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Kyleena for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 5)

Reviews for Kyleena

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • ebt...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 18, 2022

"My experience on Kyleena seems to be a bit different than everyone else's, so I figured I'd share! Having the Kyleena was an awful experience: I had a very dramatic weight loss of about 50 lbs (within about 4 months) because I was either constantly throwing up, nauseous, or experiencing diarrhea. I lost the weight so rapidly that my skin became loose on my body and everything sagged. I was also losing my hair constantly, and I had the worst panic attacks in my life (as well as increased depression/anxiety). Oddly, it actually increased my sex drive, which has never happened on anything else. I asked my doctors if the Kyleena could be causing all of these problems, and they just consistently brushed it off. After having it in for almost 9 months, I couldn't take it anymore, it was removed. After doing so, it was a night and day difference! I became myself again :)"

1 / 10
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  • van...
  • September 12, 2019

"I got the Kyleena birth control about 3 months ago. It has been nothing but a nightmare. I spotted almost every day the first 6 weeks. I have gained about 9 pounds and have gotten little spots of acne all over my face. And I usually have very clear skin. Since the start, I have had very bad constant cramps, but now the past week, I have been in excruciating pain. To the point that it feels like I may faint. I have an appointment tomorrow to hopefully get this thing out. On top of all of this, I get nauseous a lot and feel like throwing up. I have felt so awful and off the past 3 months. This birth control is NOT worth it. For me, it has been a complete waste of time and I absolutely hate it. Spare yourself the excruciating pain, moodiness, cramping, acne, and weight gain. No pros to this."

1 / 10
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  • Lin...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 2, 2019

"I had Kyleena inserted in July 2019. It was painful. I felt cramps and dizzy after the procedure. I had heavy cramps the first week. And then, I had a period every other week and spotting in between. Bleeding just doesn't go away. It has been 10 weeks. I still have cramps, knee soreness, and lower energy. I have to take iron supplements every day. I don’t have acne. I do experience weight gain, bloating, hair loss, and mood swings. Can I handle one more month? NO. Now I am worried about what may happen when it is removed. Will bleeding stop? Do I go back to normal?"

1 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • sjh...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 19, 2021

"I have had the Kyleena IUD for 10 months now, and I really don't like it, and I want it out. It was the WORST pain getting it in, and I passed out after getting it in and had to stay in the hospital for an hour afterward. I was bleeding for 2 and a half months straight after getting it in. I have put on 15 kg since the start of the year, and it has made my headaches worse and my hormonal acne worse! I am so self-conscious about how I look now, it is almost impossible to lose weight. I have been exercising and watching what I eat for 3 months, and I have gone up 2 sizes in pants!!! Like, what is that about? I’m so unhappy, and I really think I’d be better off just not having sex at all compared to this rubbish."

3 / 10
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  • Ele...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 30, 2020

"Kyleena is the second IUD I have tried. I first tried Mirena around 17, which made my period longer by 1 day, so I removed it. Fast forward 3 years, I had a pregnancy scare and decided to try Kyleena. I’ve had it almost 2 years, and my period is now 10 days long every month. My mom recommended IUDs to me because it made her period disappear, but I guess I’m unlucky. A doctor actually told me she doesn’t believe my period has become longer because of the IUD, that it was going to happen anyway...guess I’ll never know. I also get pretty bad cramps the day before my period comes and the first 2 days of my period, which didn’t happen before, and I’ve noticed my acne has gotten a lot worse."

3 / 10
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  • Iam...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 8, 2020

"I've been on this for almost a year to give it a fair chance (that’s what my gyno advised after mentioning my symptoms). The insertion was not really anything serious. I didn’t take the painkillers before or after, and I’ve never had a kid. Stings a bit like a strong cramp, but aside from that, it’s a nonissue. After insertion, I bled nonstop for 3 months. It also made my cramps way worse than they ever were before I got this thing inserted. Eventually, the nonstop bleeding stopped, but I still get random cramps even when I’m not on my period. This thing has completely got rid of my sex drive-so much that I don’t even want kisses from my bf and haven’t since about a month into having this thing put in. It’s nice to not have to take a pill every day, but isn’t really worth it to me. I’m personally getting mine removed after the semester ends."

2 / 10
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  • rob...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 12, 2020

"*Easy insertion due to natural ovulation, cervix softener, Valium, and Ibu. *Bleeding for 4 months almost nonstop. 95% spotting. Daily. Increased after any sexual activity. *Experienced a decidual cast in the 3rd week. *Breast tenderness, swelling, PAIN when leaning into something or doing a self-exam. All the time. *At least 2 'periods' a month (just darker/heavier, but short). *Cramps - random. *Mood - Depression okay, anxiety up. Feel spacey a lot. Feel ADHD meds don't quite do their job anymore. *Weight - retain fluid, have to take a fluid pill around 'period' days and randomly. Always hungry, even on stimulant. Have begun gaining in month 4. *Acne - prone to hormonal, but NONE. *Genital - Labial cysts are frequent, maybe due to pads constantly used. Always itchy because my skin hates pads, but can't use anything else for various reasons. Currently a yeast infection. *Emotions - cry randomly and once a month sob at the most ridiculous things. Not a crier. Not quite a fan."

5 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 10, 2020

"Although the insertion process was extremely painful, I am loving my Kyleena so far! Mild cramping for the first week and no spotting! My breast tenderness from being on the pill for so long finally went away, and I like knowing I have the most effective birth control device ready to go at all times! So far, no side effects other than just mild cramping! I highly recommend!"

9 / 10
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  • Can...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 3, 2022

"Please do not ever get Kyleena. It has been the absolute worst thing to happen to me. From extreme pain during insertion, to developing ovarian cysts, to worsening my anxiety to a point where it is unmanageable, and finally causing extreme acne. I am scheduled to have it removed finally after doctors telling me to keep it. The absolute worst health decision I ever made. Please be careful."

1 / 10
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  • cha...
  • January 22, 2020

"Here to share my story as a positive lil piece of reassurance for those looking for it after scrolling through endless horror stories - I’m in my second month with Kyleena, and things are now starting to settle. Don’t get me wrong, the first period was not a fun one, the cramps were horrendous, and it lasted for just over 10 days. But it’s like they say - the three-month adjusting period will always be rocky. Period round two is so far a lot lighter, and cramps are less frequent and become gradually less intense. I got Kyleena to help with a health condition as well as birth control, and my periods are normally very heavy and painful - and even the period I got at first had me curled up for a week. But they’re slowly becoming lighter! I know everyone’s experience is different, but chances are things will improve. At the start may be rough at points, but in the long run, it’s most definitely worth it."

7 / 10
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  • Mar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 19, 2019

"I had the Kyleena inserted two weeks ago. The insertion was like a quick, painful pinch. Then it was done. I was surprised how quick. Ever since that day, my stomach looks and feels pregnant though :( I've gained 10 lbs and feel horribly bloated. My abdomen and lower back ache constantly, and sometimes the achy sensations wake me up at night. I'm experiencing significant fatigue, which goes beyond just a little disrupted sleep. It has become hard to function or even care to function. I am experiencing a significant change in moods. I either feel apathy or anger most of the time, which is totally out of character. I have lost interest in sex (maybe just because I feel so horrible), but two weeks ago I had an amazing sex drive. I am experiencing several other side effects (bleeding, breast tenderness, vaginal dryness). I went to the doctor last week with concerns, and she was very dismissive. I have a follow-up appointment tomorrow, and I will insist on removal."

1 / 10
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  • Ini...
  • June 13, 2019

"This is an update on my Kyleena that I have had now for 1 year. So far, I LOVE it! No symptoms for me, except shorter periods, much shorter, like two days max, with bleeding that doesn’t even require a pad because it’s just when I wipe. No acne, no weight gain, no mood swings or any of that, just a great birth control that has so far prevented pregnancy! I highly recommend this, and the insertion process wasn’t painful at all!"

10 / 10
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  • Che...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 30, 2022

"This is my two-month review. I have searched options to reduce my heavy cycle, had issues with pills, and never had an IUD. I agreed to Kyleena because my doctor said it had much less hormone than other IUDs, plus no estrogen. I asked two questions: will it make me gain weight (affecting appetite) and will I grow or lose hair. The insertion was very painful, cramping on and off for days. Spotting has not stopped. I have had two periods since, and they have been super light. I have lost a lot of weight; definitely not desired, as I was already 110 lbs and I am only 5'3. All this, and I had no issue as I can eat as much as I want. My BIGGEST issue is my hair. I had very thick long hair, and now I can see through to my scalp. I went back to my doctor, but she said that it is irrelevant as the hormones are not reaching my bloodstream! I would appreciate any comments or insight regarding this. It is my first IUD, and I am starting to get very anxious and stressed out."

5 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • July 5, 2017

"I have had the Kyleena in since early March 2017, and in the beginning, was really regretting it because I felt like I was constantly bleeding and cramping. I passed a lot of clots, and I was just always uncomfortable. Today, being July 2017, I feel like I have put the bad things behind me and am enjoying not having to worry about birth control. No more cramping, no more clotting, and best of all, I haven't gotten a period. Stick with it, ladies, it will be worth it. It is true what they say, though: allow a solid 3-6 months for your body to get used to it. Good luck!"

8 / 10
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  • Kay...
  • August 20, 2020

"I had the Kyleena for 3 months. Insertion was not bad at all and just felt like a really bad cramp. I took some ibuprofen beforehand along with a med to dilate my cervix per my doctor's recommendation. I bled for a month after insertion and became severely depressed, anxious, and lethargic. I have a history of being depressed, but this was on another level. Once I stopped bleeding, the depression eased up a little bit, and I have been mildly depressed since. Other side effects I have dealt with are increased acne and weight gain (about 10 pounds). Due to these negative side effects, I decided to have it removed today. The process was painless and only took a few minutes. If you don't have mental health issues, you will probably be fine, but if you do, I would be hesitant about this IUD. Also, some of my side effects could have been worsened by quarantine/coronavirus. What I liked most about the Kyleena was its low maintenance and lighter periods."

5 / 10
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  • MWa...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • May 1, 2021

"Placed in 2017 and removed in 2021. If you have a small frame, are sensitive, or prone to depression, Kyleena isn't for you. I felt my IUD in my body for the duration of having it. I didn't realize how much daily pain I had due to it. Removal was a HUGE relief. Placement pain varies; the best comparison is to think of your cramps-if you generally suffer from chronic pain, then insertion could hurt more. It feels like 2 quick hot pinches in the cervix. Then there was pain after, like severe period cramps, only lasted about 12 hours. After placement, I had random sharp pain in my uterus with movement, like jabs from a piece of sharp plastic. Intercourse was only affected in this respect; fear of pain from IUD. My libido/lubrication weren't affected. Severe depression due to Kyleena. Within weeks of placement, symptoms were apparent. (I speak about depression because since removal, most symptoms have fallen off). My digestive system and bowels were affected. This ceased with removal too."

3 / 10
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  • Tay...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • July 19, 2019

"I have had Kyleena for coming up on two years now. I have had pretty normal periods throughout my two years of being on this. Overall, it’s been really nice not having to take a pill every day. I will say that sex can be painful at times, to the point of having to stop because it causes such a bad cramp. I have had MANY infections (UTI, yeast, and my most reoccurring is bacterial vaginosis). I had never had bacterial vaginosis before getting Kyleena inserted, but I have had it over 10 times just this year... that would have to be my biggest complaint overall about this. I do plan on making an appointment to get it taken out because, to me, it’s not worth all of the money to spend curing all of the infections that I keep having to deal with."

8 / 10
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  • Flo...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 28, 2019

"I used to have heavy and painful periods that would take me out for 7 days. I took a painkiller before insertion, but it was still painful, and I had bad cramping for the next few days. After 1 month of PMS, I told my OB-GYN I wanted to take it out, but she told me to keep it for 6 months to give it a chance to stabilize. For 5 months, I was spotting enough to need a panty liner every day. During this time, I also had the worst cramps I've ever had. They would come out of nowhere, and I would have to stop what I was doing to catch my breath and not faint, but it would only last for 15-20 seconds at a time. Both the cramps and the spotting were more persistent during the first 3 months and tapered off for another 2 months. After 5 months, though, both the cramps and spotting completely stopped. For the past 6 months, I've been cramp and period free! Knowing that I don't have to deal with PMS/periods for another 4 years is incredible. I definitely think the first few months of pain and bleeding were worth it."

9 / 10
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  • Jes...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 7, 2019

"This definitely has not been for me. I haven’t experienced acne or weight gain like other reviewers, but... I cannot tell you how many times I have gotten BV while on this IUD. At least 6 times in the 10 months I had it in. I’m 36 with no children and have gotten BV maybe twice in my entire life prior to this. It became too emotional to deal with. Constant testing, meds, too embarrassed to have sex. Got it put in 11/2019 and just removed a couple of days ago. The moment I walked out of my OBGYN, I felt better. I also experienced bleeding during sex while on this. I’m not sure if that is something others have mentioned, I haven’t seen too many. I even went and got an ultrasound because I was worried something else may be wrong, but the results came back normal."

3 / 10
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  • Lad...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 11, 2019

"My experience with Kyleena so far has been wonderful. No bad side effects except for light cramping once in a while. So much better than the pill. The pill made me feel super depressed and crazy, so glad I made the switch, just wish I wouldn’t have read all the bad reviews and waited so long. Don’t listen to them, everyone’s body is different, so you just need to try it and see if it works for you."

10 / 10
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  • Sar...
  • February 2, 2021

"I had Kyleena inserted yesterday, and I have to say that I was pretty nervous after reading the reviews on here. But it is really not that bad. Just talk it all out with your doctor, and you will be just fine. My doctor prescribed me a cervix softener to take before insertion, which I think helped quite a bit. It's not a pleasant experience, and it did hurt, but not nearly as bad as I was anticipating. It was uncomfortable, but it only lasted for about 4 minutes! I had some pretty bad cramping for a few hours after, but taking Tylenol and using a heating pad worked wonders. Now it's the next day, and I have no pain, just some really light spotting! Just trust your doctor, ladies :)"

9 / 10
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  • Kal...
  • January 15, 2021

"INSERTION REVIEW: I had my Kyleena inserted yesterday. Before the appointment, my gyn prescribed me a cervix softener, and I took 800 mg ibuprofen. The insertion process was not painless, but also not unbearable. My provider numbed me using lidocaine, which I did not even feel, but I had intense and deep cramps when she measured and inserted the IUD. That was the worst part of the process for me. Following insertion, I had heavy period cramps for the remainder of the night and some fairly heavy bleeding that was manageable with ibuprofen and a heating pad. Today, I am back to work with no cramping and very light brown spotting. Other than that, I am basically back to normal. Will post another review once I’ve had it for longer."

10 / 10
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  • IUD...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 28, 2020

"My only regret with the Kyleena is that I didn't get one sooner! I've had mine for 2 and a half years now, and recommend it to all of my girlfriends. Insertion wasn't terrible and is so worth it. The day of, it felt kind of like a quick sudden need to poo as it was being inserted, but only lasted about 5-10 seconds. Afterwards, it's just the usual period-style cramps. And then long-term, I really haven't had any side effects! Some spotting here and there, but my periods are extremely light, have never had any pregnancy scares at all, no cramping, nothing. All good, and so much better than having to remember to take a pill every day. If you're on the fence, do it!"

10 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • December 17, 2020

"I’ve had the Kyleena since 2018. I felt a sharp pain during insertion that continued for a few minutes but settled down. They told me to come back, I think after a month, to get it checked to make sure it was still in the correct position. I ended up going in early because I was cramping so bad. I seriously thought it had moved, it hadn’t. Very heavy cramping when I had my period. My period was spotty but lasted a lot longer than usual. This went on for a little over 6 months. Then my periods finally stopped, and I barely cramped at all. I never had painful sex. I’ve never felt the strings, and neither has my husband. I honestly would highly recommend Kyleena. If you can get through the first half of the year, the benefits outweigh the cons. I feel like my skin has been better, mood has been better, sex has been great, condom-free, and most importantly, no unwanted pregnancies."

9 / 10
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  • NMP...
  • February 9, 2020

"I had the IUD in for 3 months before I took it out. Spotting is expected when you get the Kyleena, so I didn’t get it removed because of that. I got it removed because I had terrible migraines, and sex was painful for me. Every time my partner would thrust, it felt like he was hitting my IUD. My sex drive also decreased, sex didn’t even feel good anymore. My partner kept complaining about the strings stabbing him, so it was a turn-off for both of us. My doctor told me it’s better to leave the strings long so they can pull it out easier, and the strings should soften up over the months. So I got the IUD removed, which was easier than getting it inserted. Since then, all complications disappeared. Just because I had complications with the Kyleena doesn’t mean you will have the exact same. I highly recommend you try out the Kyleena because everyone reacts differently to different birth control methods. My friends are fine with the Kyleena IUD, sadly, it just wasn’t for me."

7 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.