It’s no secret that the IUD’s popularity is on the rise. In the past decade intrauterine device (IUD) use has nearly tripled among American Women, and there are more than a few good reasons that happened! It’s safe, low-maintenance, highly effective and long lasting.

Chances are if you are a woman who has been looking for the ideal birth control solution, you’re considering an IUD. Now the only question is, Hormonal or non-hormonal? What’s the difference and how do you decide which one is right for you?

Let’s start with what they have in common:

• Both rank among the most effective forms of birth control methods.
• Both are long lasting birth control options.
• Both are safe and can be used by the majority of women, including many women who have medical conditions that rule out other birth control options.
• While the upfront cost  of an IUD may seem more expensive, both IUD options are less expensive in the long term when you compare them to other forms of birth control.
• Both are easy to get started on, taking less than a minute to insert and can usually be inserted right after deciding on it with your OBGYN.
• Both are very convenient. Once it’s in, it’s in, usually with not much follow-up necessary. You don’t have to remember to take a pill once a day, or make an appointment for a regular contraceptive injection, or bring along your barrier-plus-spermicide. All you have to do is, well, nothing. It’s just there.
• Neither prevent sexually transmitted diseases ( STDs), only against pregnancy. A condom is necessary to lower the chances of STD transmission.

Here’s where they differ:

Hormones:

This is the most obvious difference. Hormonal IUDs work by releasing a small amount of levonorgestrel (a form of progestin) locally to the uterus each day preventing pregnancy. Non-hormonal IUDs contain a copper coil filament whose chemical release is contraceptive. This can be an advantage to women who can’t use hormonal birth control. According to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, “lack of hormones makes IUDs appropriate for smokers older than age 35, postpartum women who are breastfeeding, and others with contraindications to estrogen or progestin.”

Menstruation

Women who opt for the hormonal IUD often have irregular bleeding for the first three to six months after insertion. After that initial adjustment period, most Hormonal Iud Users have either very light periods or don’t menstruate at all. For some women this is ideal, while others may prefer to get a regular period.

Non hormonal IUD users have a higher rate of dysmenorrhea than the non-hormonal IUD, and may prolong the period up to 8-10 days (as opposed to the average 5 days) for some women. However, usually after six months of usage, period bleeding returns to normal.

Longevity

While both IUDs are long lasting, non-hormonal IUDs can be used for longer. The non-hormonal option is usually viable for at least twelve years, if not twenty. Hormonal IUDs can be used for 3-6 years depending on the brand.

Make an appointment with your OBGYN to determine your best option for birth control.

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