#kyleena iud

[thelumberjackhag]

TMI probably:

I had one shot of vodka and took out my IUD myself last night. Wild how easy that was.

That's female empowerment lol

Anyone else feel anxious and have to pee all the time with the hormonal IUD? I feel like it was putting pressure on my bladder or something.

[recoveryfrommyself]

about to have my iud removed. I can’t wait but I’m nervous at the same time - I’m scared the removal will cause another hormonal storm that will fuck me up even further. I’m removing it after 6 months because it turned out to be an effective contraceptive option for all the wrong reasons - it caused me to bleed for 2 weeks of every cycle and made my previously nonexistent pmss absolutely violent and lasting at least a week. I’m also afraid to lose more hair - iud is definitely the culprit here and nothing seems to help. funnily enough, I booked an obgyn appointment for the day when I was supposed to have my period, but guess what, it’s not happening. I’ve been sitting at home, completely lethargic, swollen, depressed and unable to feel any positive emotions. it kinda helps when I remember it’s just my dumb hormones make me feel this way and it will pass, but at the moment I’m so goddamn frustrated and just want this hormone emitting wire out of me

[harrysuze2021]

 Navigating IUD Insertion: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Choosing the right birth control method can be a daunting decision for many individuals. Among the array of options available, intrauterine devices (IUDs) stand out as highly effective, long-lasting contraceptives with minimal maintenance. Whether you're considering a Mirena IUD insertion, a copper IUD insertion, or exploring options like Kyleena IUD insertion, understanding the process and knowing what to expect can alleviate anxieties and empower informed decision-making.

Understanding IUDs: 

Before delving into the insertion process, it's crucial to grasp the basics of intrauterine devices. IUDs come in two primary types: hormonal and non-hormonal (copper). Hormonal IUDs, such as Mirena and Kyleena, release progestin to prevent pregnancy, while copper IUDs rely on copper's spermicidal properties. These devices offer long-term contraception, lasting from 3 to 10 years, depending on the type.

Preparing for Insertion: 

Preparation is key to a smooth IUD insertion experience. Firstly, schedule the procedure during your menstrual cycle, preferably when bleeding is light. This can help ease discomfort during insertion. Communicate any concerns or medical history with your healthcare provider beforehand, ensuring they have all relevant information to tailor the procedure to your needs.

What to Expect During Insertion: 

During the IUD insertion, your healthcare provider will begin by conducting a pelvic exam to assess the position and size of your uterus. After cleaning the cervix and surrounding area, a specialized instrument is used to gently open the cervix for insertion. While discomfort may be experienced, the procedure is typically brief, lasting only a few minutes.

For hormonal IUDs like Mirena or Kyleena, the device is inserted through the cervix into the uterus, where it releases a steady dose of progestin. Conversely, copper IUDs are hormone-free and work by releasing copper ions that are toxic to sperm, preventing fertilization.

Managing Discomfort: 

It's normal to experience cramping and spotting following an IUD insertion. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort, while a heating pad may provide additional relief. Light bleeding and mild cramps can persist for several days to weeks post-insertion as your body adjusts to the device.

Follow-Up Care: 

After IUD insertion, follow-up appointments are essential to ensure proper placement and address any concerns. Your healthcare provider may schedule a check-up to confirm the IUD's position via ultrasound and address any lingering discomfort or questions you may have.

Copper IUD Removal: 

For individuals with a copper IUD, removal is a straightforward procedure typically performed during a routine office visit. Your healthcare provider will gently grasp the IUD strings with forceps and carefully withdraw the device from the uterus. Minimal discomfort is common, and most individuals resume normal activities immediately afterward.

Mirena IUD Removal: 

Similarly, Mirena IUD removal is a quick and simple process conducted by a healthcare professional. The device's strings are located and gently pulled to remove the IUD from the uterus. Some individuals may experience mild cramping or spotting during removal, but these symptoms typically subside quickly.

The IUD Clinic:

Your Go-To Destination When considering IUD insertion or removal, choosing the right healthcare provider is paramount. The IUD Clinic offers specialized care and expertise in contraceptive management, ensuring a comfortable and informed experience for individuals seeking long-term birth control solutions. With a focus on patient-centered care, the IUD Clinic prioritizes your comfort, safety, and satisfaction throughout the entire process.

Conclusion: Navigating IUD insertion and removal can be a transformative step towards long-term contraception and reproductive autonomy. By understanding the process, preparing adequately, and seeking care from reputable providers like the IUD Clinic, individuals can embark on their contraceptive journey with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, informed decisions and open communication with your healthcare provider are key to a positive experience with intrauterine devices.

[wyrmhorde]

Okay so this is day 4 after my IUD insertion here's my experience so far if you're considering it

I got Kyleena for a variety of reasons. Doc said it's best for people who have not given birth before because it's slightly smaller.

Ymmv, ofc

But. Was not as painful as I was expecting. The doctor laughed when I told her this. The whole procedure took like 5 minutes and the actual painful part was like 15 seconds so it was pretty easy to just white knuckle through.

Felt mildly nauseous, went home and slept it off and came up fine. Only had to take 1 round of otc ibuprofen.

The worst part is that I cannot poop, and that is causing worse cramps. I have also been told not to take a bath because of infection risk with everything being kind of open atm, and that's how I would normally soothe this. I am told that it is from the drug they gave me beforehand (misoprostal) to open up the cervix. Part of it is also that I'm a little scared to push too hard, but a lot of it is that I'm very constipated.

I was on day 1 when they inserted it, and so normally I would be having a period right now, but it appears to have gone on pause? Just a bunch of spotting. Not sure how long that will last or if the actual period will ever come back but tbh if this was just it for the next 5 years that would be fine. Annoying but very manageable

[frameacloud]

Image description: A screenshot of a TikTok video. One of several things framed on a wall is an actual intrauterine device (IUD). It's upside down. It's a tiny T-shaped device, less than two inches long, with a curled string tied on the end. An inscription in the frame says, "Kyleena. 2017-2022. Protector. Lover. Friend." (Kyleena is a brand name of an IUD. The years are how long it was used.) A TikTok comment is visible above it, addressed to yaz.thehuman, saying, "The frame is just... I just... thank you." Description ends.

[frameacloud]

A Masterpost About Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)

During the upcoming presidency, it is likely that people in the US will lose many options that keep them from getting pregnant (contraceptives). The right-wing Project 2025 is against birth control pills, abortion, emergency contraception, and the government-provided health insurance ("Obamacare," Medicaid, and Medicare) that helps people afford these.

If you or your partner are concerned about the possibility of losing access to those options soon, you can ask your doctor or Planned Parenthood about getting a Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC). The two kinds of LARCs are IUDs and the implant. If you get a LARC right now, it can protect you for years, without you having to do anything to maintain it. A LARC isn't permanent, so you can get rid of it if you later decide that you're ready to have a baby.

Hormonal Intrauterine Device: 3, 5, or 8 years of protection, depending on brand

An IUD is a T-shaped object that a nurse or doctor puts into your uterus. It's tiny, just a little more than an inch. The procedure for getting an IUD isn't surgery, it lasts just a few minutes, and it goes much better if you ask for an anti-anxiety medicine and the right type of painkiller.

Hormonal IUDs work because they slowly release progestin. That's the main hormone in birth control pills. Like pills, they can make your periods get lighter or stop, which is helpful for people who need to get rid of cramps and PMS.

Of the brands of them in the US, the FDA currently approves of using Kyleena for up to five years, Liletta for eight, Mirena for eight, and Skyla for three. Kyleena and Skyla are smallest and therefore easiest to insert.

I have more info in my tags about IUDs.

Copper IUDs: 12 years of protection

The other type of IUD is a copper IUD. Instead of changing your hormones, it works because copper makes the place unfriendly to sperm. Another difference is that this kind can make your periods heavier. Its brand name is Paragard. The FDA approves of using it for ten years, but studies show it's still good at twelve or longer. More info in my tags.

The birth control implant: 5 years of protection

It's a rod the size of a matchstick. A nurse or doctor uses an applicator to put it under your skin in your arm. There, it will slowly release progestin to protect you from getting pregnant. It can make your periods get lighter or stop. The FDA approves of using it for three years, but a study shows it's still 100% effective five years later, and so does another study. Its brand name is Nexplanon, which has improvements over the older Implanon, such as being visible on X-ray. More info in my tags.

Some honorable mentions

There are some other contraceptives that last a long time but aren't considered LARCs. The diaphragm and the cervical cap are two kinds of plastic cap that you put on your cervix each time before sex, and you can keep using the same one for two years. The birth control ring, Annovera, lasts one year. Each injection of the birth control shot, Depo-Provera, lasts three months.

Only barrier methods such as condoms, internal condoms, and dental dams can protect against sexually transmitted infections. The right wing wants to stop people from getting condoms, too. That's another problem, but LARCs can help us get through the next four years without unplanned pregnancies.

[scrumblo]

PSA: EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE AND RESOURCES

Now feels like a good time to put out some info regarding emergency contraceptive, and what options exist. Please remember to look out for and help those around you who can get pregnant.

Levonogestrel (Plan B) and Ulipristal Acetate (Ella) are the two most common emergency contraceptive pills currently available on the US market. Plan B is effective up to 72 hours after intercourse and Ella's is effective up to 130 hours after (but it's *most* effective in that first 72 hours.) Generally speaking, the sooner you take them, the more effective they are. Both have shelf lives of up to 4 years. Plan B is less effective if you are over ~150lbs. Some countries recommend taking a 1.5x or 2x dose of Plan B if you are over ~200lbs, as this is generally deemed safe. Ella, however, is less affected by weight and should only be taken at a single dose.

Regardless, something is always better than nothing, so don't just write off Plan B entirely because of your weight. It may be *less effective* if your weight is higher, but it's NOT *ineffective*.

There is also something called the Oral Yuzpe Method, which utilizes standard hormonal birth control pills. A few things are important to make note of here: 1.) Like Levonogestrel and Ulipristal Acetate, the yuzpe method works to prevent ovulation. It will NOT terminate an existing pregnancy. 2.) The Yuzpe Method is less effective than Plan B or Ella. 3.) The Yuzpe method generally comes with more side effects than Plan B or Ella. 4.) Despite this, when push comes to shove, once again, something is better than nothing.

The Oral Yuzpe Method, as previously mentioned, is an off-label use of BC pills. It generally calls for taking 2 large doses of BC pills taken 12 hours apart. How large that dose is varies on the exact pills, but generally speaking, it's usually about 4. Here is a dose reference table from the American Academy of Family Physicians:

So, for example, if the BC pills you have are Levora, you would take 4 pills all at once, then 12 hours later, you would once again take 4 more pills, adding up to a total of 8 pills taken.

The third and final emergency contraceptive I will touch on in this post is IUD insertion. I put this last on the list because, in general, it's already quite difficult to find and access a physician willing to place an IUD on very short notice, and I suspect that will only get more difficult as time passes.

But, in the rare instance where a willing physician is available within 72 hours of the unprotected intercourse, you can request placement of a copper IUD (like Paraguard). It may be more difficult to find a physician willing to place a hormonal IUD (like Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, or Skyla.) on short notice as this would be considered an off-label use.

The exact reason why copper IUD placement works isn't completely understood, but like the previous two methods, it is NOT a way to terminate an existing pregnancy and likely works by preventing ovulation before fertilization occurs.

[lvmimis]

Do you see condoms as just not enough of a precaution against pregnancy ? Is it bc of experiences in health care? I only ask bc I legit never even thought of getting on the pill or getting an IUD bc of all the potential complications, so condoms have always been it.

tbh like if you like condoms and use them well stick with them

a lot of people don’t like them in committed relationships where std risk is low (note i said low not zero) because they’re less comfortable and kind of unwieldy, they can also break and are more likely to fail

but some people cannot tolerate the pill or are not consistent enough to take the pill and others cannot get an iud placed and that’s fine!

tbh i personally am a huge proponent of iuds but it is more invasive and also has a bad rap online which is fair for what it’s worth. it’s been my preferred method for about 7 years now and i have enjoyed it - no real periods once i switched to kyleena and i don’t think about it at all but yes some people don’t want insertion and some people do not want hormones so i completely understand

condoms were not fun for me and my partner and the pill made my blood pressure super high lol

i will say even better than an iud is a vasectomy but that’s another convo entirely

[tinysatanplant]

This is awesome to see, I've always felt that menstruation could be altered far more than most people attempt due to doctors not really offering these suggestions. I've never had painful periods, but since they started mine were hellishly irregular and I wanted them gone completely.

The first thing I tried was contraceptive pills, those gave me withdrawal bleeding monthly (like a "regular" cycle) but that made me hate bleeding even more, and I felt like I couldn't function as a person that way. The doctor was only concerned with the regularity, not my desire to eliminate periods.

Next I went for a pill again, but one with a 3-month cycle, only one week of withdrawal every 3 months. I had to really push and ask multiple times about options to bleed less, it's like they didn't understand what I wanted? But I got it - this was one of the best things to ever happen to me!! I started telling all my friends with periods about this option, nobody seemed to relate though, so I stopped bringing it up

Side note, I also started using menstrual cups instead of tampons/pads around this time, and that helped a lot with the hygiene and comfort side of things

Then, finally, in my second year of college, I went for a low dose hormonal IUD (Kyleena). Taking a pill every single day was never easy for me to remember, and I became sexually active so I wanted the LOWEST chance of pregnancy possible (I was also living in TX at the time). Before this my mother had always scared me away from IUDs due to stories she'd read, but I went for it anyway.

Life. Changing. No more bleeding. No pills. No pregnancy concern. Less hormonal alteration than the pills too. I plan to get it replaced when the 5 years are up even though I recently had my tubes removed and can't get pregnant (YAY!). The IUD is worth it just for stopping my periods

Awesome to hear that there are still more options that can work better for others! Using testosterone like this is so smart and I'm glad it's helping boba-t-butch live, I hope this information makes it to people who need it <3

What procedure did you get to stop your periods? Was it an IUD or a full surgical procedure? I want to stop mine, hence why I’m asking.

baby taking brestosterone does that

[ultraviolet-aria]

This maybe TMI but this is also my safe space so I can say whatever I want as long as I'm not hurting anybody.

YA'LL ...

I just returned home from my IUD insertion appointment and let me TELL you, that procedure is no joke. I have been on birth control many times before but never gotten an IUD insertion, I was a Nuvaring girlie bc it's easy to insert and remove. No pain involved at all. However, you have to change it out once a month and you still have your period.

That's alright for women who like to have their period, but after reading the book Period Power by Maise Hill, doing more research on why they happen and how, and talking to my gynecologist I realized two things:

I'm not planning on getting pregnant anytime soon (or possibly ever) So birth control is a must for me.

I do not need to have my period unless I am planning on getting pregnant-- which I am certainly not.

Periods are normal and beautiful but we all know how inconvenient and painful it can be to deal with, so I made the decision to get an IUD inserted (the Kyleena brand) which lasts up to 5 years and is 99% effective. It will also lighten my period and cramps significantly or even take away the period all together.

If ya'll are thinking of getting it is a perfectly safe procedure that does not require surgery to put in or remove. However..... That shit hurts!

My gyno told me it would feel like period cramps because she had the procedure done on herself and I said okay, i can take some period cramps! But no... this felt like the worst cramps in the world! I don't have endometriosis but I think that's what it might feel like. The good news is that it doesn't last more than a few days so I just took some ibuprofen to get me through.

Long story short is that I think it's worth it (I'm saying that through the current pain I have) but just be prepared for a short but intense disturbance of your uterus.

You're welcome for this unnecessary message.

[insectfem]

dude lo loestrin fe changed my life & i feel like nobodys heard of it lol. so happy to hear its worked wonders for you as well!!! no complications or side effects in my case... just blessedly free of the debilitating pain my (suspected) endo puts me through monthly haha

were you formally diagnosed w endo btw? my doc told me that since my BC manages my symptoms so well they dont think i need a laparoscopy, unless i decide i want to get pregnant & want to make sure there will be no complications

im actually not on lo loestrin fe anymore, it caused really intense emotional side effects for me, i now use the nexplanon implant. i went junel -> lo loestrin -> another pill i can't remember -> orilissa -> kyleena iud -> nexplanon. im on my 4th year and second nexplanon.

and yes i was diagnosed via laparoscopy in december 2019 at 14. none of the pills were effective so they did the lap. i was okay for a few months because they ablated the endo that was there, but it grew back pretty rapidly and i started having ovarian cyst ruptures, and that's when i started the orilissa. the problem i specifically had with orilissa, is that it can cause joint and bone problems, and they didn't want to mess up my already very weak joints (hEDS) so they gave me the kyleena iud. the iud was the WORST experience i had with birth control. i was literally in constant pain and bleeding for 8 months. i took another break and just took insane amounts of ibuprofen for a little bit until i got the implant in february 2021!

and for me, the diagnosis was more something i could rub in people's faces. i finally had a name for my pain and symptoms. it also gave me a lot more legitimacy, instead of saying "yeah i have really bad cramps, and intense bleeding, and ovarian cysts, and uncomfortable bloating, and emotional instability and and and," i could just say i have endometriosis.

but to be completely honest, if they had just given me the implant to begin with, i probably wouldn't have pursued surgery as intensely as i did (the whole reason i went to the psych ward is because no one was diagnosing me other than with psychosomatic pain. i was being mentally tortured by my gynecologists.)

but all that aside, im always super happy to hear other women find something that actually works for their endo, pcos, adenomyosis, or just dysmenorrhea in general. im really really happy you've found solace from your pain🩷🩷

[ptsilencedhill]

Got my Kyleena IUD removed yesterday and today I feel like a million bucks help

[fuckyeahasexual]

For the IUD anon: I've had a Kyleena IUD for a little over a year and a half now and I've loved it. It's hormonal and it's one of the smaller ones in terms of physical dimensions. I'd heard a lot of horror stories (who doesn’t) going in, but I have a gyno I really trust, which I think is the biggest part.

She gave me a prescription for misoprostol (brand name is cytotec) to take the morning of since it helps dilate/soften your cervix, but I know that's not super common. But I know misoprostol has also come under some scrutiny politically recently since it's used in abortions sometimes, so it's possible that some gynos who would prescribe it for IUD insertion are maybe not doing that as much anymore? I don't have any data on that, but regardless.

The other thing I'll say is that I scheduled my appointment for the insertion right as my period was ending (I was having some spotting still but not really any flow) because the cervix also tends to be a bit dilated at that point still, so if you aren't prescribed anything then it may be a good idea to schedule for just before/after your period as it may be a bit easier.

I think I saw some other responses about bleeding post-insertion, which I don't particularly remember experiencing much, but I was still spotting also so it's possible I just didn't think enough of it to have it stand out in my memory.

In terms of the actual process, it honestly wasn't awful, but pain-wise I'm not the best judge. I used to have debilitating cramps for 2-3 days of my period, and during the worst of it would be pretty much immobilized on the couch with a hot pad even after taking pain meds. So. The insertion itself was pretty tame, comparatively. It wasn't nothing, but it just felt like what I would call moderate cramping. I did have some fairly decent cramps afterwards as well, starting maybe 10min or so after. They didn't last too long, though. So, I'd second the advice of taking some ibuprofen or whatever your preferred pain med is.

My gyno by default does a one month post insertion check up but it's possible that others just do follow ups if something doesn't seem right to you. Just take it slow and listen to your body.

In terms of longer term trends, my periods are definitely a lot lighter and I don't really get cramps anywhere close to what I used to. At worst I take some pain meds for a day but they get me back to not feeling any discomfort. The only other thing really is that the amount of time between my periods and how long they last is actually more variable now. Used to be 28 or 29 days from the start of my cycle to the next like clockwork, with about 7 days of bleeding, but now it can be anywhere from 26-32. Although, it generally goes so that I have a few months with like 30-32 days between with maybe a 4-5 day duration and a few months with less time from start to start but a few more days of bleeding.

Hope this helps!!

Thanks for sharing!

-Fae

[leftistfanenboii]

Just got an IUD put in, and here is some advice I have for people who want to get one:

1. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HAVING A DOCTOR THAT YOU HAVE SEEN A COUPLE TIMES AND TRUST DO IT

2. Ask about anesthesia options at that clinic and others in the area

3. An emotional support person would have helped me, I am sure it will help you

4. If in the US, the Kyleena iud is slightly smaller than the Mirena. The kyleena is built with ppl who have never given birth in mind. Yea it only lasts 5 years, but I think that is a fair fucking trade off for not dilating my cervix anymore than absolutely necessary.

5. The dilating is the worst fucking part, hands down. The actual insertion was a cakewalk for me after the dilation. Once you are over that hill, you're through the worst of it in my opinion.

6. Do not have plans on the day of an iud insertion. You went through something very intense, and afterwards, you will be cramping hard. Also, be ready for some slight bleeding after.

7. Your uterus may push the IUD out. I actually had to do the insertion twice bc that happened right as the doctor was about to cut the strings. Be prepared for that. (The good news was that the second time was easier.)

8. Keep your breathing steady during the whole thing. Really helps with managing both nerves and pain

9. Go slow while getting up after. You might be lightheaded.

10. Be proud of yourself afterward. That shit sucks, but you don't have to do it again until like 5 years later (or more if you go with a longer lasting on). Be free to fuck around and not find out

Note: I am a trans man, DO NOT CALL ME A WOMAN OR SHE