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Levonorgestrel and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 2)

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

Reviews for Levonorgestrel

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Anonymous
  • December 15, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Honestly, reading these reviews really helped me get through it so I promised myself I would write one too. I am 19, and it was probably the day after my period ended, around Nov 4th. My boyfriend and I were having unprotected sex, and he came in me. I didn't take the pill until 2 days later. I had every symptom. DO NOT GOOGLE ANYTHING, you will convince yourself you are pregnant like I did. Just remember, even though the symptoms are the same, they wouldn't show up so early. It's just a side effect of the pill. I was nauseous, cramping, had weird discharge, and about 4 or 5 days later, I had light spotting that I thought was implantation bleeding. My period was late, and at the same time, I started throwing up, I thought it was morning sickness. Two weeks after my missed period, I took a pregnancy test because they are most accurate 7+ days after your normal period, and it was negative. I was SO RELIEVED. Just now, almost 3 1/2 weeks later, I got my period. Just relax and don't think about it the pill definitely works."

10 / 10
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  • int...
  • August 28, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "DO NOT STRESS!!!! So, I took Plan B after the condom broke during sex, one day after my period (day 6 of my cycle). I took the pill about an hour after. Sometimes my period comes on day 21, so I wanted to be safe just in case I ovulated early. About 5 days after I took the pill, I started spotting (but kinda heavily) a dark brown color. That progressed into a decent amount of blood, enough to warrant a tampon. The bleeding lasted for about 3 days, but wasn't super heavy. I also had cramps for about an hour, but they were very light. I've taken Plan B twice before, and only had light bleeding one of those times. Some time passes, to about a week and a half before my period is supposed to come. I start feeling pain in my lower back, very light. I'm getting bored of writing this, to be honest, but I just got my period on day 31 of my cycle. DON'T STRESS!!!"

10 / 10
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  • Den...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 23, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena IUD inserted on Feb 4th. It took 5 mins to insert, and they used an ultrasound machine to ensure it was done correctly. I have an extremely high pain tolerance, but must say the insertion was probably the worst 5 mins of my entire life. The pain was ridiculous! After that, I had mild cramping for 24 hrs and light brown bleeding for 3 days. On the 4th day out of nowhere, I felt sick to my stomach and had horrible cramping pains. Lasted for 30 minutes. I was almost in tears, but it subsided with 800 mg of Advil and a hot water bottle. My period was supposed to start on Feb 14th, but I had brown spotting 3 days prior and am still menstruating! It's been 11 days straight; it's light but enough to need a panty liner or tampon. I'm exhausted, cranky, and frustrated. My next doctor appointment is on Mar 7th to check that the IUD is still in the same position. I'm thinking if I bleed all of March, I'm getting this thing taken out. I had no idea I'd bleed for this many days in a row."

3 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • HSF...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 20, 2015

For Birth Control "I was scared to get Mirena after reading all the horror stories, but got it anyways, and I'm liking it so far! I'm 20 years old with no kids. Cramping during insertion and off and on for a few days after, nothing unbearable. Skin has gotten better, and I've actually lost weight, but this might not have anything to do with Mirena. The only downside is I'm still spotting, but my doctor said it should be gone within a month or so. No pain during sex, and my boyfriend says he can't feel the strings either. Would definitely recommend! Don't let all the horror stories scare you."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

2 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • June 5, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "Took the pill an hour after unprotected sex (he did not withdraw, I am not on birth control). I had period-like bleeding 7 days after taking the pill, which I assumed was my period coming early, but it only lasted about three days. I began to experience my usual period symptoms 10 days later (mild cramping, general achy-ness), but no period. My symptoms got SIGNIFICANTLY worse in the next few days. Extremely sore breasts, moderate cramping (constant), very light spotting. I had taken the morning after pill one other time in the past and did not experience any of these symptoms, which made me EXTREMELY worried that it hadn’t worked this time. My period FINALLY started over a week later (symptoms continued even after period came). This pill affected me physically and mentally. I was extremely anxious and most of my symptoms were not normal for my cycle. I promised myself to never take this pill again (yes, symptoms were that bad. I was absolutely convinced that I was pregnant)."

10 / 10
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  • Bee...
  • February 5, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "• 1/21 unprotected sex, no withdrawal, 1-2 a.m. (thanks, Wine) • Checked period tracking app. It was day 1 of my ‘fertile window’. Took Plan B 12 hrs later. • Cycle is irregular, so unsure when I was ovulating. • 1/27 spotting, sort of brownish red quickly changed to light pink. Not heavy enough for a tampon. Googled & thought this could be implantation bleeding. • Sporadic spotting continues for 8 days. • 1/29 INCREDIBLY sore breasts, very tired, aching and cramping in back and hips. • Most of those things are standard for my body with PMS (minus the spotting). • 2/5 Aunt Flo has come. Period is early. And heavy. Definitely no longer spotting. 2 weeks stressed, convinced myself I was pregnant and symptoms were coinciding with that. I took 4 pregnancy tests. I lost sleep. I read like, 40 pages of reviews on this website. (What a psycho) Don’t be like me. Trust this medicine and your body."

10 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Win...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 23, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had Mirena inserted in January 2019. It is now February 2020. The thin brown spotting is constant every day. I’ve ruined every pair of underwear I own. I’m not sure how much weight I’ve gained...maybe 10-15 pounds. I’m constantly bloated. My skin looks ok but not as good as before...not broken out...just different. The only benefit from this thing has been birth control. I tried to give it a chance but have come to the decision to get it yanked. I’m 40 and will be considering a tubal ligation. I can't win with hormonal birth control!"

2 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • Nik...
  • May 31, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I chose Mirena because I was having heavy periods with severe cramping along with terrible acne and PMS symptoms. I am 27 years old and have never had children. I was very nervous before the procedure because of reading many terrible reviews. First off, placement was the most painful experience thus far. Not even exaggerating. I've got a very high pain tolerance, and I thought I was going to pass out. I left the office in some serious pain and cramping, and it continued for about a day. I spotted for about a week along with minor cramps. It's now been 2 months, and I have not had any spotting, cramping, or periods! My mood is better, and for the first time in 10 years, I haven't had any acne breakouts. Also, zero weight gain! I love Mirena, best choice ever."

9 / 10
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  • Rel...
  • August 7, 2014

For Emergency Contraception "I'm writing this for people who I know are probably trying to find relief in these reviews, and I did the same thing, so I'm going to offer my experience to help them out. My girlfriend and I had unprotected sex. I was nervous, so she took Plan B about 26-28 hours afterward, and then the terrible waiting began. Around day 7 and 8, she started spotting and cramping, and finally, on the 9th day, she got her period. So, relax, because this pill is very effective."

10 / 10
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  • jen...
  • April 30, 2008

For Birth Control "I'm 22, have never been pregnant, and had my Mirena inserted ~3 weeks ago. Other than some slight cramping during and some moderately worse cramping later that day and for a few days after (nothing pain killers can't handle) it's been great! I used to have really heavy, really painful periods (which is why I went with Mirena over the paragard) and though I was supposed to get my period the week after they put it in, I haven't had anything but super light, almost non-existent spotting."

9 / 10
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  • rai...
  • December 7, 2009

For Birth Control "It's now been three months since I had the Mirena IUD inserted, and I'm glad I went for it. The insertion was not painful, although measuring the cervix was. However, the pain went away real quick. I had lots of cramping and spotting for the first six weeks, and since I'm very sensitive, it made me a bit moody too. However, as it settles in, I'm loving the convenience and the no-worry assurance of birth control, and I'm very glad I got the Mirena. Read a lot of negative reviews before I went for my appointment, but I felt like it was the right thing for me, and I'm glad I trusted my instincts. If you're thinking of getting one, just know that there is an initial adjustment period, and things will get better if you just give it some time."

8 / 10
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  • Bur...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I had Mirena placed in on September 12, 2014. I just had my second child in July 2014 so the insertion was not painful! I liked the concept of having Mirena but now that I have it, I have not stopped bleeding since!!! I can't have sex ever because I am always spotting! It is just annoying!! I am really considering getting it removed! I would much rather have my period once a month than bleed every single day!!"

5 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • February 25, 2009

For Birth Control "I have been very happy with Mirena. It was inserted at my 6-week postpartum appointment. I was nervous but felt nothing. It felt like a Pap smear. I did have spotting for about 6 weeks after. I started a diet program two weeks after insertion, and I have lost 21 lbs in the last 6 weeks, so don't believe it when people tell you that they gained a whole bunch of weight after insertion. I have no complaints, and I would recommend Mirena to anyone."

10 / 10
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  • MiS...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been using Kyleena for almost two years now, and I haven’t had any complaints at all. The insertion went super smooth, it took about 3 minutes for the whole process. It didn’t hurt that bad either, it felt like one hard cramp, and then it was done. I didn’t get any cramps afterwards either. For the first two months, I had some spotting here and there and some acne, but now my periods are way lighter than they were before hopping on Kyleena, and they are a lot shorter too! My acne has also significantly improved to where my skin is almost always clear, except for a couple flare-ups here and there. Getting Kyleena was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I know there are a bunch of scary reviews out there, but there really are a lot more people with positive things to say than negative. The people that have had a good experience with it aren’t writing reviews, shoot, it took me almost two years to write one! Don’t be afraid, it’s always better safe than sorry!"

10 / 10
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  • Joa...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 9, 2020

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena inserted in July 2018. I had it inserted to help with heavy periods and cramping. Since having this Mirena inserted, I have not stopped spotting/bleeding the entire time. I may stop for a few days here and there but literally have been spotting or bleeding every day since July of 2018. I am now scheduling to have this taken out. It has been expensive with all the pads and tampons I have paid for the last 18 months. It’s not worth it."

1 / 10
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  • AWa...
  • July 28, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I promised I’d share my experience for anyone out there who is stressing! I had an unexpected hookup and trusted the guy who said he did not cum inside me. (Stupid, I know.) About 2 days after the hookup, I decided to just buy a Plan B pill to help ease my anxiety. I was STRESSED waiting for my period to come. Stay off the internet and do not freak yourself out. My period was late about 14 days with some light spotting in between. Now I am on my period full-blown, never been happier. Don’t stress, ladies, because that can prolong the wait for your period as well!"

10 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 14, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "Trust the pill!! I literally took it around 4 hours after the condom slipped and he came inside. This was a day before my ovulation. The next three days, I had very light pink spotting, and I thought this was ovulation spotting, as I always spot during ovulation, and I freaked out! After a few days, the worst cramps started. Backaches, abdominal pain, dizziness, and my boobs were SORE!! Experienced every single pregnancy symptom for three whole weeks!! The cramps were persistent, and I panicked so, so much! But my period came RIGHT ON TIME!! I’m so, so thankful and happy that it worked! Please don’t make the mistake of searching the internet, it will make you go crazy! Calm down and trust the pill, it works!!"

10 / 10
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  • Hap...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I've been on Liletta for a few weeks now. Insertion wasn't bad at all. My doctor warned me that I may feel a slight pinch and some cramping, but I didn't at all. She also warned me that everyone's different, and so are our periods. I'm typically a very heavy bleeder, but with this, I've spotted. Which, in my book, is a miracle. I've had no cramping, no mood swings, no negative thoughts. My man is well endowed, and neither of us feel the strings at all. My sex drive has gone up, and I couldn't be more happy overall. 6/17/2020 P.S. I would recommend a female doctor who also uses the same birth control so she can relate to you."

10 / 10
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  • Emi...
  • June 3, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "Okay, so I also said I was going to write a review if everything went well! I had sex on April 18th around 8 a.m., not to mention my period ended on the 15th of that month. The condom slipped off, so we weren’t sure if cum got inside of me. That day, I got the Take Action pill and took it at 11:45 p.m. I started spotting on the 25th until the 27th, it was slimy, and I had a bunch of clots. I was kinda scared because I started to Google stuff up, and it was a sign of pregnancy, so please don’t Google stuff! I had cramps, and I would get disgusted after I ate most of the time. Also, sometimes headaches. I also started to get really watery discharge. My period was 18 days late! I took a bunch of pregnancy tests from Clear Blue and 1st Response, so I wasn’t sure if the tests were just wrong, I was so paranoid. My period came on May 28th and ended on June 2nd. I also don’t recommend this pill. I've taken Plan B, and it never did this to me, making my period so late!"

5 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • May 21, 2009

For Birth Control "Had my Mirena inserted about 2 weeks ago. I am 22 and haven't had any kids. I wanted an alternative to the pill as I've been on it for 6 years. I have to say that I was pretty nervous after reading so many bad comments. I was on the 3rd day of my period and, for me, the insertion hurt like a couple of pinches and a really bad cramp that gave me all hot and made me nauseous. But it only took about 10 minutes, and then it was okay. The rest of the day I had fairly strong cramps but nothing unbearable. The next day I felt back to normal. My period lasted another couple of days and stopped like normal. Since then, I have had very minor spotting with an odd little cramp here and there. Very happy so far."

8 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • Car...
  • May 19, 2014

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I've had the Mirena for about 3 1/2 years. At first, I experienced bleeding for about 4-6 months with only a few days of not bleeding in between (like some have said). I got it inserted after I gave birth to my son. After those first months of bleeding passed, my periods became light and only lasted a few days. I love this because before I was a heavy, heavy bleeder! But recently, I've noticed way more acne, along with bleeding (spotting) every 2 weeks. Now all of a sudden, I had a heavy period again along with cramps and the same old stuff! I'm kinda scared because it has always worked extremely well for me! I wonder if all this is because it's getting closer to the 5-year mark! Can anyone relate?"

8 / 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.