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Levonorgestrel and Pain: What Users Say (Page 5)

Brand names: Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, Plan B One-Step, Skyla, Julie, PostDay One-Step, My Choice, Take Action, My Way, Aftera, Option 2, Athentia Next, Morning After, Opcicon One-Step, New Day, Her Style, AfterPlan, EContra One-Step, AfterPill, Next Choice One Dose, Fallback Solo Curae SheWise Optionelle …show all brand names

Reviews for Levonorgestrel

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Lca...
  • July 25, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena placed December 26th, 2018. I have fibroids and the world's heaviest period. I was told this was going to help lighten, if not make my period go away, and shrink my fibroids naturally. In the last 7 months, I have had my period almost completely straight through the 7 months. It’s still very painful, the bleeding is lighter, yes, but it is NOT worth it if I am continually bleeding for months. The time when I would normally not be on it, I am spotting thick brown discharge. I’ve been told this is normal. As for the fibroids, they are still the same size. Just to add onto this, I have gained a ton of weight (I workout with a trainer every day), so this is very frustrating, and I have small acne hormonal bumps around my chin. I can’t wait to have this thing removed. This is a complete nightmare, I don’t recommend this to anyone."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • February 14, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the Liletta put in about a week ago. I was on my period when I had it put in. First, having it put in was the worst pain EVER! (And I have had 3 kids! And the last one was all natural). I screamed several times. Every time my doctor tried removing the inserter, the IUD would pull down, so she had to keep repositioning it. Finally, it stayed in place. I was very crampy for about an hour after, but then all the pain went away. I woke up the next morning, and my period had stopped altogether, and I should have had another 2-3 days left. I have had very mild cramps since, but nothing else. It’s like it’s not even there. Let’s hope it stays that way! I chose this because I have very heavy, painful periods."

10 / 10
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  • Hjo...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 2, 2014

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena inserted 7 months ago. I took 800 mg of Ibuprofen beforehand and experienced only minor pain upon insertion. I had some mild cramping throughout that day, but afterwards none. I still have fairly regular periods-every month, light bleeding with a little bit of cramping. I was told that after about 6 months my periods would probably disappear, but I'm still waiting for that to happen. No weight gain, acne, or change in mood or libido. I love it! Very satisfied."

10 / 10
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22 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Bri...
  • October 25, 2009

For Birth Control "I've had my Mirena since July 29, 2008. When I first got it inserted, I was a bit nervous because I was told that it was a little painful. I did feel a small pinch followed by a few minutes of what felt like menstrual cramps, but that was it. It has been over a year, and I still have periods, I didn't gain any weight, I even forget that I have it in. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a birth control that is low maintenance but effective."

10 / 10
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33 Report
  • hap...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 19, 2014

For Birth Control "22; getting married in August. I received my Mirena at the beginning of January 2014, and I am currently loving it! Like many of you, I did extensive research before deciding on a birth control. I decided to go through with Mirena, and having it inserted hurt REALLY BAD because I've never experienced something passing through my cervix. I turned white immediately and nearly passed out. I cramped for about two weeks, but used ibuprofen, and it was fine. My fiancé"

9 / 10
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31 Report

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  • VKB...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 6, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got Mirena to help with my endometriosis. The insertion hurt. I blacked out for a second. Horrific cramps for 1 day. My uterus bloated. I went from a flat tummy to looking 6 months pregnant. I bled lightly for about 5 months. My tummy would swell out of nowhere. I would have a flat tummy & an hour later it looked like I had a basketball in my tummy. I had cramps & swelling. BUT! After the first 4-5 months, everything has changed. Before Mirena, my endo made it so I couldn’t have sex, screamed with pain when I had my period, bled like crazy, pelvic floor pain regularly, period poops that were urgent & painful, my vagina & anus hurt. For the first few months, I had all that + the IUD side effects. My body adjusted & now I don’t bleed at all, no cramps, mild and sporadic pelvic pain, no gastrointestinal distress, vaginal intercourse is so much easier and enjoyable, and the tummy swelling has gone down. I thought I would have to have the IUD taken out during the 1st month, but I stuck with it and it has changed my life. I am so glad I got it."

9 / 10
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  • MB-...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 21, 2013

For Birth Control "I was lucky and was having another procedure done at the same time, so I was under anesthesia when they inserted mine, and I didn't experience the pain of insertion that some have described. My body is confused though, because I was supposed to start my period the week after, and I had just had a D&C for a biopsy (which was benign, yay!). So my body tried to have a period, I experienced intense, angry mood swings. I saw others had experienced that on Mirena. Very little bleeding, a little more intense cramping, but Advil took care of it. Mood swings passed after the first couple of days, now I am back to normal. You can feel the string if you search for it in there, but my partner doesn't notice it during intercourse. I will update in 6 months."

8 / 10
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26 Report

More FAQ

  • Lou...
  • July 6, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I was put on Mirena 9 months ago to help with my heavy periods and thickened womb lining. I found the insertion procedure very distressing and painful. Psychologically, I was a bit messed up for a few days because it felt like I had something alien inside me and was terrified that it would move position and damage me. My periods are a lot lighter, but they drag in for longer. I never know when I'm going to get one, but the current cycle is about 20 days. Because about 10 days of that is bleeding, I don't get much of a break. I'm unhappy with Mirena, but I worry about the alternative. I don't want ablation or hysterectomy, so is it best for me just to put up and shut up?"

4 / 10
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  • col...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm a 21-year-old college student, and I recently had my Mirena inserted for the first time. I was terrified from all the reviews I read beforehand, so I felt the need to share my experience. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen an hour before I saw my gynecologist, nonetheless, the insertion process was like getting a pap smear, only much, much worse since I've never had my cervix dilated before. Don't let this hinder you from getting it, it only lasted me 1-2 minutes, and being worry-free for the next five years is 100% worth the short-lived pain. Had it inserted Friday, and by Sunday, I was good as new. No pain, no spotting! And it's been this way for the last month :)"

10 / 10
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19 Report
  • col...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I tried pill after pill for 6 years, hated them all, whether it was bad skin or mood swings. Decided that I wanted to go as hormone-free as possible. As a 21-year-old, my doctor said that Skyla tended to have the best reviews from women my age. After reading all of the reviews, I was spooked, so I took a painkiller before. The doctor did not give me anything for anxiety or the pain. I ended up passing out twice during the insertion, and the next two days afterward were agonizing cramps. Thankful I had my boyfriend to take care of me. The rest of the first week was occasional sharp cramping. 6 weeks in, couldn't be happier! Appetite is smaller, skin is clearer, zero mood swings, high sex drive, normal periods. Well worth the initial pain."

10 / 10
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  • Mir...
  • March 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I have only had the Mirena a couple of days, but I really wanted to comment on the pain of insertion. Although it is a very, very uncomfortable type of feeling, it was NOT excruciating pain like some people had. I'm 26, have had no kids, and am overweight (if that helps). It is over with fairly quickly, no longer than a minute or two. I felt some intense cramping and a couple of pinches of pain, but the pain spread into just a bad cramp. Just breathe and you'll be okay. I got this put in because I was sick of breakthrough bleeding on the pill. I wasn't on my normal period when I had it inserted, but I was bleeding a fair amount. This made insertion easier."

9 / 10
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23 Report
  • Mar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 22, 2014

For Birth Control "I got Mirena inserted December 15, 2014, and I LOVE IT! I am 21 years old with no children. The insertion was very, very painful. I bled and cramped the day of the insertion and the day afterwards. So far, it's been one week, and I feel fantastic!"

10 / 10
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28 Report
  • mls...
  • January 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I love Mirena. I am 26 and never had kids before. I had my Mirena inserted 7 months ago, little pain when MD inserted. Little cramps, but it all went away. I have gained a few pounds. Overall, it is a great birth control."

9 / 10
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20 Report
  • KDu...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • November 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I am on my 2nd Mirena. I am 36 years old, no kids, and never want kids. The insertion was very painful, but tolerable. I did tear up a little from the pain, and I took deep breaths to help get through it. I love the Mirena. I did not gain weight from it, however, I am a runner. No acne, no abdominal pain. I am spotting brown, but that's normal after insertion for the first couple of weeks. I did not get my period the first time around, so I am hoping for the same this time. Not having a period for 5 years is amazing. This alone is worth the uncomfortable pain during insertion. Take 800 mg of ibuprofen 1 hour before, it helps a little bit. But you still feel it, it feels like the most painful cramping you can ever imagine. Ugh. Ps. #never been in labor."

10 / 10
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  • 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!"

10 / 10
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  • She...
  • July 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I received the Mirena in 2012 with slight pain and cramping for 3 days. It was well worth it because I never had another cycle, cramps, or mood swings during the duration of having the Mirena. 2017 arrived and it was time to replace my Mirena, but my insurance would not pay for a new one due to my provider changing. The cost was going to be $900.00 for removal and re-insertion. I did a lot of research and decided that I would keep my Mirena in for a few more years. I didn't want to switch to a cheaper BC and risk having a cycle again. I didn't want to pay for another Mirena because I wanted children in about 2 years. My Mirena was removed in May 2019 with no complications. I had the slightest spotting for a day. My cycle took 7 weeks before it resumed, and it was like I remembered it 7 years ago. I hope to have another Mirena put in after I have a child, it has been the best BC on the market for me."

10 / 10
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  • mia...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 2, 2013

For Birth Control "It was extremely painful getting this put in. I've had pain and cramps since on and off. Sex hurt at the beginning. Not so much now. My periods last for 2 weeks, and I get another one 2 weeks after that."

2 / 10
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  • Ste...
  • June 10, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena inserted on May 27th. Terrible pain, but only for a minute. My doc was quick and talked me through the procedure. Since the 27th, I have bled constantly. It is terrible. I have an extremely heightened sex drive, but the bleeding is getting in the way. My husband wants it out, he said I was better off without it. I have been very moody and tired. I also notice a weird odor, but no infection is present. Ugh."

3 / 10
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20 Report
  • Its...
  • March 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I was very skeptical of the IUD. I have heard horror stories and read many negative reviews. My advice is, do not listen to all the negative comments, everyone is different, and our bodies adjust differently. I spoke to my doctor about getting an IUD because I battled with the pill for too long. Between weight gain and an emotional roller coaster, I was just fed up, so we went with the Skyla. The procedure was painful, but the pain lasted for maybe 5 minutes. I did take ibuprofen an hour before, which I am sure helped. They said I would bleed for about 1 - 2 weeks, but my bleeding stopped the next day. It's been a week, and I am satisfied. I do feel bloated, but that is my only side effect. I will post a month follow-up, I hope this is helpful."

10 / 10
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  • 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!"

2 / 10
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10 Report
  • Rev...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the Mirena for almost a year. The doctor I had was amazing and explained it perfectly. Worse pain for about one second and a break, and then even worse pain for about 1 more second. You can seriously count to 1, and it's over. I am someone that got extreme cramps before, and my cramping was bad the first three months. I spotted and cramped and hated it! But my boyfriend (a doctor) told me to give it three months, then decide, so I did! And I'm very happy I did. My only concern is I've gained 45 lbs since the insertion. I'm not sure at this point why? Four months now, I have changed my diet and work with a personal trainer 3-5 times a week. Fingers crossed I get my body back!!"

8 / 10
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20 Report
  • Ano...
  • May 16, 2013

For Birth Control "I am a 40-year-old who has never given birth, and I had the Mirena placed 3 months ago to try to alleviate very heavy menstrual bleeding. The insertion was quite painful but only lasted a few hours. I did bleed for about a week afterward. I've had my period every month since, but I do not need to use tampons. I'm hoping that within the next 2-3 months, it will get even lighter. I still have some cramping, but nothing compared to before the insertion. I have read lots of comments with bad experiences, but I guess this is not for everyone."

7 / 10
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22 Report
  • Kit...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 23, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I got the IUD the first week of October. It definitely hurt to me (they dilate you as if you're giving birth, so if you haven’t given birth, this will hurt). I also didn't take medicine before I had it done. I have been on my period since October 14th, it is now November 22nd. They keep saying it’s “normal,” but I'm sick of it. However, I’ve been having unprotected sex and no baby."

5 / 10
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  • 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!"

2 / 10
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15 Report
  • 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."

1 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.