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Kyleena and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 3)

Reviews for Kyleena

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Med...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had this Kyleena IUD for 4 months and have absolutely no problems with it. No spotting between periods, no cramping after insertion, and my periods have already started to lighten up. I’m so glad I don’t have to remember to take a pill every day."

9 / 10
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  • fir...
  • June 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had Kyleena for less than a week. Although I cannot say much about medium/long-term side effects, I wanted to share my experience up to now. The pain of having it fitted was not at all unbearable and was definitely made worse by the fear of having an IUD inserted. The doctor made me feel relaxed, knowing she's done it before many times. The procedure was quick. I've mainly felt a weird type of discomfort, but nothing terrible. Remember how many other women get it, and the reviews you read tend to be negatively biased most of the time. Simply because the majority that feels fine with it doesn't have the urge to complain about it but goes along with their lives. The first two days I had few cramps and had some dark spotting, which seems to have lightened today. I can say that I don't feel anything weird or uncomfortable in my belly now. And the thought of not being on loads of estrogen or other hormones relaxes me. Good luck to you all choosing the best contraceptive."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • August 18, 2019

For Birth Control "Kyleena inserted Feb 2019 after giving birth to twins in July 2018. Insertion hurt like a bad period cramp. Dull cramping after for about a day. Took Advil. My biggest issue is the brown discharge/spotting. It’s ALL THE TIME for me. My period is lighter but lasts at least a full week. Then the rest of the month I spot this disgusting brown blood. I am not currently sexually active but I cannot imagine having to deal with this in a healthy sexual relationship. Aside from that, I don’t have a sex drive. Zip! I have headaches on and off and sharp stabbing pains in my head every so often. Not sure it’s directly related to the IUD, but I’ve never been one to have headaches at all. No acne, but my skin has become noticeably dull and complexion uneven. And I’m always wondering if I’m actually depressed from postpartum, breakup, job loss, twin struggle, or is it the IUD? I am considering removing it at my 6-month check-up on Monday."

5 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • ade...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I just had Kyleena inserted this morning, and it was very low on the pain scale. I would compare it to a pap smear, with two cramps that lasted 10-15 seconds. If you are a long-distance runner and accustomed to cramps, it's nothing. I took 600 mg of ibuprofen about 1 hour before the procedure. I've had minimal spotting since, but it is also the last day of my period, so that is to be expected. I walked home 1.5 miles after the appointment and went grocery shopping. Don't let these reviews scare you!"

9 / 10
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  • Sga...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 31, 2019

For Birth Control "I decided to get Kyleena a little after having my first baby. So the whole insertion has to be while on my period. The process was very short, like 7 minutes. It only hurts for like 10 seconds, the rest was not painful. I did feel very, very small cramps and a little dizzy after the process was done. My OB let me know I was going to bleed for 6 weeks. I guess everyone’s body works differently, or maybe because I just had a baby, but for me, I did not bleed. I just finished my period regularly and spotted for like 4 days after. I sometimes get a little spotting when I wipe, nothing crazy to the point of feeling uncomfortable. I had no pain so far, just a bit of cramps in the beginning and a little dizzy, but definitely loving it so far. I would like to say just give it a go and have faith that it will work for you!"

10 / 10
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  • Tif...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on Kyleena for about 4 months, and I can say it has had me all over the place. I have 4 kids, which has definitely helped my cramping in a positive way. I decided to get on birth control after giving birth to my last son because I didn’t want to get my tubes tied based on what I have heard from women that have had their tubes tied. I heard that the cramps are really bad and blood flow will increase tremendously. I have tried several pills, and they would all make me sick. So my doctor wanted me to try the IUD, and she recommended the Kyleena. Insertion was okay, just cramping and spotting. Now I am having bad mood swings, I am depressed all the time, my anxiety is through the roof, I cry for no reason, I get really bad headaches, I have experienced dizziness, weight gain of 10 pounds, and spotting. I am trying to give it a year because I have to be on some form of birth control, but this IUD is giving me the blues."

6 / 10
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  • Use...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 27, 2023

For Birth Control "I got my Kyleena IUD two months after giving birth to my son. The insertion was relatively painless, and I only experienced cramping for about two days and bleeding for three. However, a month later, I got my period, which lasted for an entire six weeks. It stopped for two weeks, but now I've been experiencing endless spotting for the past month. I've been extremely angry over small things and cried all the time. My anxiety has gotten so bad that I can barely go to work, and I experience random cramps and back pain throughout the day. I can't function normally anymore, and I want it out so badly, but I lost my health insurance, so I'm stuck. It's made me feel crazy, which is not who I am. I never used to cry or get upset over anything. It has taken a toll on my boyfriend, my friends, and my life in general. I am absolutely miserable, and I do not recommend it at all."

1 / 10
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More FAQ

  • NYC...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 12, 2019

For Birth Control "Mostly commenting about the insertion and recovery as I have had Kyleena for less than 1 week. Insertion: Not fun, but I would do it again if needed. It’s very brief (about 20 full seconds of real pain) then some cramping. I felt like I had been punched in the uterus afterward. Recovery: I had zero energy for about 24 hours following the insertion. Slept for most of the day and night. Cramping was minimal, period felt normal. More about me: - Average pain tolerance (I avoid waxing but can do it) - 25 y/o who has never been pregnant - Had Nexplanon for just over a year and removed it due to weight gain, mental health issues, acne, and spotting."

9 / 10
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  • Arm...
  • March 22, 2019

For Birth Control "20, no kids. 4 months in, and I ♡ my IUD. Insertion took about 15 min and was uncomfortable, but no worse than a pap smear. The only thing that hurt was when the OB injected the numbing agent. I went back to work afterwards. About 30 min later, I felt bloating but didn't need Tylenol. The bloating stopped after ~4 days, all of which I worked/went to the gym just fine. I spotted for 2 months. The 1st period I had was late and crampy, the 2nd I almost didn't notice. Months 3 and 4, no spotting/periods/cramping. Dream come true. My OB tucked the string up around my uterus so partners can't feel it. Even I have to search to find it, softened now by mucus. I bled after sex at first, but now I can have intercourse without bleeding. It didn't harm my libido or cause weight gain. Now that my periods stopped, there's virtually no acne or depression, which I usually had on my period. You aren't going to know how your body reacts until you try."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • May 31, 2020

For Birth Control "The insertion wasn’t as painful as I thought it would be. A lot of cramping on and off throughout the insertion. I will say this, your experience will differ on who inserts it. Make sure you find someone who has a lot of experience. I have had it for 6 months now, and my body is just now getting used to it. I had spotting for almost 3 weeks after insertion, and cramping stopped after day 2. My periods are only spotting now. It also has definitely helped my moods. It gave me a lot of acne around the 3rd month on my face and chest and I never had acne there, but it’s better. I also gained some weight, not a lot, but more than I would’ve liked, but it was because I was hungry ALL the time and all I wanted to eat was junk food. But I have finally been able to control it. Overall, I do love it. As long as it prevents pregnancy and it means that I don’t have to take a pill every day, I’m fine with some of the side effects."

8 / 10
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  • Chr...
  • October 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I’m writing this because no one ever reviews things online when they actually work. I’ve had Kyleena since April and have had no negative side effects. I had some random spotting for the first couple of months and now have not had my period for about two months. No reduction in sex drive or weight gain. The placement wasn’t nearly as painful for me as others have said-about 30 seconds of uncomfortable cramping and then none since."

10 / 10
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  • Pri...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 3, 2018

For Birth Control "I'm 26, and this is my first IUD with no children. I'd been on the pill for 10 years and wanted something with a lower hormone dose. I found reading these comments useful, so thought it's worth writing one myself. I got it fitted 3 days ago and found it a little uncomfortable but totally bearable! About half an hour later, I had really terrible cramps, the same type of cramps I used to get when having a very heavy painful period, like I used to get before being on any birth control. But once I'd taken some painkillers, it was fine. Had one or two very mild cramps since and a small amount of spotting. Now waiting to see if my period appears with stopping the pill the day the coil was fitted. I will update in a few months. But so far, feeling fine and worth that little bit of discomfort."

10 / 10
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  • Fog...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • January 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I had Kyleena inserted in August 2018 and removed in October 2019. My period never became regular, and spotting was so random. I thought it was supposed to end after six months. Insertion was no big deal. I really wanted something that made my periods regular. I got it removed after being annoyed with the irregularity."

4 / 10
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  • Rai...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 26, 2020

For Birth Control "Had the Kyleena inserted in Oct 2019. It was incredibly sore for 10 seconds, and then felt like light period cramps. Drove back to work afterwards. No pain relievers, as they were to cost hundreds. I did have a termination done due to an ectopic pregnancy a month prior to this, so in comparison, this was a piece of cake. Some spotting on and off for 3 months afterwards, as was explained. Now, no periods whatsoever. Some acne and light cramps, as per usual periods before insertion, but way better than going natural and with much less hassle. Partner and I are very happy with this form of contraception so far."

10 / 10
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  • Che...
  • January 19, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the Kyleena inserted on Jan 9, 2020. Insertion was pretty painful, I took 800 mg of Advil an hour before insertion. I’ve had it a little over a week now, and it has been bittersweet. It’s great not having to take pills and worry, however, I started having on-and-off severe cramping one day after the one-week mark. I’m not sure if it's because I should be starting my period in the next few days, however, the pain is unbearable and lasts 30 seconds to a minute long. As for spotting, I only had spotting the first two days with the IUD and nothing since then. I haven’t gained any weight so far, and my moods/skin have been okay. As of now, I believe the IUD is amazing, however, if the cramping doesn’t subside, it will be getting removed."

7 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • March 20, 2017

For Birth Control "I got Kyleena inserted last week, and just like everybody says, it was painful, but only for about 30 seconds. It feels like a very strong period cramp, nothing too bad. I also got it inserted on the 3rd day of my period (my periods usually last 5 days), and the IUD ended my period early, actually the same exact day. I didn't have any spotting until 4 days later and minimal cramping, nothing too bad. The first day was the most uncomfortable day, but after that, I felt fine. So far, I definitely recommend it. This is my first type of birth control, and I just didn't want to take a pill every day because I know I would forget about it, and the IUD is a lot more effective. I will update my experience, but it's not as scary as it seems like it would be."

9 / 10
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  • Sad...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I originally had the Mirena and had it taken out when the time was up. I waited six months to see if I could balance my hormones naturally, but I was dealing with major PCOS flare-ups. I decided this time to go with Kyleena just because it has a little less hormones. I have PCOS, and I have never felt better in my life. No more bloating from PCOS, no more ovarian pain, and I am finally losing weight. My only complaint is the spotting, but that usually subsides after your body gets used to the new hormones. Insertion is a little uncomfortable but bearable and totally worth it."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I got Kyleena after my body rejected Mirena and pushed it out. Insertion was really painful, but a small price to pay for successful birth control. I did spot for the first two months, but haven’t really had a period since insertion. No mood swings or cramping. Two years and it’s done its job. I’d definitely recommend!"

10 / 10
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  • Yan...
  • December 25, 2020

For Birth Control "This review is from me personally, who struggled with over 3 oral contraceptive brands with serious side effects. I had no option but to go for a progestin-only option. The insertion was a bit uncomfortable, and the pain only lasted for a few seconds. I had light spotting for a week and very light cramps. After that first week, things took an unexpected turn. I fully bled for a whole 7 weeks (I'm talking tampons every day) and had uncontrollable cramps and intestinal pain. After that period, it ended as soon as it started. I only get light spotting ever so often, and cramps are light and minimal. I would suggest anyone who considers this to give your body a few months to adjust, and also to monitor if it interferes with any immune disorders. It was very tough at first, but I feel since I gave my body some time to adjust, I might actually keep it in since it got better. I would recommend it if you have any bad side effects with the estrogen hormone like I did."

8 / 10
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  • Jea...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 9, 2019

For Birth Control "Sharing my experience for the insertion process only since I've had my Kyleena for a week. Not gonna lie, the insertion was painful (6.5/10) (for me). I took Advil an hour before the procedure and ate a big breakfast. I still felt pain during insertion, but it is very short-lived (5-8 seconds), so nothing I couldn't handle. I immediately started cramping. My cramps felt comparable to the ones I had in high school on the first day of my period pre-birth control pills. I would definitely suggest taking the day off of work or school to rest in bed. The next day I felt totally normal and went back to work just fine. A week in and I'm not cramping or spotting at all. I think it really depends on your body how you will react to it. For me, it is a much better alternative to the pill."

9 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • September 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I am in my late 40s with 2 kids, and the doctor thinks I have 2 to 3 years before I finish menopause. I needed to get off the Nuvaring because my cardiologist wanted me off estrogen. With Nuvaring, I had regular periods even if I tried leaving it in. I got the Kyleena on Aug. 1, and I have not had a period. I had brown spotting occasionally for about 5 weeks. Last week, I had a migraine on a Friday, followed by 8 hours of red spotting on Saturday. I assume that was my 'period.' For that reason, Kyleena is great! I have had some pain with sex, but that is improving. The insertion was extremely painful, but only for 2 fractions of a second. This is mostly because I had C-sections and never dilated, so she actually had to dilate my cervix to insert it. I dread having it removed in a few years. I do have a lot more hot flashes, but no acne and no weight gain. I would say mood swings are the same or less than with Nuvaring. Cramping was mild on insertion day and minimal thereafter."

8 / 10
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  • tay...
  • August 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I got Kyleena almost 6 months ago. The first month was a little rough - spotting, mood swings, crying a lot, and feeling sad for no reason, and some terrible cramps that were debilitating. Months 2 and 3 were all great with very few side effects. Around month 4, I started getting super sad for no reason at all. I would break down in tears and feel absolutely awful for weeks at a time. Then suddenly it went away, and I felt like my old cheery self again. On month 5, it happened again but 10x worse. I broke down, cried every day for a week, couldn't work, couldn't function at all. I was absolutely miserable. I felt like I was going insane. I just got my IUD removed a few hours ago, and I'm glad I did it. I was going to wait to see if I adjusted, but honestly, it wasn't worth it. Some people can't adapt to having hormones inside them, approx 5% of women have these problems. So for the 95% that it works for - great! But Kyleena isn't for everyone. I'm on the road to recovery now."

1 / 10
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  • Dee...
  • October 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had the Kyleena for just under 5 months. The insertion process took less than 5 minutes and was slightly uncomfortable. I have not had any complications with the Kyleena other than the excessive bleeding and spotting. I usually used to have my periods for 4 days or less, now I have had non-stop bleeding for up to 20 days at a time every single month since the insertion. I know people have said that it takes about 3-6 months to get back to your normal periods, but mine is just worse. I could have a constant heavy flow for 20 days in a row without stopping. Just when I think the cycle is over, I spot for a few days, then it is time for the periods again and the 20-day cycle starts all over again. Other than the bleeding, I haven't had any problems with it. Just waiting to cross over the six-month period and see if there will be any changes with the bleeding. If they go back to normal, then I would highly recommend it, but if not, be ready to have the worst periods ever!!!"

5 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Kyleena inserted in May. The procedure was awful for me, very painful. The doctors said I would feel crampy or sick for about three hours, but it lasted days. I’m not the best at tolerating pain, so that contributed. I went on a month-long trip and had terrible cramps the whole time. Spotting every day nonstop. As time has gone on, everything started getting better. I do experience painful cramps out of nowhere occasionally, and my periods have become much lighter, only lasting 2-3 days compared to 5-7 before I got birth control. Kyleena was the first method of birth control I have tried, other than the pain in the beginning (which can be different for everyone), I have liked Kyleena and would recommend it. This month will be the first month I have not gotten my period, I am now 6 months in."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm 20 years old and I got Kyleena inserted about 1 month ago. Insertion was super easy, I drove myself to and from it. The worst part felt like a bad cramp. About a week after insertion, I got my period for 4ish days, now I have been spotting ever since, 20+ days. I've had horrible mood swings and anxiety, and I’m always hungry. I feel so out of touch with my body, and I’m very aware that it’s inside of me. I’m getting it taken out next week. Seriously, such a waste of money for myself at least. I guess it works well as birth control, though. I really wanted to love it, but I can’t."

4 / 10
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