Levonorgestrel for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 5)

• NYCGirl
• September 3, 2014

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "Mirena gave me my life back. Ever since I hit puberty at 11 years old I have had horrible, very heavy, very painful periods . Around 18 I was diagnosed with Endometriosis. I would miss school, work, have to double layer my clothes when i slept it was horrible. I tried every birth control out there including Seasonique, The NuvaRing, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Depo-Provera, Loestrin, Lybrel, if you name it I've tried it. Nothing worked. I started having periods that would last for 2-3 weeks. Finally I tried Mirena, having it put in was painful- but bearable. The first 6 weeks I had cramps and spotting. After that nothing. I get a very light 2-3 day period now and then. No cramps. It's amazing and gave me my life back. I'm so thankful for it!"

• 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."

• T Grace
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 5, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "Had my Kyleena inserted a year and 2 months ago. Was it painful to insert? Honestly, yes. I had bad cramps for 48 hours after, but my doctor was great and filled a very small T3 prescription for me which was great! I had on and off spotting for the first 3 months, and then no period for 10 months. I just had my period, and no cramps at all. I got Kyleena because I used to have 9 day, heavy bleeding periods, so this has been amazing for me. 10/10 worth the pain during the insertion and adjustment period. I did have 2 months of pretty bad hormonal acne around my jaw which was new for me, but I was also having a rough time then (lol thanks covid). Overall I highly recommend it, and have had zero pregnancy scares even though my partner and I have unprotected sex every time."

• 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?!"

• Kia
• January 25, 2021

Skyla (levonorgestrel) "I suffer from endometriosis, ovarian cysts heavy cramps/ periods for about the past 8 years. The Skyla IUD the first year for me made me have brown discharge, BV and yeast infections. The string felt like hard sharp plastic, and it did in fact cut my partner during intercourse!! I had horrible acne and weight gain. The second year as my body still adjusted my periods did become lighter, the strings were still very much like a fishing line, and my ovarian cyst pain was bad. Third year, it started to no longer agree with my body, and all symptoms returned. I had to get it removed three months before its expiration date. I am so glad I had it removed. Heres another interesting thing, Skyla is a bright pink color when inserted and when it comes out, mine was white... So now have i absorbed harmful dyes into my body? Why make it a pretty color? ... I think more research needs to be done on IUD's. More power to you and the women it works for. As for myself- NEVER AGAIN!"

• ACE
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 17, 2018

Skyla (levonorgestrel) "I’ve had Skyla inserted for a year now and for the last couple months I’ve debated getting it taken out. I love how convenient and effective it is but I feel like it’s slowly making me crazy. I already suffer with depression but the mood swings I’ve had with Skyla are insane. I haven’t had any issues with spotting...or cramps. I barely have a period at this point. My skin isn’t terrible but I already have super oily skin and this definitely hasn’t made it any better. But mood swings and the depression is definitely a major con and I’d rather have my sanity back than leave it in. Anyone else suffer with crazy mood swings?"

• Brook
• September 16, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "It was the most pain I have ever felt when I got it put it. 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 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."

• t_adams
• December 14, 2015

Skyla (levonorgestrel) "I got my Skyla IUD 5 months ago. I am 18 and have never had a child. I liked the idea of the IUD because I didn't have to remember to take it, it was there for three years, it was the most effective, and because there was an option to have an IUD without hormones. I struggle with depression and anxiety and I was afraid that hormonal birth control would only make matters worse. However, because of all of the terrible period stories I had heard about it, at the last minute I had my OBGYN switch to Skyla. The insertion did not take long at all and amid horror stories, the pain wasn't unbearable. It didn't feel great, but it was well worth it. If the fear of insertion is what drives you away from this option, don't let that happen! Before my IUD my periods were like clockwork, every four weeks, five days, no cramps- perfect. Afterward, I still don't get cramps, some periods have been really light, but I have had a period that was over a week late and one that was two weeks long. This is to be expected in the first few months. I do not believe that it has had any influence on my depression/anxiety, at least not monumental. I haven't gained weight, lost my sex drive or any other negative symptoms. My partner has finished inside of me multiple times and nothing has happened. Also, he cannot feel the strings. I would highly recommend this form of birth control, I understand every body is different, but if you're spending hours reading horror stories like I was, don't let that stop you."

• Pay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2020

Liletta (levonorgestrel) "I would never recommend the Liletta to anyone. I gained 20 -30 pounds in the first couple months after insertion and have had the worst time getting rid of the weight even after removal. While on Liletta my moods were drastically changed. I experienced sad, dark and depressing thoughts. Normally being rather optimistic I knew something was very different about my mood. I experienced an unpleasant strong vaginal odor all of the time which was embarrassing. Just every terrible side effect imaginable. Just a week or two after removal most side effects are gone... except this pesky extra weight. DON’T DO IT LADIES! Love you lady parts and don’t feed it poison!"

• Dessa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2015

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "Got the Mirena in almost 2 weeks ago, and I must say I love it so far! Horrible cramps for the first 5 or so hours after insertion (had to drive home) and almost couldn't take it. Heating pad helped bunches along with laying on my back. The cramps went away the next day! I even went to work. A few cramps here and there, but that's expected. Nothing too unbearable. I'm also a 21yo with NO kids. My boyfriend also can't feel it. One thing though, the antibiotics they put you on day of insertion did give me a Yeast Infection. Went away a couple days later. Love the Mirena so far!"

• AKano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2021

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "I highly recommend not getting this IUD as I have had an incredibly horrible experience. I took 2 Advil prior to the insertion and the pain was bearable. I bled for about a month straight after, which is what I expected. Exactly one month after getting my IUD was when everything went down hill. One month in I developed severe anxiety and depression. I couldn’t go a day without having an anxiety or panic attack. It got so bad to the point that I couldn’t drive my car or go out to eat. Not only was I struggling with anxiety but I didn’t feel my self. I had horrible brain fog and felt mentally off. I am convinced that my IUD caused this. I got it removed about 2 months ago after having it in for only 4 months. I am finally starting to feel more and more myself. Please please do your research before getting this put in your body."

• anony...
• December 1, 2014

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I used to get cramps so terribly painful that at 24 years old, I was begging my doctors to approve a hysterectomy. This had been an ongoing issue for me. I finally got the Mirena as recommended by a friend and I don't get my period anymore. Only downside is that on rare occasions, I do experience cramping after heavy exercise. I didn't gain weight and no negative side effects to report on really. I would recommend this to every woman."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2020

Liletta (levonorgestrel) "I got the Liletta IUD 3 months ago and at first it was AWFUL. Cramps were awful upon insertion and almost unbearable for about a month afterwards. I never bled at all, but the cramps were constant. Since then I couldn't have been happier. I have lost weight (not necessarily related, but didn't gain any weight). I have seen a dramatic increase in sex drive. I have been on different birth control pills in the past that made me very depressed, so I was worried the IUD might have this effect. My mood has been great! The only negative thing is that I do have more acne now, but nothing that is too extreme and needs more than over the counter medicine. My period has also almost completely stopped and it's only been 3 months which is great!!"

• Mother...
• August 4, 2008

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I had inserted Mirena almost 4 months ago. I experienced heavy bleeding about 2 weeks after I got it and everyday after that up until the 2nd month. It started off heavy and gradually lightened up but the heavy bleeding lasted almost a month and it was everyday. The doctor that inserted it said this was normal and the further from insertion date I got it would get better. I've found this to be true. I am happy with Mirena."

• ty4nc3y
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 31, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "I had the Kyleena IUD inserted nearly 7 months ago. The insertion process was one of the most painful experiences of my life. I nearly passed out and threw up. Thankfully, it has done the bare minimum of preventing pregnancy (thus far). Other than that, the only other pro is not having to remember to take the pill daily and added stress that comes along with that. As for the pain... I don't know where to start. Absolutely unbearable. I double over in pain for the first few days of my period every month. Oftentimes it is so painful that I get nauseous and lightheaded. I have seen a decreased in my flow, but I would say double or triple the amount of pain (cramps) I had prior to the IUD. I don't typically have super acne prone skin. I haven't seen an increase or decrease in this. My boobs have shrunk from a D-B cup and I have lost about 20lbs. I get constant yeast infections... haven't seen much written about this. Does anyone else know anything about this? Overall, do not recommend."

• thist...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2014

Skyla (levonorgestrel) "I had my Skyla IUD inserted 04 Sep 2014 so I am only commenting on my first month after having it inserted. I am a 33 year old woman, no children, and hormonal birth control was no longer agreeing with my body (mood swings, heavy bleeding, large clots, periods lasting 2 weeks, etc.) My doctor and I agreed to the Skyla IUD (I had already done research.) So far so good. I haven't had any mood or sex drive changes and feel 100% better than I did on oral contraceptives. Out of pocket, my IUD would have cost $1400. My insurance covered 100% of it. Update: Month #4 and still no issues. No side effects. I keep track of everything so I know what to expect and when until my body fully adjusts."

• chiu
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 21, 2021

Skyla (levonorgestrel) "I had it in for a year and a half, I gained 50 lbs and even when I tried to lose weight, I could only lose 5 lbs from a month of working out. I also had prolonged and heavier menstruations. I was told it would regulate after a few months but that never happened and I even started getting cramps and back aches which I never had before the IUD. I took it out March 4th 2021 and I have lose 7 lbs already! This was a nightmare of an IUD and I will definitely never get an IUD again."

• presto
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 3, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "I had my Kyleena inserted in June 2019 (previously on oral birth control) and it did NOT feel good. The insertion was quite painful, definitely worse than any period cramps I've ever had, but I only had cramps for the rest of the afternoon and evening that day and have felt nothing since! My periods stopped completely (so far) and I'm not pregnant, so those are perks! My acne has flared terribly, though. I'm 28 and experiencing hormonal acne around my jaw area that I can't get rid of. I'm also pretty sure that I am having a hard time losing weight because of the IUD. I have been working out at least 5 days a week (training for a half-marathon) and eating very clean/healthy for two months consistently and have not managed to lose any weight. I'm now down a wormhole reading these forums and debating getting it removed!"

• Anonymous
• April 29, 2009

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I've seen so many negative reviews of Mirena online that I just wanted to share my positive experience. For the past 10 years of my life I have had horrifying periods. I have stage 4 endometriosis and a blood clotting disorder that would leave me in bed for days in excruciating pain every month. Since getting Mirena, my life has changed incredibly. I do have some of the side effects such as mood swings, slight memory loss and acne but my period now lasts one day and barely hurts. I have had it for 3 months and I will gladly deal with the side effects to continue benefiting from a life with significantly reduced pain. It's not perfect, but after years of experimental treatments with no success, I can honestly say that this works."

• Alano
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 13, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "3rd check in - 3.5 years with Kyleena! Yes there have been side effects - specifically hormonal acne and some intense cramping once every 2-3 months but I honestly am very happy with my decision. I will keep the Kyleena in until the 5 year mark. Everyone is different, but after bad aura migraines on the pill, AWFUL systemic effects with the nexplanon matchstick arm implant, I am relieved I found something that worked. Something to know, my OBGYN said today that spotting may become a little irregular as you round out your last year of the IUD. I can attest to this. Had virtually NO bleeding of any type first 2 - 3 years with this now I spot every month or so. Still nothing bad. Hope this hellos!"

• Cathe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 10, 2020

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) "Ruined my body. I've had Kyleena for a little over 2 years now and I am so traumatized from the horrific pain of it being inserted that I'm too afraid to remove it despite it destroying my body: ovarian cysts every month, horrible untreatable cystic hormonal acne, abdominal pain so bad that I double over in public constantly. This was the worst thing I did to my body. I feel so trapped."

• becma...
• June 27, 2014

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I have had Mirena for almost 3 years now. Getting It removed on Monday for sure. I suffer from depression but ever since I got the Mirena it has gotten worse and my anxiety attacks keep coming and coming. I have severe headaches that cause my vision to be blurry in one eye and my left side of my body goes numb. It's very scary and I can't live like this anymore. "

• Jess
• November 8, 2014

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I am 19 years old, no kids and the insertion was painful. I love Mirena, probably the best decision I've made in my life. Super effective, no side effects, and I have actually lost weight. I think everyone should try Mirena birth control."

• Ari
• September 5, 2020

Liletta (levonorgestrel) "The insertioin process of Liletta was great, mild cramping. Spotting at first for about 4-5 days after. I am now 7 months in and I spot for 3 weeks at a time. I’m good for 2 weeks then spot for 3 more weeks. My sex drive is incredibly high and it’s putting a strain on my sex life. This is my first time getting on birth control. I was never a heavy bleeder just a fertile Mertile. Got pregnant easy. Don’t get me wrong I’m grateful I am not pregnant but I love sex and I am bummed with all this spotting."

• Trisha
• February 16, 2020

Mirena (levonorgestrel) "I got the IUD put in on 01/24/2020 and had little to no bleeding. I had a lot of cramping and pain. My OBGYN whom placed it checked it and ensured its placement. The whole time I had uncomfortable pain and cramping to the point of tears. On 02/08/2020 My boyfriend finally took me get checked at the Urgent care. They stated that I had PID and BV. Due to getting my IUD. I was put on two antibiotics and further test were put on order. After taking the meds for one week, I still had pain and cramping at the same level when I first got it. However, I had developed a fever and nausea. The Urgent care doctor told me to go to the ER. At the ER they could not find my IUD imaging. They told me to follow up with my OBGYN and I still had PID and BV. I went to see my OBGYN the next day to find my IUD still inside me. When pulled out it had bacterial growth on it. Right after being taken out I felt better and the cramping stopped it. Please do not put this in your body!!!"