Levonorgestrel and Pain: What Users Say

• Ell...
• January 15, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I had sex and he fully ejaculated inside of me during my 'most fertile day' on Flo, my ovulation app. I took it about 8 hours later. I had a week of heavy bleeding, cramps, basically a period. It was just withdrawal bleeding. Like many women, I was petrified that I was not safe because I had already ovulated. After I found out the bleeding was withdrawal bleeding, I thought I could be pregnant for sure. I was already pregnant once 3 months ago and I had an abortion. It was horrible. I never ever want to go through that again, but I thought I might have to. I had light bleeding and brown blood for days, pain that felt like implantation bleeding (which I have felt before), and other early pregnancy symptoms. My period came 2 days late. This drug works even if you are ovulating. The symptoms are so torturous, however, and you can feel like you are insane. But it does the job. You're not pregnant, girl. Be grateful!"

• Anonymous
• January 30, 2021

"Kyleena is the BEST THING I EVER DID!! There are a ton of bad reviews but don’t let them scare you. I was on the pill for three years but they made me depressed, I gained weight, I’d get migraines, they made my acne worse AND my periods were TERRIBLE!! When I’d get my period before I had Kyleena, I would bleed for 7-10 days and it would be excruciating for the first 4 days. I wouldn’t be able to even move! So I switched to Kyleena. The migraines went away, after the first month, my skin cleared up, I lost weight, my mood was better and my first period was miraculous. I literally was only in pain for an hour. Period lasted about three days, was super light, and the weirdest part is is that even though I was still bleeding, THERE WAS NO PAIN!!! The procedure hurt a little but not quite as bad as I expected. I was not lightheaded, I felt totally fine, and the light cramps only lasted about a week. I’m so thrilled I finally found the perfect birth control. Sex is also wayyy better!"

• Anonymous
• December 15, 2013

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex and I took the pill 30 hours later. I felt a bit drowsy within the first few hours, however, over the next two weeks, I experienced cramping. The cramps were really bad. 10 days after taking the pill, my breasts completely swelled. My nipples were always hard, and the pain was unbearable. I was convinced I was pregnant. The cramps continued, and I was experiencing back pain. Then the pain in my breasts finally began to subside, and I got my period the next day, exactly when I was supposed to. It was a little bit heavier than usual, but I've never been happier to be on my period. The pill messes up your body due to an increase in hormones. I've read it makes you feel exactly as pregnant women do, so don't panic over the symptoms!"

• kay...
• January 16, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "To the girl who is reading this, calm down and know that everything will be okay! I promised myself that if it worked for me, I would leave a review. I had unprotected sex on Dec 7 and bought the pill 30 minutes later. My last period was Nov 7. Fast forward to the end of December, and my period was nowhere in sight. I ignored my stress until I got VERY worried when my period was almost 3 weeks late. My nipples were more sensitive, my boobs were sore, I was moody, and I was bloated but still no period. I had been scrolling through pages and pages of reviews trying to bring myself comfort, and I kept seeing women saying it didn’t work and they were pregnant. I was starting to panic, so I decided to take a pregnancy test. I took two tests, and they were both negative. The day after I took the tests, my period came! (20 days late) Remember that the pill can mimic pregnancy symptoms, and everyone’s body is different. Not everyone’s body will react the same. You will be okay!"

• Dou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I want to share my experience with this drug. I had sex on ovulation day (day 13 of cycle) but the condom broke and he finished inside me. I panicked because I was not using any regular contraceptive pill, IUD, or anything, and coming from a religious family, getting pregnant without marriage would be a disaster! So I took Plan B after 1 hour. I had mild cramps and a headache only after a few hours... then I developed panic attacks, but it could be from me being so anxious. Days after, my breasts were swollen, and I was very moody. I also had a mild headache. On day 18, I had major panic disorders, became very moody, and had crying spells. My breasts became sensitive and hurt a little. Of course, I went through depression thinking of what might happen if I got pregnant. However, I started having PMS like usual. On day 26, I had my period :)))))) Ladies, believe in this pill. It works. I know it causes a lot of anxiety, and this is normal. It's effective even after ovulation. Relax and let the pill do the job."

• mar...
• June 20, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "It works. I got my period one day late. I took it after 10 hours of the deed. I was on my 8th day of my menstrual cycle and 5 days before ovulation. However, because I was afraid of risks, I took it since my app said my fertile window started. I knew the pill was working because I got acne the day after on my chin (hormonal), cramps, and sore boobs all the next 3 weeks. Mood swings all over the place. I was scared, so I took a blood test one day before my estimated period date and it came back negative. Two days after that, my period arrived. I feel very tired and painful, but I am happy to be out of this craziness. This page helped me a lot to not go crazy. I took Plan B 4 times in my life, and it always worked. Sending you good vibes and peace of mind. You got this!"

• ali...
• February 24, 2020

For Birth Control "First, insertion was extremely painful. I am comparing it to a Paragard insertion about 10 years ago, a breeze. I had Paragard for 8 years with no issues, and do not have kids. I opted for Liletta last month. I've noticed such a dramatic shift in my mood and personality for the worse, as well as bloating and weight gain. What makes the side effects even more dramatic is that I have been working out really consistently (running 10 miles/week, yoga, strength), which would normally lift my spirits and mitigate any winter blues, but nope, I'll get off the treadmill and feel on the verge of tears for no reason. It's affecting my work and my relationship, I want it out asap. I've also been crampy and spotting for the entire month since it was inserted. I realize that part is meant to be normal, but it's like insult to injury taking all the other side effects into account. The pros are: I'm not pregnant. Worth it? Not at the cost of my relationship and mental health, and physical well-being."

• kar...
• October 19, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena inserted 7 months ago. It was a little painful and discomfort for a couple of minutes, but if you have been through normal childbirth, you can handle that pain, you can handle anything. After the insertion of the Mirena, which my doctor recommended because I was suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding that would last up to 2 weeks, I spotted a little after insertion and was also cramping the next day. It was all gone about a week after insertion. Then the bleeding was full-on for about 1-2 weeks, then it would stop for a few days, then the bleeding started again. It was constant: 1 week of bleeding, then a stop for another few days. I was so frustrated, as was my hubby. Now everything has settled. We are all different, you have to be patient."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 18, 2020

For Birth Control "Liletta gave me cystic acne, reoccurring infections, pelvic pain, and out-of-control bleeding. After a year and 6 months, I removed it, and I am already feeling relieved, and it’s only been 24 hours. Every woman is different, so I can’t say that my experience will be yours, but I wouldn’t recommend it to my worst enemy."

• Ava...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "Yesterday, my boyfriend had unprotected sex, we did two rounds with a 3-hour gap between the rounds. After the second round, like 15 mins later, I took a Plan B, and call me crazy, but the minute he came inside, I just felt it in my soul that I was gonna be pregnant. I've been having side effects of the pill such as nausea, constipation, tiredness, cramps, and pains. I'll be back in 3 weeks to update you all."

• don...
• March 13, 2010

For Birth Control "I've had it for 6 days. I don't have kids, am young compared to most users, and have a tilted uterus. I chose not to use the numbing shot because my doctor said the needle would hurt just as bad as the insertion. I took 400mg of ibuprofen 1 hour before the insertion. It hurt but only for about 20 seconds. I had a kind of reverse contractions for 2 hours. I was directed to take 800mg of ibuprofen. I suggest going #2 before the insertion since it's very painful to do so after. Since insertion I've had minor spotting and very little pain. Do not use a tampon, it's so painful to remove. (I use a diva cup when I go out) Don't be scared off by all of the horrible reviews, most people only write a review when something goes wrong."

• Dan...
• February 24, 2014

For Birth Control "Alright ladies, my experience with Mirena entails no gruesome or terrifying stories that will make you run for the hills. My experience with Mirena has been fairly good. I got Mirena approximately 6 months ago. Beforehand I was entirely frightened due to the horrible reviews that people post on the internet. But let me just straighten this out. Some people do have bad experiences but those people are the ones who feel obligated to narrate their story to the world. So I'll be the one to write something positive. Slight pain during the insertion, nothing worse than cramps. A month of irregular bleeding. Only to be followed by four months of glorious period-free time. I occasionally get spotting but it isn't anything bad at all."

• KAN...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena taken out after a year. I wish I would have never gotten an IUD, and I wouldn't advise anyone to do so. It's been a month since I had it taken out and still do not feel normal. My main side effect is/was extreme fatigue and vision issues. My hair has started to fall out, and my back hurts all the time. I also have had pelvic pain that feels like contractions from labor. I have seen multiple doctors about my fatigue, and they all make me feel like I'm making this up because all my labs and tests come back normal. They try to say maybe it's just anxiety. :( So I'm praying in a couple more weeks to months I feel completely back to normal. It's sad to think an IUD can cause symptoms like this and make you feel like something is BAD wrong with your body. Hope this helps anyone suffering from the same symptoms."

• 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."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I have just recently gotten Kyleena. The insertion was pretty painful, and I have a pretty good pain tolerance. I was told ahead of time that it's okay that it's going to feel like a cramp at first. After the insertion, they sat me up and told me to sit for a minute before getting up and changing, but right after they walked out, I passed out onto the floor face-first. After I came to, I got back on the table, and it took me about 3 minutes to be able to speak. My body was in so much shock, and I finally called for help. They came, and then when they came in, I threw up, and that is very uncommon for me. I wasn't safe driving home, so I had to call for a ride. The rest of that day, I had the worst cramps of my life. As the days go on, the cramps are still there and hurt. (Your heat pad will become your best friend.) Now I'm just trying to wait it out and see if it gets better, but I am thinking about taking it out. I just wanted to put my story and experience out there to show my side effects of Kyleena."

• Lif...
• September 19, 2014

For Birth Control "I love, love, love Mirena. I had my first one put in when I was 21 due to debilitating periods, and I hadn't had any kids. Not going to lie - the pain was truly horrible upon insertion, and I did cramp for weeks afterwards, but after that cleared up 5 years of no periods changed my life. I just had my second one put in yesterday and it was nowhere near as traumatic as the first time since my hormones had leveled out. I HIGHLY recommend it for women who don't want/can't take high estrogen birth control or would like to stop their periods safely. It's been absolutely life-changing for me, and I hope Mirena and other IUD's continue to gain popularity as people see how great they really can be."

• Syd...
• May 28, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the coil to help with heavy bleeding. It went horribly from the start. I’d read it could be painful to get put in and varied from person to person, and an ibuprofen was recommended beforehand, which I took, however, the pain, which was described as a pinch, felt more like I’d been stabbed. The most nauseating cramps I’d ever gotten enveloped me - worst pain I’ve ever felt (only 19, by the way). I was in bed for the rest of the day because the cramps were so severe and constant. They continued for two weeks after. Immediately after inserting it, I began to bleed lightly - this continued on for a year nonstop aside from two days here and there. After three months, I had a check-up, and they assured me it was normal and would stop. I went traveling, hoping for the best and willing to give it a year, but last week marked a year, and the bleeding was still continuous. So I finally got it removed. That actually felt like a pinch and was much better than insertion."

• Jhr...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 21, 2020

"This... omg, this has been enlightening. 1.) 30+ lbs. I have gained almost 50 lbs, but I lost almost 20 again. I have literally been working so hard to lose weight. 2.) Acne? Yes! Bad, bad cystic acne. 3.) Pain, tingling, weakness, and numbness on one side of my body. 4.) Infections. 5.) Mood swings/depression. 6.) Cramping/bloating. 7.) Stomach pain. 8.) Pain/cramping after sex. 9.) Low birth weight/premature birth of my daughter. 10.) I am honestly shocked, devastated, and determined to remove it after finding out this is all from Mirena. This is my 3rd Mirena, and I went from the 120s to the 170s and now am back to the 160-ish. I have been through so much with this, it’s unreal. Don’t do it."

• Dur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2019

For Birth Control "I almost backed out of getting the Mirena because of these women on YouTube being so 'fear mongering' and, quite frankly, just scaring people. It is 2 days since I got it in, and I'm sore, and yes, it was really crampy, but I just wanted to say: Don't over-read like I did on the internet. Everyone's cervix and uterus is different, everyone has different pain levels. My pain tolerance is high (I've had spine procedures while awake), I've had wicked period cramps, and my NP said my 'perfect cervix' made the insertion extremely smooth. With all that said, did it hurt? Kinda. Was it uncomfortable? Yup. Was it painful? No. I'm sore, but I've barely bled, which is another plus, and I think a week from now I will be even more happy that I got it done! My point is - don't over-read. People tend to only post negative experiences online, but this is something that is already stressful enough. I don't think it's right to scare women before they get it done (and no, I've never had children)."

• Dur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2019

For Birth Control "I almost backed out of getting the Mirena because of these women on YouTube being so 'fear mongering' and, quite frankly, just scaring people. It is 2 days since I got it in, and I'm sore, and yes, it was really crampy, but I just wanted to say: Don't over-read like I did on the internet. Everyone's cervix and uterus is different, everyone has different pain levels. My pain tolerance is high (I've had spine procedures while awake), I've had wicked period cramps, and my NP said my 'perfect cervix' made the insertion extremely smooth. With all that said, did it hurt? Kinda. Was it uncomfortable? Yup. Was it painful? No. I'm sore, but I've barely bled, which is another plus, and I think a week from now I will be even more happy that I got it done! My point is - don't over-read. People tend to only post negative experiences online, but this is something that is already stressful enough. I don't think it's right to scare women before they get it done (and no, I've never had children)."

• JRa...
• June 11, 2020

For Birth Control "The insertion was one of the most painful experiences I've had in my life (my body simulated labor). Upon insertion, I felt extreme menstrual cramps that had me doubled over in pain, nauseous, and lightheaded. I took 2 Tylenol beforehand (as directed), and the extremely intense cramps subsided within the hour. Cramps were much more bearable from then on. I had light bleeding for the following 2 weeks after insertion. I had cramps here and there, but nothing severe at all. I now have my IUD for 5 months, and my experience has been super positive! Little to no cramping for the past 3-4 months, and I no longer get periods. I'm not sure that I will get the IUD again when my current one has to be taken out in 5 years, but my experience has been favorable thus far (besides the insertion, but it was worth the very temporary pain). I recommend Kyleena to people who don't love taking the pill and want reliable birth control that they won't have to constantly worry about. Hope this helps!"

• Kat...
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the Kyleena IUD a year ago. I was taking the pills for years and wanted something different. Insertion was pretty painful, my doctor prescribed me a cervix softener to take before, and I took some Tylenol. There was a series of 3 painful cramps, but the overall process took 5 minutes. I was able to drive myself home after, and I had bad cramps the rest of the night, but I woke up completely fine. Everyone has different experiences and different levels of pain, each one of my friends had a different reaction. The next 6 months, I randomly got intense, painful cramps and sometimes pelvic pain. I also noticed breakouts, which I never had before. I went to the doctor a few times for check-ups, but everything was fine and in place. I just stuck it out, and eventually, it got better. I still sometimes get a random day of intense cramps, but overall my periods are barely there, and the breakouts stopped!"

• Pri...
• March 7, 2021

For Birth Control "PLEASE DO RESEARCH BEFORE GETTING THE KYLEENA IUD :( Getting this thing in is one of my biggest regrets! First off, it hurt SO BAD to get in... After insertion, I bled for almost 60 days straight!!!!! It was medium to light spotting EVERY SINGLE DAY! If that was not enough... I developed an ovarian cyst! Sometimes the pain would be so bad I would just cry... THEN I started going through - and still am going through till I get it removed - major insomnia, mood swings, and even depression. Oh, also not to mention I get constant yeast infections because of the IUD, and it constantly smells like fish (BV). Don’t forget the cystic acne either! Oh, and one more thing... the strings were cut too short, so they went back into my uterus, and now I have to get surgery to get it removed :) So thank you, Kyleena, for giving me depression, mood swings, cystic acne, an ovarian cyst, insomnia, constant bleeding for 60 days, and lost strings that now have to be surgically removed."

• Tay...
• November 12, 2020

For Birth Control "Insertion of Kyleena is extremely painful and honestly inhumane. I learned in other countries, the insertion is completely different. In the U.S., you are not given pain medicine to take before or a cervix softener. During insertion, I screamed in pain and felt like I was going to throw up and pass out. They had me wait about 30 minutes after the insertion to leave. I definitely was not okay to drive home. Ladies, doctors really underestimate the pain with insertion. Do your research and advocate for yourself if you plan to get an IUD. I don’t want anyone to go through what I did."

• Kaw...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 22, 2013

For Birth Control "I have not had a single bad experience thus far with Mirena. I had it inserted about 10 months ago right after work. The whole procedure, start to finish, took about 15 minutes and was only slightly painful. It was done by a nurse practitioner, who was reportedly more experienced than any of the other physicians at the practice. Another ten minutes to catch my breath, and I rode my motorcycle home with no issues. I am in my early 20s and have never given birth. My periods immediately lightened up until they became virtually non-existent. Very little cramping, easily taken care of by ibuprofen. I can still maintain my intense workout schedule, lifting, cardio, abs, stretching included, with no fear of dislodging."