Before we start with the comparison, there’s one thing to note about both the IUDs: they are among the most effective birth control options out there. With over 99% efficiency in terms of avoiding pregnancy, IUDs have no match, whether its the condoms, birth control pills or anything else.

Now, coming to the long-standing debate between hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs. There are several questions that women have when they are planning to get an IUD inserted, and choosing from the above two is one of the most crucial decisions that you have to take.

So, which one is better? To give you a definitive answer, we’re going to pit the two IUDs against each other on different grounds so that you can make up your mind as well. Let us begin by analyzing the similarities between the two.

First things first: What’s common between hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs?

Let’s start by looking at what hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs have in common:

They are easy to use. You can usually have the IUD inserted at your first visit to your health care provider. In most cases, having an IUD inserted takes about 60 seconds in total. Also, once inserted, you can completely forget if they ever existed.

They are usually a long-term birth control option, but you can stop using them any time you like. They last for up to 3 to 10 years, depending on which kind you get. However, if you have decided to get pregnant when an IUD is still inserted, you can get it removed and plan your pregnancy only after a month later.

Both IUDs have consistently been ranked among the most effective birth control methods around the world.

Pretty much anyone who wants to prevent pregnancy for a given time could use an IUD. This includes nulliparous women (those who haven’t given birth yet). So, both the IUDs are generally safe.

They are affordable, especially if you consider their cost in the long run.

IUDs DON’T prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are still the only game in town for that (at least for now).

The Key Difference of Operation

Now, let’s talk about both the type of IUDs separately to understand how one is different from the other. We’re going to start with the progesterone IUDs first.

Hormonal IUDs

Hormonal IUDs work by releasing a constant supply of progestin, a synthetic variant of the female hormone progesterone. Progestin thickens the mucus in the cervix, which makes it nearly impossible for sperm to reach the egg. Additionally, Progestin also thins the lining of the uterus. In an unlikely event that the sperm manages to travel to the egg, this thin lining makes it difficult for an egg to implant in the uterus and cause a pregnancy.

Non-Hormonal (Copper) IUDs

In contrast to the progesterone ones, Copper IUDs do not use hormones. Instead, the copper, with which they are made, slows down the sperm and prevents it from getting to the egg. Non-Hormonal IUDs create an immune response that stops the development of healthy eggs and destroys any eggs that do develop.

Choosing The Right IUD

Coming to the most important part of the discussion, which IUD options are the best? Well, the answer is, it depends. Though the answer may sound somewhat disappointing for some of you who needed a quick-read before objectively deciding which one to choose from this article, we have our reasons to justify our stance.

While Copper IUDs generally cost less, they also tend to increase bleeding in some cases. Compare that to the hormonal IUDs, where you will face irregular bleeding for the first three months (also, they cost more). Also, while progesterone IUDs are slightly more effective than the copper IUDs, the minuscule difference comes with an added disturbance to the hormone cycle that copper IUDs are completely free from.

Gun to your head? Well, our pick would be the non-hormonal IUDs. After having consulted with users of both the types of IUDs, we noticed that imbalance in the hormonal cycle seemed to be the key deal-breaker for many women who were on hormonal IUDs. On the other hand, the ones using copper IUDs were generally happy with no major concerns other than slightly increased bleeding. So, final verdict? Copper IUDs it is!