Kyleena and Spotting: What Users Say

• Kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 12, 2019

For Birth Control "Wish I had done it sooner! I was one of those anti-IUD people to the core before going on Kyleena. I had just heard way too many horror stories and was way too nervous about possible side effects to get one. After my last birth control stopped working for me, I finally made the IUD plunge and boy do I wish I had done it years ago! My biggest fears were weight gain (I've since lost weight) and hormonal acne (little to none). The only side effect I really had was spotting for about a month after getting it in place. I've since stopped getting my period altogether and can't be happier. The insertion was not bad at all! I just wanted to post this because I know there are so many scary reviews, but I'm here to say that most people who are happy with it aren't reviewing it! It's been great to me and everyone else I know who is on it!"

• MiS...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 28, 2019

For Birth Control "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!"

• MLP...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 7, 2019

For Birth Control "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."

• hin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on the pill for 2 years and LOVED IT. I never ever missed a pill but decided, why not try the IUD since it’ll be stress-free. The worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life, I seriously almost cried, followed by a whole day of bad cramps. The doctor made it clear that irregular bleeding and spotting is very common up to at least 3-6 months. It’s been 9 months now, and this was my biggest regret. Some months I get spotting and discharge for weeks straight. The past few months I’ve had 2 periods in one month. My MAIN complaint is that if I’m not bleeding, I’m spotting or discharging, I rarely get a break. I was thinking about waiting until the one-year mark since I’ve heard so many rave about the IUD, but... don’t think my patience can take any longer. Having to wear a pantyliner every single day for nearly a year is awful. I miss my pills :("

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

For Birth Control "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."

• Ala...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 13, 2020

For Birth Control "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 the first 2-3 years with this, now I spot every month or so. Still nothing bad. Hope this helps!"

• aba...
• March 7, 2020

For Birth Control "Today is day 3 after IUD insertion. So far - LOVING IT. Day of insertion: did not take any pain medication before the appointment, had a light meal and lots of water. The appointment was fast and smooth, and the worst of the pain was about an 8/10. But it only lasted for about 10 seconds. Afterward, I had a little bit of spotting, nothing a panty liner couldn’t handle. About 2 hours later, I had a bit heavier spotting, but still, the panty liner did the trick. At that 2 hours post-procedure mark, I had a bit of cramping. It was like my regular period cramps that ceased with a naproxen. Day 2: no cramping whatsoever, a little bit of light brown spotting. Loving it. Day 3: no cramping or spotting at all! So glad I made the decision to get the Kyleena - and very glad I didn’t let all the scary reviews stop me from testing it out. To the people with Kyleena that have had good experiences - SHARE YOUR STORY."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• November 26, 2020

"Get this thing out of me! I was told I would potentially have some spotting following the insertion of Kyleena... well, that spotting ended up lasting 4 months. Since then, it’s a crapshoot as to whether I’ll get my period or not. They’re irregular and impossible to track. I have never been prone to acne, but I now have relentless acne on my chin, and no matter how well I take care of my face, it keeps coming back. Also, I have never experienced any concerns regarding my mental health. Following my IUD insertion, I now find myself horribly irritable, on edge, emotional, anxiety-ridden (unwarranted panic attacks included), the list goes on. Again, these are all highly uncharacteristic of my personality, my nature, and are unrelated to COVID as they appeared prior to 2020. Finally, the last and the absolute worst. I get a persistent morning sickness sensation??? Sometimes it lasts throughout the day (disclaimer: I am not and have not been pregnant). Like painful/uncomfortable waves of nausea. All in all, 0/10."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2017

"Well, I'm the first one reviewing this... I got my Kyleena IUD placed on Dec. 2nd, 2016. It was painful, but no more so than other IUDs I've read about. The issues I'm having are constant spotting. I've been bleeding lightly (where I have to wear a light pad so I don't ruin my underwear every day) for two months now. The office told me about a month ago that my spotting is normal and most likely means once I stop spotting, I'll be done with my period for the five years Kyleena is good for. But I'm starting to get a bit worried... two months of bleeding seems excessive. Anyone else have experience with this?"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had Kyleena for almost two years now. I keep telling myself my body just needs to adjust and that all the problems will go away, but after reading some of these reviews, I really should’ve listened to what my body has been telling me. Since I’ve had Kyleena, I’ve been constantly spotting. Like, allllllll the time. I get sharp pains in my sides and back, and it’s been going on for quite some time. I keep hoping that my body will adjust because Kyleena does do its job, but the acne, the spotting all day, and after sex, the pains? Definitely not worth it. I’ll be contacting my OB to have this removed ASAP. All this time I thought it was just me."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Sar...
• February 2, 2021

For Birth Control "I had Kyleena inserted yesterday, and I have to say that I was pretty nervous after reading the reviews on here. But it is really not that bad. Just talk it all out with your doctor, and you will be just fine. My doctor prescribed me a cervix softener to take before insertion, which I think helped quite a bit. It's not a pleasant experience, and it did hurt, but not nearly as bad as I was anticipating. It was uncomfortable, but it only lasted for about 4 minutes! I had some pretty bad cramping for a few hours after, but taking Tylenol and using a heating pad worked wonders. Now it's the next day, and I have no pain, just some really light spotting! Just trust your doctor, ladies :)"

• Kal...
• January 15, 2021

For Birth Control "INSERTION REVIEW: I had my Kyleena inserted yesterday. Before the appointment, my gyn prescribed me a cervix softener, and I took 800 mg ibuprofen. The insertion process was not painless, but also not unbearable. My provider numbed me using lidocaine, which I did not even feel, but I had intense and deep cramps when she measured and inserted the IUD. That was the worst part of the process for me. Following insertion, I had heavy period cramps for the remainder of the night and some fairly heavy bleeding that was manageable with ibuprofen and a heating pad. Today, I am back to work with no cramping and very light brown spotting. Other than that, I am basically back to normal. Will post another review once I’ve had it for longer."