In the past few years, Intrauterine Devices (IUDS) have grown increasingly popular with women because of their no-maintenance, long acting and reversible nature. One downfall of IUDs, however, is that they can be prohibitively costly – from five hundred dollars to several thousand.
That sticker shock, however, might be at the end of its days. The Food and Drug Administration just approved Liletta, a levonorgestrel-releasing IUD that is similar to the Mirena IUD.
Two pharmaceutical companies joined together to make Liletta an affordable IUD option. When Liletta makes its way into OB/GYN offices later this year, it is expected to be far more affordable than existing IUDS. It will be available in doctors’ offices, as well as at most public health clinics.
Liletta was approved after the largest study on the safety and efficacy of IUDs to date. The study involved 1,751 women and researchers found it to be 99.45% effective for all women involved, regardless of their weight and socioeconomic status.
This IUD is effective for three years, though a gynecologist can remove it at any time or can replace it after three years with a new IUD for continued protection.
IUDs and other forms of reversible birth control are an excellent option for many women and their popularity is growing with American women, as this U.S. News report shows. Here are three reasons many women love them:
- Hormonal benefits: Many women appreciate that hormonal IUDs often lighten and shorten periods. In fact, gynecologists use the Mirena IUD to effectively treat women with heavy periods.
- Non-hormonal option: Women who want a non-hormonal form of birth control, such as breastfeeding mothers, appreciate the copper IUD, ParaGard, which contains no hormones.
- Long lasting birth control: You don’t have to worry about birth control with IUDs because it’s always on the job. It’s an ideal choice for any woman who doesn’t want to have to stress about remembering their birth control and who doesn’t want to become pregnant any time soon.
While the up-and-coming Liletta IUD promises a lower cost option, most insurance policies already cover the IUD without a copayment or deductible. If you’re interested in learning more about IUDs or other forms of reversible birth control, schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable gynecologists at our Gainesville and Lake City offices.
Birth control should never be a “one size fits all” solution and we’re happy to help you find the best option for your life.
Until you’re appointment, visit our knowledge center to learn more about the pros and cons of available birth control options and more in-depth information about the IUD.