How does Kyleena prevent pregnancy. What are the common side effects of Kyleena. How long does Kyleena remain effective. How does Kyleena compare to other IUDs. What are the serious risks associated with Kyleena.

Understanding Kyleena: A Hormonal Intrauterine Device for Birth Control

Kyleena is an intrauterine device (IUD) designed to prevent pregnancy in females of reproductive age. This T-shaped plastic device is inserted into the uterus by a healthcare professional in a medical setting. As a hormonal form of birth control, Kyleena contains levonorgestrel, an active ingredient belonging to the progestin group of drugs.

How does Kyleena work to prevent pregnancy? While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it is believed to function through multiple pathways. The released hormones may:

• Thicken cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg
• Thin the uterine lining, potentially preventing implantation
• Inhibit ovulation in some cases

One of Kyleena’s key advantages is its long-lasting effectiveness. Once inserted, it can provide continuous pregnancy prevention for up to 5 years. However, if a user decides to discontinue its use, the device can be removed at any time by a healthcare professional.

Comparing Kyleena to Other Intrauterine Devices

In the realm of IUDs, Kyleena is not alone. Several other options are available, each with its unique characteristics and duration of effectiveness. Let’s compare Kyleena to some of its counterparts:

While Kyleena, Mirena, Liletta, and Skyla all use levonorgestrel as their active ingredient, Paragard stands out as a non-hormonal option. It relies on copper to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg. The choice between these IUDs often depends on individual needs, preferences, and medical history. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial in determining the most suitable option.

Common Side Effects of Kyleena: What to Expect

Like all medical interventions, Kyleena may cause side effects. It’s important to note that these can vary based on factors such as age, existing health conditions, and concurrent medications. Some of the more common mild side effects reported with Kyleena use include:

• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Headaches or migraines
• Acne
• Menstrual cramps
• Breast tenderness or pain
• Changes in menstrual bleeding patterns
• Irregular periods or absence of periods
• Hair loss
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Vulvovaginitis (inflammation of the vagina or vulva)

Are these side effects permanent? In most cases, these mild side effects tend to subside within a few days to weeks as the body adjusts to the device. However, if they persist or become bothersome, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider.

Serious Risks Associated with Kyleena: When to Seek Medical Attention

While serious side effects from Kyleena are uncommon, they can occur. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential risks and seek immediate medical attention if they arise. Some serious side effects that have been reported include:

• Mental health changes, such as depression or mood swings
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Perforation of the uterus
• Expulsion of the IUD
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Severe allergic reactions

When should you contact your healthcare provider? If you experience severe abdominal pain, unusually heavy bleeding, signs of infection (such as fever or chills), or sudden changes in your mental health while using Kyleena, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.

Kyleena and Weight: Addressing Common Concerns

One question that often arises among potential users is: Does Kyleena cause weight loss? While weight changes are not listed among the common side effects of Kyleena, it’s important to understand that individual responses to hormonal birth control can vary.

Some users may experience slight weight fluctuations due to fluid retention or changes in appetite. However, significant weight loss is not typically associated with Kyleena use. If you notice substantial changes in your weight after Kyleena insertion, it’s advisable to discuss this with your healthcare provider, as it may be related to other factors.

Kyleena Insertion and Removal: What to Expect

The process of inserting or removing Kyleena is typically quick and can be performed in a healthcare provider’s office. Here’s what you can generally expect:

Insertion Process:

1. Your healthcare provider will perform a pelvic exam to determine the position of your uterus.
2. The vagina and cervix will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
3. The Kyleena device is inserted through the cervix into the uterus using a thin tube.
4. The insertion tube is removed, leaving the IUD in place.
5. The strings attached to the IUD are trimmed.

Is the insertion process painful? Some women may experience cramping or discomfort during insertion, but this typically subsides quickly. Your healthcare provider may recommend taking pain relief medication before the procedure to minimize discomfort.

Removal Process:

1. Your healthcare provider will locate the IUD strings using a speculum.
2. The strings are gently pulled, causing the arms of the T-shaped device to fold upward.
3. The IUD is carefully removed through the cervix.

Can Kyleena be removed at any time? Yes, if you decide to stop using Kyleena or wish to try to conceive, the device can be removed at any point during its 5-year lifespan.

Effectiveness of Kyleena: Understanding the Numbers

Kyleena has been shown to be highly effective in preventing pregnancy. But just how effective is it? Clinical studies have reported the following pregnancy rates:

• Year 1: Less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women
• Year 5: Approximately 1.4 pregnancies per 100 women

What factors can affect Kyleena’s effectiveness? While Kyleena is generally very reliable, its effectiveness can be influenced by factors such as:

• Proper placement of the device
• Expulsion of the IUD (which may occur without the user’s knowledge)
• Certain medications that may interact with levonorgestrel

It’s important to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to ensure the IUD remains properly positioned and effective.

Kyleena and Fertility: Planning for the Future

For many women considering long-term birth control, concerns about future fertility are common. How does Kyleena impact fertility after removal?

The good news is that Kyleena does not have a long-term impact on fertility. Once the device is removed, fertility typically returns quickly. Many women are able to conceive within the first menstrual cycle after Kyleena removal.

However, it’s important to note that individual experiences may vary. Factors such as age, overall health, and any underlying fertility issues can influence how quickly conception occurs after IUD removal.

If you’re planning to conceive in the near future, when should you have Kyleena removed? It’s generally recommended to have the IUD removed when you’re ready to try for pregnancy. There’s no need for a “waiting period” after removal before attempting to conceive.

Choosing Kyleena: Considerations and Consultations

Deciding on the right form of birth control is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. When considering Kyleena, it’s important to weigh its benefits against potential risks and your individual health needs.

What factors should be considered when choosing Kyleena? Some key points to discuss with your healthcare provider include:

• Your medical history, including any uterine abnormalities or previous pelvic infections
• Your desire for long-term, reversible contraception
• Your comfort level with a hormonal method of birth control
• Your plans for future pregnancies
• Your tolerance for potential side effects
• Any medications you’re currently taking that might interact with Kyleena

Is Kyleena suitable for everyone? While Kyleena is safe and effective for many women, it may not be the best choice for those with certain medical conditions, such as:

• Current or past breast cancer
• Uterine or cervical cancer
• Liver disease
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Certain uterine abnormalities

Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and perform necessary examinations to determine if Kyleena is a suitable option for you.

Living with Kyleena: Practical Tips and Advice

Once Kyleena is inserted, there are several things you can do to ensure its effectiveness and your comfort:

Checking the Strings:

It’s recommended to check the IUD strings regularly, especially after your period. How do you check the strings? Gently insert a clean finger into your vagina and feel for the thin threads near your cervix. If you can’t feel the strings or if they feel longer or shorter than usual, contact your healthcare provider.

Managing Side Effects:

If you experience mild side effects, there are several strategies that may help:

• For cramping or abdominal pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers or applying a heating pad may provide relief.
• For irregular bleeding: Keep a menstrual diary to track patterns. This can be helpful information for your healthcare provider.
• For acne: Consider using over-the-counter acne treatments or consult with a dermatologist if the acne is severe.

Sexual Activity:

Kyleena does not interfere with sexual activity. Neither you nor your partner should be able to feel the IUD during intercourse. If you or your partner can feel the device, contact your healthcare provider as it may have shifted position.

Protection Against STIs:

It’s crucial to remember that while Kyleena is highly effective at preventing pregnancy, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you’re at risk for STIs, using condoms in addition to Kyleena is recommended.

By following these tips and maintaining regular communication with your healthcare provider, you can maximize the benefits of Kyleena while minimizing potential discomfort or complications.

Kyleena and Hormonal Balance: Understanding the Impact

As a hormonal IUD, Kyleena releases small amounts of levonorgestrel into your system. How does this affect your overall hormonal balance?

Unlike some other forms of hormonal birth control, Kyleena primarily works locally within the uterus. The amount of hormone that enters the bloodstream is relatively low compared to birth control pills or injectable contraceptives. This localized action often results in fewer systemic side effects.

However, some women may still experience hormonal effects, which can include:

• Changes in mood
• Breast tenderness
• Skin changes (such as acne)
• Alterations in menstrual patterns

Does Kyleena affect ovulation? While Kyleena may suppress ovulation in some women, especially in the first year of use, this is not its primary mechanism of action. Many women using Kyleena continue to ovulate regularly.

If you have a history of hormonal sensitivity or concerns about hormonal effects, it’s important to discuss these with your healthcare provider. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks based on your individual health profile.

Kyleena in Special Populations: Considerations for Specific Groups

While Kyleena is suitable for many women of reproductive age, there are some special considerations for certain populations:

Adolescents:

Is Kyleena safe for teenagers? Kyleena has been approved for use in adolescents who have started menstruating. It can be an excellent option for young women seeking long-term, reversible contraception. However, as with all medical decisions for minors, parental involvement and thorough discussion with a healthcare provider are important.

Postpartum Women:

When can Kyleena be inserted after childbirth? Kyleena can typically be inserted as early as 6 weeks after delivery, whether the birth was vaginal or via cesarean section. For women who are breastfeeding, it’s important to note that small amounts of progestin from Kyleena can pass into breast milk, but this is not known to have harmful effects on infant growth and development.

Perimenopausal Women:

Can Kyleena be used during perimenopause? Kyleena can be an excellent option for women approaching menopause who still need reliable contraception. It can help manage heavy menstrual bleeding, which is common in this life stage, while providing effective birth control.

Women with Certain Medical Conditions:

Are there medical conditions that preclude Kyleena use? Women with certain conditions, such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or a history of ectopic pregnancy, should discuss the potential risks and benefits of Kyleena with their healthcare provider. In some cases, Kyleena may actually help manage symptoms of these conditions, while in others, alternative methods may be more suitable.

For all these groups, individual assessment and consultation with a healthcare provider are crucial in determining if Kyleena is the right choice.

Uses, Alternatives, Side Effects, and More

If you’re looking for a birth control option, your doctor may recommend Kyleena.

Kyleena is an intrauterine device (IUD). It’s used to prevent pregnancy in females* of any age who can become pregnant.

* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Kyleena basics

The Kyleena IUD comes in the form of a T-shaped piece of plastic. A healthcare professional inserts it into the uterus. The procedure will take place in a healthcare facility or a doctor’s office. The Kyleena IUD helps prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years after insertion.

Kyleena is a kind of hormonal birth control. It contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) This medication belongs to a group of drugs called progestins.

At this time, the Kyleena IUD is not available as a generic.

Keep reading to find out more about this birth control option.

The Kyleena intrauterine device (IUD) is used to prevent pregnancy in females* of any age who can become pregnant. This IUD comes in the form of a T-shaped piece of plastic. A healthcare professional inserts it into the uterus. The procedure will take place in a healthcare facility or a doctor’s office.

Pregnancy can occur when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg, which then implants in tissues lining the uterus.

Kyleena is a kind of hormonal birth control, which means it releases hormones into your body to prevent pregnancy. It contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

It’s unknown exactly how levonorgestrel prevents pregnancy, but it’s thought to work in multiple ways. For more information, see the “What are some frequently asked questions about Kyleena?” section below.

In studies, Kyleena was shown to be effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 5 years. If you decide to stop using Kyleena, you can have the IUD removed at any time. To continue using Kyleena, it will need replacing every 5 years.

If you’d like to learn more about this IUD’s effectiveness, such as reported pregnancy rates, talk with your doctor.

* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Kyleena and Mirena are both intrauterine devices (IUDs) used to prevent pregnancy. Examples of other IUDs that are available include:

• Paragard
• Liletta
• Skyla

Kyleena, Mirena, Liletta, and Skyla are types of hormonal birth control. This means that they release hormones into your body to prevent pregnancy. The active ingredient for all of these IUDs is levonorgestrel. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

Paragard is a copper IUD that uses copper to prevent a sperm cell from fertilizing an egg.

How long each of these IUDs is effective differs, as described in the table below.

For more information about how Kyleena compares to Mirena and Liletta, see this article. To find out which IUD might be the best birth control option for you, talk with your doctor.

Kyleena may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that Kyleena may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of Kyleena can depend on:

• your age
• other health conditions you have
• other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Kyleena. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects that Kyleena can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Kyleena’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Kyleena that have been reported include:

• belly or pelvic pain
• headache or migraine headaches
• acne
• cramps
• breast pain or tenderness, which may include sore nipples
• increase in vaginal bleeding or brown discharge
• having no periods or irregular periods
• hair loss
• nausea
• dizziness
• vulvovaginitis (swelling of the vagina or surrounding area)
• mild allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Kyleena can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Kyleena, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Kyleena that have been reported include:

• mental health changes, including depression
• severe infections of the vagina or pelvis
• tears in the wall of the uterus
• ovarian cysts
• IUD breaking or being expelled from (falling out of) the uterus
• ectopic pregnancy,* which occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to an area of the body other than the uterus
• severe allergic reaction†

* For more information, see the “What should be considered before using Kyleena?” section.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Kyleena.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Kyleena. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Kyleena.

How long does Kyleena last?

For preventing pregnancy, studies have shown the Kyleena intrauterine device (IUD) to be effective for up to 5 years. If you want to continue using Kyleena after that time, you’ll need to have your IUD replaced with a new one.

If you’re planning a pregnancy or would like to stop using Kyleena, your doctor can remove the IUD at any time.

For more information about how long a Kyleena IUD lasts, talk with your doctor.

Can Kyleena cause weight loss or weight gain?

No, you should not experience weight loss or weight gain from using Kyleena. In studies of the IUD, weight changes were not reported as side effects.

Studies of the active ingredient in Kyleena, levonorgestrel, suggest it may increase the risk of weight gain. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) But these studies included other forms of levonorgestrel, such as birth control pills.

Other hormonal birth control options, including the Mirena IUD, have been shown to cause weight gain.

If you notice any unexpected changes in your weight while using Kyleena, talk with your doctor. They can determine what may be causing your weight change and the best ways to manage it.

How does Kyleena work?

It’s unknown exactly how Kyleena works to prevent pregnancy.

But it’s thought that the active ingredient in Kyleena, levonorgestrel, works in multiple ways to prevent pregnancy, including:

• thickening mucus in the cervix, which slows sperm down, making it more difficult for the sperm to reach the egg for fertilization
• decreasing the ability of sperm to fertilize the egg or to survive in the uterus
• thinning the lining of the uterus to make it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant

If you have questions about how Kyleena may work, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Kyleena IUD removal cause any side effects?

The removal of a Kyleena IUD can cause side effects, such as vaginal pain and bleeding. These can also happen when the IUD is inserted.

Other reactions to the insertion or removal procedure include fainting, low heart rate, and seizures. But these are not common.

A healthcare professional will need to remove the Kyleena IUD. When they remove the IUD, they will monitor you for any side effects.

If you’re concerned about side effects that may occur when you have a Kyleena IUD removed, talk with your doctor.

Can I take Plan B with a Kyleena IUD inserted?

If you have a Kyleena IUD inserted, you shouldn’t need to take Plan B.

Plan B is an emergency contraceptive. This means it’s used to prevent pregnancy after sex without birth control. Kyleena is effective for preventing pregnancy, so you would not need to use Plan B with it.

One exception is if your Kyleena IUD has been displaced or expelled (fallen out). In this case, your doctor might recommend using Plan B or another emergency contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.

If you think your Kyleena IUD has displaced or fallen out, contact your doctor immediately. For more information about when you might need an emergency contraceptive, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Before using the Kyleena intrauterine device (IUD), talk with your doctor about any other medications you take or medical conditions you have. This will help them determine if Kyleena may be a safe and effective birth control option for you.

Interactions

Using a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

Before using Kyleena, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Also, describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Kyleena.

For information about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings” section below.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

There currently aren’t any medications or supplements known to interact with Kyleena. But this doesn’t mean drug interactions with Kyleena won’t be recognized in the future. For example, new medications may be approved that interact with Kyleena.

For this reason, you should still tell your doctor and pharmacist about any medications or supplements you take. This way, they can check for any new interactions while you’re using Kyleena.

Warnings

Kyleena may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These are known as drug-condition interactions. Other factors may also affect whether Kyleena is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before you use Kyleena. Factors to consider include those in the list below.

Conditions that affect the shape of your uterus. Large uterine fibroids and other conditions that affect the shape of the uterus can increase the risk of side effects from Kyleena. For example, a tear in the uterus wall could occur during Kyleena insertion. In addition, a uterus with an irregular shape may increase the risk of Kyleena being expelled (falling out). As a result, the device would not work to prevent pregnancy.

If you have any conditions that may affect the shape of your uterus, tell your doctor before having Kyleena inserted. Your doctor can let you know if Kyleena may be an effective form of birth control for you.

Pelvic or vaginal infections. Kyleena may increase the risk of pelvic or vaginal infections. If you already have such an infection, Kyleena may worsen it. Before using Kyleena, tell your doctor about any pelvic or vaginal infections you have. They’ll likely recommend treating the infection before you start using Kyleena.

Hormone-related cancers. Kyleena may worsen already existing hormone-related cancer, including certain kinds of uterine cancer, cervical cancer, or breast cancer. It may also increase the risk of such cancer coming back. If you have or have had any hormone-related cancer, tell your doctor before using Kyleena. Due to these risks, your doctor likely won’t prescribe this IUD.

Uterine bleeding with no known cause. If you have uterine bleeding with no known cause, your doctor may recommend a different form of contraception for you. They’ll also try to determine what may be causing your bleeding to occur.

Liver problems. Kyleena wasn’t studied in people with liver problems. So it’s unknown what effects the IUD may have on people with such problems. Before using Kyleena, tell your doctor if you have any liver conditions. Depending on your condition, they may recommend a different birth control option for you.

Recent childbirth or abortion. Recent childbirth may increase the risk of a tear in the wall of the uterus during Kyleena insertion. Also, Kyleena isn’t recommended for people who developed endometriosis after childbirth or had a septic abortion (which involves a uterine infection) in the past 3 months. If you’ve recently given birth or had an abortion, tell your doctor before using Kyleena.* They’ll discuss with you whether it’s safe for you to use Kyleena.

A current IUD. You should not have Kyleena inserted if you currently have an IUD in place. Before having Kyleena inserted, a healthcare professional will need to remove the existing IUD.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Kyleena or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Kyleena. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Severe headaches or migraine episodes. Kyleena may cause severe headaches or migraine episodes. If you have migraine or experience severe headaches, this medication may worsen your condition. Before using Kyleena, tell your doctor if you have either condition. They may monitor you more often for migraine episodes or severe headaches. Or they may recommend a different birth control option for you.

High blood pressure, blood clots, or heart conditions. It’s possible that Kyleena may increase the risk of high blood pressure and blood clots. If you have a history of either condition or heart problems, tell your doctor before using Kyleena. This will help them determine whether Kyleena may be a safe method of birth control for you.

Immune system conditions. Kyleena may increase the risk of certain infections, such as infections of the vagina or pelvis. If you have a weakened immune system, you may have an increased risk of these infections. Before using Kyleena, tell your doctor about any immune system conditions you have. They’ll let you know if it’s safe for you to use Kyleena.

* If you do not feel comfortable telling your doctor about a recent abortion, contact the Repro Legal Helpline to discuss abortion laws and patient confidentiality in your state. You can use a secure online form or call 844-868-2812 for this purpose.

Kyleena and alcohol

There aren’t any known interactions between Kyleena and alcohol. But Kyleena and alcohol can cause some of the same side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, or headache. Consuming alcohol while using Kyleena can increase the risk of these side effects.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to do so while using Kyleena.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Below is information on using Kyleena during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Pregnancy

The Kyleena IUD is used to prevent pregnancy. You should not use this device if you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Using Kyleena during pregnancy may increase the risk of pregnancy loss, infection, or early labor or delivery. Congenital disabilities (also known as birth defects) in a developing fetus may also occur if the device is used during pregnancy.

If you notice any pregnancy symptoms when you’re using Kyleena, take a pregnancy test or contact your doctor right away. Symptoms of pregnancy may include:

• nausea or vomiting
• missed period
• trouble sleeping
• swelling or tenderness of your breasts
• weight gain

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using Kyleena. If you become pregnant while using Kyleena, they may recommend removing the IUD. Or they may suggest that they monitor your pregnancy more often.

If you would like to become pregnant but have a Kyleena IUD inserted, make an appointment with a healthcare professional to have the IUD removed. You can have it removed even if it’s been in place less than 5 years.

Ectopic pregnancy

Kyleena may increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. With an ectopic pregnancy, a fertilized egg develops in the fallopian tubes or outside the uterus. This can be life threatening.

If you develop symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy while you’re using Kyleena, contact your doctor or go to an emergency room right away. Symptoms to watch for include belly or pelvic pain, bleeding, and dizziness.

Breastfeeding

Kyleena has not been studied to determine if the drug it contains passes into breast milk.

In studies of other IUDs, levonorgestrel, the active ingredient in Kyleena, was found to pass into breast milk. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) But no side effects were reported in children breastfed by females* using IUDs containing levonorgestrel.

Levonorgestrel may decrease the amount of breast milk produced. In addition, breastfeeding females may have an increased risk of developing a tear in the uterus when having Kyleena inserted.

If you’re interested in breastfeeding while using Kyleena, talk with your doctor to see if it’s safe to do so.

* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Kyleena that’s right for you. Below is the commonly used dosage for Kyleena.

Note: Your doctor may recommend that you take a pregnancy test before having Kyleena inserted. This is to make sure that you’re not pregnant before using Kyleena.

Form

Kyleena comes as an intrauterine device (IUD). This IUD is a T-shaped piece of plastic that a healthcare professional inserts into the uterus in a healthcare facility or doctor’s office.

Recommended dosage

After the Kyleena IUD is inserted, the drug it contains is slowly released each day for 5 years. If you want to continue using Kyleena after that time, a healthcare professional will replace the inserted IUD with a new one.

How long does Kyleena take to work?

How long Kyleena takes to work depends on whether you used birth control previously and in what form. It may also depend on where you are in your menstrual cycle when you have the IUD inserted. The drug in the IUD will begin working right away. But it may take up to 7 days before it’s effective at preventing pregnancy.

If you’ve recently given birth or had an abortion, talk with your doctor about when to start using Kyleena and how long it may take to work.

On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that secured a person’s constitutional right to an abortion.

This means that individual states can now decide their own abortion laws. Many states will ban or severely restrict abortion access, and more states may follow suit.

The information in this article was accurate and up to date at the time of publication, but it’s possible the information has changed since. To learn more about your legal rights, you can message the Repro Legal Helpline via a secure online form or call 844-868-2812.

Previously using no hormonal birth control

If you were not using hormonal birth control before having Kyleena placed, your doctor will likely recommend inserting the Kyleena IUD during the first 7 days of your menstrual cycle. In this case, you will not need to use backup birth control, and Kyleena will begin working right away.

If you have Kyleena inserted outside of this time frame, it’s recommended that you use a barrier method of birth control for 7 days. Condoms are an example of this kind of birth control.

Switching from birth control pills, patches, or other hormonal birth control

If you’re switching from birth control pills, patches, or a vaginal ring, you can have Kyleena inserted at any time. Your doctor will likely recommend continuing your other form of birth control for 7 days after the IUD is in place.

Switching from birth control injections

If you’re switching from Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone), a birth control injection, you can have Kyleena inserted at any time.

If you have Kyleena inserted more than 3 months after your last injection, you should use nonhormonal birth control, such as condoms, for 7 days.

Switching from another IUD or implant

If you switch from another IUD or an implant, such as Nexplanon (etonogestrel), a healthcare professional will implant the Kyleena IUD after they have removed your old IUD or implant. In this case, you won’t need to use backup birth control.

The Kyleena intrauterine device (IUD) is a T-shaped piece of plastic that a healthcare professional inserts into your uterus. This usually takes only a few minutes.

Your doctor will explain the process. They’ll also likely discuss side effects that you may have and how often you need to have Kyleena replaced.

Kyleena placement

Before you start using Kyleena, your doctor may recommend a physical exam and testing for infections. They may also recommend a pregnancy test to be sure that you’re not pregnant.*

When placing the IUD, a healthcare professional will have you lie on an exam table. They’ll use a speculum to see into your cervix and clean the area.

Your healthcare professional will then place the IUD into your cervix using an inserter that comes with the device. Next, they’ll release the IUD in the correct position and remove the inserter. After inserting the IUD, they’ll cut attached threads to a certain length. These threads are used to remove the IUD. Removal should be done by a healthcare professional.

For more information about Kyleena placement, see the manufacturer’s website.

It’s possible to experience certain side effects from Kyleena insertion and removal, including vaginal pain and bleeding. In addition, certain reactions can occur during these procedures, such as fainting, low heart rate, or seizures. But these reactions are rare.

If you have pain or cramping after having Kyleena inserted, tell your doctor. This may indicate that the device was not correctly positioned and may need adjustment.

* If you’re pregnant, your doctor will not prescribe Kyleena. For more information, see the “What should be considered before using Kyleena?” section above.

Using Kyleena with other birth control

Kyleena is a form of hormonal birth control that’s used to prevent pregnancy. It’s effective at preventing pregnancy, so you should not need to use other forms of birth control with it.

In addition, you shouldn’t need to use an emergency contraceptive, such as Plan B, with Kyleena. One exception is if your Kyleena IUD has been displaced or expelled (fallen out). In this case, your doctor might recommend using Plan B or another emergency contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. If you think your Kyleena IUD has been displaced or fallen out, contact your doctor right away.

Note that Kyleena does not work to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To help prevent contracting an STI, you can use certain barrier methods with Kyleena, such as condoms.

If you have questions about using other birth control methods together with Kyleena, talk with your doctor.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about Kyleena and your treatment plan. It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:

• Before your appointment, write down questions, such as:
  • How will Kyleena affect my body, mental health, or lifestyle?
• Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable.
• If there is anything you don’t understand about using Kyleena, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.

Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. To find current prices for Kyleena in your area, visit WellRx.com.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have insurance, you may be eligible for the manufacturer’s copay savings program. There is also financial assistance available if you do not have insurance. See the manufacturer’s website or call 844-695-9533 for more information.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Before you have Kyleena inserted, ask your doctor any questions that you may have about using it. This can help you decide whether it’s a good birth control option for you. Here are some examples:

• How should I prepare for my appointment to have Kyleena inserted or removed?
• Do my other medications increase my risk of side effects from Kyleena?
• What should I do if I become pregnant while I’m using Kyleena?
• Is Kyleena the best form of birth control for me?

If you want to learn more about other birth control options, check out these articles:

• Your Guide to Birth Control Pills: Types, Effectiveness, and Safety
• Your FAQs: What Is Nonhormonal Birth Control?
• How Effective Is Each Birth Control Method?
• How to Find the Best Birth Control Method for Your Lifestyle

For more information about birth control, see the Healthline birth control hub.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Side effects and what to do about them

Kyleena (levonorgestrel) is a brand-name intrauterine device (IUD) that’s prescribed to help prevent pregnancy. It’s a form of birth control. As with other drugs, Kyleena can cause side effects, such as headache.

Kyleena comes as an IUD, a small flexible device that your doctor inserts into your uterus. Kyleena’s active drug, levonorgestrel, belongs to a drug class called progestins. The drug isn’t available in a generic version.

Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects of Kyleena. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Kyleena can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Kyleena in clinical trials:

• abdominal pain
• pelvic pain (pain below the abdomen)
• acne
• headache, including migraine
• ovarian cysts (fluid-filled sacs on an ovary)
• vulvovaginitis (swelling or infection of the vagina or vulva)

Mild side effects can occur with Kyleena use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Kyleena’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Kyleena include:

• abdominal pain
• pelvic pain (pain below the abdomen)
• acne
• headache, including migraine
• vulvovaginitis (swelling or infection of the vagina or vulva)
• breast pain or tenderness
• hair loss
• menstrual cramps or painful periods
• nausea
• vaginal bleeding or discharge
• dizziness*
• changes in periods†
• mild allergic reaction†

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Kyleena and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* Dizziness can occur during Kyleena placement and for about 30 minutes afterward. To learn how Kyleena is placed, refer to this article.
† For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Kyleena may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Kyleena’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Kyleena, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

• Depression. Symptoms can include:
  • loss of interest in activities you enjoyed previously
  • irritability
  • sadness that doesn’t go away
• Ovarian cysts (fluid-filled sacs on an ovary). Ovarian cysts typically don’t cause symptoms, but they may be severe in some cases. Symptoms can include:
  • abdominal pain
  • pelvic pain (pain below the abdomen)
  • painful sex
• Pelvic infection, which can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. Symptoms can include:
  • fever
  • painful sex
  • pelvic pain
  • unexplained vaginal bleeding
  • vaginal discharge with a foul odor
• Ectopic pregnancy or intrauterine pregnancy.*
• Expulsion.*
• Perforation.*
• Severe infection or sepsis.*
• Severe allergic reaction.†

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Kyleena. However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Kyleena may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Are there side effect reviews for Kyleena?

It’s not clear whether there are side effect reviews for Kyleena. However, the manufacturer’s website presents stories by people who have used Kyleena.

If you’d like to know more about side effect reviews for Kyleena, talk with your doctor. They may be able to share information about Kyleena side effects that they have seen in their practice.

Can Kyleena cause long-term side effects, including side effects after 1 year or 3 years?

Based on clinical trials, Kyleena may cause mild but long-term side effects, such as changes in your period.*

In the first 6 months of use, changes in your period can include irregular bleeding, frequent bleeding, and bleeding longer than usual. These side effects often ease after using Kyleena for 1 year. They may ease further after 3 years of use.

However, after 1 year, you may bleed less often or not at all (amenorrhea). These changes in your period may persist or occur more regularly after 3 years. Any side effects related to changes in your periods are likely to stop after you stop using Kyleena.

If you’re concerned about long-term side effects with Kyleena, talk with your doctor about them. They’ll help determine whether Kyleena is right for you.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Is weight gain a side effect of Kyleena?

No, weight gain isn’t an expected side effect of Kyleena. Weight changes, including weight gain, weren’t reported by people in clinical trials.

However, Kyleena is a form of hormonal birth control. And weight gain has been reported with some other hormonal birth control drugs. (Kyleena contains levonorgestrel, which is a type of hormone called a progestin. )

If you’d like to learn more about weight gain and Kyleena, talk with your doctor. If you experience weight gain while using Kyleena, your doctor can help determine the cause.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Kyleena may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Kyleena.

Changes in periods

Some people reported changes in their periods in clinical trials of Kyleena. Some common changes include having:

• spotting between periods
• heavy periods
• irregular periods
• less frequent periods or less bleeding during your period
• no period at all

In the first 6 months of using Kyleena, irregular periods, heavy periods, or spotting between periods is more likely. With longer Kyleena use, these changes in your period tend to decrease, but your period can still be irregular. After 1 year of using Kyleena, you may stop having a period. In clinical trials, some people stopped using Kyleena due to irregular periods or problems with their periods.

What you can do

If you’re concerned about changes in your periods, talk with your doctor about your options. If you stop having periods completely, be sure to tell your doctor. They’ll likely have you take a pregnancy test to determine whether you’re pregnant.

Ectopic pregnancy or intrauterine pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy and intrauterine pregnancy rarely occurred in clinical trials of Kyleena. With an ectopic pregnancy, a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.

Note that pregnancy can occur with Kyleena because no form of birth control is 100% effective. (The exception is abstinence, which is not having sexual intercourse.)

Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include:

• cramping on one side
• light vaginal bleeding
• nausea or vomiting
• pelvic pain (pain below the abdomen)
• lower back pain

With an intrauterine pregnancy, a fertilized egg implants inside the uterus, as it’s supposed to. However, if Kyleena is left in place during pregnancy, there’s a risk of pregnancy loss, sepsis, and preterm labor and delivery. Removing Kyleena during pregnancy also increases the risk of pregnancy loss.

What you can do

An ectopic pregnancy can be life threatening. If you have symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, you should tell your doctor right away. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

If you become pregnant or think you are while using Kyleena, you should tell your doctor. They’ll likely order a pregnancy test. If you’re pregnant, your doctor can advise next steps, such as removing the device. For more information, see the “Pregnancy and breastfeeding with Kyleena” section below.

Expulsion

Expulsion was rare in clinical trials. With expulsion, Kyleena has moved out of place or has come out of your body. If this happens, Kyleena won’t be effective in helping prevent pregnancy.

In some cases, expulsion doesn’t cause symptoms and you may not know it happened. If symptoms occur, they typically include:

• vaginal bleeding
• lower abdominal pain
• pelvic pain
• lower back pain

What you can do

If you notice an increase in the amount of blood with your period, tell your doctor. It could be a sign that Kyleena is no longer working because it isn’t inside your uterus. Your doctor will likely order imaging exams, such as ultrasound or X-ray, to determine whether Kyleena is in place. If you aren’t pregnant, your doctor may recommend inserting another Kyleena device.

Perforation

There were rare reports of perforation in clinical trials of Kyleena. A perforation is a hole or tear. This can happen if Kyleena gets stuck in the wall of the uterus or cervix. In some cases, Kyleena can go all the way through the wall.

Perforation may or may not cause symptoms. If symptoms occur, they can include pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding.

What you can do

If you have new or worsening pain or bleeding, tell your doctor. They’ll determine whether Kyleena is the cause of your symptoms. If you have a perforation, your doctor may recommend surgery to fix it.

Severe infection or sepsis

Severe infection leading to sepsis can occur after inserting Kyleena. This rarely occurred in clinical trials. Sepsis is a life threatening reaction to a serious infection.

Symptoms of sepsis can include:

• chills
• confusion
• fast heart rate
• fever
• severe pain
• trouble breathing

What you can do

If you have symptoms of sepsis, seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs and devices, Kyleena can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials. Kyleena is a small, flexible device known as an intrauterine device (IUD). It contains the active drug levonorgestrel. Either the drug or the device can cause an allergic reaction.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

• skin rash
• itching
• flushing
• swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep using Kyleena. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Kyleena. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Kyleena or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it. Ask your doctor what other forms of birth control may be better options for you.

Blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. The active drug in Kyleena may increase the risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. However, clinical trials haven’t confirmed this. To be safe, tell your doctor if you’ve ever had any of these conditions. They’ll help determine whether Kyleena is right for you.

Breast, cervical, or uterine cancer. The active drug in Kyleena could increase the growth of certain cancers that are sensitive to hormones. Due to this risk, you should not use Kyleena if you have or have ever had cancer of the breast, cervix, or uterus. (These cancers tend to be sensitive to hormones.)

Before using Kyleena, be sure to tell your doctor about any cancers you’ve had. They’ll advise whether Kyleena is right for you. They may also recommend another form of birth control.

Breastfeeding. The risk of perforation* with Kyleena insertion is higher in people who are breastfeeding. Perforation is a serious side effect of Kyleena. Due to this risk, be sure to tell your doctor if you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so. Your doctor may recommend waiting until you’re no longer breastfeeding to insert Kyleena. They’ll also determine the best time to insert Kyleena.

For more information, see the “Pregnancy and breastfeeding with Kyleena” section below.

High blood pressure. The active drug in Kyleena may increase the risk of high blood pressure. However, clinical trials haven’t confirmed this. If you have high blood pressure or develop it while using Kyleena, tell your doctor. They may suggest another form of birth control.

Immune system problems. If you have immune system problems, your risk of developing serious infections with Kyleena may increase. This includes severe infection or sepsis.*

Due to this risk, doctors typically won’t prescribe Kyleena to people with a condition that affects their immune system, such as leukemia. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your risk of infection before using Kyleena. They’ll help determine whether Kyleena is safe for you.

Liver disease or tumors. The active drug in Kyleena can cause liver damage in some people. Due to this risk, doctors don’t prescribe it to people who have liver disease or a liver tumor of any kind. Be sure to discuss your history of liver problems with your doctor before using Kyleena. They’ll help determine whether it’s the right birth control for you.

Pelvic, vaginal, or cervical infection. Infection of the pelvis, vagina, or cervix can increase the risk of developing another infection with Kyleena. Due to this risk, doctors typically won’t prescribe Kyleena if you have or have recently had any of these infections. Be sure to talk with your doctor about the risk of infection before using Kyleena. They’ll help determine whether it’s safe for you. They can also recommend another form of birth control.

Pregnancy. Kyleena is not meant to be used during pregnancy. For details about pregnancy and Kyleena, see the “Pregnancy and breastfeeding with Kyleena” section below.

Problems with the position or shape of the uterus. It can be more difficult for doctors to insert Kyleena into a uterus that has an unusual shape or position.† This can also increase the risk of expulsion* or perforation* with Kyleena.

Due to these risks, doctors don’t recommend Kyleena for people with conditions that may affect the shape or position of their uterus. An example is fibroids. So, tell your doctor if you’ve ever been told you have an unusually shaped uterus.

Recent birth, miscarriage, or abortion. The risk of expulsion or perforation is higher in people who’ve recently given birth or had pregnancy loss or abortion. Due to this risk, doctors typically suggest waiting 6 weeks after any of these events before inserting Kyleena.† In some cases, they may recommend waiting 3 months before insertion. Your doctor will determine the best time to insert Kyleena based on your specific circumstances.

Unexplained uterine bleeding. Your doctor won’t recommend Kyleena if you have uterine bleeding. Before using Kyleena, be sure to tell your doctor if you’re experiencing unusual or irregular bleeding. This may include irregular periods or vaginal bleeding between periods. Your doctor will help determine the cause and recommend treatment options. They can also advise using another form of birth control.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effect specifics” section above.
† Kyleena is a small, flexible device known as an intrauterine device (IUD). Your doctor or other healthcare professional inserts the IUD into your uterus. To learn more about how it’s placed, refer to this article.

Alcohol with Kyleena

There aren’t any known interactions between alcohol and Kyleena. However, alcohol can cause some of the same side effects as Kyleena, such as headache and nausea. So, consuming alcohol during Kyleena use could make these side effects worse.

If you drink alcohol and have concerns about side effects with Kyleena, talk with your doctor about it. They can help determine whether Kyleena is right for you. Depending on your situation, they can also suggest other forms of birth control without these side effects.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding with Kyleena

Below is information about pregnancy and breastfeeding while using Kyleena.

Pregnancy with Kyleena

Kyleena isn’t safe to use during pregnancy. It’s a form of birth control to help prevent pregnancy. So Kyleena is not meant for use during pregnancy. Your doctor will confirm that you aren’t pregnant before inserting Kyleena.

If you become pregnant while using Kyleena, tell your doctor right away. This is because keeping the IUD in place during pregnancy increases the risk of pregnancy loss and other serious problems.

If you become pregnant while using Kyleena, your doctor may try to remove the device. However, removing Kyleena may cause pregnancy loss. So, if your doctor can’t remove Kyleena, they’ll discuss the benefits and risks of continuing the pregnancy.

If you’d like more details about the possibility of pregnancy with Kyleena, talk with your doctor. You can also read this article.

Note: Pregnancy can occur with Kyleena because no form of birth control is 100% effective. (The exception is abstinence, which is not having sexual intercourse.)

Breastfeeding with Kyleena

During Kyleena use, it’s possible for a small amount of the active drug to pass into breast milk. However, clinical trials haven’t reported any negative effects in children who are breastfed. Keep in mind that breastfeeding at the time of Kyleena insertion increases the risk of perforation.*

Be sure to talk with your doctor if you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so. They’ll advise whether Kyleena is safe to use while you’re breastfeeding. They can also recommend other forms of birth control that may be safer for you.

* To learn more about this serious side effect, see the “Side effect specifics” section above.

Kyleena has some common side effects, most of which are mild and temporary. However, serious side effects are possible. If you’d like to learn more about Kyleena, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

• More information about Kyleena. For details about other aspects of Kyleena, refer to this article.
• Drug comparison. To learn how Kyleena compares with Mirena and Liletta, read this article.
• A look at birth control. For details about birth control, see our women’s health hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Does the intrauterine device affect weight gain

Intrauterine devices remain one of the most effective methods of female contraception. According to statistics, every tenth resident of Russia chooses the IUD to protect against unwanted pregnancy. Despite the great popularity of such contraception, many women are afraid to put an intrauterine device because of the many misconceptions associated with it. Consider one of the most common myths about whether it is possible to get better after installing an intrauterine device and what effect the contraceptive has on weight.

Does the intrauterine device affect weight?

Today, official medicine does not have sufficient scientific evidence that could explain the effect of the IUD on weight, and whether a woman can recover after its installation. According to the results of studies already carried out, scientists have not found any effect of the intrauterine device on weight gain.

A strong evidence base requires a large study that uses two groups of women for comparison. In this case, the first group will be given real intrauterine devices, and the other – the so-called “pacifiers”, which do not have a contraceptive effect, but are similar in design to intrauterine contraceptives. Such placebos are often used in pharmacological research to test new products.

In order to study the effect of the IUD on weight, as part of the study, patients are not allowed to tell which IUD will be inserted when inserting an IUD. Therefore, most women, having learned about a placebo, refuse to participate in the experiment due to the high risk of unwanted pregnancy.

Only one study has been published online on the effect of intrauterine devices on weight, conducted by a representative of the medical organization KaiserPermanente. M. Kwok’s experiment involved 111 women of reproductive age with similar clinical indicators and demographic conditions. Half of the participants in the study on the effect of IUDs on weight used copper-containing models, and the rest used hormonal coils.

The experiment lasted two years and helped to reveal a curious fact: in both groups, women after the installation of the intrauterine device did not recover, but, on the contrary, lost weight. Patients with metal-containing IUDs for the first year after installation lost weight, on average, by 1% of their body weight, and with hormonal ones – by 1.07%. During the second year of IUD use, weight loss rates dropped to 0.84% ​​and 0.86%, respectively. For scientists, such an effect of intrauterine contraceptives on female weight was an unexpected discovery and showed that it is impossible to recover from the IUD.

Considering the problem of excess weight in general, scientists emphasize that a woman can gain weight for a variety of reasons. Hormonal failure, the consequences of serious illnesses, psychological problems, a genetic predisposition to excess weight, etc. can have an impact. And the intrauterine device in all these cases has no effect on weight gain and cannot be the reason that a woman has recovered.

However, patients who have recovered rarely take into account all these factors when visiting a doctor, believing that the change in weight is caused by taking birth control pills or inserting an intrauterine device. Some at the reception report that they have recovered, others, on the contrary, complain of weight loss. In fact, a woman can get better sooner due to the natural process of increasing the volume of adipose tissue in the female body. Other reasons may also affect weight.

According to scientists, the risk of getting better when using intrauterine devices, including hormonal models, is minimized. IUDs with levonorgestrel do not affect the hormonal background, because. after installation, the hormone is secreted in small doses. The drug acts only in the uterine cavity, helping to slow down ovulation and thicken the cervical mucus. A negligible dose of the hormone enters the bloodstream, the concentration of which does not affect metabolism. When taking birth control pills, the likelihood of recovering is much higher.

Some studies have also shown that a woman can get better after getting married or starting a life together with a man. In these cases, the insertion of an IUD often coincides with changes in the patient’s life, so it may not affect the change in weight.

The effectiveness of intrauterine devices

Compared to other methods of protection, this type of contraception has a high contraceptive effect. Subject to the rules of setting, the effectiveness of the IUD reaches 99%. The indicator is calculated on the basis of the Pearl index, which takes into account the average number of conceptions in a hundred patients under the influence of various contraceptives.

Intrauterine devices can also be used for emergency contraception. If you insert an IUD within five days of having unprotected sex, then the chance of an unwanted pregnancy will be minimized. According to statistics, metal-containing spirals are more effective in emergency contraception than special hormonal pills, due to the influence of which the risk of gaining weight increases.

Unfortunately, IUDs do not provide adequate protection against sexually transmitted diseases, so doctors recommend inserting a coil for women who are confident in the health of their sexual partner. In other cases, it is better to use barrier means of protection.

Pros and cons of intrauterine contraception

Coils, like any other method of contraception, have their advantages and disadvantages. Some patients are completely suitable for intrauterine contraception, while others refuse the IUD due to complications and health effects.

Main advantages of intrauterine devices:

• high efficiency;
• long-term protection against conception;
• no effect on weight and low risk of gaining weight;
• rapid recovery of fertility after extraction;
• economy;
• emergency contraception;
• lack of daily control.

The disadvantages of intrauterine contraception include:

• influence on the menstrual cycle;
• device expulsion probability;
• lack of protection against STIs;
• risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and other complications.

Side effects

Women often complain about an increase in the duration of menstruation after inserting an intrauterine device. For many menstruation becomes more abundant and painful. This side effect is usually caused by metal-containing IUDs. Hormonal spirals have the opposite effect – a few months after installation, they lead to a decrease in the volume of menstrual flow and the removal of painful spasms.

Insertion of an intrauterine device increases the risk of infection of the pelvic organs. If after the procedure the patient has cramps, fever, pain in the lower abdomen, chills or breathing problems, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.

In some women, the intrauterine device may move or fall out of the uterine cavity after insertion. This increases the risk of an unplanned pregnancy, so if you suspect an IUD expulsion, you should visit your attending gynecologist. The doctor will fix the coil or install a new one. Before taking it is recommended to use additional contraceptives.

In rare cases, due to incorrect actions of the doctor during the installation of the helix, a puncture of the uterine wall may occur. Perforation is usually accompanied by profuse uterine bleeding, severe pain, and may require surgery.

Weight Management Guidelines

Women can gain weight during pregnancy, postpartum, and as they age. Psychosomatic causes are also considered an important factor influencing weight, which lead to overeating, hormonal imbalance, etc. You can also get better due to a sedentary lifestyle, malnutrition with a deficiency of protein and fiber.

Genetic predisposition also influences weight gain. In this case, a person can get better without any reason due to the influence of genes responsible for completeness. Scientists have proven that in overweight couples, children are also prone to obesity and can get better.

In order to avoid problems due to weight gain and not gain weight, it is important to eliminate the factors that affect it. The only way to stay in shape is to change your lifestyle and diet. In order not to get better, doctors recommend:

• Do not exceed your calorie intake. Their daily volume is calculated based on sex, weight and activity. A small calorie deficit reduces the risk of gaining weight and helps maintain normal weight.
• Eat a balanced diet. Diet should include sufficient fruits/vegetables and protein.
• Avoid stress. Psychological problems often affect appetite, leading to overeating. In order not to get better, it is important to monitor the psycho-emotional state.
• Go in for sports. Physical activity has a big impact on weight. To do this, it is not necessary to go to the gym, it is enough to adhere to an active lifestyle. In order not to get better, experts recommend that women walk, bike, morning jog or swim.

In order not to gain weight, it is also important to observe the sleep and wakefulness regimen. Sleep deprivation often leads to increased appetite, so try to get at least eight hours of sleep a night.

Benefits of buying in the VSEPESSARY.RU online store

Summing up, intrauterine devices remain one of the most reliable and effective methods of preventing unplanned pregnancy with a low risk of getting better. We offer a wide range of intrauterine contraceptives that are safe for health and do not affect weight. Our consultants are always ready to help in choosing a product and placing an order. Delivery is carried out in a convenient way for you throughout Russia and the CIS countries.

Author of the article:

Klimovich Elina Valerievna

obstetrician-gynecologist

More than 20 years of work experience

Lose weight with the Mirena coil: mission feasible? Boson Higgs

We are almost the same height as you))) I am 159. I looked like a boar with this weight. .

Thank you for your support!

Aug 27, 2013 11:48 AM

#3

Aug 27, 2013 12:04 AM

#4

Higgs boson 900 03

all people gain weight sometimes, especially closer to 30 (I’m 29). At the same time, the Internet is full of stories of women who gained these same 6-8 kg in the first year of mirena. Too many matches. But like I said, don’t worry. They will go away in time.

Aug 27, 2013 12:34

#5

Aug 27, 2013 12:39

#6

Guest

Who knows about the Multiload spiral? Doesn’t she gain weight?

August 27, 2013 1:54 pm

#7

I didn’t gain weight. I had 5 years. Now for the 2nd time I put Nova T. Also with weight, everything is fine.

August 28, 2013 10:59 am

#9

September 19, 2013 09:51 am

#10

11 October 2013, 18:01

#11

Join a Weight Loss Support Group (WLC)

Feb 13, 2014 1:53 PM

#12

June 29, 2014 09:2 4

#13

September 22, 2014 , 11:06

#15

March 26, 2015, 00:31

#16

May 04, 2015, 05:05 901 32

#17

11 May 2015, 18:37

#18

August 03, 2015, 09:00

#19

03 Oct 2015 00:37

#20

03 Oct 2015 00:44 9 0003

#21

December 05, 2015, 13:32

#22

05 Dec 2015 13:33

#23

26 Feb 2016 09:47

002 Vika

Girls tell me if there can be a result from mirena or all the same another reason and you have to sound the alarm. Mirena was installed 10 months ago. For no apparent reason, I lost 7 kg, although I had tried different diets and body wraps before. Nothing helped to lose weight even a little. And now I eat everything in a row, I gorge myself at night and I get the opposite result.

mastiff

how can I get better when I am 51kg with a height of 150

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March 20, 2016 10:31 am

#25

March 20, 2016 1:36 pm

#26

April 16, 2016, 18:58

#27

Higgs boson

Do not forget to moisturize the skin well in problem areas, and even close to stretch marks. I talked to my “gynecologist” about extra kilos, and what a connection with mirena. She told me that there is no connection, and all people sometimes gain weight, especially closer to 30 (I’m 29). At the same time, the Internet is full of stories of women who gained these same 6-8 kg in the first year of mirena. Too many matches. But like I said, don’t worry. They will go away in time.

May 10, 2016, 04:17 PM

#28 03

231 answers