before dispensing.
Get Your IUD Prescription at Acme Drug Mart
Our pharmacist can prescribe all three hormonal IUDs and coordinate your insertion appointment at Meadowlark Place — typically within one week. Walk in or call (780) 443-0202.
Contact UsThis article is for general informational purposes only and does not substitute for a clinical consultation. IUD selection involves individual health factors, anatomy, and contraceptive history that require a personalized assessment. All device durations and hormone doses are based on current Health Canada approvals and may change. Consult your pharmacist or physician before initiating any new contraceptive method.