What Is Kyleena? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Kyleena is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) manufactured by Bayer that prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years. FDA-approved in September 2016, Kyleena is the smallest and lowest-dose 5-year hormonal IUD available in the United States — making it a popular choice for patients who want long-term, low-maintenance contraception with lower hormone exposure than Mirena.

What Is Kyleena?

Kyleena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, 19.5 mg) is a small, flexible, T-shaped plastic device placed inside the uterus by a healthcare provider. It belongs to a class of contraceptives called long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) — methods that provide highly effective birth control for an extended period without requiring daily action.

The device contains 19.5 mg of levonorgestrel (LNG), a synthetic progestin hormone, stored in a small reservoir around the vertical stem of the T-frame. Once inserted, Kyleena slowly releases LNG directly into the uterus at a low, steady rate for up to 5 years.

What Is Kyleena Used For?

Kyleena has one FDA-approved indication: prevention of pregnancy for up to 5 years in women of reproductive age.

It is NOT approved for emergency contraception (it cannot be used after unprotected sex). It is also NOT FDA-approved for treating heavy menstrual bleeding — for that indication, Mirena (levonorgestrel 52 mg) or Liletta would be prescribed.

Off-label, some providers may use or investigate Kyleena for endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the uterine lining), though this is not part of the FDA-approved labeling.

Kyleena Dosage and Release Rate

Unlike oral medications, Kyleena doesn't have a traditional "dose" you take — the device releases hormone continuously once placed. Here's the release schedule:

After 24 days: ~17.5 micrograms (mcg) of LNG per day

After 1 year: ~9.8 mcg per day (average over year 1 is ~12.6 mcg/day)

After 5 years: ~7.4 mcg per day

The total device contains 19.5 mg of LNG, which is released over the 5-year lifespan. The low, localized release means that only small amounts of hormone enter the bloodstream compared to oral contraceptives — which is why many patients experience fewer systemic side effects.

How Effective Is Kyleena?

Kyleena is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. In clinical trials involving 1,452 women aged 18 to 35, Kyleena had a Pearl Index of 0.16 in year 1, and a cumulative 5-year pregnancy rate of 1.45%. This means fewer than 2 out of 100 users would become pregnant over 5 years — a pregnancy rate far lower than the pill (91% typical use), patch, or condoms (82% typical use).

Who Is Kyleena Right For?

Kyleena may be a good fit if you:

Want long-term contraception (up to 5 years) without daily action

Prefer a lower hormone dose than Mirena or Liletta

Want a progestin-only method (no estrogen — good if you can't take estrogen)

Are nulliparous (haven't given birth) and want a smaller-frame IUD

Want lighter periods — about 12% of Kyleena users stop having periods after 1 year

Are planning a pregnancy within 5 years and want a reversible method

Who Should NOT Use Kyleena?

Kyleena is contraindicated (should not be used) if you have any of the following:

Known or suspected pregnancy

Uterine anomaly (including fibroids) that distorts the uterine cavity

Known or suspected breast cancer or other progestin-sensitive cancers

Acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or a history of PID without a subsequent intrauterine pregnancy

Unexplained uterine bleeding or untreated cervicitis/vaginitis

Liver disease

How Is Kyleena Different From Other IUDs?

Four hormonal IUDs are available in the U.S. in 2026 — Kyleena, Mirena, Skyla, and Liletta. Kyleena is unique because it offers a middle ground: a smaller frame than Mirena (28 mm vs. 32 mm), a moderate hormone dose (19.5 mg LNG vs. 52 mg in Mirena/Liletta or 13.5 mg in Skyla), and a 5-year duration. The copper IUD (Paragard) is hormone-free and lasts 10+ years but doesn't have the period-lightening benefits.

How Quickly Can Fertility Return After Removing Kyleena?

Kyleena is fully reversible. Once your provider removes the device, fertility typically returns quickly. In clinical trials, about 71% of the 163 women who desired pregnancy after the trial conceived within 12 months of Kyleena removal — comparable to women who had never used an IUD.

If you've decided Kyleena is right for you and need help finding a provider who stocks it, medfinder can search providers near you and get you the answers you need.

Want to understand how Kyleena prevents pregnancy at a biological level? Read our full guide on how Kyleena works.