Levonorgestrel for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 4)

• Cris
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 10, 2020

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "7 month since insertion Pros: no pregnancy so far, don’t have to remember to take pill or shots etc, no condoms Cons: irregular, erratic bleeding, cramping, back pain, damn near growing a beard, no sex drive (& my husband is hot), weight gain, depression, anxiety, angry all the time, no motivation, a deep desire to lay in bed and sleep all day everyday, months of bleeding, an alter since of my normal reality. Overall: I hate it!!! I want to feel like me again but doc keeps saying wait it out. What am I waiting for?.... complete loss of confidence and self worth?"

• Sherry
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 15, 2020

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "Soon after I had Mirena inserted I began getting migraines and episodes of dizziness. I stuck it out since I was relieved to finally not have incredibly painful, heavy periods. Aside from developing some cystic acne and those occasional migraines/dizzy episodes things were going relatively okay. 9 months later I started to develop panic attacks and extreme anxiety. I have a dull headache every day. I am dizzy nearly all of the time, I have developed some facial hair and my hair is falling out of my scalp. I have insomnia. This is incredibly frustrating to me as my GP keeps writing it off as "general anxiety". I did not have these issues before Mirena. I was perviously incredibly active, adventurous and enjoyed cycling, jogging, hiking. Now I am afraid to do anything because of how dizzy I am and the intense anxiety I now experience. I just hope once I have this removed I can return to my normal self. I haven't felt like "me" in nearly a year and it is getting really tough."

• Jean...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 31, 2013

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "This is Jean's husband. Jean had this device inserted many years ago. She was NEVER informed of its risks or how long until it should be removed. She has had severe cramps for years. We (I) have informed every doctor and emergency rooms she has gone to as to the divide. They all ignored the info. Yesterday she was taken to the hospital. She had severe chest pains. All cardio tests came back negative. Today they transferred her to ICU because her temperature kept spiking. They did blood work and found out she has massive infection running through her body. She is bagged and they are flushing her system to try and get rid of the infection. An OBYGN came in and tried to find the 'string' to remove this contraption. I will know more soon."

• Life-...
• September 19, 2014

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I love, love, love Mirena. I had my first one put in when I was 21 due to debilitating periods, and I hadn't had any kids. Not going to lie - the pain was truly horrible upon insertion, and I did cramp for weeks afterwards, but after that cleared up 5 years of no periods changed my life. I just had my second one put in yesterday and it was nowhere near as traumatic as the first time since my hormones had leveled out. I HIGHLY recommend it for women who don't want/can't take high estrogen birth control or would like to stop their periods safely. It's been absolutely life-changing for me, and I hope Mirena and other IUD's continue to gain popularity as people see how great they really can be."

• KANash
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 19, 2019

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I had the Mirena taken out after a year. I wish I would have never got an IUD and I wouldn't advise anyone to do so. It's been a month since I had it taken out and still do not feel normal. My main side effect is/was extreme fatigue and vision issues. My hair has started to fall out, my back hurts all the time. I also have had pelvic pain that feels like contractions from labor. I have seen multiple doctors about my fatigue and they all make me feel like I'm making this up because all my labs and tests come back normal. They try to say maybe it's just anxiety. :( So I'm praying in a couple more weeks to months I feel completely back to normal. It's sad to think an IUD can cause symptoms like this and make you feel like something is BAD wrong with your body. Hope this helps anyone suffering with the same symptoms."

• Miss...
• May 22, 2020

Skyla (levonorgestrel) "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 help 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 everyday since then, no sex drive, and gained 15 pounds in 3.5 months despite dieting and working out 6X/ wk (P90X). I am only 5'3" so 15lbs 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."

• MCH
• June 1, 2014

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I am a huge fan. I read a lot of negative reviews prior to deciding, and promised myself that if I loved it, I would share! I got it 1.25 years ago. I got it for contraception, as I haven't had any children. Painless procedure - just pressure. Bad cramping for the rest of the day - I would take Panadol before going in next time so that it would kick in earlier. I would also advise having the day off work. After day one, it's been great! Smooth sailing. I get my period for about 2 days very lightly once every 5 months. And amazingly pain-free (used to get bad cramps). No weight gain or loss. No hair loss. No nausea. Better skin! So, I am an advocate. Good luck."

• Jay
• November 2, 2019

Liletta (levonorgestrel) "I’ve had Liletta going on to a year and it was the absolute biggest mistake I’ve ever made. As far as it “not getting me pregnant”, sure, it’s done its job but the side effects are the absolute worst. I’ve never had acne in my life and now I do. My periods seem to last forever. I never not have my period. I’m always spotting, it never fully goes away. MOST IMPORTANTLY, my mental health. I have experienced crucial mood swings, depression and anxiety. I do not feel like myself AT ALL. One day I’m good, the next day I’m all over the place. One minute I’m fine, next moment I’m crying or angry or upset over absolutely nothing. It feels like my body has been invaded and I have zero control over how I feel. The mood swings are crucial as well as the random depression and anxiety. I rather use condoms for the rest of my life than to feel how I feel."

• JRano
• June 11, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "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!"

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

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "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."

• Kat
• August 21, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "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 bearly there and the breakouts stopped!"

• Anonymous
• February 22, 2010

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "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."

• hinata
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 1, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "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. I having to wear a pantyliner every single day for nearly a year is awful. I miss the my pills :("

• Rose
• December 22, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "Before Kyleena, I had four day long, heavy periods that came with cramps so painful I couldn't get off the floor and would have to leave school/work. The two different pills I was on over the course of two years also did not work for me (mood swings, cramps, heavy periods). I got Kyleena inserted in June of 2019. The most uncomfortable part for me was all of the measuring before placement (which was never more than a slight pinch) and then it was over too fast for me to react, but I have a pretty high pain tolerance. I drove myself to and from the appointment and then had mild cramps the rest of the day. My previously heavy and 4 day long period was so light on days 2 and 3 that I couldn't wear a tampon and then my period never came again. I went back to my doctor in July of 2019 and the nurse told me it was normal to never get my period. I also lost about 15-20 pounds in the first two months after the insertion. I still have not gotten my period in over a year and rarely ever cramp."

• Leila
• April 6, 2021

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "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 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 micro biome too! Since the synthetic hormones leak into the gut and bloodstream this is why I had so many side effects."

• naxen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 24, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "Day 1 of Kyleena, had it inserted yesterday. Just wanted to share my insertion experience since some of these reviews are terrifying. I'm not going to sugarcoat it - insertion was not fun. I experienced a minor cramp when they stabilized my cervix and three major cramps when they measured my uterus, pushed in the inserter, and released the IUD. To me, the pain felt very similar to menstrual cramps, but deeper and more internal. I did end up having a vasovagal response and passed out, but took time to restabilize and was able to walk out 15 minutes after insertion. I have never had children and took 800mg of ibuprofen beforehand. So insertion was not a fun time. I'm not going to sugarcoat or avoid that. It hurts. However, was it the worst pain I've ever felt in my life? No. Did it feel like my body was being sawed in half? No. If you're on the fence about it, I recommend trying it. It's not an absolute horror show for everybody. You can do it! I believe in you!"

• lana
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2014

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "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."

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

Liletta (levonorgestrel) "This IUD had 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 breast 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."

• Anonymous
• December 16, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "OK pls IGNORE all the horror stories out there! Compared to the people who post negative experiences, there are like no people who have positive experiences that post their review here! Yes all these negative side effects are possible and a painful insertion is possible, but it really depends on the person! A lot of people have other underlying conditions that might make the insertion more painful or might make the symptoms worse. I just got the Kyleena today, it was literally 10 seconds of tight menstrual cramping and then it was over! Now at the end of the day, it's just mild cramping that is solved by laying in bed w a heat pack and advil. PLS if you are having trouble with other forms of birth control and think this might be a good choice for you, go for it! You won't know how it goes until you try it and for majority of people it will be just fine. Find yourself a doctor that does this regularly and you will be just fine."

• Kldst...
• September 25, 2018

Skyla (levonorgestrel) "HORRIBLE. The only thing that was great was It didn’t get my pregnant. I’m thankfully getting it out tomorrow. I’m PRAYING and HOPING that my mood, depression, anxiousness, and sadness goes away after it is removed. IUD’s work different for everyone. However I have never ever experienced something like this. Has anyone else had major issues like this?!"

• Claire
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2020

Skyla (levonorgestrel) "Best decision I’ve ever made! Please don’t let the horror stories scare you from trying the Sklya 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 pantie liner. I love the freedom my IUD gives me. Not having to take a pill everyday is wonderful. It’s sooo much better than I pill. I was in the rare percent of women, who lost a lot hair while using the pill (tri nessa) 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."

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

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "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 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."

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

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "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 work-out schedule, lifting, cardio, abs, stretching included, with no fear of dislodging."

• Gee
• January 12, 2020

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "The implantation was super fast and easy. Just a little pinch , mild cramping. Very effective, easy, worry free method of protection! My menstrual cycles were barely a cycle, and I was so happy to feel the freedom of no heavy bleeding or clotting! Negatives, unfortunately, A LOT of bloating and weight gain occurred for me especially in my 4th year . I noticed a change gradually over the years, then recently is was super rapid. Yesterday , I had the Mirena removed. Again just a little pinch, and mild cramping. Ahhhhhh my body was saying thankful because immediately I felt better! Today, I am down 9 pounds! YES that’s the honest truth, 9 pounds gone!!!!! :) I’m so thankful I listened to my body, noticed the changes and made the decision to remove it! I feel so much better! I encourage all to research before making a decision. Most importantly, listen to your body! If you don’t feel right, somethings off, go see your Dr! Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy body! :)"

• Ave
• July 3, 2019

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "After reading the reviews, I was terrified. Then I got to thinking, most of the time people only volunteer to share their reviews if they have had a negative experience. I am on a weight loss journey so I was scared I would gain weight on the Mirena, and also even after having the paragard 2 times I was scared to have the Mirena inserted after reading reviews. Monday I went in to get the Mirena, my doctor reassured me that less than 5% of women gain weight and that most of the time the weight gain is caused from other factors. The procedure itself was quick. There is a small amount of pressure as the IUD is inserted but nothing to get worked up about. I have had the IUD in place for 4 days now and have had minimal spotting and minimal cramping. I will update this is about three months. If you are considering the Mirena, please do not make your choice based on reviews from others. As I stated before people are quick to complain but rarely reach out to leave positive reviews."