Comparing Depo-Provera vs Kyleena

For Birth Control Honestly, I expected a lot worse with this shot. It’s pretty convenient. I understand a lot of people hate taking hormones and it doesn’t work well for them, but I’ve actually had an okay experience. No cramping AT ALL. For the first few shots I bled for weeks at a time but it was so light I didn’t need a pad. Now I have no periods. No mood swings either. My only complaint is odd joint pain every so often and I’ve gained 20 pounds since starting the shot! But honestly, Depo does what it is supposed to do.

For Birth Control I got the shot six weeks ago. About a week after I started to experience stomach problems, and had daily, painful diarrhea. After two weeks of on and off diarrhea my bowel movements backs solid but rare, and then after that I would experience a lot of gas after eating. All of my stomach problems stopped after five weeks. I also have been diagnosed depressed and haven't found the shot to make it any worse. I've also experienced a lot of binge eating on the shot but haven't gained weight. I used to have a very painful first day of my period (bad cramps, diarrhea, gas, vomiting) but once I experienced my period on the shot I just had cramps but no blood. Im not pregnant but my period has stopped completely.

For Birth Control So I got the Kyleena inserted in June 2017, and have had it for about a year. I was never good at taking a pill everyday and I am terrified of needles, so this seemed like the best choice. I spot once a month but never have a “real” period. I cramp if I’m in a squished sitting position for a long time like white water rafting or long car rides. The only downside is the severe mood swings, lack of sex drive, and the excessive weight gain. I’ve gained 25 lbs!!! I work out 4-5 times a week, which I started in April 2018, and have focused on what I am eating a little better with no luck in losing anything! Trying to decide if I should get it removed or keep it in.

For Birth Control During insertion, the speculum/measuring definitely felt like a mild cramp but the actual insertion of the IUD was about a 6/10 on the pain scale (did not take painkillers). For the rest of the day I felt moderate to severe cramps and bloating. I was also spotting. The spotting continued for about three to four weeks - improving in colour and amount week by week. The cramping stopped after maybe 3 - 4 days, improving drastically each day. I am on my 3rd month of the Kyleena now and everything has been great. I experience some bleeding sometimes during sex with my partner and he can feel the strings of the Kyleena (though he says that it does not hurt him). Make sure to check if the strings are still in place at least once a month. My periods are gradually getting lighter and the flow is so much better than it used to be (as someone who used to have quite severe periods). Cramps are very manageable and are usually only evident on Day 2 of my period.