Kyleena and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2021

For Birth Control "This IUD changed my life. I've had it for about 5 months already, and it has completely changed my life. I was on birth control pills for a year and a half due to painful periods and wanted a safe method of birth control to have sex with my long-term boyfriend. The main reason I chose the IUD is because I have very intense mood swings and what feels like terrible depression. My mental health was terrible. The insertion pain was about an 8 out of 10 but lasted only one minute. Not even two months after getting it inserted, my mental health improved drastically and made me very happy, into the person I am today. I am so happy with the Kyleena IUD, and I am very, very happy with it. If you're hesitating about getting the IUD because of the pain, it's SO INCREDIBLY WORTH IT. I get bad period cramps for one day during my period and then no more pain for the rest of my period. It DOES WONDERS for mental health!"

• RNP...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I got Kyleena 2.5 weeks ago to help with period pain. I don't do well on the pill/ring due to the estrogen. This being progesterone only appealed to me. The insertion was extremely painful (I yelled in the office 2x, but the intense pain was 15 seconds or less and bearable). I had significant cramping for the rest of the day, some of which doubled me over with severity. I took 3 Tylenol prior to the appointment, another 2 that evening. I was still able to complete a 4-hour drive the day of. The second day was rocky, but by the 7-day mark, I was feeling much better. I've had sex a few times without incident or pain, am not having any more cramping. Still have light spotting but am not bothered by it. Love that pregnancy is NOT A WORRY, and I'm hopeful it will stop my period pain and allow me more productive days every month. So far, I love it! Just wanted to share a POSITIVE experience for those afraid!"

• 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!"

• GGa...
• December 31, 2020

For Birth Control "Had the IUD inserted in March 2018. It wasn’t terribly painful. Even though my cervix had a crazy pinching sensation, I didn’t experience the wooziness or the fainting, which is ironic because I have POTS disease. I had level 8 cramps for a few weeks and was spotting and having irregular heavy flows on and off for the first 6 months. I sort of stopped spotting, but my irregular periods just lasted longer (2-3 weeks) and went 2-3 weeks waiting for my next irregular period. I gained weight, had hair loss, got acne on my face, scalp, neck, shoulders, back, chest, and randomly on my stomach. Went to a dermatologist, cycled through many products, stopped using scented anything and oil-based products. Nothing helps. My libido slowly decreased to zero. Mood swings. I am unmotivated to do anything; sports, exercise, cook (yet increased appetite), etc. I can no longer say this is worth it. I’m hoping my body can get some relief from all these side effects once I do."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 9, 2020

For Birth Control "Had Kyleena inserted a year ago, and it was incredibly painful. Even a week after, still got cramps as bad as when it was first inserted. The cramps were horrible. No pain medication or heating pad could help. I was moody, getting acne, constant cramps, discharge, and spotting. I had it removed yesterday, and as soon as it was removed, I instantly felt better. My boyfriend even said I instantly seemed like my regular self prior to getting the coil. I can't take the pill because it reacts badly with my epilepsy medication, so thought this was a better choice, but honestly, it was not worth it at all!"

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

For Birth Control "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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 7, 2021

For Birth Control "Horrible, horrible, horrible experience! Worse was only Mirena! I’ve been on it for over a year…still everyday spotting, still awful cramps…mood swings, acne (which I have never had before). Protects - yes, for pregnancy it is 100% - no issues with that, but be prepared for the nightmare of its side effects."

• 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!"

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

For Birth Control "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!"

• win...
• February 5, 2020

For Birth Control "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."

• Anonymous
• December 16, 2020

For Birth Control "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."

• Dan...
• June 5, 2020

For Birth Control "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!"

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

For Birth Control "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."

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

For Birth Control "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!"

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

For Birth Control "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!"

• Abb...
• December 20, 2019

For Birth Control "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

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."

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

For Birth Control "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."

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

For Birth Control "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

For Birth Control "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."

• Anonymous
• July 30, 2019

For Birth Control "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

For Birth Control "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!"

• Dan...
• April 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I got Kyleena inserted in January of 2017. I was told to take 600 mg of ibuprofen before and wasn't asked to be on my period for insertion. The procedure was a piece of cake and took no more than 10 minutes. The pain was only slight cramping for a few seconds while inserting. The first few days I had cramps, which is typical, but they were bearable. I had light spotting for about a month after, which was annoying, but that has now stopped. So far, I've only had one period, and it was super light and lasted two days, which is not typical for me. I usually have a heavy period (super tampon) for a week. So far, I'm loving this basically nonexistent period, no acne, improved sex life, and overall I feel happier compared to the pill I was previously taking."

• 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."

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2020

For Birth Control "Insertion review: Easy and quick. The measuring of the uterus was the most painful. It was a very sharp, intense cramp that took my breath away. Then they inserted the Kyleena applicator, which didn’t hurt going in, but I did feel the IUD arms open. Didn’t have any severe cramping until I got home.... The cramps were pretty bad at first. Maybe for the first three hours. I just hung out on a sofa with a heating pad and took a Tramadol and acetaminophen that my doctor prescribed for me. I had it inserted during my cycle, which might be why my cramps were so painful. It’s now five days with the IUD, and I have only had minor back pain and cramping at night. My period seems to be lasting a bit longer than it would when I was on the patch, but it is too soon to see. A lot easier and less painful than I imagined!"