The hormonal IUD
Three to eight years of reliable contraception, locally active with a very low hormone load — and for many women, much lighter periods. Here is how it works, which models exist and what insertion costs.
How it works
The hormonal IUD continuously releases a small amount of levonorgestrel directly into the uterus. Cervical mucus becomes impenetrable for sperm and the uterine lining stays thin. Ovulation continues in most women — your cycle keeps running largely as normal.
Because the hormone acts locally, blood levels are many times lower than with the pill. Many side effects of systemic hormones therefore matter less — although the systemic effect is not zero, and we say that honestly.
Mirena, Kyleena or Jaydess — the differences
| Mirena | Kyleena | Jaydess | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | up to 8 years | 5 years | 3 years |
| Size | 32 mm | 28 mm (slimmer) | 28 mm (slimmer) |
| Hormone release | highest | medium | lowest |
| Bleeding | often none at all | usually much lighter | lighter, rarely absent |
| Typical for | heavy periods, long-term planning | good middle ground, also without prior birth | young women, shorter horizon |
Which model fits depends on your anatomy, your bleeding profile and your life planning — we decide together after an ultrasound and a conversation, not from a catalogue.
Insertion — described honestly
Insertion takes a few minutes and is uncomfortable — briefly painful for some women, especially those who have not given birth. We tell you beforehand, not afterwards. On request: pain relief in advance, local anaesthesia of the cervix, and we take our time. A good moment is during your period, when the cervix is slightly open.
- Before: consultation, ultrasound, ruling out infection and pregnancy
- Insertion: a few minutes, with ultrasound position check
- After: check-up at 4–6 weeks, then yearly as part of your routine screening
Costs & insurance
IUD plus insertion cost about €250–400 depending on the model. Up to your 22nd birthday, statutory insurance covers the costs (with a small co-payment from 18). After that, the IUD is self-pay — spread over its lifetime it is still one of the cheapest methods: over five years it works out at roughly €5–7 per month.
With a medical indication (e.g. treatment of very heavy bleeding), insurance may cover the hormonal IUD later as well — we check this case by case and tell you bindingly in advance what to expect.
Frequent questions about the hormonal IUD
Does the hormonal IUD affect fertility?
No. After removal, fertility returns immediately — you can conceive in the very next cycle. This makes the IUD suitable for bridging the time until a planned pregnancy.
Can you feel the IUD — or can my partner?
You cannot feel it yourself. A partner can occasionally notice the retrieval threads at the cervix; if that bothers you, we trim them.
Can the IUD move out of place?
Rarely, most likely in the first months. That is why we check its position at 4–6 weeks by ultrasound and at every routine screening afterwards. You can also learn to feel the threads yourself.
My period has stopped — is that harmful?
No. Under the hormonal IUD the lining barely builds up, so there is simply nothing to shed. This is medically harmless and a welcome effect for many women — no blood congestion, no risk.
Does it help with heavy bleeding or endometriosis?
Yes — for heavy menstrual bleeding it is actually a first-line treatment, and it is also used for endometriosis and adenomyosis. In these cases we discuss possible insurance coverage.
Your question not here?Write to us — directly and securely via the online reception.
Ask your questionIs the hormonal IUD right for you?
We clarify that in a consultation — open-ended, with ultrasound and without sales pressure. If another method suits you better, we will tell you.
Request a consultation Ask a question — online reception