Changes To Your Period
During the first 3-6 months after insertion of your Kyleena IUD, you may have a higher chance of experiencing bleeding and spotting. Your period may become irregular, and/or your periods may be heavier or longer than usual.
Although breakthrough bleeding and spotting will most likely decrease within the first three months after insertion, your periods may continue to be irregular.
Over time, your periods will likely become shorter and lighter. Because the progestin in Kyleena thins your uterine lining, bleeding may decrease the longer your Kyleena IUD has been in place.
Your periods may stop altogether. About 12% of women stop having periods after using Kyleena for one year.
Will Kyleena Protect Me From Sexually Transmitted Diseases
No, Kyleena doesnt protect you from sexually transmitted infections , commonly referred to as sexually transmitted diseases . STIs are infections that pass from one person to another during sexual activity. Examples of STIs include chlamydia, herpes, and HIV.
To help prevent the spread of STIs, you should use a condom or other barrier method during sexual activity. For more information about staying protected from STIs, talk with your doctor.
Does It Protect Against Diseases
Just like the pill, Nuvaring, patch, shot, and all other hormonal birth control methods, it does not protect against any STIs. Hormonal birth control methods do not protect against STIs because they do not prevent skin to skin contact.
To protect against STIs, a barrier method of birth control has to be used, mainly the male or female condom, preferably the male condom because those are a bit more effective, at both protecting against STIs and pregnancy.
Unfortunately, there is no 100% efficient way to protect against STIs, but if the intercourse being had is not with someone who is clean, then its time to break out a barrier method, and insist they wear it, whether they like to or not. Sorry guys, we know that sometimes condoms lessen how good it feels, or so were told, but we prefer safety and less STI risk versus enhanced stimulation. Hope you understand!
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Important Things Women Need To Know About The Kyleena Iud
& nbsp Most women have had to discuss birth control and the options they have at some point in their lives. Generally, the main ones people know about are the pill, condoms, sometimes the Nuvaring
Most women have had to discuss birth control and the options they have at some point in their lives. Generally, the main ones people know about are the pill, condoms, sometimes the Nuvaring or the patch, and because of all the drama that has surrounded it, the Mirena IUD.
There are more options than those, but theyre not often well-known by a lot of people, and some people are literally shocked at the options there are available to them. But when it comes to IUDs, we think of Mirena, which is hormonal, and Paragard, which is copper-based.
Well, Mirena can move over, because theres a new hormone-based intrauterine lady entering the market, and her name is Kyleena! Yes, theres a new IUD, and many women may not have even heard of it yet. I didnt even know there were hormonal IUD options aside from Mirena have you heard of Liletta or Skyla? I hadnt either.
There can never be too many options for women who do not want to get pregnant. Kyleena is the first of its kind, it’s meant to offer 5 years of long-lasting protection to women who have never been pregnant.
But, what exactly is Kyleena? What risks are there? How good is it as birth control? Well, we hope to answer some of those questions right here.
Iud And Hormonal Acne: The Problem

Aside from the occasional blemish, my skin used to be clear. So, one morning as I stumbled to my sink in the throes of just-woken-up fuzziness and splashed my face with water, you can imagine my horror when my fingertips touched my chin and I was met with searing pain. It was a deep-beneath-the-skin insidious cyst that I swear had its own heartbeat like some sort of alien creature come to take over my face.
It finally went away, two weeks and one âoh my God what happened to your face?â later. But it would be far too soon before I once again felt the pain of another cyst lying in wait underneath my skin. These painful, unsightly blemishes kept popping up.
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Are Mirena And Kyleena The Same Thing
Mirena and Kyleena are forms of birth control that are hormone-releasing systems placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years.
Mirena is also used for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in women.
Side effects of Mirena and Kyleena that are similar include ovariancysts, abdominal/pelvic pain, headache or migraine, acne, breast tenderness or pain, heavier bleeding during the first few weeks after device insertion, depression, and changes in hair growth .
What Copper Iud Side Effects Should I Expect
The copper IUD has no hormones, so you dont have to deal with any of the risks or side effects that can sometimes happen with hormonal birth control methods.
But copper IUDs often cause more bleeding and cramps during your period, especially in the first 3-6 months. For many people, this gets better over time.
Paragard side effects can include:
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spotting between periods
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heavier or longer periods
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more or worse cramping during your periods
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pain when your IUD is put in, and cramping or back aches for a few days after
Over-the-counter pain medicine can help with IUD cramps. And the cramping and bleeding usually get better after a few months, once your body gets used to your IUD. You can keep track of any side effects you may be having with our birth control app.
Birth control shouldnt make you feel uncomfortable. If you have bleeding or pain that really bothers you, talk with your nurse or doctor. They may need to check and make sure your IUD is in the right place, or they might recommend a different method of birth control for you. Some people try a few different birth control methods before finding the right one for them.The copper IUD has been around for decades, and millions of people have used it safely, though there are some possible risks, like with any medical device. You can always call a nurse or doctor, like the ones at your local Planned Parenthood health center, if you have any concerns.
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Why Do Women Use Kyleena
Although Kyleena is first and foremost a type of hormonal contraceptive, there are other reasons why women use Kyleena. Kyleena can be used for the long term prevention of pregnancy , but it can also help women with heavy periods reduce the flow and pain associated with menstruation.
Some women who use Kyleena eventually stop having periods at all during the time that the IUD is in place. Kyleena is one of the most effective forms of birth control like other IUDs, it is more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.
Kyleena does not function as an emergency contraceptive and cannot prevent against infection of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
How Long Does Kyleena Last
Each Kyleena IUD is effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 5 years. It can remain inside your uterus for the maximum amount of time that its effective.
Your doctor can remove Kyleena from your uterus after its no longer effective or whenever youd like to stop using it within the 5-year period.
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Here Are A Few Reasons Why An Iud Could Be An Excellent Choice For You
What research has been done shows that hormonal IUDs fail just 0.2 percent of the time while the copper IUD fails 0.8 percent of the time. This means fewer than one out of 100 women will get pregnant each year when using an IUD. A lot of this comes down to the fact that IUDs are hard to mess up.
Birth control pills, on the other hand, have a failure rate that ranges from less than 1 percent with perfect use to 9 percent with typical use . So if youre worried about messing up your birth control, an IUD might be a good choice for you.
To put it simply, IUDs are one of the best methods of contraception that we have, Lauren Streicher, M.D., an associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, tells SELF. The only reversible contraceptive thats more effective than the IUD is the implant, which was found to have a 0.05 percent failure rate. That implant goes in your arm and can be used for up to three years.
Mirena and Kyleena are recommended for up to five years, Liletta is recommended for up to four years, and Skyla is recommended for up to three years. ParaGard, on the other hand, can be used up to 10 years. So if youre looking for long-term birth control , this could be a great option.
With methods like the pill, the ring, and the shot, you have to think about your birth control on a regular basis. But IUDs are different.
Iud And Hormonal Acne: The Results
The cyst treatment is no joke. The second I feel a blemish coming on, I pat a tiny bit of this on, and I keep applying throughout the day. I can’t rave about this magic concoction enough, it’s been the single best thing I’ve done for my breakouts.
In addition to following a routine that was a little more involved than my regular routine, in that it involves using face masks, I’ve also cut back on dairy. While it’s the hormonal imbalances from my IUD that are likely causing my cystic acne, you can never be too careful.
I woke up the other morning, took a look in the mirror and thought, Damn, girl, you look glowy. So yeah, you could say it’s working. At the end of the day, the benefits of my IUD outweigh the cons, but I am beyond relieved that I have a plan of attack to deal with my hormonal cysts.
This article was originally published on 10.13.2017
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What Side Effects Are Possible With This Medication
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- abdominal or pelvic pain
- painful menstrual periods
- spotting between periods
- symptoms of ovarian cysts
- vaginal discharge
Although most of the side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- expulsion of the device
- increased blood pressure
- migraine
- perforation of the uterus
- signs of a blood clot in the arm or leg or lungs
- signs of depression
- symptoms of a pelvic infection
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- signs of a serious allergic reaction
- signs of stroke
- symptoms of intrauterine pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage
Identifying The Symptoms Of An Iud Breakout

To get a deeper understanding of the link between acne and an IUD, we must learn to recognize whether a breakout is the outcome of an IUD.
One of the ways to do so is by looking at the location and condition of your acne. If you find acne formations around your chin and jaw, then IUD may be a contributing factor.
Another sign would be the development of cystic acne when you have no history of acne in the past.
It is claimed that if your breakouts are linked to the insertion of an IUD, then you may see a significant decrease in their severity over time. But, if you were already had acne pre-insertion of the IUD, then its severity will not change. It will still persist the way it was before. However, it is important to note that there is absolutely no scientific evidence to prove any of these claims.
Now, lets talk about how you can treat hormonal acne caused by an IUD.
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Is It Safe To Breastfeed While Using Kyleena
You may use Kyleena when you are breastfeeding. Kyleena is not likely to affect the quality or amount of your breast milk or the health of your nursing baby. However, isolated cases of decreased milk production have been reported. The risk of Kyleena going into the wall of the uterus or going through the uterus is increased if Kyleena is inserted while you are breastfeeding.
See Your Doctor If: You Feel New Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain and fever could point to pelvic inflammatory disease , which is usually caused by sexual contact and would warrant the removal of the IUD.
The IUD actually increases cervical mucus, which is a barrier for most of the organisms that cause PID to go inside the uterus, Kelly-Jones said. But any new onset pelvic pain needs to be evaluated.
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What Side Effects Are Associated With Kyleena
Hormonal IUDs like Kyleena do have some side effects, including both common and serious side effects. Some women may find certain side effects, such as reduced pain during menstrual periods, beneficial depending on how their body responds to the medication, while others do not.
Common side effects associated with Kyleena include:
- Yeast infection of the vagina and vulva
- Bacterial vaginosis, an infection of the vagina
- Vomiting
- Puncture of the uterus by the IUD
Are Kyleena And Mirena The Same
Both Kyleena and Mirena are IUDs that contain levonorgestrel and can be used for up to five years. The dose of hormones is different. Mirena contains a higher amount of hormone than Kyleena. Side effects are similar. Other hormonal IUDs include Skyla and Liletta.
You may have also heard of the Paragard IUD. Paragard is different from Kyleena and Mirena because it is a copper IUD and does not contain hormones.
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The Link Between Iuds And Acne
There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and non-hormonal . While Bieber didn’t specify which type she has, hormonal IUDs can indeed cause acne, even if someone has never battled breakouts before, says ob-gyn Felice Gersh, M.D., founder/director of the Integrative Medical Group and author of PCOS SOS Fertility Fast Track.
Hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy by releasing a very small amount of levonorgestrela chemical similar to progestin, which is a synthetic form of the sex hormone progesteroneeach day, explains Dr. Gersh. She describes levonorgestrel as an “endocrine disruptor,” meaning it changes the natural production and function of your body’s hormones to prevent egg fertilization, she says.
So, how can that lead to breakouts? “By altering the levels of your hormones, these IUDs can change how the body works in a multitude of ways, including creating a state of inflammation. Acne is an outward manifestation of inflammation,” explains Dr. Gersh. Essentially, the hormones in these IUDs can mimic the production of androgen sex hormones such as testosterone, potentially “leading to increased oil production, which may lead to breakouts,” says , a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
How Can You Get Rid Of The Side Effects Associated With Kyleena
While some women using Kyleena will experience very few side effects, others may experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms that make the device nearly intolerable.
It is believed that hormonal forms of contraception like the Kyleena IUD cause certain side effects because of interactions between the hormones and nutrients in the body, which cause a shift in biochemistry.
As nutrients are depleted, women experience imbalances in the body and undesirable symptoms. The World Health Organization has established that hormonal contraceptives like Kyleena can cause depletions of vitamins and minerals like folic acid, vitamins B2, B6, B12, C, and E, as well as magnesium, selenium, and zinc.
Fortunately, it is possible to avoid certain side effects of Kyleena with nutrient support. Managing your unique biochemistry is a balancing act, and women have different nutritional needs while using hormonal contraceptives like Kyleena.
When provided with therapeutic doses of certain vitamins, minerals, and mitochondrial antioxidants, side effects including low sex drive, weight gain, mood swings, headaches, and fatigue are less likely to occur.
Dietary supplements that address these unique needs, such as Even, can provide nutritional support and minimize the potential side effects associated with Kyleena.
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Compared To Other Iuds
The Kyleena IUD works the same way as both Mirena and Skyla. There are some differences between these three hormone-releasing IUDs. All three of these IUDs are highly effective birth control methods.
They are inserted into your uterus and can be removed at any time. Your fertility should quickly return once any of these IUDs are removed. So, let’s compare.
Kyleena |
||
Labeling states that Kyleena can be used whether or not a woman has had a child |
Labeling states that Mirena is recommended for women who have had at least one child |
Labeling states that Skyla can be used whether or not a woman has had a child |
12% chance of being period-free after 1 year |
20% chance of being period-free after 1 year |
6% chance of being period-free after 1 year |
Can cause periods to be lighter and shorter |
Can cause periods to be lighter. Due to the higher progestin level, this IUD is also FDA-approved to help treat heavy and painful periods |
Can cause periods to be shorter and lighter |