Levonorgestrel for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 3)
Brand names: Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, Plan B One-Step, Skyla, Julie, PostDay One-Step, My Choice, Take Action, My Way, Aftera, Option 2, Athentia Next, Morning After, Opcicon One-Step, New Day, Her Style, AfterPlan, EContra One-Step, AfterPill, Next Choice One Dose, Fallback Solo Curae SheWise Optionelle …show all brand names
Reviews for Levonorgestrel
- RNg...
- January 15, 2020
"WARNING! If your body hasn’t responded well to hormonal birth control in the past, think twice about having the Skyla inserted. I had tried the pill in the past, and it made me feel crazy. My gynecologist assured me that the Skyla IUD only released a very small amount of hormones locally into the uterus and wouldn’t manifest any systemic side effects. After having it placed in March 2018, I had my first panic attack in October. I became overly weepy, and by the end of my time on it (I finally had it removed yesterday), I was sobbing every day for no reason, experiencing super dark thoughts, and I would lay in bed at night having panic attacks focused on my heart and breathing, chest pain, and shooting cramps. I stopped getting my period altogether. My sex drive was completely gone. Sex was painful and unenjoyable. I found myself almost completely unable to become aroused. My blood pressure skyrocketed, doctors prescribed me antidepressants and anxiety medications. Just had it removed."
- JoM...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- August 26, 2020
"Had Mirena twice after my son was born in 2007 (one for 5 years and the other one was past due and was removed after 8 years), never got pregnant even after the 5-year mark (don't recommend though). During Mirena, I had absolutely no issues. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. No period on site, never got pregnant. June 4th, 2020, I decided to have Mirena removed because I was ready to have another baby. Doctor advised for me to wait until the first full menstrual period to conceive, but I did not wait. Oops. :) They say it should take 6 months to 1 year to get pregnant after Mirena removal, but turns out today is August 25 and I am now 10 weeks pregnant. I am 35 years old (that delicate age), and I can say that I am a true believer of this contraceptive. It is true; it might not be for everyone, but it sure did work for me. 100% recommend."
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Frequently asked questions
- Can Plan B make your period late or cause bleeding?
- Can you drink alcohol after taking Plan B?
- How effective is Plan B and how late can you take it?
- How many times can you take Plan B?
- Kat...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- February 18, 2020
"Liletta gave me cystic acne, reoccurring infections, pelvic pain, and out-of-control bleeding. After a year and 6 months, I removed it, and I am already feeling relieved, and it’s only been 24 hours. Every woman is different, so I can’t say that my experience will be yours, but I wouldn’t recommend it to my worst enemy."
- don...
- March 13, 2010
"I've had it for 6 days. I don't have kids, am young compared to most users, and have a tilted uterus. I chose not to use the numbing shot because my doctor said the needle would hurt just as bad as the insertion. I took 400mg of ibuprofen 1 hour before the insertion. It hurt but only for about 20 seconds. I had a kind of reverse contractions for 2 hours. I was directed to take 800mg of ibuprofen. I suggest going #2 before the insertion since it's very painful to do so after. Since insertion I've had minor spotting and very little pain. Do not use a tampon, it's so painful to remove. (I use a diva cup when I go out) Don't be scared off by all of the horrible reviews, most people only write a review when something goes wrong."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Gem...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 22, 2020
"I am VERY pleasantly surprised at my Skyla IUD experience. I'm a small woman (5' 100 lbs) & previously partially expelled a Paragard IUD due to the small size of my uterus. I always wanted to avoid ANY sort of hormonal BC out of fear of side effects. When the Paragard was taken out, I decided to take a chance on Skyla (smallest IUD size, lowest hormone dosage). My next form of BC was going to be FAM, that's how much I wanted to avoid hormones. Well, after insertion (which felt awful, but that's not surprising), I've been GREAT. I felt virtually no cramps post-insertion. I've had zero hair loss, acne, or mood swings whatsoever (and trust me, I've been paying close attention). My first period post-Skyla was normal but with ~2 weeks of light brown spotting afterwards. I'm guessing this will diminish with time since the uterine lining will continue to thin. A recent ultrasound confirmed everything looks great. If things stay the way they are, I'd happily get another Skyla in 3 years. Yay!"
- Dan...
- February 24, 2014
"Alright ladies, my experience with Mirena entails no gruesome or terrifying stories that will make you run for the hills. My experience with Mirena has been fairly good. I got Mirena approximately 6 months ago. Beforehand I was entirely frightened due to the horrible reviews that people post on the internet. But let me just straighten this out. Some people do have bad experiences but those people are the ones who feel obligated to narrate their story to the world. So I'll be the one to write something positive. Slight pain during the insertion, nothing worse than cramps. A month of irregular bleeding. Only to be followed by four months of glorious period-free time. I occasionally get spotting but it isn't anything bad at all."
More FAQ
- What's the weight limit for Plan B?
- What are my birth control options and how effective are they?
- Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla & Liletta - What's the difference?
- What is a medical abortion and what is a morning after pill?
- Hap...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- June 18, 2020
"I've been on Liletta for a few weeks now. Insertion wasn't bad at all. My doctor warned me that I may feel a slight pinch and some cramping, but I didn't at all. She also warned me that everyone's different, and so are our periods. I'm typically a very heavy bleeder, but with this, I've spotted. Which, in my book, is a miracle. I've had no cramping, no mood swings, no negative thoughts. My man is well endowed, and neither of us feel the strings at all. My sex drive has gone up, and I couldn't be more happy overall. 6/17/2020 P.S. I would recommend a female doctor who also uses the same birth control so she can relate to you."
- Anonymous
- May 21, 2009
"Had my Mirena inserted about 2 weeks ago. I am 22 and haven't had any kids. I wanted an alternative to the pill as I've been on it for 6 years. I have to say that I was pretty nervous after reading so many bad comments. I was on the 3rd day of my period and, for me, the insertion hurt like a couple of pinches and a really bad cramp that gave me all hot and made me nauseous. But it only took about 10 minutes, and then it was okay. The rest of the day I had fairly strong cramps but nothing unbearable. The next day I felt back to normal. My period lasted another couple of days and stopped like normal. Since then, I have had very minor spotting with an odd little cramp here and there. Very happy so far."
- Cou...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 3, 2014
"While I enjoy not having a period and knowing I am protected from pregnancy without having to take a pill every day, I am having my Mirena removed Thursday. I have only had it for 6.5 months, and in that time I have had a constant dull back pain, uncontrollable acne, and I have also gained 25 pounds. Mirena is just not for me."
- Rae...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 3, 2020
"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."
- Kat...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 5, 2019
"I had the Liletta IUD inserted to replace using birth control pills. It is amazing! I am 22 (no kids) and have seen absolutely no change in my weight, mood, acne, or sex drive. Don’t let these negative reviews scare you away, people often write about negative experiences, and everyone having a good experience doesn't think about doing a review. Insertion was painful for 30 seconds and then mild cramping for about 2 hours, but it has been so worth it! I had sex the next day, and my boyfriend and I did not notice the string at all. It is a huge benefit to not use a condom or have to worry about any accidents happening. The only negative would be my one period lasting 2 weeks, but the second week was really light. I haven’t had a period since. Highly recommend Liletta!"
- Csm...
- March 10, 2020
"I have been on dozens of birth controls, pills/rings/patches, you name it. Whether it was depression, anxiety, an increase in aura migraines, or weight gain, I felt like Cinderella but having to search for my own damned glass slipper. Well, I got Kyleena about 1.5 years ago to help combat endo. The first month was unpleasant, but I stuck it out. Flash forward, I don't get a period (score!), hence my cramping has reduced substantially. It hasn't prevented the growth of some cysts, but without depression, anxiety, weight gain, or migraines? I'm a major winner. One downside is a little bit of acne around my jawline/chin occasionally. For 5 years of worry-free birth control? I’ll take it. Will it be the same for you looking for your glass slipper? Who's to say. Honestly, all our bodies are different, and what fits me is not a one-size-fits-all. I never write reviews, but I love this IUD. Do your research, but don’t let bad reviews discourage you. I almost did, and that would have been a big mistake."
- KAN...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- December 19, 2019
"I had the Mirena taken out after a year. I wish I would have never gotten 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, and 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 from the same symptoms."
- Lil...
- October 6, 2020
"I got my Kyleena IUD in Sept 2017 when I was 18. The insertion sucked, I did stay at the doctor's for nearly a half-hour because I was going to faint. I was menstruating when I got it inserted, I'm not sure if that made a difference. The periods for the first six months were regular, but heavy. Then, starting 6 months after I got the IUD, I experienced regular but light periods. With the IUD, I have had very little cramping when before my cramps would keep me home from school or work. After I had my IUD for about 2 years, my periods have completely gone away. I have been having unprotected sex (same partner) for two years, and I have never had a pregnancy scare. My boyfriend has felt the strings, but it doesn't bother him nor me. Since getting the IUD, I have gained weight, but I know it's not from Kyleena. I have the same acne as I did before I got it. I plan to have my IUD removed in July 2021, and I am dreading the removal."
- MLP...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- October 7, 2019
"I never write any reviews. I feel like I have to after 2 years of using Kyleena. The side effects are way too much for anyone to handle the pain. In the past, I have had gallstones, 17-hour labor, a 10-pound baby, and never had this much pain in my life. Also, the bleeding was out of control and spotting all month. No sex drive, depressed, an overwhelming sadness like life is not worth living, weight gain, acne, anger, thought I was pregnant, vomiting, breasts hurting, truly unstable. The doctors wanted to put me on antidepressants - no way! I should be happy: new wed, new home, new car. WHY DO I FEEL LIKE THIS??? I decided to remove Kyleena and put in a copper IUD. OMG, now life is great, periods are normal again, having amazing sex, no issues, feeling happy, feeling amazing. Everyone told me it was stress, and in my mind, NOPE... IT WAS MY KYLEENA IUD... no more hormone IUD ever again. Be careful, ladies."
- She...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- December 15, 2020
"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. Nine 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 previously 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."
- Lif...
- September 19, 2014
"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."
- Anonymous
- January 20, 2010
"I first would like to thank all of you that posted comments. After reading them, I felt I'm not alone. It's not just happening to me, there is nothing wrong with me. I'm 34, with one child and had Mirena for 5 months. The insertion was almost painless and the first month was fine. Right now, I have gained 10 lbs, loss of sex drive, have headaches, back pain, insomnia, constipation, hair loss and general depression - OF COURSE that's going to cause to have mood swings. I'm waiting on an appointment to have it removed. ANOTHER IMPORTANT ASPECT is that I had suffered from postpartum depression after the birth of my child 4 years ago and honestly I was worried that these side effects (especially depression) were a sign that I was still not okay."
- Ano...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 7, 2020
"I have just recently gotten Kyleena. The insertion was pretty painful, and I have a pretty good pain tolerance. I was told ahead of time that it's okay that it's going to feel like a cramp at first. After the insertion, they sat me up and told me to sit for a minute before getting up and changing, but right after they walked out, I passed out onto the floor face-first. After I came to, I got back on the table, and it took me about 3 minutes to be able to speak. My body was in so much shock, and I finally called for help. They came, and then when they came in, I threw up, and that is very uncommon for me. I wasn't safe driving home, so I had to call for a ride. The rest of that day, I had the worst cramps of my life. As the days go on, the cramps are still there and hurt. (Your heat pad will become your best friend.) Now I'm just trying to wait it out and see if it gets better, but I am thinking about taking it out. I just wanted to put my story and experience out there to show my side effects of Kyleena."
- MCH...
- June 1, 2014
"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."
- Cri...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- January 10, 2020
"7 months since insertion. Pros: no pregnancy so far, don’t have to remember to take pills or shots, etc., no condoms. Cons: irregular, erratic bleeding, cramping, back pain, damn near growing a beard, no sex drive (and 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, every day, months of bleeding, an altered sense of my normal reality. Overall: I hate it!!! I want to feel like me again, but the doc keeps saying to wait it out. What am I waiting for?.... complete loss of confidence and self-worth?"
- T T...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- May 19, 2020
"I got pregnant after 7 months of use - while it was still in, no other medications. My pregnancy was very complicated in the beginning due to having an IUD in my uterus and the baby at the same time. They had to remove the IUD, hoping to not interrupt the pregnancy. 50/50 chance of miscarriage. It was very traumatic and stressful."
- Jay...
- November 2, 2019
"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, the 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’d rather use condoms for the rest of my life than to feel how I feel."
- 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?!"
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"I’ve been using Kyleena for almost two years now, and I haven’t had any complaints at all. The insertion went super smooth, it took about 3 minutes for the whole process. It didn’t hurt that bad either, it felt like one hard cramp, and then it was done. I didn’t get any cramps afterwards either. For the first two months, I had some spotting here and there and some acne, but now my periods are way lighter than they were before hopping on Kyleena, and they are a lot shorter too! My acne has also significantly improved to where my skin is almost always clear, except for a couple flare-ups here and there. Getting Kyleena was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I know there are a bunch of scary reviews out there, but there really are a lot more people with positive things to say than negative. The people that have had a good experience with it aren’t writing reviews, shoot, it took me almost two years to write one! Don’t be afraid, it’s always better safe than sorry!"