Levonorgestrel for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 2)

• MLano
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 28, 2021

Liletta (levonorgestrel) "I got Liletta about 3 years ago. Very painful insertion but pain went away about 1 hour later. My next two periods were unbearable. Like I thought an ovary was exploding and I couldn't walk or breathe. I have been having pain on and off every week that is similar to endometriosis pains with light bleeding. I have PCOS and I told the doctor and they said it would be fine, but I'm starting to wonder about it. I have no sex drive, feel tired all the time, and have a mental fog that I specifically remembered starting around the time of my insertion. I also gained about 15 pounds. The cramps radiate out from my ovaries to my back and down my thighs. My doctor keeps telling me it's normal... I want to get it removed as soon as possible."

• JMano
• August 20, 2020

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I have had the Mirena in for nearly 2 years. It was okay for the first few months, odd cramp here and there. 6 months after insertion, I got my first (of many) bacterial infections. Cramps, pain during sex, brown smelly discharge. It always cleared up with flagyl and cream. I can’t even count how many I have had since then. It’s awful. I have 0 sex drive which makes my partner and me feel awful. Every time I get spotting, it always puts fear in me that it could be something more sinister, which escalates my anxiety. I have made an appointment to get it removed, as I can't live like this anymore."

• Chelley
• November 14, 2016

Liletta (levonorgestrel) "I guess most people only review when they have a bad experience. I personally love it. I had the copper IUD which gave me headaches and hurt like heck. Liletta does not give me headaches, and I don't feel it at all. No acne at all. No weight gain. Actually, I feel a bit slimmer, but I eat right and work out. Sex drive increased. The only possible negative may be mood swings, but I've always had an attitude."

• Danee
• May 3, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "I want to point out that people are more likely to leave a review if they had a negative experience, so if it seems like the amount of bad reviews is overwhelming, this is why. I’ve only had the Kyleena for a couple of weeks, but I can say that it has been a BREEZE. I was so nervous about getting it because of the pain horror stories. My doc prescribed low dose Xanax and some misoprostol. I took half of a Xanax and some ibuprofen before my visit, and I would say on a pain scale of 4/10, it was very bearable. I cramped hard for 30 seconds, then mildly for about 4 hours intermittently after I got home. These cramps were so mild that it was almost not noticeable. That’s it. The only thing I have noticed is that I get mild dizzy spells here and there, but a) it’s a normal side effect that is extremely bearable, b) it will wear off in time, and c) it beats most birth control side effects or, you know, children. If you’re on the fence, at least give it a try- it might be perfect for you."

• tinker
• January 26, 2010

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I have had the Mirena for about 2 years now and have had nothing but problems with it. My hair is falling out. I have gained weight. I don't want to have sex. I'm depressed. I now have anxiety attacks. I haven't had a period since getting it but I would rather have one than be moody all the time!"

• Mommy...
• September 12, 2008

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I love my Mirena. I had it inserted 4 weeks after my son was born. Unfortunately, I had to deliver him via C-section, and he was my first child, so my cervix never dilated, thus, the insertion of my Mirena was painful. For a couple of weeks after, I bled pretty heavily (but that could've been from his birth as well), and the bleeding stopped after about 4 weeks. I have not had a period (not even any spotting or cramping) yet, and I am SUPER happy with that. I had horrible periods before. No side effects, weight gain, acne, etc., thus far (12 weeks later). Despite the pain of insertion, I would do it 100 more times for the benefits. I would recommend Mirena to anyone."

• HSF
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2015

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I was scared to get Mirena after reading all the horror stories, but got it anyways, and I'm liking it so far! I'm 20 years old with no kids. Cramping during insertion and off and on for a few days after, nothing unbearable. Skin has gotten better, and I've actually lost weight, but this might not have anything to do with Mirena. The only downside is I'm still spotting, but my doctor said it should be gone within a month or so. No pain during sex, and my boyfriend says he can't feel the strings either. Would definitely recommend! Don't let all the horror stories scare you."

• CJano
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 30, 2020

Liletta (levonorgestrel) "So grateful to have found this forum and not feel so alone! I had two Mirenas (2009-2018), which were awesome, but then a doctor switched me to Liletta in April 2018, promising me it was 'just the same, but cheaper!' - yeah right. Since going on Liletta, my sex drive has COMPLETELY disappeared. I used to enjoy sex so much, but for the past 2.5 years, I haven't even felt the desire to masturbate. I feel stupid that it took me this long to realize that the culprit is most likely the Liletta. I just had it removed before Christmas. Send me luck for a restored libido in the new year! Sharing my experience in the hopes that it will help other vagina-having folk."

• alize
• February 24, 2020

Liletta (levonorgestrel) "First, insertion was extremely painful. I am comparing it to a Paragard insertion about 10 years ago, a breeze. I had Paragard for 8 years with no issues, and do not have kids. I opted for Liletta last month. I've noticed such a dramatic shift in my mood and personality for the worse, as well as bloating and weight gain. What makes the side effects even more dramatic is that I have been working out really consistently (running 10 miles/week, yoga, strength), which would normally lift my spirits and mitigate any winter blues, but nope, I'll get off the treadmill and feel on the verge of tears for no reason. It's affecting my work and my relationship, I want it out asap. I've also been crampy and spotting for the entire month since it was inserted. I realize that part is meant to be normal, but it's like insult to injury taking all the other side effects into account. The pros are: I'm not pregnant. Worth it? Not at the cost of my relationship and mental health, and physical well-being."

• Callie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2020

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I am a nurse practitioner working in women's health, so I thought I knew what to expect when I had my Mirena placed 3 months ago. I was WRONG! I have had bleeding every single day since insertion—occasionally just spotting, but most days I have light-to-moderate bleeding like the final couple of days of a period. I do not have cramps, and I have had an ultrasound to ensure proper device placement. I know that irregular bleeding is common in the first few months of use, but I did not expect the bleeding to be this persistent or this heavy. I am going to give it a few more months to see if the bleeding resolves; if it does not, I may have to get the Mirena removed."

• Nickyb
• June 10, 2021

Liletta (levonorgestrel) "I had Liletta inserted after my last baby. The doctor told me it was the same as Mirena, but it is NOT. I didn’t have any problems with Mirena, but three months after Liletta insertion, I got Telogen Effluvium and lost a lot of hair. (More hair shedding than I have EVER experienced.) I gained weight, and my libido is completely GONE! My hair is continuing to fall out. I had my hormone levels checked twice, and my estrogen level has dropped so low that it barely registers on the charts. My doctor told me that could be from the Liletta suppressing my estrogen (and progesterone) production. Those are two VERY important hormones for a woman, especially for hair growth, skin, nails, etc. Nothing like having a birth control that basically puts you into a menopausal state LONG before you are due for that. After having this awful device in me for fourteen months, I am finally getting it removed tomorrow! I do NOT recommend Liletta to anyone and do NOT let your doctor tell you it is the exact same thing as Mirena."

• jenny
• April 30, 2008

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I'm 22, have never been pregnant, and had my Mirena inserted ~3 weeks ago. Other than some slight cramping during and some moderately worse cramping later that day and for a few days after (nothing pain killers can't handle) it's been great! I used to have really heavy, really painful periods (which is why I went with Mirena over the paragard) and though I was supposed to get my period the week after they put it in, I haven't had anything but super light, almost non-existent spotting."

• rainr...
• December 7, 2009

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "It's now been three months since I had the Mirena IUD inserted, and I'm glad I went for it. The insertion was not painful, although measuring the cervix was. However, the pain went away real quick. I had lots of cramping and spotting for the first six weeks, and since I'm very sensitive, it made me a bit moody too. However, as it settles in, I'm loving the convenience and the no-worry assurance of birth control, and I'm very glad I got the Mirena. Read a lot of negative reviews before I went for my appointment, but I felt like it was the right thing for me, and I'm glad I trusted my instincts. If you're thinking of getting one, just know that there is an initial adjustment period, and things will get better if you just give it some time."

• yay
• June 26, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "So naturally, I read so many of these reviews before getting the Kyleena inserted. I was so nervous about the pain. My gyn prescribed me Cytotec (uterus softener) to take earlier that day with ibuprofen. I want to put a positive review in here and say the insert went AMAZING. After reading these reviews, I thought it would feel like a dagger! Instead, and I don't know if I should attribute this to the medicine or my amazing gyn, but it felt like a cramp, which lasted for 1 second. I didn't believe her at first when she said she put it in because I was expecting the worst. A few mild cramps spaced out through the day afterward (a side effect of the medicine as well), no bleeding yet. I will update once I've been on it longer, but I am STOKED. I am sorry for those who experienced bad insert/side effects, but if you really want to get this IUD, don't put it off due to the negative reviews. And maybe ask your gyn about Cytotec. See for yourself, everyone is different. You can always take it out :)"

• Mia
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 20, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "Okay, I’ve never written a review, but I wanted to, so I could maybe help someone out. I was on the pill for 3 years before I got my IUD. It honestly just seemed easier to go on the IUD so I didn’t have to take a pill every day. I’ve had my IUD for 8 months, and it is the worst thing. I got such bad acne. It reminds me of when I was in high school. It was extremely painful acne as well. I have also gained SO MUCH weight for literally no reason. I have the exact same diet that I did before. I get such bad cramps now, and I never usually got cramps. I also have extreme back pain that is sometimes unbearable. I get moody and lightheaded all the time. It also amps my anxiety for sure. I’m getting it out in a week, and I’m so excited. I want to go back on the pill."

• bea
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 3, 2021

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "I had the Kyleena inserted 2.5 years ago, after taking birth control and suffering from hormonal mood swings. Like others have mentioned, I was told by my gyno that since the hormones were released into my uterus, this wouldn't be a worry. The insert wasn't too bad, honestly, but the rest hasn't been great. Best pro -- my period disappeared after about a month of spotting and never came back. That being said, I have always been a confident girl, etc., and I have had panic attacks and extreme anxiety for the first time in my life. Also, non-stop cystic acne along my chin and my forehead. I kept telling myself the non-period and protection was worth it, but after doing more research, I can't handle this anymore. I just regret the years I spent not being myself with this birth control. If you have any history of mood swings or acne with previous birth controls, I would seriously reconsider this investment. I'm having mine taken out in the next few days."

• Anonymous
• February 25, 2009

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I have been very happy with Mirena. It was inserted at my 6-week postpartum appointment. I was nervous but felt nothing. It felt like a Pap smear. I did have spotting for about 6 weeks after. I started a diet program two weeks after insertion, and I have lost 21 lbs in the last 6 weeks, so don't believe it when people tell you that they gained a whole bunch of weight after insertion. I have no complaints, and I would recommend Mirena to anyone."

• Kmdance
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2020

Skyla (levonorgestrel) "I got my Skyla placed yesterday. I read every single review I could and worked myself up so much that I was shaking and crying when my OBGYN came in. I wanted to share my positive experience. Let me say, it is not the worst pain I’ve ever had (I am 30 and do not have kids). It felt like an average period cramp at best when she did the first thing in and again when she placed the IUD. I was SO relieved afterwards. I took Motrin the morning of and an hour before the procedure. I was on day two of my period, which I think helped tremendously. My doctor prescribed Cytotec, but, upon research of my own, Cytotec is not shown to assist any more than just being on your period... plus it causes more pain during and after. If you’re thinking about getting one, try not to panic. I’m usually low pain tolerance and had no issues with the insertion. Afterward, I had some mild cramping which was relieved by a heating pad and ibuprofen. Just remember that everyone’s experience is different."

• Tay
• November 12, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "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."

• BurkT
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2014

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I had Mirena placed in on September 12, 2014. I just had my second child in July 2014 so the insertion was not painful! I liked the concept of having Mirena but now that I have it, I have not stopped bleeding since!!! I can't have sex ever because I am always spotting! It is just annoying!! I am really considering getting it removed! I would much rather have my period once a month than bleed every single day!!"

• Happy...
• June 28, 2009

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I have had the Mirena in for a year now. I'm 29 and I haven't had babies. I've tried all sorts of birth control pills and NuvaRing. All they ever did was cause depression and mood swings. Mirena, on the other hand, has been a blessing to my uterus. I had slight cramping the first day or two and since then my periods have disappeared. I haven't had a period in 6 months, no monthly symptoms either. Mr. Mirena deserves a trophy and a million-dollar mansion for his kind help."

• Happy...
• May 7, 2021

Liletta (levonorgestrel) "I had the Liletta inserted shortly after my second child was born. While on Liletta, I did notice an extreme uptick in my sex drive, which has been great. But, like others, my anxiety was out of control, moods were up/down, there was an odd odor all the time. But the constant bleeding was what had me mostly concerned. I literally bled nonstop. It would be consistent for three weeks, wane off for two, back for a few days, away for another few days, etc. It was awful. I complained to my OB, and he chalked it off to "your body is getting used to it," etc. Finally, one and a half years after insertion, I’m two days post-removal (had a Mirena put in on Wednesday after getting the Liletta out), and I feel awesome. No pain, physically lighter. My jeans fit better-no bloating, my mood is incredibly brighter-no odor, and NO BLOOD! My experience with the Liletta was not a favorable one."

• 20som...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2020

Liletta (levonorgestrel) "I had Liletta inserted at Planned Parenthood about 4 1/2 months ago after being frustrated with my birth control pills. Most reviews here are negative, so I thought I’d share my positive experience. The insertion was uncomfortable, but the pain was bearable for me and was quick. I drove myself home after. I have not had any weight fluctuations that are abnormal (I am 20, 5’9 and 130 lbs). I did have light bleeding for 2 weeks, but my period has now stopped. I hate getting my period, so I am okay with taking a quick test to make sure I’m not pregnant to be safe. Hope this helps!"

• bluer...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 18, 2020

Skyla (levonorgestrel) "I had the Skyla in for 6 years: I replaced it once after 3 years. After reading all the horrible reviews of IUDs, I hesitated getting one for a full year. I eventually took the plunge, out of fear of becoming pregnant. Insertion was uncomfortable, but bearable. The majority of the time, I forgot I had the thing in. No cramps, no bleeding, no acne, no weight gain-zero side effects. I know my experience is in the minority, but I wanted to leave this review so others could see that not every person has issues with IUDs. My experience was overwhelmingly positive."

• P Gri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 3, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "I have been on Kyleena now for a year after being on Depo-Provera for 5 years. I have extremely painful periods, and I stayed on Depo because I was scared of the pain coming back (despite my horrible depression, weight gain, and acne). I made the switch to this IUD, and the only bad experience so far was insertion. My doctor suggested prescribing a pain reliever for before the appointment, but I was dumb and didn’t accept it. Ask your doctor for pain pills for those first couple of days, and enjoy your pain-free uterus! I also have lost almost 20 lbs of Depo-Provera weight as well! Not every experience is negative."