Levonorgestrel for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 4)

• Kld...
• September 25, 2018

"Horrible. The only thing that was great was it didn’t get me pregnant. I’m thankfully getting it out tomorrow. I’m praying and hoping that my mood, depression, anxiousness, and sadness go away after it is removed. IUDs work differently for everyone. However, I have never ever experienced something like this. Has anyone else had major issues like this?!"

• Anonymous
• February 22, 2010

"I had my Mirena inserted 1/4/10 and I love it! I know everyone is different, but it has been great for me. I'm 24, never had kids, and was on the pill for the past 6 years. Insertion was uncomfortable and painful, but not horrid (and I have a low pain tolerance). However, my doc did give me a local (lidocaine) which I'm sure made a huge difference, and I would not do it without. I felt dizzy and nauseous for the first hour after and relatively bad cramping for three hours. The next day I was a bit tender, and by day three, I was my normal self. Had some very light cramping for two weeks and now nothing, not even my period. I did have a little acne at first, but that may have had to do with going off the pill. I've even lost weight."

• Man...
• November 22, 2019

"Just had this Kyleena inserted 45 minutes ago, and I had to hop on this site just to ease your minds about the insertion. It was NOTHING like I expected (I also was reading a ton of reviews before the appointment) and saw the same terrible stories that you have. It was super quick and was a pinch, then a cramp. It didn’t feel like a normal period cramp, though. It was weird. I felt the arms of the IUD touch my uterus, which was an odd sensation. I’m crampy now but did not faint or get dizzy at all. Don’t let the reviews scare you out of it. I’ve experienced worse pain in my life (aka a Brazilian wax or tattoo). Hope this helps someone!"

• Mou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2017

"I have had the Mirena for about a month. The insertion was easy, and it took my very experienced OB about 5 minutes. It honestly felt like a pap smear. I also have 3 kids and a retroverted uterus for what it's worth. Unfortunately, I have had spotting every day since. I hope it stops soon because I have no other side effects. No weight gain, acne, etc., and my sex drive has actually increased (weird, right?). So if you are considering having a Mirena inserted, my advice is to try it and see how it works with YOUR body. Yes, you can read the horror stories on this site and others. People are much more inclined to share a negative experience than a positive one. Talk to your doctor and look at actual peer-reviewed studies."

• HFa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 16, 2019

"This IUD has caused so many health issues for me. I had this IUD and had rapid weight gain of 50 pounds. I have always been curvy but never overweight or unhealthy. I am now considered obese. My breast size that were DD are now an H. My breasts weigh a good 35-40 pounds. I now have shortness of breath because of my weight gain (especially in my chest area) and now have a belly (never had that before my IUD). I got awful headaches and now have reflux and possibly sleep apnea due to my rapid weight gain. I had two different doctors check everything that could cause weight gain, and the only thing they determined was my IUD (I had great lab work and no diabetes or thyroid issues). I have back fat now and fat around my neck and upper shoulders that I never had before. I went from being an hourglass figure to looking like the Mucinex guy. This IUD has completely changed me for the worse. I think it’s extremely unhealthy."

• lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2014

"Enjoying the idea of the Mirena more than having it at the moment. Got it inserted on 10th September 2014, the day that my period finished and have had a heavy period ever since. It's great to not take a pill every day, and sex isn't painful as I worried, although there isn't any need to worry because the bleeding is preventing that from happening. I just really hope it settles down and that the bleeding stops. Very jealous of everyone who only had a day or two of spotting."

• Lis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 26, 2019

"Sure, it is true I did not get pregnant while using Mirena. However, the quality of life is so absolutely poor I truly wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. Effects include and are not limited to: severe depression, intolerable headaches, nausea and inability to eat, inexplicable weight gain, extreme fatigue/lack of energy, no desire to exercise, aches, soreness, anxiety, and fear. My doctor wouldn't even listen to what I had to say, dismissing it as “other problems” I must've had previously. I legitimately never write reviews, but I feel compelled to warn women."

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2019

"Just wanted to address something, for those who say don’t listen to the negative comments. Everyone’s body will react differently to the IUDs. Do not dismiss these reviews because they are being used for guidance for women who are not sure how they will react to it, especially if their bodies are more sensitive to hormones."

• Dur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2019

"I almost backed out of getting the Mirena because of these women on YouTube being so 'fear mongering' and, quite frankly, just scaring people. It is 2 days since I got it in, and I'm sore, and yes, it was really crampy, but I just wanted to say: Don't over-read like I did on the internet. Everyone's cervix and uterus is different, everyone has different pain levels. My pain tolerance is high (I've had spine procedures while awake), I've had wicked period cramps, and my NP said my 'perfect cervix' made the insertion extremely smooth. With all that said, did it hurt? Kinda. Was it uncomfortable? Yup. Was it painful? No. I'm sore, but I've barely bled, which is another plus, and I think a week from now I will be even more happy that I got it done! My point is - don't over-read. People tend to only post negative experiences online, but this is something that is already stressful enough. I don't think it's right to scare women before they get it done (and no, I've never had children)."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2020

"The insertion didn’t hurt much, just a few cramps that my gyno warned me about in advance. However, my body went into shock afterwards and passed out and wasn’t even able to drive myself home. It’s been 3 months since I started Kyleena, and I have already gained 10 lbs with no change in my diet. I have extreme mood swings and get a very short temper most days when I have always been a very forgiving person. My bloating is constant, and I’m always uncomfortable. I’ve never had a problem with acne before this, but now I constantly break out around my chin. My sex drive is lower than when on the pill, which could be from my self-consciousness because of the weight gain and bloating. I don’t recommend this to anyone, and I’m counting down the days to get this removed."

• Mis...
• May 22, 2020

"First of all, the insertion procedure with Skyla was excruciating for me. I had severe cramping, worse than anything I've ever experienced, and they held me for observation for almost an hour because I was extremely lightheaded. I had 1 week of severe cramping and was bedridden. An ultrasound confirmed that the IUD was correctly positioned. I've had mild-moderate cramping and spotting almost every day since then, no sex drive, and gained 15 pounds in 3.5 months despite dieting and working out 6X/week (P90X). I am only 5'3", so 15 lbs is a lot on my frame. Dieting has not helped. My blood pressure has gone up, I'm bloated all the time, and have developed some facial hair. I have decided to have the IUD removed because I'd rather be pregnant than feel like this all the time."

• NYC...
• September 3, 2014

"Mirena gave me my life back. Ever since I hit puberty at 11 years old, I have had horrible, very heavy, very painful periods. Around 18, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. I would miss school and work, and have to double layer my clothes when I slept, it was horrible. I tried every birth control out there including Seasonique, the NuvaRing, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Depo-Provera, Loestrin, Lybrel, if you name it, I've tried it. Nothing worked. I started having periods that would last for 2-3 weeks. Finally, I tried Mirena, having it put in was painful but bearable. The first 6 weeks I had cramps and spotting. After that, nothing. I get a very light 2-3 day period now and then. No cramps. It's amazing and gave me my life back. I'm so thankful for it!"

• Cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2020

"Best decision I’ve ever made! Please don’t let the horror stories scare you from trying the Skyla IUD. I let the negative reviews get into my head, and it caused me to put off getting my IUD for two years. Finally, 5 months ago, I got the Skyla inserted. The insertion didn’t hurt at all! Just a slight cramp that lasted maybe 5 seconds. I went home and used a heating pad, but never cramped. My first period was light, right off the bat. I still get monthly periods. However, they are so light I can get away with just wearing a panty liner. I love the freedom my IUD gives me. Not having to take a pill every day is wonderful. It’s sooo much better than a pill. I was in the rare percent of women who lost a lot of hair while using the pill (TriNessa). The IUD never caused any hair loss or weight gain. The first month I got a few more zits than normal, but now my skin is clear again. It’s worth a try, and remember you can always remove it."

• Kat...
• August 21, 2020

"I got the Kyleena IUD a year ago. I was taking the pills for years and wanted something different. Insertion was pretty painful, my doctor prescribed me a cervix softener to take before, and I took some Tylenol. There was a series of 3 painful cramps, but the overall process took 5 minutes. I was able to drive myself home after, and I had bad cramps the rest of the night, but I woke up completely fine. Everyone has different experiences and different levels of pain, each one of my friends had a different reaction. The next 6 months, I randomly got intense, painful cramps and sometimes pelvic pain. I also noticed breakouts, which I never had before. I went to the doctor a few times for check-ups, but everything was fine and in place. I just stuck it out, and eventually, it got better. I still sometimes get a random day of intense cramps, but overall my periods are barely there, and the breakouts stopped!"

• Pri...
• March 7, 2021

"PLEASE DO RESEARCH BEFORE GETTING THE KYLEENA IUD :( Getting this thing in is one of my biggest regrets! First off, it hurt SO BAD to get in... After insertion, I bled for almost 60 days straight!!!!! It was medium to light spotting EVERY SINGLE DAY! If that was not enough... I developed an ovarian cyst! Sometimes the pain would be so bad I would just cry... THEN I started going through - and still am going through till I get it removed - major insomnia, mood swings, and even depression. Oh, also not to mention I get constant yeast infections because of the IUD, and it constantly smells like fish (BV). Don’t forget the cystic acne either! Oh, and one more thing... the strings were cut too short, so they went back into my uterus, and now I have to get surgery to get it removed :) So thank you, Kyleena, for giving me depression, mood swings, cystic acne, an ovarian cyst, insomnia, constant bleeding for 60 days, and lost strings that now have to be surgically removed."

• JRa...
• June 11, 2020

"The insertion was one of the most painful experiences I've had in my life (my body simulated labor). Upon insertion, I felt extreme menstrual cramps that had me doubled over in pain, nauseous, and lightheaded. I took 2 Tylenol beforehand (as directed), and the extremely intense cramps subsided within the hour. Cramps were much more bearable from then on. I had light bleeding for the following 2 weeks after insertion. I had cramps here and there, but nothing severe at all. I now have my IUD for 5 months, and my experience has been super positive! Little to no cramping for the past 3-4 months, and I no longer get periods. I'm not sure that I will get the IUD again when my current one has to be taken out in 5 years, but my experience has been favorable thus far (besides the insertion, but it was worth the very temporary pain). I recommend Kyleena to people who don't love taking the pill and want reliable birth control that they won't have to constantly worry about. Hope this helps!"

• Tay...
• November 12, 2020

"Insertion of Kyleena is extremely painful and honestly inhumane. I learned in other countries, the insertion is completely different. In the U.S., you are not given pain medicine to take before or a cervix softener. During insertion, I screamed in pain and felt like I was going to throw up and pass out. They had me wait about 30 minutes after the insertion to leave. I definitely was not okay to drive home. Ladies, doctors really underestimate the pain with insertion. Do your research and advocate for yourself if you plan to get an IUD. I don’t want anyone to go through what I did."

• t_a...
• December 14, 2015

"I got my Skyla IUD 5 months ago. I am 18 and have never had a child. I liked the idea of the IUD because I didn't have to remember to take it, it was there for three years, it was the most effective, and because there was an option to have an IUD without hormones. I struggle with depression and anxiety, and I was afraid that hormonal birth control would only make matters worse. However, because of all of the terrible period stories I had heard about it, at the last minute I had my OBGYN switch to Skyla. The insertion did not take long at all, and amid horror stories, the pain wasn't unbearable. It didn't feel great, but it was well worth it. If the fear of insertion is what drives you away from this option, don't let that happen! Before my IUD, my periods were like clockwork, every four weeks, five days, no cramps - perfect. Afterward, I still don't get cramps, some periods have been really light, but I have had a period that was over a week late and one that was two weeks long. This is to be expected in the first few months. I do not believe that it has had any influence on my depression/anxiety, at least not monumental. I haven't gained weight, lost my sex drive, or any other negative symptoms. My partner has finished inside of me multiple times, and nothing has happened. Also, he cannot feel the strings. I would highly recommend this form of birth control. I understand every body is different, but if you're spending hours reading horror stories like I was, don't let that stop you."

• hin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 1, 2020

"I was on the pill for 2 years and LOVED IT. I never ever missed a pill but decided, why not try the IUD since it’ll be stress-free. The worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life, I seriously almost cried, followed by a whole day of bad cramps. The doctor made it clear that irregular bleeding and spotting is very common up to at least 3-6 months. It’s been 9 months now, and this was my biggest regret. Some months I get spotting and discharge for weeks straight. The past few months I’ve had 2 periods in one month. My MAIN complaint is that if I’m not bleeding, I’m spotting or discharging, I rarely get a break. I was thinking about waiting until the one-year mark since I’ve heard so many rave about the IUD, but... don’t think my patience can take any longer. Having to wear a pantyliner every single day for nearly a year is awful. I miss my pills :("

• Lei...
• April 6, 2021

"PLEASE READ THIS! I was so hopeful to get the Kyleena since I had a bad reaction to birth control pills! I originally wanted the Paragard, but my old doctor talked me into the Kyleena. Soon after it was inserted, I started getting side effects (mood swings, acne, hair loss, depression, insomnia, loss of appetite, but still being constantly bloated, etc.). I found a new doctor who is double board certified and extremely knowledgeable, and she explained that synthetic hormones (specifically BC pills) compromise the gut microbiome, which is responsible for almost our entire body’s function. As doctors say, “the gut is the second brain.” Unfortunately, medical findings take 10 years to hit medical school, so that is why only doctors who are constantly researching know modern info. The vagina actually has its own microbiome too! Since the synthetic hormones leak into the gut and bloodstream, this is why I had so many side effects."

• Des...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2015

"Got the Mirena in almost 2 weeks ago, and I must say I love it so far! Horrible cramps for the first 5 or so hours after insertion (had to drive home) and almost couldn't take it. The heating pad helped bunches along with laying on my back. The cramps went away the next day! I even went to work. A few cramps here and there, but that's expected. Nothing too unbearable. I'm also a 21-year-old with no kids. My boyfriend also can't feel it. One thing though, the antibiotics they put you on the day of insertion did give me a yeast infection. It went away a couple of days later. Love the Mirena so far!"

• Kaw...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 22, 2013

"I have not had a single bad experience thus far with Mirena. I had it inserted about 10 months ago right after work. The whole procedure, start to finish, took about 15 minutes and was only slightly painful. It was done by a nurse practitioner, who was reportedly more experienced than any of the other physicians at the practice. Another ten minutes to catch my breath, and I rode my motorcycle home with no issues. I am in my early 20s and have never given birth. My periods immediately lightened up until they became virtually non-existent. Very little cramping, easily taken care of by ibuprofen. I can still maintain my intense workout schedule, lifting, cardio, abs, stretching included, with no fear of dislodging."

• ACE...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 17, 2018

"I’ve had Skyla inserted for a year now, and for the last couple of months, I’ve debated getting it taken out. I love how convenient and effective it is, but I feel like it’s slowly making me crazy. I already suffer with depression, but the mood swings I’ve had with Skyla are insane. I haven’t had any issues with spotting or cramps. I barely have a period at this point. My skin isn’t terrible, but I already have super oily skin, and this definitely hasn’t made it any better. But mood swings and the depression are definitely a major con, and I’d rather have my sanity back than leave it in. Anyone else suffer with crazy mood swings?"

• ano...
• December 1, 2014

"I used to get cramps so terribly painful that at 24 years old, I was begging my doctors to approve a hysterectomy. This had been an ongoing issue for me. I finally got the Mirena as recommended by a friend, and I don't get my period anymore. The only downside is that on rare occasions, I do experience cramping after heavy exercise. I didn't gain weight, and no negative side effects to report on really. I would recommend this to every woman."

• thi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2014

"I had my Skyla IUD inserted on 04 Sep 2014, so I am only commenting on my first month after having it inserted. I am a 33-year-old woman, no children, and hormonal birth control was no longer agreeing with my body (mood swings, heavy bleeding, large clots, periods lasting 2 weeks, etc.). My doctor and I agreed to the Skyla IUD (I had already done research). So far, so good. I haven't had any mood or sex drive changes and feel 100% better than I did on oral contraceptives. Out of pocket, my IUD would have cost $1400. My insurance covered 100% of it. Update: Month #4 and still no issues. No side effects. I keep track of everything so I know what to expect and when until my body fully adjusts."