Liletta and Bleeding: What Users Say

• MLa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 28, 2021

For Birth Control "I got Liletta about 3 years ago. Very painful insertion but pain went away about 1 hour later. My next two periods were unbearable. Like I thought an ovary was exploding and I couldn't walk or breathe. I have been having pain on and off every week that is similar to endometriosis pains with light bleeding. I have PCOS and I told the doctor and they said it would be fine, but I'm starting to wonder about it. I have no sex drive, feel tired all the time, and have a mental fog that I specifically remembered starting around the time of my insertion. I also gained about 15 pounds. The cramps radiate out from my ovaries to my back and down my thighs. My doctor keeps telling me it's normal... I want to get it removed as soon as possible."

• Hap...
• May 7, 2021

For Birth Control "I had the Liletta inserted shortly after my second child was born. While on Liletta, I did notice an extreme uptick in my sex drive, which has been great. But, like others, my anxiety was out of control, moods were up/down, there was an odd odor all the time. But the constant bleeding was what had me mostly concerned. I literally bled nonstop. It would be consistent for three weeks, wane off for two, back for a few days, away for another few days, etc. It was awful. I complained to my OB, and he chalked it off to "your body is getting used to it," etc. Finally, one and a half years after insertion, I’m two days post-removal (had a Mirena put in on Wednesday after getting the Liletta out), and I feel awesome. No pain, physically lighter. My jeans fit better-no bloating, my mood is incredibly brighter-no odor, and NO BLOOD! My experience with the Liletta was not a favorable one."

• 20s...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I had Liletta inserted at Planned Parenthood about 4 1/2 months ago after being frustrated with my birth control pills. Most reviews here are negative, so I thought I’d share my positive experience. The insertion was uncomfortable, but the pain was bearable for me and was quick. I drove myself home after. I have not had any weight fluctuations that are abnormal (I am 20, 5’9 and 130 lbs). I did have light bleeding for 2 weeks, but my period has now stopped. I hate getting my period, so I am okay with taking a quick test to make sure I’m not pregnant to be safe. Hope this helps!"

• Nat...
• September 24, 2018

For Birth Control "I got Liletta put in almost a week ago, and so far have had a great experience! I am 20 years old and have never had kids. My period cramps are usually not too bad, I'll take a few ibuprofen, and they usually settle down, and my pain tolerance is pretty high. I knew going in that the insertion was going to hurt, however, it definitely was tolerable. In the days following, I haven't experienced any heavy cramping (thankfully). The rest of the day after getting it inserted just felt like how I would normally cramp the day before I get my period. I took it easy the 2-3 days after getting it inserted, however, I feel completely normal now. I have a brownish/yellowish clear discharge, but so far no heavy bleeding either. I wanted to leave a review just because the day before I got mine inserted, I read the reviews and psyched myself out because they are almost all bad! Everybody is different, so I'm glad I didn't chicken out because so far so good!"

• BLS...
• January 19, 2020

For Birth Control "on this for irregular periods/ovarian cysts/birth control. I have not stopped bleeding since insertion and feel like I'm in a constant state of PMS. I have regular cramping and noticeable pressure in my lower abdomen. I am almost constantly bloated. I eat 90% paleo, limit alcohol, and work out regularly. The rest of my body is in great shape, but since the IUD insertion, my mid-section is ever-expanding! I am unable to fit into anything unless it has spandex. I have been experiencing headaches, which I am not normally prone to, and I feel more anxious than normal. My skin has also taken a downward turn. I have never been acne-prone, and my face looks like I am going through puberty. And most importantly, my mood sucks! I find myself to be uncontrollably irritable. It's almost like watching another person because I can see myself being angry or down in the dumps, and I can't pinpoint why and struggle to shake myself out of it. I have never had depression, but I think the medication is taking its toll on my normally upbeat nature. I am done."

• EmJ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I thankfully did not have any of the extreme side effects of weight gain, constant bleeding, or severe acne. I actually did not bleed at all after the initial insertion (which ended up making me more paranoid than I anticipated). However, I had constant nausea to the point where there was not a single day where I was able to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner because I always felt so sick. The worst part, though, is that my mental health completely deteriorated. I constantly felt anxious and depressed and did not feel like myself at all. I had two full-blown anxiety attacks on my honeymoon and started seeing a therapist until I realized it was potentially linked to my IUD. I had my IUD removed about a month and a half ago and went back to hormonal pills, and everything about me has completely gone back to normal. Each person is different, but I personally would never use this again."

• mea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had the Liletta for one year now. Anyone who reviews an IUD sooner than 6 months hasn't yet had the full experience of an IUD. Yes, it wasn't pleasant getting it inserted, but childbirth is much worse. I bled for 6 weeks straight after insertion. During the first several weeks, I would have a random painful cramp that would last around 10 minutes. It was semi-regular after that. At 6 months, it was so light it was hard to say it was a period and not moderate spotting, as only a liner was needed. This month is one year. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I am now 39 and done with children, done with pills, and done with condoms."

• SWL...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 15, 2019

For Birth Control "Weight gain on Liletta!!! I had been on birth control pills since I was 15, except when coming off my two pregnancies. I am currently 37 years old and have been experiencing high blood pressure. My doctor suggested the Liletta IUD. Insertion was okay. It cramped for maybe a minute. I had bleeding for 1 week. The only pro is that I haven’t had a period in 1 year since the insertion. The big negative - I gained 12 pounds in 6 weeks. I am very active. I exercise 5-6 times a week. I monitor my macros. My diet has not changed. I’ve had blood work done to check my thyroid, etc. All clear. My body has never fluctuated in weight like this. It continues to climb in weight, and now I am heavier than I was at 9 months pregnant. I’ve had enough. I will be calling the doctor in the morning to have it removed. This is a major side effect that is not listed. That needs to be changed."

• Anonymous
• June 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the Liletta inserted in the beginning of March 2017. I have been bleeding ever since. Not a full-blown period, but enough to be annoying. I also get a random, quick, sharp pain in my abdomen at least daily, which has never once occurred before getting this IUD. No wonder it's such an effective birth control because you bleed for months straight so you can't have sex."

• Iow...
• January 23, 2020

For Birth Control "I chose an IUD (Liletta) after we had baby #2. I had horrible periods and cramping. Like unbearable at times. Insertion was painful for about 2 minutes, then cramping once it was in. I bled for about 3 months, every day. Sometimes light, sometimes heavy. Mild cramping as well. I’m 34, taller, overweight but athletic. After the initial bleeding went away, I started seeing the benefits of Liletta: no periods and no worry of getting pregnant unexpectedly. I’ve had it for just over 1 1/2 years. I have been dealing with very low energy and very low sex drive, and I’m at my heaviest I’ve been. I was chalking this up to stress at work but had something in the back of my head saying, “check what others are saying,” so then I came here and am reading everyone’s story. The majority have had the same side effects that I’m experiencing. I will discuss with my husband and see what our next step is because, as a BC, it’s working, and I like no periods, but my mental health and relationship are suffering."

• Nya...
• May 25, 2018

For Birth Control "Okay, I’ve had my Liletta for a year before I got it taken out (today). For the first three months, I bled nonstop. After that, I felt fine. Then the side effects slowly but surely hit me one by one. After the nonstop bleeding for three months, I then started to get recurring yeast infections/bacterial infections every month. I also gained 50 pounds, had horrible hot flashes, blurred vision, brain fog (terribly), literally every symptom you can think of. I had it real bad, and it's like every month that goes past, the side effects got worse and worse. My moodiness, no sex drive, and low energy (very low) almost cost me my relationship and job. I literally didn’t feel like myself anymore. At first, I did like it, but then I started to get alarmed I didn’t feel like myself, but the crazy part of it is, what really drove me to get it out is the horrible smell I was getting in my vagina. It smelled like something crawled in and died, I couldn’t bear it anymore. I felt like people could smell it through my clothes."

• nob...
• December 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I had my Liletta inserted a little over 2 months ago. I’m 20, healthy BMI, and had it inserted a day or two before the start of my period. I went to Planned Parenthood, and I was SO anxious beforehand knowing that it causes a lot of pain, but it was nothing more than a slight pinch and super quick! I had some slight bleeding the day of but didn’t experience my normal period and haven’t since. I bled for maybe 3 full weeks after (more like spotting, nothing awful, maybe 2 days of a normal actual period), had some back and breast pain for a few days, my belly button also randomly cramped up a couple of times but just in the first 3 days, and ever since I’ve been fine. I’ve experienced no weight gain or acne (I’ve always struggled with acne and don’t exercise), sometimes have random pelvic pain that only lasts a few seconds and then will disappear for a few weeks. I MAY have experienced some mood changes, but that might be stress. Will update if anything changes, but so far it’s been great!"

• mom...
• December 27, 2020

For Birth Control "I had Liletta put in 6 weeks after I gave birth to my last child. The insertion process was painful, with cramping afterwards. I made my appointment to have it removed, which is 4 months shy of being in for 3 years. Pain was very small, more of a discomfort than anything. Four days after it was removed, I had the heaviest period I have ever had in my life! I started passing large blood clots and cramping very badly. I had to start wearing the largest overnight pads and Depends because it wouldn't stop! I ended up in the Emergency Room a week later because it kept getting worse. My ears started ringing, I had zero energy, I could hear my heartbeat in my ears, and my heart rate was high. I lost so much blood that I was admitted to the hospital! To get the bleeding to slow down, I had to have 2 estrogen treatments through my IV and a progesterone pill. I now take 8 pills a day and am still struggling to feel normal. They said it could take months. By the way, I'm still bleeding! Don't get an IUD!"

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2020

For Birth Control "The Liletta insertion wasn’t horrible, I had a 6-week-old baby, so it was perfect timing to have it inserted. There was a sharp pain and mild cramping. I will preface that I have PCOS and active cystic ovaries. The first 3 weeks were great, I had an incredible sex drive and stable moods. However, I never quit bleeding and bloating. Some days were just heavier than others. The middle of the 3rd week is when I started to experience horrible pelvic pain, cramping, and nausea. After 3 days, this became debilitating. At my removal appointment, I discovered I had gained 16 pounds in 3 weeks, which is not normal for anyone, let alone someone who eats healthy and lives an active lifestyle. I noticed relief within 12 hours of removal, 48 hours out, and I’m having a normal period and feel back to my normal self."

• ASa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena for the 5 years. It was effective with absolutely no problems or side effects and then took a six-month break. It worked so well I decided I wanted to have the same kind put back in. PP does not do Mirena any longer, and I was told that Liletta was the same but lasted only 3 years. I went ahead and got Liletta put in 08/16. I absolutely hate it. I went in to PP in January and was told by another doctor that it is NOT the same. It's 'generic,' which is not always the same. She said many women are having the same issues I have been. She gave me a couple of things to try and help, including other medications. My side effects: constant bleeding (maybe 5 days a month free of at least spotting), bloating, headaches, depression, horrible craving sweets, and always hungry. Breast tenderness at times to the point I could not touch my breasts even. Enough time has been given to see if things would get better. My appointment to have it removed is Tuesday."

• Hap...
• December 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I just got Liletta removed after giving it a chance for 7 months. I never had an issue with cramps before, but from day 1 on this IUD, I had unbearable cramps. After the first few weeks, I talked to my doctor, who suggested I wait it out, but after 7 months of pain, I give up. Within a few minutes of having it removed, I experienced relief and am starting to feel normal again. My back pain, abdominal cramps, and upper thigh pain disappeared. Everyone's body is different, but I would not recommend this to anyone. The pain and irregular bleeding are effective birth control because you won't want to have sex anyway. Back to birth control pills for me!"

• Mom...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 16, 2018

For Birth Control "If you're thinking about Liletta, I wish to share my story since it would have been great to know this when I was evaluating my options. I had Liletta inserted after my postpartum about a year ago. First of all, the insertion is painful and not pleasant at all. I had cramping and bleeding, and it was not fun. However, that went away after about a week, and I must say that I enjoyed this birth control. In June, I saw my OB, and the IUD was doing fine. However, somewhere between June and October, my IUD was nowhere to be found. My OB ordered a CT scan and guess what - the IUD was found outside of my uterus! At this point, I have to have surgery to get it out, and who knows what the side effects will be from that. My point is not to scare anyone out there, but to educate so that you have all the information available. Please note - according to Liletta, perforation is most common in breastfeeding women, which I was."

• Nef...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 8, 2020

For Birth Control "My Dr. gave me a pill to take in preparation for the insertion of Liletta, and I didn’t experience any real pain. I have had this in since having my daughter, for about 18 months, and have never had a controlled cycle. Originally, I bled for months nonstop. The Dr. and reviews said to wait it out and that it should stop. Finally, after 6-8 months, the sporadic daily bleeding/spotting stopped, but I still felt like I was always bleeding. Here is my typical month: period starts and lasts for 8-10 days, spots off and on for the next 10 days, then period starts again. This is ruining my life (not even being dramatic). I would rather just take my risk and get pregnant than bleed all month. I have an appointment for removal next week. My Dr. wants to try another brand that doesn’t have this as a top side effect. Wish me luck!"

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 21, 2019

For Birth Control "Cons 1. My mood is horrible, I've been so angry and volatile that I have been in fights. 2. I gained 40 pounds. I weighed 145 lb and now I rest at 186 lb. I have drastically changed my diet and exercise to be very healthy. I count calories, work out every day, eat healthy food. I can't lose it. 3. I have a period every 2 weeks. Light, but it lasts 5-7 days sometimes. I am barely ever NOT bleeding. 4. Today I began bleeding VERY heavily, very suddenly. No reason for it. (This is why I started researching and the reason I found this thread). 5. My acne is not the worst it's ever been, but it is the most consistent. I have a routine I use every day, I have medicated acne cream, and I still get deep and painful cystic acne every day. Pros 1. I'm not pregnant? 2. My boobs are big. I want to get it removed, but due to my insurance not being active and the fact that it's $200 out of pocket to get it removed, I guess I'll live with it until my new insurance kicks in."

• Lov...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 30, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve had my Liletta for a little more than 3 years. During the insertion, I felt a little cramping for a minute, my doctor suggested I take ibuprofen because it could get painful during the day. After 30 minutes, I started to have the worst cramps in my life! I didn’t even ask for the day off ahead because I thought I would be fine, but no, so it was a very rough day. After that, I got my period some days later and I bled for about a month! No cramping, not a lot of blood, but I was concerned and mad. My doctor said it was normal, that I should worry just if I was bleeding like the pad can’t hold the blood. Then I had a second period that lasted for two weeks. After that, it started to get better. I don’t get my periods, just some little spotting for a day once or twice a month, didn’t gain weight (I’ve lost about 15 pounds), no acne, no pregnancy! The annoying side effects that I still have are: my libido went down and I have some random cramps that last less than a minute."

• Hap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 18, 2022

For Birth Control "I did a lot of research on this before starting it and was VERY nervous. Something I found interesting was most reviews were written after 1 - 3 months of insertion, but the company itself advises a 3 - 6 month adjustment period for your body. So - I committed myself to the full 6 months before reviewing it. Honestly, I agreed after the first 2 months that it was not fun. I had spotting nearly every day and outright bleeding many days. My cramps were better, but not gone. But bleeding all the time was just horrible and not the tradeoff I wanted for reduced cramps. Then around 3 months, my body started to adjust and I noticed the spotting was getting better. Now I'm at 7 months and my cycles have pretty much stopped, I have no cramping, and I have occasional spotting. It is the BEST decision I made. I'm so happy I didn't let the negative reviews dissuade me. You MUST wait the 3 - 6 months for your body to adjust to this - you will be so happy you did!"

• sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had the Liletta for 4 months now. I bled for the first 2 months pretty much every day and had been really enjoying no period since then, with occasional minimal spotting. But the BIG downfall for me has been an extremely low sex drive, which is NOT normal at all for me. I am very sexual, now I hardly want it. I have also been feeling very lethargic and emotionless, but I don't feel depressed. This has all changed since starting Liletta. So, I am going to get it checked out. I am hoping it's all a weird coincidence, but it doesn't seem like it."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2019

For Birth Control "This hormonal birth control, Liletta, gave me the worst breakout ever. I read about acne side effects before putting this IUD, but since I never had acne before, I was thinking maybe it won’t happen to me - but I was wrong. Talked to my doctor about my new acne, and she prescribed me some acne medications, but they didn’t work at all. I was bleeding for 3 months straight, had it taken out last week, and my acne is disappearing like instantly. Don’t recommend this IUD."

• Vic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2021

For Birth Control "I had my IUD inserted during my cesarean. Yes, I was told it could come out of place more easily because of the uterus and childbirth. During my postpartum visit, my OB couldn’t find my strings, so I had an ultrasound to check placement-everything was okay with that, thankfully. My sex drive is almost nonexistent, which would be great to prevent pregnancy, lol, but not for my partner. The bleeding-I’ve had two cycles, I believe, in almost 4 months postpartum. I did have some constant mid-cycle bleeding, but it seems to have leveled out. It definitely affects my moods-like I’m not a crier at all, but I could easily cry over some situations. I am easily irritated and get flustered. When I did ask my provider about my moods and bleeding, it was made to seem it’s “not enough hormone,” something like that, but it’s 100% noticeable changes. This time next year, I plan to have it removed."

• mia...
• June 18, 2021

For Birth Control "I got Liletta 10 months ago. I am 22 yrs old, 165 lbs, 6' tall, and very athletic. Insertion hurt, but it was not unbearable for me even without pain meds, and lasted a VERY short amount of time. I was fine during and immediately after, but once I stood up, I got very nauseous and almost passed out. After I laid down for a few minutes, I was fine. I spent the rest of the day with cramps and a headache. The next afternoon, I was fine to return to my job. After that, I lightly bled for about 3 months, with cramps on my period that were so bad at night to the point where I had to take Advil and lay down. I think I was more moody than usual as well. The next few months, my period was light with light cramps and was 3-11 days. Month 10, I don't know if I got my period or not because it was so light. I have not gained or lost any weight and have experienced no sign of body, mood, or sex drive changes. As an athlete, it did not change my performance. I give it a 9 because the string is hard to find."