Finally, A Flexible IUD

The new Miudella IUD may hit the global market soon, with an innovative design directed at minimizing insertion and removal pain

(Image by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition via Unsplash)

Many women with an intrauterine device (IUD) have a horror story to tell. Painful insertions and removals, residual pain and more—it feels like uteruses can’t win. But a new IUD may finally tip the scales in the contraception department.

In February, pharmaceutical companies Organon and Sebela announced an agreement to license the Miudella Intrauterine device (IUD) worldwide. According to the federal government, global licensing would allow for more general international distribution, but regulatory approval still applies in individual countries.

By design, this IUD addresses two popular concerns: synthetic hormones and painful insertion and removal. 

The Miudella is a hormone-free copper IUD made with nitinol, a flexible metal that adjusts to different uterus sizes and shapes. This design reportedly minimizes insertion pain. It works by releasing copper ions that prevent sperm from effectively fertilizing the uterus. 

Daniela Medina, a previous IUD user who experienced complications during insertion due to a tilted uterus, says that the flexibility of Miudella is a selling point. 

“If this flexible IUD came with a flexible insertion tool, it would make it possible, and less painful, for me to get another IUD,” says Medina.

A 2025 report finds a growing hesitancy toward hormonal birth control, with some studies indicating a decline in use by over 60 per cent over the past decade.

Reportedly, three in 10 women don’t want an IUD due to fear of pain during the insertion process. 

To insert an IUD, a health-care provider places a speculum in the vaginal canal and uses a retractable device called the Bayer Evo inserter to guide the device through the cervix into the uterus, which can trigger cramping and contractions.

Current IUD user Keelin Hammond says she should have been offered stronger pain management during her insertion process.

“I felt my flight or fight response kick in and found my hands to be wrapped around a fistful of parchment paper,” says Hammond.

After complications with her first IUD, Hammond says a gynecologist still encourages reinsertion. 

“[The gynecologist] provided me with information to a local women’s clinic where I could receive Ativan and a Fentanyl IV to have the old IUD removed and new IUD inserted. I would not have had a new IUD inserted if sedation was not an option,” says Hammond. 

The hormonal IUDs currently available in Canada include Mirena and Kyleena. These devices release a hormone called levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of progesterone commonly used in birth control. 

Possible side effects of hormonal birth control include headaches, dizziness, weight gain and mood changes. 

Copper IUDs, on the other hand, can cause other symptoms such as heavier, longer and more painful periods, along with cramping and spotting between cycles.

“Women deserve better birth control options,” says Kate Glavan, who has accumulated an audience of 100,000 across Instagram and TikTok with her political wellness content.

“But I do worry that the overtly negative information environment about birth control is helping conservatives manufacture consent that we should eliminate birth control entirely, instead of unite to advocate for more women's health research and funding,” says Glavan. 

With the rise of anti-birth control content on platforms like TikTok, advancements in women's medicine research and reproductive rights—such as the Miudella—remain a critical tool for women’s health advocates.

The call for improved birth control options remains loud and apparent. Miudella represents a positive step in addressing concerns around pain and hormonal side effects and taking action with their product.