Kyleena and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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!"

• Bum...
• August 19, 2020

"I had Kyleena inserted in 2017, had it removed this year. Insertion was painful, but I knew it would be going in. First year was great. Painful cramps, but zero period. Did have acne flare-ups, which are unusual for me, but nothing crazy. Over the last 18 months, everything changed. Horrible, awful cramping, terrible bloating to the point where I literally was asked if I was pregnant - I am an extremely active person, currently training for a marathon, and even with training, running upwards of 20 miles a week, I was gaining weight. I developed mood swings - I am not a crier, but I could barely make it through a Hallmark commercial. And, oh god, libido was gone. Had it removed Monday, and already the bloating is completely gone, dropped 4 pounds, and my face is clear as can be. Was Kyleena effective? Yes. Was it convenient? Yes. But for me, not at all worth the plethora of symptoms I experienced. I've transitioned back onto the pill and am much happier for it."

• Bum...
• August 19, 2020

"I had Kyleena inserted in 2017, had it removed this year. Insertion was painful, but I knew it would be going in. First year was great. Painful cramps, but zero period. Did have acne flare-ups, which are unusual for me, but nothing crazy. Over the last 18 months, everything changed. Horrible, awful cramping, terrible bloating to the point where I literally was asked if I was pregnant - I am an extremely active person, currently training for a marathon, and even with training, running upwards of 20 miles a week, I was gaining weight. I developed mood swings - I am not a crier, but I could barely make it through a Hallmark commercial. And, oh god, libido was gone. Had it removed Monday, and already the bloating is completely gone, dropped 4 pounds, and my face is clear as can be. Was Kyleena effective? Yes. Was it convenient? Yes. But for me, not at all worth the plethora of symptoms I experienced. I've transitioned back onto the pill and am much happier for it."

• iud...
• December 28, 2020

For Birth Control "Overview: Got Kyleena in June of 2019. Kyleena insertion was horrendous. The 5 seconds that your OB is in your cervix, it's an utter nightmare. I fainted on the table and had to Uber home. Cramps for me lasted about 2-3 days after, and I didn't have any odd bleeding/spotting. PROS - light bleeding/spotting for period - low maintenance, never have to remember to take anything. CONS - lowered my libido IMMENSELY - intense cramps during periods - cramps/pain during sex if inserted deep enough - unbelievable depression, horrible - concentrated acne on my cheeks - 8-10 pounds of weight gain. After 1.5 years of giving the benefit of the doubt to this IUD... I'm getting it removed tomorrow. Everyone's bodies are different, but if you've ever had an inkling of acne or depression in your past, do not take this. Excited as anything to get this removed tomorrow."

• Bib...
• April 27, 2021

For Birth Control "Insertion hurt so bad I screamed. A month later (horrible cramps almost daily), I woke up in the middle of the night shaking uncontrollably. I couldn’t stop, and I wanted to go to the ER. I was able to sleep through it, but when I woke up in the morning, my heart felt wrong. I felt every single heartbeat, and it felt like my heart was working too hard. Went to urgent care, and they did nothing. A few days later, I got dizzy and felt like I was going to faint, so I went to the ER. They told me nothing was wrong and sent me home. My gyn said that there was NO WAY the IUD was causing my heart palpitations, anxiety, dizziness, chest tightness, and panic attacks for 6 months. My symptoms got under control for 1.5 years, then came back. 3 years 9 months later, I can barely function some days without taking Xanax. Before the IUD, I had mild anxiety (under control), but now it's horrible, and I still get heart palpitations. I was FINE BEFORE GETTING KYLEENA. Removing in a few days. Pros: no period or pregnancy."

• oni...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I've had Kyleena for 1 year as of this month. The insertion for me was ridiculously painful. While I am very comforted by the fact that I am protected against pregnancy, I have spotty periods every month still and the worst cramps I have ever had. I have a decent pain tolerance, and I almost passed out in a DSW the week after insertion. Even one year out, my cramps are few and far between, but unbearable. Literally taking little breaths to get through it. Worth it? Maybe..."

• Kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2020

For Birth Control "INSERTION REVIEW: I’ve had Kyleena for less than a week at this point. Pain due to insertion was pretty much nonexistent. I would say at the most intense a level 6 but very doable to sit through. I was easily able to get up from the table and get dressed and drive home. The hours after insertion, my period became very heavy (maybe I noticed it more because I was making a conscious effort to not wear a tampon when I usually always wear one while on my period). Still very little cramping. I went to dance practice 4 hours after the procedure, and I was fine. I really feel no symptoms from Kyleena at this point."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I had the Kyleena for a year and a half. Getting it put in was easy and painless, but it made me feel dizzy for a few seconds. Had some cramping, but nothing worse than normal period cramping. That eventually went away and my periods slowly got shorter and lighter and were eventually almost completely gone. Then I found out I was pregnant! I got an ultrasound, and she said the Kyleena was still in the correct spot and it should have been working for another 3.5 years. My doctor told me that she doesn’t recommend the Kyleena anymore because she has seen so many pregnancies with it. I’m now 19 weeks pregnant with a sweet baby girl, and I’m thankful for that, but if you plan to get birth control to prevent pregnancy, I would suggest taking a different route. I still gave it a halfway decent rating because for the time I had it, my periods were shorter, lighter, and less painful."

• Hat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the Kyleena to help with my very irregular periods and to use it as birth control. I've only had it in for 5 months, and I'm 23 pounds heavier (even after restricting my calories to 1000 and only eating healthy organic). My left lower abdomen hurts a lot, it makes my left leg numb. I have not had my period in 4 months (after that month-long period I had when I first got it inserted), and I'm always cramping. I want to remove it, but with this whole coronavirus thing, I have to keep it in for maybe 2-3 more months."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2021

For Birth Control "The only good thing about Kyleena is that it prevents pregnancy. The insertion is bad, but that was to be expected. A week or two into having the IUD, I did not notice any side effects, but after about a month, I started to have very noticeable side effects. I had the worst cramps of my life (literally to the point where I thought I might have to go to the ER) and also horrible recurring back pains. I told my nurse on-call at my gyno about my symptoms, and she claimed it was normal to experience this following the insertion, so I just stuck it out. Not only did the horrible cramps and back pain never subside, but I also ended up getting the worst acne of my life. Additionally, I think Kyleena has affected my mood: I have many more mood swings and am a lot more depressed. Some of my friends also have Kyleena but have never experienced this, so I guess everyone is different; I just wanted to share the side effects I experienced. I am getting it removed tomorrow... thank god :))"

• Ary...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 20, 2020

For Birth Control "The Kyleena IUD is probably one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. I am 22, have never been pregnant, and I had it inserted at Planned Parenthood just over a year ago. The insertion was completely painless for me. If anything, it was just uncomfortable. I wasn't even on my period and didn't take any painkillers at the time of insertion. I only had cramps and spotting the same day after insertion and got my period on time a couple of weeks later. I still get my periods like normal, but they are much lighter than they were before Kyleena, which I am not complaining about. My boobs have also gone from a C cup to DD ever since I got the IUD (also not complaining but completely unexpected). I've been having unprotected sex since getting it and all I can say is that it's doing its job. I cannot recommend this IUD enough."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2017

For Birth Control "I got my Kyleena IUD inserted about 4 months ago. I heard very mixed experiences on whether or not insertion hurt - and for me, it was extremely painful. I had pretty bad cramping and had to avoid exercise for about 3-4 days after insertion, which wasn't too bad. For the past 2 months, I have been experiencing the worst cramps EVER that come at very random times. I have never given birth before, but I often think that these cramps must be what contractions feel like. I've had ultrasounds, and I have been told that the IUD has not shifted or anything, so the cause of the cramps is unknown. I'm hoping they go away because I don't know how long I can take it!!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 7, 2020

For Birth Control "Having my IUD inserted was the most painful experience of my life. The cramps the first three weeks after having it put in felt like I was having birth contractions. Like on the floor sobbing. However, once the cramping went away, about six weeks after having it put in, it has been fantastic. I haven’t had a period in over a year, I rarely think about it at all. I used to have a lot of anxiety over other forms of BC, wondering how effective they are, etc. But I never worry now. I am really anxious about getting it replaced in a few years, but overall, it’s been a fantastic experience."

• Lin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Kyleena inserted in July 2019. It was painful. I felt cramps and dizzy after the procedure. I had heavy cramps the first week. And then, I had a period every other week and spotting in between. Bleeding just doesn't go away. It has been 10 weeks. I still have cramps, knee soreness, and lower energy. I have to take iron supplements every day. I don’t have acne. I do experience weight gain, bloating, hair loss, and mood swings. Can I handle one more month? NO. Now I am worried about what may happen when it is removed. Will bleeding stop? Do I go back to normal?"

• Ele...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 30, 2020

For Birth Control "Kyleena is the second IUD I have tried. I first tried Mirena around 17, which made my period longer by 1 day, so I removed it. Fast forward 3 years, I had a pregnancy scare and decided to try Kyleena. I’ve had it almost 2 years, and my period is now 10 days long every month. My mom recommended IUDs to me because it made her period disappear, but I guess I’m unlucky. A doctor actually told me she doesn’t believe my period has become longer because of the IUD, that it was going to happen anyway...guess I’ll never know. I also get pretty bad cramps the day before my period comes and the first 2 days of my period, which didn’t happen before, and I’ve noticed my acne has gotten a lot worse."

• Iam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been on this for almost a year to give it a fair chance (that’s what my gyno advised after mentioning my symptoms). The insertion was not really anything serious. I didn’t take the painkillers before or after, and I’ve never had a kid. Stings a bit like a strong cramp, but aside from that, it’s a nonissue. After insertion, I bled nonstop for 3 months. It also made my cramps way worse than they ever were before I got this thing inserted. Eventually, the nonstop bleeding stopped, but I still get random cramps even when I’m not on my period. This thing has completely got rid of my sex drive-so much that I don’t even want kisses from my bf and haven’t since about a month into having this thing put in. It’s nice to not have to take a pill every day, but isn’t really worth it to me. I’m personally getting mine removed after the semester ends."

• rob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2020

For Birth Control "*Easy insertion due to natural ovulation, cervix softener, Valium, and Ibu. *Bleeding for 4 months almost nonstop. 95% spotting. Daily. Increased after any sexual activity. *Experienced a decidual cast in the 3rd week. *Breast tenderness, swelling, PAIN when leaning into something or doing a self-exam. All the time. *At least 2 'periods' a month (just darker/heavier, but short). *Cramps - random. *Mood - Depression okay, anxiety up. Feel spacey a lot. Feel ADHD meds don't quite do their job anymore. *Weight - retain fluid, have to take a fluid pill around 'period' days and randomly. Always hungry, even on stimulant. Have begun gaining in month 4. *Acne - prone to hormonal, but NONE. *Genital - Labial cysts are frequent, maybe due to pads constantly used. Always itchy because my skin hates pads, but can't use anything else for various reasons. Currently a yeast infection. *Emotions - cry randomly and once a month sob at the most ridiculous things. Not a crier. Not quite a fan."

• van...
• September 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the Kyleena birth control about 3 months ago. It has been nothing but a nightmare. I spotted almost every day the first 6 weeks. I have gained about 9 pounds and have gotten little spots of acne all over my face. And I usually have very clear skin. Since the start, I have had very bad constant cramps, but now the past week, I have been in excruciating pain. To the point that it feels like I may faint. I have an appointment tomorrow to hopefully get this thing out. On top of all of this, I get nauseous a lot and feel like throwing up. I have felt so awful and off the past 3 months. This birth control is NOT worth it. For me, it has been a complete waste of time and I absolutely hate it. Spare yourself the excruciating pain, moodiness, cramping, acne, and weight gain. No pros to this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2020

For Birth Control "Although the insertion process was extremely painful, I am loving my Kyleena so far! Mild cramping for the first week and no spotting! My breast tenderness from being on the pill for so long finally went away, and I like knowing I have the most effective birth control device ready to go at all times! So far, no side effects other than just mild cramping! I highly recommend!"

• cha...
• January 22, 2020

For Birth Control "Here to share my story as a positive lil piece of reassurance for those looking for it after scrolling through endless horror stories - I’m in my second month with Kyleena, and things are now starting to settle. Don’t get me wrong, the first period was not a fun one, the cramps were horrendous, and it lasted for just over 10 days. But it’s like they say - the three-month adjusting period will always be rocky. Period round two is so far a lot lighter, and cramps are less frequent and become gradually less intense. I got Kyleena to help with a health condition as well as birth control, and my periods are normally very heavy and painful - and even the period I got at first had me curled up for a week. But they’re slowly becoming lighter! I know everyone’s experience is different, but chances are things will improve. At the start may be rough at points, but in the long run, it’s most definitely worth it."

• Anonymous
• July 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had the Kyleena in since early March 2017, and in the beginning, was really regretting it because I felt like I was constantly bleeding and cramping. I passed a lot of clots, and I was just always uncomfortable. Today, being July 2017, I feel like I have put the bad things behind me and am enjoying not having to worry about birth control. No more cramping, no more clotting, and best of all, I haven't gotten a period. Stick with it, ladies, it will be worth it. It is true what they say, though: allow a solid 3-6 months for your body to get used to it. Good luck!"

• Tay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had Kyleena for coming up on two years now. I have had pretty normal periods throughout my two years of being on this. Overall, it’s been really nice not having to take a pill every day. I will say that sex can be painful at times, to the point of having to stop because it causes such a bad cramp. I have had MANY infections (UTI, yeast, and my most reoccurring is bacterial vaginosis). I had never had bacterial vaginosis before getting Kyleena inserted, but I have had it over 10 times just this year... that would have to be my biggest complaint overall about this. I do plan on making an appointment to get it taken out because, to me, it’s not worth all of the money to spend curing all of the infections that I keep having to deal with."

• Flo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I used to have heavy and painful periods that would take me out for 7 days. I took a painkiller before insertion, but it was still painful, and I had bad cramping for the next few days. After 1 month of PMS, I told my OB-GYN I wanted to take it out, but she told me to keep it for 6 months to give it a chance to stabilize. For 5 months, I was spotting enough to need a panty liner every day. During this time, I also had the worst cramps I've ever had. They would come out of nowhere, and I would have to stop what I was doing to catch my breath and not faint, but it would only last for 15-20 seconds at a time. Both the cramps and the spotting were more persistent during the first 3 months and tapered off for another 2 months. After 5 months, though, both the cramps and spotting completely stopped. For the past 6 months, I've been cramp and period free! Knowing that I don't have to deal with PMS/periods for another 4 years is incredible. I definitely think the first few months of pain and bleeding were worth it."

• Flo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I used to have heavy and painful periods that would take me out for 7 days. I took a painkiller before insertion, but it was still painful, and I had bad cramping for the next few days. After 1 month of PMS, I told my OB-GYN I wanted to take it out, but she told me to keep it for 6 months to give it a chance to stabilize. For 5 months, I was spotting enough to need a panty liner every day. During this time, I also had the worst cramps I've ever had. They would come out of nowhere, and I would have to stop what I was doing to catch my breath and not faint, but it would only last for 15-20 seconds at a time. Both the cramps and the spotting were more persistent during the first 3 months and tapered off for another 2 months. After 5 months, though, both the cramps and spotting completely stopped. For the past 6 months, I've been cramp and period free! Knowing that I don't have to deal with PMS/periods for another 4 years is incredible. I definitely think the first few months of pain and bleeding were worth it."

• Lad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2019

For Birth Control "My experience with Kyleena so far has been wonderful. No bad side effects except for light cramping once in a while. So much better than the pill. The pill made me feel super depressed and crazy, so glad I made the switch, just wish I wouldn’t have read all the bad reviews and waited so long. Don’t listen to them, everyone’s body is different, so you just need to try it and see if it works for you."