Liletta and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• Hea...
• September 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I previously had the Mirena and loved it. My Gyn said they switched to Liletta and it would be the same experience. WRONG! I’ve gained 10+ lbs & am constantly bloated. I’m more active & have a better diet than I’ve ever had. My skin looks like I’m going through puberty. I’m emitting a smell that is god-awful. I have no energy, no libido, constant mood swings, reflux, nausea, and I just feel like an alien in my own body. I chalked it up to turning 30 this year coupled with the weirdness that COVID has brought, but in the back of my mind, I’ve known there is something wrong beyond that. I’m so glad I found this forum and know that these changes are caused by the IUD. I would rather manage periods than become a different person like I have been. Everyone is different but for me, there is a HUGE difference between the Mirena & Liletta IUD and I cannot wait to get this thing removed & get back to being myself."

• 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."

• CJa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 30, 2020

For Birth Control "So grateful to have found this forum and not feel so alone! I had two Mirenas (2009-2018), which were awesome, but then a doctor switched me to Liletta in April 2018, promising me it was 'just the same, but cheaper!' - yeah right. Since going on Liletta, my sex drive has COMPLETELY disappeared. I used to enjoy sex so much, but for the past 2.5 years, I haven't even felt the desire to masturbate. I feel stupid that it took me this long to realize that the culprit is most likely the Liletta. I just had it removed before Christmas. Send me luck for a restored libido in the new year! Sharing my experience in the hopes that it will help other vagina-having folk."

• Nic...
• June 10, 2021

For Birth Control "I had Liletta inserted after my last baby. The doctor told me it was the same as Mirena, but it is NOT. I didn’t have any problems with Mirena, but three months after Liletta insertion, I got Telogen Effluvium and lost a lot of hair. (More hair shedding than I have EVER experienced.) I gained weight, and my libido is completely GONE! My hair is continuing to fall out. I had my hormone levels checked twice, and my estrogen level has dropped so low that it barely registers on the charts. My doctor told me that could be from the Liletta suppressing my estrogen (and progesterone) production. Those are two VERY important hormones for a woman, especially for hair growth, skin, nails, etc. Nothing like having a birth control that basically puts you into a menopausal state LONG before you are due for that. After having this awful device in me for fourteen months, I am finally getting it removed tomorrow! I do NOT recommend Liletta to anyone and do NOT let your doctor tell you it is the exact same thing as Mirena."

• Fay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had Liletta for the past 1 year and 7 months, and nothing seems normal anymore. I have gained 30 lbs despite eating clean and working out, absolutely no sex drive at all, sex is very uncomfortable, and the bleeding after sex is very scary. I get my periods anytime, sometimes twice a month, it’s very heavy and lasts anywhere from 6 to 12 days. I have become a different person, always very moody, angry, very depressed, and just don’t want to leave my bed. I’ve never felt this way in my 40 years! I’ve discussed this with my gynecologist, an ultrasound shows the IUD is displaced and needs to be pulled out ASAP! My fibroids have increased in growth and size, and my MD is quite concerned. I will have it pulled out on Monday 11/19. I'm hoping things will get better after this."

• Fay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had Liletta for the past 1 year and 7 months, and nothing seems normal anymore. I have gained 30 lbs despite eating clean and working out, absolutely no sex drive at all, sex is very uncomfortable, and the bleeding after sex is very scary. I get my periods anytime, sometimes twice a month, it’s very heavy and lasts anywhere from 6 to 12 days. I have become a different person, always very moody, angry, very depressed, and just don’t want to leave my bed. I’ve never felt this way in my 40 years! I’ve discussed this with my gynecologist, an ultrasound shows the IUD is displaced and needs to be pulled out ASAP! My fibroids have increased in growth and size, and my MD is quite concerned. I will have it pulled out on Monday 11/19. I'm hoping things will get better after this."

• 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."

• Hnz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2020

For Birth Control "Horrible sexual dysfunction. I haven't been intimate with my husband for 2 months. When he gets near me, I feel so annoyed, even though I used to love sex. Now I can't even get aroused. I'm taking it out if it continues."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the IUD inserted back in February 2016, around 6-8 weeks after the birth of my second child. The insertion was uncomfortable, but tolerable; I have a pretty high pain tolerance, however. Since then, my depression has worsened-- this wasn't PPD-- I've gained nearly 30 lbs, I have zero libido, developed severe anxiety, have panic attacks, and debilitating migraines. I'm getting it removed next Friday. If I do this page again, I'll update once it's out and the hormones have worked their way out of my system."

• Fru...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 9, 2017

For Birth Control "This experience is hellish! Although it doesn't allow you to get preg, as intended, it makes you have many side effects. I am a healthy 5'7" athletic woman. I weighed 130 when inserted 6 months ago. My sugar cravings and moods have been all over the map. I am bloated. I am swollen. My periods are still heavy. They actually are twice as long now. My sex drive is non-existent. I've been to a hormone specialist now (1k later in costs) to get blood drawn only to find out all of the above and the 14 lb weight gain (I'm now 144 lb) is all because of this device. I'm constantly bloated. My size 4 pants no longer fit my swollen and worn-out body. Beware! Get it out! You've been talked into this and likely don't need it!!!!"

• Nic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 1, 2022

For Birth Control "I got Liletta in Sept 2019 and had it removed 9/28/22. Over those 3 years, I gained 30 lbs, had no energy, outrageous mood swings, unpredictable periods, and had a non-existent sex drive. It’s been 3 days since having it removed, and the biggest thing I’ve noticed is that I’m not so drained all the time. I mean, I used to run to the grocery store and would have to leave before I was done because I’d need a nap. Now, I’m going through the day every day, and I don’t feel like I’m constantly tired or exhausted. Also, I’ve already lost 3.5 lbs. I’m not eating differently or working out more. The only thing that’s different is getting the IUD removed. Time will tell with the other symptoms, but I’m amazed at the progress I’ve had in just 3 short days."

• Kel...
• December 20, 2019

For Birth Control "Getting it in was bad, but the entire month after was the worst, most painful experience of my life. Every single day was filled with crippling, knee-buckling, tear-inducing cramps throughout the days and nights. Once that month was over, the cramping went down, and the periods themselves slowly went away until I didn't have a period anymore. Within the last four years, I remember things like low libido, pain during sex, extreme pain after sex (great way to keep the morale up with your partner), gaining weight although I lead a somewhat active life and work on my feet, but the tipping point for me is the never-ending growth of my breasts. I started as a 38B, and I'm now up to a 36DD, with those bras even beginning to be too small. I'm not the type to show my body off, so the big breasts are just adding to my depression and anxiety (which might also be caused by the IUD?), and I'm willing to get off birth control and turn to condoms and ovulation tracking to feel like I own my body again."

• Kel...
• December 20, 2019

For Birth Control "Getting it in was bad, but the entire month after was the worst, most painful experience of my life. Every single day was filled with crippling, knee-buckling, tear-inducing cramps throughout the days and nights. Once that month was over, the cramping went down, and the periods themselves slowly went away until I didn't have a period anymore. Within the last four years, I remember things like low libido, pain during sex, extreme pain after sex (great way to keep the morale up with your partner), gaining weight although I lead a somewhat active life and work on my feet, but the tipping point for me is the never-ending growth of my breasts. I started as a 38B, and I'm now up to a 36DD, with those bras even beginning to be too small. I'm not the type to show my body off, so the big breasts are just adding to my depression and anxiety (which might also be caused by the IUD?), and I'm willing to get off birth control and turn to condoms and ovulation tracking to feel like I own my body again."

• Wic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 29, 2018

For Birth Control "I’m 47 years old. Had this birth control since May 2018. Used to take the Depo shot. Insertion was no problem. I was fine at first. Over the year and a half, I have gained 30 lbs, depressed, tired, bloated, lack of sex drive, and moody. I eat very well, work out, and can gain pounds quickly and lose them slowly. My doctor didn’t think the BC was the cause. Ran tests for thyroid and pre-menopause, and those tests were negative. I truly believe this BC is the cause, and I plan on having it removed immediately. I haven’t had a period in over four years. So I don’t know what will happen. But I would rather deal with a period than weight gain."

• Cra...
• August 30, 2017

For Birth Control "I had this IUD put in almost two years ago. Pro: I'm not pregnant. Cons: Constant spotting still to this day, no sex drive, can feel it every now and then, and my boyfriend can feel it but has gotten used to it. I'm not sure why everyone says it hurt to be put in, because mine didn't. I did have to go back to have the string cut even more because it actually started to come out of me. Personally, I wouldn't recommend getting this product. I will be taking mine out as my boyfriend has realized how annoying the spotting is. Can't wear any cute underwear because you never know when the spotting will start up, and not having a sex drive is a killer. Why have an IUD if you don't even have a sex drive...?"

• Do...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2022

For Birth Control "Inserted after second pregnancy. I requested Mirena but was told Liletta was as effective and better. Well, I experienced virtually no sex drive, horrible mood swings, and gained 15 pounds all in 10 months. I have now been off it for 3 months and finally have my sex drive back. Still battling getting rid of the weight gained."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 24, previously taking oral contraceptives for 9 years. I'm giving this 5 because it is effective in the most basic sense. I no longer worry about getting pregnant or taking pills, and my periods are regular and very light. However, I am one year in and planning to get it removed because of the side effects. First, the insertion was incredibly painful for me, followed by excruciating cramps. The first 6 months were radical mood swings, acne, weight gain, and cramping that gradually stabilized. I'm a year in now, though, and I'm finding it hard to work off the weight. I'm still very emotional, my skin is bad (possibly unrelated, but my eczema has come back), low sex drive. I gave it a chance, but I'd rather take pills/use condoms and be happy."

• 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."

• klo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I had Liletta inserted in Oct. 2016 (25 at the time, no kids). The insertion process was the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced. I had severe cramps as soon as it was inserted and continued to be in extreme pain the rest of the day. My next period was only some spotting, and I have not had one since. I still experience bad cramps (not as bad as insertion day, but still painful) from time to time. I have had no weight gain or acne issues. My libido has absolutely tanked to near zero. I have almost no desire for sex, difficulty getting physically aroused, leading to painful intercourse, a lack of sensation in previously sensitive erogenous zones, and orgasms are lackluster if they happen at all. All in all, a real boyfriend pleaser (sarcasm). I'm planning on getting it out before the end of the month. As far as preventing pregnancy goes 10/10, you just can't beat that hormonal and lack of desire combo."

• Liz...
• July 8, 2021

For Birth Control "I've been on Liletta for 5 years. I was 24 years old, 125 lbs. I'm 5'7. I'm 29 and 160 lbs now. Issues I've personally had are - having the IUD implanted hurt real bad for me. I literally almost fainted, I felt so awful when I left. I got to my car, I balled my eyes out - heavy cramps, bleeding for the next week - bleeding with some cramps for the next 3 months straight (not super heavy, just normal) - extreme nausea at night to the point I feel like I'm going to puke but never do (it's weird). Happened when I first got the implant, has kind of dissipated now I'm at year 5, but not much - bloating, fatigue - cramps got worse for me in the last 2 years, along with my periods coming back to actually bleeding vs. spotting - sex was rough for about 6 months - sexual partners stating they can feel it or it pokes them. It got rid of my sex drive for about 8 months - so far no babies, no close calls. I will close with this: if you can take something else that isn't as invasive or hard on your body as this, I highly suggest it."

• Cea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 26, 2019

For Birth Control "This is an update I posted when I originally got the IUD inserted, and I mentioned that there was little to no initial pain upon insertion. However, months later, I began to experience pain during sex, like extreme pain that made me almost not have sex at all with my husband. I went to my OBGYN six months after insertion, my stomach, my whole lower abdomen, and legs were weak and trembling to the touch, and I requested to have it removed. Upon removal, my doctor noted it was stuck in my cervix lining. Pain was worse than contractions. Once she made contact, she had to call a nurse in to help hold my legs from shaking, as it was out of my control. It had tissue attached to it, and I was bleeding out of control. I was given ibuprofen 800 for pain, it did not touch it. I had to follow up to check for infections. Don’t put foreign objects in your body."

• Aan...
• September 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had the Liletta in for almost two months. I had clear skin before. Never in my life have I had such horrible acne. My skin is constantly oily. The texture of my skin is almost sticky and is not smooth at all. I have a mixture of blackheads and whiteheads every day. I consider myself to have high self-esteem in general, but now I avoid the mirror and don't like people looking at me. If this acne doesn't go away in the next couple of months, I'm going to have the IUD removed. My gynecologist said the progesterone is local and doesn't have similar effects as the pill, but that's clearly not the case. Other cons include daily breast tenderness, decreased sex drive, and weight gain. If you can be disciplined, use condoms, not hormones."

• Aly...
• October 27, 2019

For Birth Control "Decided to go on birth control after terminating an unplanned pregnancy for I was not ready. Nine months into Liletta, I have periods that can last up to two weeks and severe cramping all the time randomly. So bad, my whole legs go weak. Pain when having sex. Headaches and nauseous. Debating whether to have it removed or stick it out for a year. The side effects are not worth the pain."