{"id":8248,"date":"2020-01-24T13:00:58","date_gmt":"2020-01-24T18:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=8248"},"modified":"2026-02-24T14:41:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T19:41:34","slug":"iud-weight-gain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/iud-weight-gain\/","title":{"rendered":"Do IUDs (like Mirena) cause weight gain?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Like all medications, birth control can have side effects. They’re important to consider when choosing the method that’s right for you. Birth control side effects may include acne, breakthrough bleeding, mood changes, and more. Weight gain is a concern among women choosing birth control, but it\u2019s a common misconception that IUDs cause weight gain. To answer some<\/span> frequently asked questions<\/span><\/a> about IUD weight gain, we talked to Christina Madison, PharmD, FCCP, BCACP, AAHIVP, founder of<\/span> The Public Health Pharmacist<\/span><\/a> and clinical researcher of women\u2019s health.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is an IUD?<\/span><\/h2>\n

An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a small, T-shaped plastic device placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. With less than a 1% risk of pregnancy each year, IUDs are the most effective form of birth control available. IUDs are a great choice for those who often forget to take their daily birth control pills. After insertion, an IUD lasts anywhere from three to 12 years. It can be used by women of all ages, according to the<\/span> CDC<\/span><\/a>. They are also a reversible contraception option, allowing you to go back to regular fertility once your IUD is removed.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are two types of IUD products: copper and hormonal. While both are effective in preventing pregnancy, there are some key differences to keep in mind.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>How does IUD birth control work?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Copper IUDs<\/h3>\n

Copper IUDs are hormone-free. They use plastic and copper coils instead of levonorgestrel. Copper is a natural spermicide, killing sperm before it can reach an egg. Copper IUDs, like<\/span> ParaGard<\/span><\/a>, can be used for up to 12 years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hormonal IUDs<\/h3>\n

Sometimes referred to as intrauterine systems, hormonal IUDs release small amounts of a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel into the uterus, which prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. These IUDs can last anywhere from three to eight years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the most common hormonal IUD brands is Mirena, manufactured by Bayer. Mirena prevents pregnancy for up to five years but may remain effective for up to eight years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The cost of Mirena varies, but Bayer recently reported that 95% of women are covered with little to no out-of-pocket costs. The cash price of Mirena is $1,710 without insurance, which comes out to about $18 per month over eight years. If your insurance doesn\u2019t cover it, there are<\/span> Mirena coupons<\/span><\/a> available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other common brands include<\/span> Skyla<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> Liletta<\/span><\/a>, and<\/span> Kyleena<\/span><\/a>. Each hormonal IUD brand is different, so be sure to consult with your OB-GYN on which is right for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the side effects of an IUD?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both hormonal and copper IUDs do much more than just preventing pregnancy. For example, Mirena treats heavy bleeding, which benefits those who experience endometriosis-related pain. ParaGard, the copper IUD, is also used as an emergency contraceptive since it begins working immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of intrauterine dosage forms, like the Mirena IUD, are typically less severe than those seen with oral contraceptives, according to Dr. Madison.<\/span><\/p>\n

While IUDs are 99% effective, there are some common side effects that include:<\/span><\/p>\n