Kyleena and Bloating: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• July 23, 2019

For Birth Control "The reason the reviews are so high for Kyleena is because most people are leaving 10-star reviews a few days up to a week after they got it inserted. Let it settle and let your body get used to it, and wait until you know how it affects your body. I have had mine in for 9 months, and at first, I loved it, but now I can't wait to have it removed. For the past few months, I have been very irritable and angry, had very bad stomach aches and bad bowel movements, felt bloated, and had absolutely no sex drive, I don't even care about sex. I thought there was something wrong with me to the point where I thought I needed to talk to a therapist, then it clicked in my head that it was the IUD. Do not write a 10-star review when you have only had it in for a few days."

• Rae...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I chose Kyleena because I wanted an extremely effective, low-maintenance, long-lasting, and hormone-low form of birth control. So far, my experience has been incredible. While the insertion was uncomfortable, I took ample pain meds and drank plenty of water, which really helped. The only pain I have experienced is abnormal and unpredictable cramping and some headaches. I have barely bled, but there has been a lot of discharge. I have not gotten any acne-the hormones have seemed to help my skin! I have had some bloating, but nothing too extreme. I gained maybe a pound, if any weight at all. Neither my partner nor I have felt the IUD during sex. I am still experiencing a very, very light period. Overall, I am very happy with my choice and encourage anyone who is considering Kyleena to get it."

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

For Birth Control "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."

• Lei...
• April 6, 2021

For Birth Control "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."

• Bro...
• September 16, 2020

For Birth Control "It was the most pain I have ever felt when I got it put in. I just laid on the table after the insertion because I wasn't sure if I was going to pass out or not. I bled for 4 months straight after getting it put in. I feel like I woke up one day and gained 20 lbs. I am an active person and stay on a healthy diet, but it didn't matter because I still gained weight. I just feel bloated ALL THE TIME. I also got put on prescription acne medicine because I break out around my mouth constantly. My periods are super irregular. Sometimes I don't have a period for a couple of months and then I have a period twice a month. I will say that my periods are significantly lighter! The cramping is one of the main reasons I am going to get it taken out because they are AWFUL. I know that the IUD works for some people, it just did not work for me. The only good thing about it is not having to worry about getting pregnant, but I don't think it is worth it."

• Med...
• November 18, 2019

For Birth Control "In med school, I learned IUDs were so great-reliable, easy, can't be felt once it's in, covered by insurance, and 'locally acting.' I switched roles and got to be the patient. It has been the worst medical experience of my life. In just 10 days of having Kyleena, I was in the deepest depression of my life with extreme tearfulness that was interrupting work. I have lost at least 25% of my hair. I have gained 10 pounds, bled every day, have extreme cramping, bloating, back pain, and breast pain. This device needs to be recalled and taken off the market. It is obviously not locally acting to have all these side effects. After 7 days, I told my doctor the symptoms. She recommended I start anti-depressants, which is bad practice to mask all the symptoms with more drugs with their own side effects. I would also need pain meds, muscle relaxers, diuretics (for bloating), hair growth medication, acne medication. My advice to every patient is not to get this implanted!"

• Em1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had a child, so I didn't think insertion would be too bad. WOW-I was wrong. I didn't take ibuprofen but did have misoprostol to open my cervix. The pain was terrible for me, but insertion only took about 2 minutes. Afterward, I had cramping almost every day, constant bleeding or spotting, backache, bloating, and my face broke out. My advice is to wait it out, girls! It's been two months for me now, and I forget it's there. My period this month was a few moments of cramping and one day of spotting with some usual moodiness. I used to have very heavy periods before Kyleena, so I'm happy I made the choice to get an IUD. Also, not worrying about getting pregnant for 5 years makes the bit of pain so worth it! If you're on here looking for answers like I was two months ago, you're not alone. Give it time!"

• But...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2020

For Birth Control "Got Kyleena inserted at the end of October 2019. The insertion wasn't too bad, some cramping but nothing major. I bled for a month straight after. I'm now coming up on my 3rd month, have some occasional spotting, and I get my period every month, lasting about a week. So far, I've only had some cramping, bloating, and nausea when it is coming to that time of the month. But that's normal for me. I did have hormonal acne before the IUD, it hasn't made it any worse. I do suggest, though, for anybody who is breaking out on the IUD or has hormonal acne in general, I have been taking some supplements that have cleared my skin 90%: 1) Alani Nu Balance 2) Zinc 3) B5 4) Probiotic 5) Ashwagandha (helps with stress & depression) 6) Iron (if you have anemia or heavy periods). Hope this helps."

• JKH...
• July 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I bled and cramped for a solid month. Then the headaches, acne, and breast tenderness started. I've gained 10 lbs in four months with this thing. The inches are all going to my waist. And now to add to the cramping, I have extreme bloating. It's so bad it distracts me from my job because it's painful to sit. I've not been on a hormonal birth control in five years, so there's no other explanation for these changes. I'm getting it removed."

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

For Birth Control "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?"

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

For Birth Control "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."

• Ast...
• May 19, 2019

For Birth Control "As far as being a contraceptive with Kyleena, I haven't had any issues. I like feeling very confident that it's working and that I don't have to remember a pill every day. My period has stopped, which is honestly very nice to not have to worry about bleeding. The insertion was horrible, but that's probably because I just had a Paragard removed. My issues have been with the side effects. I believe I'm very susceptible to hormones, and I've had a lot of mood issues since getting the Kyleena-increased anxiety, apathy, sadness, numbness, etc. Not unlike my experience on the pill. I also wake up bloated every morning, even though I've tried cutting out the things in my diet I know might give me that reaction. My boobs are almost constantly sore and unpredictably swollen. I also have light cramping most days. It kind of feels like I'm constantly PMSing."

• Ela...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Prior to Kyleena, I had Jaydess for 3 years, and it was amazing! No periods or side effects. I decided after the 3 years I wanted another one, and my doctor recommended Kyleena because 'it's the same amount of hormone but lasts for 5 years instead of 3'..... (This isn't true - the hormone level is higher in Kyleena). Anyway, insertion for Jaydess was easy and not painful, insertion for Kyleena was awful. Apparently, my cervix wouldn't go straight?... Side effects Kyleena: very low sex drive, increased appetite, bloating > weight gain, mood swings, definitely worsened my depression. Just overall not good. Similar side effects to when I took a birth control pill that was hormone heavy. So overall, I think my body just can't handle the hormones. Removed it a few days ago, had it for about 14 months."

• Arw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I went to my OB-GYN after experiencing heavy periods for years. Tried pills, and they never worked for me. So my doctor told me to try Kyleena. After weighing the options, I decided I would try it. Insertion was very painful, and I’m usually tolerant to pain. After insertion, I was told to expect on-and-off spotting for 3 months and then it would regulate. After I left, my period didn’t end until I got it removed. The entire time I had it, I had extreme cramping, almost like contractions. I also had extreme nausea, dizziness, bloating to where I looked pregnant, weight gain, and I was absolutely miserable. I went back for the string check and made them take it out. My doctor told me she has never heard of anyone having the reaction I had. I was so disappointed and do not recommend it based on my experience."

• Arm...
• March 22, 2019

For Birth Control "20, no kids. 4 months in, and I ♡ my IUD. Insertion took about 15 min and was uncomfortable, but no worse than a pap smear. The only thing that hurt was when the OB injected the numbing agent. I went back to work afterwards. About 30 min later, I felt bloating but didn't need Tylenol. The bloating stopped after ~4 days, all of which I worked/went to the gym just fine. I spotted for 2 months. The 1st period I had was late and crampy, the 2nd I almost didn't notice. Months 3 and 4, no spotting/periods/cramping. Dream come true. My OB tucked the string up around my uterus so partners can't feel it. Even I have to search to find it, softened now by mucus. I bled after sex at first, but now I can have intercourse without bleeding. It didn't harm my libido or cause weight gain. Now that my periods stopped, there's virtually no acne or depression, which I usually had on my period. You aren't going to know how your body reacts until you try."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on Kyleena for over a year now and absolutely hate it! My pros... no babies and lighter periods over time. My cons... gained 30+ lbs, started getting terrible migraines, random cramping and bloating, bad mood swings, makes my boobs EXTREMELY sensitive and sore and has caused some changes in my skin. It's not for everybody. I'm getting mine removed."

• Ash...
• December 21, 2018

For Birth Control "I am in the health care profession and would consider myself knowledgeable about IUDs. My doctor told me I couldn’t get the copper IUD because I hadn’t had kids yet. I wanted the Paragard because it has no hormone. With the Kyleena, I was hesitant because of the hormone levels, although low, still hormone. Soooo... It ended up being the scariest experience of my life. I began feeling very depressed, worsening anxiety, and began having feelings of fear. I expressed this to my doctor and it was blamed on my underlying anxiety. This is and was different... I know how to manage my underlying anxiety, but this feeling was bigger than me. I got it taken out after multiple consults and ultrasounds. I developed cysts, terrible left-sided abdominal pain, constant bloating, and discomfort. I decided to get it removed, and it was the best decision. I know it works for others, so if it does, awesome. But if not, and your doctor or anyone is trying to persuade you to keep it in... follow your gut!"

• Mex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2018

For Birth Control "I'm 23 - no kids. Kyleena is my first ever IUD birth control. The first day of the insertion, it was very painful for me. I had bad cramps and felt very bloated. I still went into work later because it was manageable. The next day I felt way better. I'm not bleeding anymore, but I do get a little bit of brown discharge. I'm on day 5. I feel good, I don't even remember that I have the IUD. No cramps since the first day I got it inserted. So far, liking it."

• Nis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2019

For Birth Control "It worked as far as a good birth control, but the side effects were horrible! Migraines were excruciating. I always felt bloated and tired. For 4 months of having Kyleena, I bled every single day. It made me feel as if a dark cloud was over me. Once removed, I instantly felt better and went back to the pill."

• Jan...
• July 24, 2019

For Birth Control "When the IUD is inserted, they have to dilate the cervix. Therefore, you experience cramps like early labor pains. I have a high pain tolerance. The cramping, pressure, and pinch during insertion was beyond awful, it felt like someone was taking a knitting needle and jabbing it quickly inside you. I screamed and almost vomited, but that was not the worst. The worst are the cramps that come after. They crippled me for 2 days. I couldn’t stand or walk. I crawled into my apartment door when I finally made it home. I laid in bed for 2 days with heating pads, Midol, Aleve, you name it. Nothing works. That pain was not worth it, and had I known, I would not have done it. It’s been 3 months. 15 pounds of weight gain despite a heavy gym regimen and diet. None of my clothes fit. I am consistently bloated. I experience period cramps so bad for 15 days of every month, I get waves of chills, goosebumps, pinching pressure, and lightheadedness. The period itself isn’t bad, but it is about 8 days long. Also, increased acne. Getting it removed."

• Aqu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I am a mom, and I’ve had Kyleena for about 7 months now. So far, I am happy with my decision. I have endometriosis, which causes my heavy periods and painful cramps. I was on a continuous birth control pill regimen previously and wanted an easier option. Insertion wasn’t overly painful, it lasted a few seconds. I had cramping the remainder of that day, and it was gone by day 2. I had a regular period for the first couple of months, but they fizzled out thereafter. Now I just have bloating, mild cramps, and a light flow (pantyliner) for a few days each month. This is okay for me considering I felt like a slaughtered pig, who needed prescription pain meds for cramps without birth control. I hope this helps!"

• amd...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I loved the thought of this IUD. I got it inserted, and three months later I got the worst ache I’ve ever had in my life. Keep in mind, I had acne-prone skin before switching to Kyleena, and I took the birth control pill, which cleared up my skin. The acne Kyleena caused, plus super sharp stabbing-like pains 3-4 times a week, sometimes for hours, made me decide to get my IUD removed today. I only had it for 8 months, and overall I do regret getting this. However, it did not cause any weight gain, which is good, but it did make me extremely bloated sometimes. This is to be expected with hormonal birth control, though. I really wish this worked for me since it’s such a hassle-free long-term option! Back to the pill I go..."

• Lan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 22, 2021

For Birth Control "I've had Kyleena for about 4 years now. At first, it was all great, but the past 2 years it's been spiraling! Recovery isn't all that terrible, but it's made my anxiety 10x worse, and my hair is thinning out! Cramps are terrible, mood swings, random waves of sadness, always emotional, constantly bloated and tired. Not to mention I got a huge hemorrhagic cyst from Kyleena that is insanely painful. I am getting mine out ASAP. Birth control is terrible for us, the doctors don't tell us, but it really is…"

• Ter...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I chose IUD after some thinking because I don’t like taking pills for many reasons. The insertion went pretty well, however, since then I don’t feel like myself. I feel very lonely, sad, and have no motivation to do anything. Physically, my vagina became very dry, and I don’t enjoy sex anymore because it hurts pretty much all the time. On top of that, I am bloated every day, so I don’t feel confident anymore. I think it can work for some people, however, after reading through so many experiences, I am thinking of getting it removed. Maybe it’s reliable, but it’s probably not worth all the troubles I have."

• bel...
• May 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I got my Kyleena IUD inserted in the very beginning of March. It was painful, but nothing excruciating! The next day, I woke up bloated as ever. I couldn’t even button my jeans without squeezing my stomach. I bled every day, some days heavier than others. Like getting my period every day. At least twice a week, I wake up to severe cramping (still, after almost 3 months). Actually, it’s 4 a.m. right now, and I can’t sleep because of cramps. The bleeding has definitely gotten lighter, I wear a tampon or a panty liner every day because I never know. My poor vagina is never free! Even when I don't bleed, I still get severe cramping. I’ve been able to have sex with my boyfriend a few times since insertion when the bleeding seems to be at bay, but working up a sex drive is a pain. I read good stories about this IUD and have coworkers tell me they love it, so I'll give it more time, but after the 5 month mark, if I’m still dealing with this, I’m done and never looking back!"