Table of ContentsView All
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Table of Contents
How It Works
Effectiveness
Comparing IUDs
Removal
Side Effects
Safety
Cost
Frequently Asked Questions
This article will go over what you should know before getting the Kyleena IUD inserted. It explains what the IUD is (and is not) used for, Kyleena’s side effects and risks, and how the Kyleena IUD compares to other IUDs.
How a Kyleena IUD Works
The IUD contains 19.5 milligrams (mg) of levonorgestrel. It releases 17.5 micrograms (mcg) of the hormone per day, starting 24 days after it is put in.
How to Decide Which IUD Is Right for You
Reversible, long-acting contraception like the Kyleena IUD is over 99% effective. This means that out of every 100 people who use the Kyleena IUD in one year, less than 1 will become pregnant with typical use as well as with perfect use. The rate over five years is 98.6%.
The chance of pregnancy is very low while using Kyleena, but it can still happen. Most pregnancies in people using Kyleena happen because the device came out without them realizing it. If you get pregnant while your Kyleena IUD is still in place, contact your provider as soon as you realize that you’re pregnant. There arerisks of getting pregnant with an IUDin place.
What Happens If You Get Pregnant With an IUD?
Kyleenadoes not have a set weight limit and was tested on people at a range of weights.Studies on IUDs containing levonorgestrel, including Kyleena, have found no difference in pregnancy prevention effectiveness or side effects in people with overweight or obesity.
People Who Should Not Get Kyleena
Some people cannot get Kyleena or other types of IUDs, including:
While talking about IUDs with your provider, let them know if you have had an infection in your reproductive tract within the last three months.
You also need to tell your provider if you have had an infection before, during, or after an abortion (septic abortion), or postpartumendometritis(an infection of the mucus that lines your endometrium during pregnancy).
Can Kyleena Be Used for Emergency Contraception?IUDs cannot be used for emergency contraception after sexual intercourse.If you think you could be pregnant, tell your provider when you’re talking to them about birth control options.
Can Kyleena Be Used for Emergency Contraception?
IUDs cannot be used for emergency contraception after sexual intercourse.If you think you could be pregnant, tell your provider when you’re talking to them about birth control options.
How Soon Can I Get Pregnant After I Stop Using Birth Control?
Kyleena IUD vs. Mirena or Skyla
The Kyleena IUD works the same way as other IUDs, likeMirenaand Skyla. However, there are also some differences between these hormone-releasing IUDs.
Kyleena and Skyla IUDs are the same sizes—28 millimeters wide and 30 millimeters long. Both IUDs are smaller than Mirena, which is 32 millimeters wide and 32 millimeters long.
All three IUDs are highly effective birth control methods. Each one can be inserted into your uterus and can be removed at any time. Your fertility should quickly return once the IUDs are removed.
Advantages of Kyleena
Kyleena has some advantages over other forms of birth control, including other IUDs.
Disadvantages of Kyleena
Most people do not have any problems adjusting to an IUD, but you may have pain, bleeding, or dizziness during and/or after your Kyleena IUD has been put in.If these symptoms do not stop within 30 minutes after insertion, there’s a possibility that your Kyleena IUD was not inserted correctly. In this case, you should call your provider right away.
Some people have a backache or mild cramping for a few days after their IUD is placed. However, if these symptoms are not getting better after a few days or are getting worse, you should call your provider.
The Risks of Getting an IUD
You have a few options for having the Kyleena IUD inserted. You can choose to have Kyleena put in:
When it’s placed within these timeframes, Kyleena is effective immediately. You will not need to use any backup contraception.
However, if you have your Kyleena IUD inserted at any other time during your menstrual cycle, you will need to use another contraceptive method (such asspermicideor external or internal condoms) during the first week after having Kyleena put in. Pregnancy protection from the IUD will start after seven days.
The insertion and removal of an IUD can cause some discomfort and pain. Your provider might recommend taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever (such as ibuprofen) before you come in for IUD insertion or removal. However, since Kyleena is smaller than other IUDs, it might be less uncomfortable to have it put in and taken out than the others.
If you have or think you may have an infection in your uterus, you’ll need to wait for it to clear before you can get Kyleena inserted.
What Happens When You Get an IUD Put In?
You’ll need to have your Kyleena IUD removed after it’s been in place for five years, after which time it’s no longer as effective for preventing pregnancy.You can have another Kyleena IUD inserted when you go in to have your old one removed.
You can also have your Kyleena IUD removed at any time before the five-year use period ends if you decide that you want to get pregnant.
If you want to switch to a new birth control method and have continuous pregnancy protection after you stop using Kyleena, schedule your IUD removal during the first seven days of your period and immediately start using your new method.
If you have your Kyleena removed at any other time during your menstrual cycle, start your new birth control method at least seven days before having your IUD taken out.
If you have had sexual intercourse without using an external condom,internal condom, spermicide, orspongewithin five days before having your Kyleena removed, you could get pregnant once the IUD is out.
Side Effects of Kyleena
You may have side effects after having your Kyleena IUD inserted. Most of the time, these symptoms will go away after the first few weeks but some can last a few weeks. Changes to your period after an IUD could last for a few cycles (months).
Here are some of the most common side effects of the Kyleena IUD:
Does Kyleena Cause Ovarian Cysts?Ovarian cysts are diagnosed in about 22% of Kyleena users, but they usually disappear on their own within one to two months.
Does Kyleena Cause Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are diagnosed in about 22% of Kyleena users, but they usually disappear on their own within one to two months.
Can IUDs Treat Menstrual Cramps?
Does Kyleena Change Your Period?
During the first three to six months after your Kyleena IUD is inserted, you may have a higher chance of bleeding and spotting.Your period may become irregular, and/or your periods could be heavier or longer than usual.
Although breakthrough bleeding and spotting will most likely decrease within the first three months after you have Kyleena put in, your periods may continue to be irregular.
Over time, your periods will likely get shorter and lighter. The progestin in Kyleena thins your uterine lining, which means menstrual bleeding can decrease the longer your Kyleena IUD has been in place. Your periods may stop altogether. About 12% of people stop having periods after using Kyleena for one year.
Serious complications from using Kyleena are very rare. However, IUDs do come with risks such as:
Can Kyleena Come Out?
If your Kyleena IUD comes out on its own (expulsion), you probably won’t notice. That’s why it’s very important to regularly feel the area around your cervix to check for the IUD strings.Checking for the stringsis the only way for you to know that your IUD is still in place.
If your Kyleena IUD has become partially or fully expelled, call your provider right away and use a backup method of contraception. If the IUD has only come out part way, do not try to take it out yourself. Wait until you can see your provider and have it removed safely.
Your provider will most likely do a pregnancy test to make sure that you are not pregnant before they put in a new IUD.
How to Check Your IUD Strings
Does Kyleena Protect Against Sexually Transmitted Infections?
Kyleena does not protect againstsexually transmitted infections(STIs).While it will help prevent pregnancy, you still need to practice safer sex and use condoms to avoid STIs. That said, using Kyleena does not increase your risk for STIs compared to what your risk would be if you didn’t have an IUD.
Can Kyleena Cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
Having an IUD inserted may raise your risk of getting an infection of your reproductive organs (pelvic inflammatory diseaseor PID) in the first few weeks after it’s placed. However, this complication is rare.
You should not get Kyleena inserted if you currently have PID or if your provider thinks you might have it. If you’ve had PID in the past, talk to your provider about getting an IUD.
If you have symptoms of PID after IUD insertion—including persistent low abdominal pain, irregular bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, or sores in your genital area—tell your provider right away.
Can an IUD Cause Infertility?
Costs
Kyleena costs more than other forms of birth control. The exam, the Kyleena IUD, the insertion procedure, and follow-up visits can cost from $500 to over $1,000.
What to Expect When You Get Your IUD Taken Out
Summary
Kyleena is a hormonal IUD that releases a synthetic hormone called levonorgestrel into the uterus, which makes it nearly impossible for sperm to reach or fertilize an egg. Kyleena is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for up to five years.
Kyleena can have mild side effects, such as painful menstrual cramps, but they should go away within weeks. All IUDs, including Kyleena, also come with risks and are not right for everyone.
IUDs are also not meant to be used as emergency contraception. If there is any chance you could be pregnant, either before you get an IUD or while you have one, tell your provider right away.
Frequently Asked QuestionsKyleena should not cause weight gain or weight loss. Weight changes are not listed as a side effect of the Kyleena IUD.Acne or oily skin can be a side effect of IUDs, including Kyleena.
Kyleena should not cause weight gain or weight loss. Weight changes are not listed as a side effect of the Kyleena IUD.
Acne or oily skin can be a side effect of IUDs, including Kyleena.
Overview of the Liletta IUD
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