Kyleena for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 3)

• KBa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 7, 2018

"I wanted to wait and post my review later on to see how it works in the future, but I refuse to let all the recent negative reviews on Kyleena stop anyone else's decision to get it. I got Kyleena put in over a month ago, the pain was sharp but totally bearable and lasted maybe 10 seconds. The cramps after were very bad, but they went away after a couple of days. I took 4 Aleve and an evening primrose pill to soften my cervix before I went. Coming from someone with depression and GAD, everything with me is perfectly normal, I actually feel better after getting the IUD! It takes an average of 6 months to one year for your body to settle down and get used to it, please give it time! I had hormonal acne, but so far my face has been clear. Cramps are gone already. I used to get frequent migraines, and I haven't had any. I am a teenager and have had positive outcomes, some people need to give it longer to settle in. I mean, it is a foreign object in your uterus. You have to give your body a chance."

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

"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!"

• Amy...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 23, 2020

"I’m back after a year to review Kyleena. First, don’t be too afraid of the procedure. It was a breeze for me, and I never had children. Felt a dull cramp, and it was over! I couldn’t believe how fast and easy it was. Since then, I experienced some cramps from time to time, but nothing major. I’ve had periods more like spotting, and a year later, I no longer have periods, and I’m not pregnant. No side effects as far as I can tell, except for the cramping. Love it!"

• Hir...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 20, 2021

"Horrible implantation pain, and I fainted shortly after. Pain lasted 8 hours. Over 3 years, I pretty much constantly had bacterial vaginosis. My partner thinks he felt pinched during sex from it. The best thing about Kyleena was having it removed."

• sad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2020

"I got Kyleena about two months ago because I wanted to get off the pill and got talked into a hormonal IUD. My birth control pill never gave me too many issues, but I just wanted to switch. The insertion hurt sooooo bad, and I took ibuprofen before. I cramped for about 5 hours after. Since the insertion, I bled for about 3 days, and that was it. However, I have been getting the worst migraines, and I have never gotten them before. My irritability is extremely high, and I have lost my sex drive. I also have gained weight since having it and have been working out five days a week and eating healthy. Nothing seems to be working. I'm considering going completely off birth control because of this hassle and see how my body reacts. Very disappointed."

• 118...
• January 14, 2020

"I’m 19 years old and got the Kyleena inserted just under a week ago. I’m coming on here to share my experience, as prior to the “procedure,” I came across this forum and read some of the reviews. I read about how excruciating the pain was, etc. I was totally freaked out. One hour before insertion, I took one of the prescribed pain relievers I was given (500 mg of Mefac). I’m not going to lie, it was a bit painful. More uncomfortable than anything. However, my point is, the procedure is literally over within 5 minutes. The way I think of it is, 5 minutes of pain for 5 years pregnancy-free, and I’ll take that! Saying this, I got period-like cramping for 2 days after insertion, which I expected. Honestly, I’ve had worse period cramps. Nothing a hot water bottle and some pain relievers couldn’t get rid of. Now, I am aware it is quite early to be giving my verdict, but so far, so good. I am also aware it can be different for everyone, but this is my experience, and I hope it helps!"

• win...
• February 5, 2020

"I've had Kyleena for 1.5 years, and I LOVE it. Insertion was uncomfortable, and I definitely cramped for a day or two after; nothing that Advil couldn't handle. For anyone who's had a PAP/period cramps, the pain should be familiar and tolerable. My periods have been shorter and lighter since month one (light/moderate for 3-4 days), and now, more than a year in, I frequently miss periods! As far as side effects, maybe it has affected my mood, but I've had a harder year, so it would be difficult to say either way. I have also experienced some vaginal dryness with intercourse, but this is easily resolved with lube, which I previously used, just more frequently now. My sex drive, which has always been high, is the same. My experience has been positive, and while I know it is not the same for everyone, I wanted to share to help balance off the bad experiences people tend to share; nothing wrong with that. I just think it is nice for women to know that some women can and do have good experiences with IUDs."

• Nev...
• May 31, 2020

"I had Kyleena inserted in May 2018 shortly before my 28th birthday. Over the next few months, I suffered from insomnia, tremors, unexplained rashes, joint inflammation, hair loss, unexplained weight gain, hot flashes, and night sweats. I couldn't lift my legs to climb up stairs, my ankle began to give way, and over time I gradually lost the ability to feel certain muscles or certain areas of my skin, and it sadly just became my life. After 2 years of tests coming back fine, I got the IUD taken out. Almost immediately, I could feel blood effectively pumping for the first time in years, I began to regain sensation in the muscles that were numb, including my pelvis. I was able to work out without feeling like every bone was cracking and every muscle tearing, the joint inflammation and swelling began to subside, my skin was clearing up, and my hair was finally starting to grow again. It was the worst 2 years of my life, and I can only hope that I'll recover to the point where I can enjoy my old life."

• Anonymous
• December 16, 2020

"OK, please ignore all the horror stories out there! Compared to the people who post negative experiences, there are like no people who have positive experiences that post their review here! Yes, all these negative side effects are possible, and a painful insertion is possible, but it really depends on the person! A lot of people have other underlying conditions that might make the insertion more painful or might make the symptoms worse. I just got the Kyleena today, it was literally 10 seconds of tight menstrual cramping, and then it was over! Now, at the end of the day, it's just mild cramping that is solved by laying in bed with a heat pack and Advil. Please, if you are having trouble with other forms of birth control and think this might be a good choice for you, go for it! You won't know how it goes until you try it, and for the majority of people, it will be just fine. Find yourself a doctor that does this regularly, and you will be just fine."

• Hon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 10, 2023

"So I have had 3 IUDs in my life-no kids. This was my first time on the Kyleena. Insertion was fine, no issues. I had a period my entire time on the Kyleena. My periods have always been somewhat irregular, and Kyleena sorta regulated them a bit, but the side effects that came along long-term were not worth it in my opinion. Probably after a year or so of having it, my mood swings were insane. Every emotion I felt was intensified. It caused me to become depressed. I would have suicidal thoughts ONLY ON MY PERIOD. My period cramps got really bad, I had multiple UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections. At one point, I had BV and a UTI at once, and the back-to-back antibiotics caused me to get hemorrhoids. My eyelashes started falling out a lot, the vaginal dryness I experienced was horrible. Like I said, I've had 3 IUDs and never experienced these symptoms before. At first, I didn't connect them all to Kyleena, but after doing some research, I figured it out. Please do your research."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2021

"Overall, this has been amazing!! I had so many negative side effects from birth control, such as mood swings, no sex drive at all. I went from being a very sexual person to never wanting to have sex, insomnia, and I would uncontrollably cry before my periods. Since switching to the Kyleena, I have returned to normal and feel like myself again finally! I have had no negative effects besides some random mild cramping...truly just feels like period cramps! The insertion was not horribly painful, and I have a low pain tolerance. It was 3 minutes of pain for 5 years, definitely worth it in my mind! If you're considering switching to a Kyleena IUD, don't let other people's experiences on here discourage you, it works differently for everyone and was the best decision I ever made for me!"

• Dan...
• June 5, 2020

"I’m one of those who decided to get the copper IUD in, regardless of never having kids. The whole year I had it in, I had the worst pain from periods and more blood flow, which was expected. But I also spotted the whole year when I wasn’t on my actual period. So, I decided to take a break and just accept my doom. Hate the pill, IUDs are horrible (I thought), and I haven’t heard anything good about the others. Well, I decided to see a new gyno, and he suggested Kyleena. I was very hesitant. Best thing I ever did! The insertion was a breeze compared to the copper IUD, and my period I would only have one bad day with cramps, which was bearable and normal. Blood flow is minimal. I didn’t experience acne or weight gain, but I have never struggled with acne my whole life, so that might be why. I got my IUD on 4/1/20, and it is now 6/4/20. My period has pretty much stopped by June, I only have spotting. We will see how it continues, but so far, I love it!"

• syd...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 28, 2020

"I have now had my IUD for about a year and a half, and while it is not perfect, it's been a great improvement. I had super terrible periods: extremely heavy, terrible cramps, hormonal migraines. Because I have migraines with aura, I'm a bit limited on which BC I can take, so my Dr. and I decided on Kyleena. The insertion itself was fine (I took ibuprofen before, like recommended), but I had pretty bad cramps for a week after, nothing that some pain relievers and a heating pad couldn't handle, though. Now, my periods are longer (about a week and a half compared to 5-6 days), but so, so much lighter. I really just spot on and off for a week and a half (compared to before, where I was so heavy, I was anemic). I still have cramps, which can get pretty bad, but they don't last as long. Zero issues with weight gain or acne. And the actual birth control protection is great, never have to worry about it. Overall, I highly recommend!"

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2020

"I have had Kyleena for a little over 2 months now. Honestly, living my best life. I did initially spot for the first month I had it and then got my period and saw no more spotting. I read many reviews before insertion to know what to expect, and I saw many sources saying bleeding should be heavier and longer. My periods have lasted longer (right now I'm in the 3rd week of now very, very light brown spotting, but it's still there), but my periods have been way, way light. I've only used liners or a light tampon. I still have a new box of regular/supers I'll probably never have a use for. I have also experienced some random cramps, but they have been no worse than the insertion (which I thought was about a 3-4 on the pain scale). I got Kyleena so I would not have to worry about any condom mishaps, and so far so good! Sex is so much more enjoyable for my boyfriend and me, so this whole experience has been worth it for me."

• Je3...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 7, 2020

"I’m not one to do reviews, but Kyleena changed my life so much, for the better! I’ve tried four different contraceptive pills in the past, a mix of combined and POP, and they were all disastrous (heavy bleeding, constant periods, migraine, mood swings), which made me completely against hormonal contraception, and I only used barrier methods for two and a half years. I then read about IUDs and decided to try Kyleena and have had it for a year and a half. My periods have stopped completely, my boobs grew (a bonus for me!), and I no longer have insane hormonal mood swings. I feel completely balanced and normal all the time! It’s a dream to never have periods and to finally feel like a normal human being. I haven’t noticed any changes to my skin or sex drive either, which is amazing. I would recommend it to everyone!"

• Abb...
• December 20, 2019

"The insertion was equivalent to two really big cramps that make you stop what you're doing and hunch over, but it wasn't unbearable. I cramped for the next day, along with the next 3 weeks. I also spotted for 3 weeks, but only needed a panty liner. I've been through 3 periods on this now and they last about 8 days, are fairly heavy, and I now get horrible cramps, as opposed to my 4-day light periods before this. Around the 2-month mark, my acne got awful, and my hormones turned me into a monster, and not just around the time of my period. I'm not an angry person normally, but this made me snappy, irritable, and angry, that would quickly turn into crying. My spotting came back and is now heavy enough to have to wear a tampon. Also, my panic attacks, which have been gone for years, returned. It also increased my anxiety dramatically. My sex drive also took a big hit. Going to continue it for a few more months, but it's not looking great. I hate to say that I wouldn't recommend this to anyone."

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

"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."

• sar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 1, 2020

"Insertion was painful but manageable, like 3-4 strong cramps and then finished. Had fairly strong cramps the rest of the day, and I needed the day off work. The first period I had with the IUD was the worst, I had to go home due to the cramps (after that, it was fine). I had consistent spotting almost every day for 11 months after. Periods are much lighter but have the same duration, however, that is the only benefit. I now get extremely irritating yeast infections every month before and after my period, am much more frequent to UTIs, experience painful sex, and have almost zero libido. I keep hoping it will get better, but I’ve had the IUD for almost three years and want it taken out. Most of my friends with IUDs have similar issues. I would not recommend."

• jus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 2, 2022

"Please read. Insertion wasn’t bad, it was uncomfortable but not painful. Then I bled lightly for about 2 months, and once the two months were over, I didn’t have a period for 6-8 months. The first year of having it, I struggled so heavily with depression and anxiety. I felt, more often than not, that I was absolutely crazy. I would have intense mood swings and suicidal thoughts. It never occurred to me at the time that my Kyleena could have triggered it. I am 21 now, and I’m living the life I have always pictured in my head, yet I have major mood swings, and around the time that my period comes, I actually feel mentally insane. My thoughts race, they get very dark, and the moods I get in take a huge toll on my relationship. I am not someone who usually writes reviews, but if I can help some girl decide NOT to do this and save her the mental agony that comes along with Kyleena, then so be it. Currently planning to get it removed."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 6, 2019

"Insertion felt like a little pressure and pinch. I have a high pain tolerance, so it didn’t feel like much. Light bleeding after. Then everything was okay up until my first real period on it. I had the most miserable cramps. Every single day. I’m talking contractions for cramps that would last the whole day. It was so bad that I could not get out of bed. This lasted for 3 months straight. I also had a heavy period for those 3 months as well. I talked to my gyno, and she said I have to give 6 months for my body to get used to it. Here I am 8 months in; I’ve gained 20 lbs, losing chunks of hair, have horrible acne covering my back, neck, and chin. I have depression. On top of a week prior to my period starting, I experience contraction-like cramps. I have a period for 10 days and spot for a few days after, and then I’m good for a week, then I’m back on my period again. Having this IUD is a nuisance more than a benefit."

• Keb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 8, 2023

"I have had Kyleena since 12/17/2020. During the insertion, my gynecologist was really nice, but when I tell you it was the worst pain I experienced. I am not lying. The whole way home, I could barely move because of the pain. Then once I got home, I didn’t move and slept for basically two days because of the pain. Now, over 2 years later, I have noticed how my body has changed. I gained a lot of weight, with no change to my diet. I have literally no energy for anything. My sex drive is non-existent when I genuinely used to enjoy it. Now, I could go weeks without it and not even care, which has affected my relationship some. I honestly just feel like my whole body is out of whack. Like my hormones have affected everything. I am breaking out worse than I did during my sophomore year in high school. I tried everything to fix it, but it’s hormonal, so nothing is fixing it. I am moody and always tired. And oh my, the cramps I get randomly are awful."

• Lai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2019

"Had Skyla IUD for 3 years, the insertion was an awful experience, and my strings got sucked up into my uterus, but overall no complaints on the side effects. When it came time to take out my Skyla, my GYN suggested Kyleena because it's 5 years. I got it in July 2019. Inserting it was very painful. I felt fine for the first few months until suddenly I started getting these awful migraines (never has been an issue for me before). They did a head CT, and I guess I have a pituitary microadenoma? I'm not sure if this was caused by the IUD or not, but it's one massive coincidence. Like others have mentioned, the emotional turmoil this IUD sends you through is not worth it. My depression and anxiety are the worst they've been in years. Mood swings are bad. Irregular bleeding and painful/crampy sex at times. I'm scheduling to get it removed, and I've only had this for a few months. Of note, I am very sensitive to medications, but I figured I'd share this."

• Anonymous
• July 30, 2019

"I'm just going to start this off by saying everyone and every BODY is different. If you're considering getting an IUD for birth control, or have bad cramps, whatever the reason, don't psych yourself out because a few people had or are having a bad experience. Certain things aren't for everyone, and that is OK! I had it inserted a month ago, the procedure was painful. I took 2 Advil an hour before, and it didn't help. I would recommend getting the freezing spray if you can, it lasted a total of 10 seconds. I got it inserted on lunch and went back to work right after. The cramps lasted a few hours, I did get it inserted on my period. So far, I have no issues. I did get a few pimples, they go away after a few days. My period almost no longer exists, no weight gain, and no mood changes. I was on Alesse, and I feel much happier in my headspace with the IUD compared to the pill. I hope this helps someone who is curious or scared like I was beforehand. You won't know if it's for you until you try."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 30, 2018

"I had my IUD inserted in November 2017, and it was super painful for me (I was 23 w/ no children). I had terrible cramping for about 2 weeks afterwards, and my cervix continued to be sensitive for about 3 months after insertion, making me unable to have sex without severe discomfort. After this, I didn't have much issue for a few months and was happy with the IUD other than occasional cramping when I was supposed to have my usual period. I had minor spotting but never had an actual period after having my IUD inserted. About 4 months ago, I began having severe pain almost constantly on the left side of my body (lower back, pelvis, leg, ankle, etc.). When talking to my gyno about it, he sent me for internal and external ultrasounds, which came out normal. My doctor put me on antibiotics and two anti-inflammatory medications for 3 weeks and hoped it would clear up. After that round of meds, my pain wasn't as constant, and I was able to have sex with only minor discomfort. Now my chronic pain is back and in full force. Some days I can barely walk, and I am essentially living in anticipation of taking my next dose of pain relief because it barely works anymore. My gyno still doesn't have any idea what it could be, except for my IUD not reacting well with my body (which he claims he's never heard of), so he suggested I have it removed. After further research, it seems that younger women without children are prone to pains such as this, which had never been mentioned to me. My doctor continues to tell me that my pain and experience are very rare and that he isn't sure why it's happening, but with a little more research, I've heard about many people having an experience typical to this but being told it 'wasn't the IUD.' I'm hoping that once it's removed (my doctor has scheduled me to get it removed a month and a half from now, ugh), that this chronic pain will go away, and I will be able to function normally again. I'll update this when I do!"

• ktg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 6, 2019

"I’ve had the Kyleena for around a year and a half, and there are a few things you should know: 1) Insertion for me was NOT bad. It felt like a pinch-just be sure to take ibuprofen before your appointment (I took 4). NOTE: I am not a virgin. If you are, I can’t promise how you’ll react. It’s a little weird having someone be all up in your private area. So come mentally prepared! 2) If you are acne-prone, sadly your skin might get worse. I wish I could tell you that the Kyleena had no effect on my skin, but it did. Make sure to keep up a healthy diet, skincare routine, and exercise regime! This has helped me a lot. This side effect shouldn’t deter you! 3) Gaining weight? Nope! I lost 30 pounds during the time I've been on this form of BC. You can maintain/lose weight for sure. 4) Periods eventually became alarmingly light to the point I thought I was pregnant. However, it’s very good at preventing pregnancy-Kyleena has yet to fail me :)."