Hormonal contraceptives offer women of all age's protection against unintended pregnancies through suppression of ovulation, thinning of the uterine endometrium, and/or inhibition of sperm motility and decreased sperm dispersion through the cervical canal and into the ovum. Many reliable, effective, and safe contraceptives are available for women, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) for women who are not candidates for estrogen-containing birth control or who prefer continuous protection for extended intervals.

Hormonal IUCs release progestin, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. The levonorgestrel impregnated IUC releases progestin into the uterine cavity, thickening cervical mucous, and causing thinning of the lining of the endometrium. We carry Liletta and Kyleena which are approved devices in the U.S. These are small, plastic, T-shaped contraceptives, that are placed inside the uterus and prevent pregnancy more than 99% of the time. The progestin IUCs start working about seven days after insertion and may be left in place, depending on the type, from three to seven years. All are inserted by a trained healthcare professional and can easily be removed at any time. 

Liletta slowly releases 52 mg of a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel. This is the same kind of hormone that is often used in birth control pills. Only a small amount of levonorgestrel enters your bloodstream. Neither the Liletta nor the Kyleena contain estrogen. Approved for use in the U.S. in 2015, it measures 32 mm x 32 mm. Kyleena, approved in 2016, contains 19.5 mg of levonorgestrel and measures 28 mm x 30 mm. It works the same way as the other progestin containing IUCs, slowly releasing levonorgestrel over time. Both are effective against unintended pregnancies for up to five years.