Kyleena IUD is one of three Intrauterine devices (IUDs) available in Canada. Kyleena is a long-term birth control solution for those looking for a maintenance-free contraception option. Kyleena is manufactured by Bayer and is part of the same family as Mirena and Skyla.  It is a soft, flexible plastic insert in a T shape form. Once inserted by a medical professional.

How does the Kyleena IUD Work?

Kyleena works by releasing progestin levonorgestrel inside the uterus for up to 5 years, preventing pregnancy by getting in the way of sperm. The hormone released thickens the cervical mucus to thicken, while thinning the uterus lining. Learn more on how to use Kyleena here.

Once inserted, Kyleena inhibits reproduction in the following ways:

• Kyleena basically works by getting in the way of sperm, making it difficult for them to fertilize the egg. Thickens the mucus in the uterus, which prevents sperm from entering the cervix and fertilizing an egg.
• Thins the lining of the uterus, making it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant inside of the uterus.
• This IUD also releases the hormone progestin that thickens the cervical mucus, preventing the penetration of sperms into the uterine canal. It also alters the fallopian tubes’ contractions, preventing the egg from reaching the uterus.
• Kyleena IUD makes the uterine lining thinner, making it difficult for the fertilized egg to implant.
• Lastly, it negatively affects the sperms’ development. So, the sperms that enter might not even survive.

Similar to Mirena (read more on Mirena here), Kyleena IUD is a soft T-shaped plastic device that is placed into the uterus by a medical professional. The IUD releases the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy. See more information on Mirena here

Do you ovulate with Kyleena IUD?

Yes, you still continue to ovulate while using Kyleena. How come you still ovulate while on Kyleena? Well, Kyleena prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus that avoids penetration of sperms. It also makes the uterine environment unfavorable for sperm survival. So, as it does not affect your ovulation, you do ovulate with Kyleena IUD in place. Many women who use a hormonal IUD will continue to ovulate, however, their cycle may be disrupted depending on the hormonal dosage of the IUD inserted. This is not very common with Kyleena. 

How effective is Kyleena to prevent pregnancy?

Kyleena is 98.6% effective to prevent pregnancy, making it a top choice among birtyh control devices. It is important to note less than 1% of women will get pregnant while on Kyleena. Why do women get pregnant while on Kyleena? Some of the most popular causes relate to the IUD has falling out of place and if you have intercourse during the first 7 days after inserting Kyleena.

What to do if you get pregnant while using Kyleena?

Seek medical advice if you think you are pregnant immediately. Your doctor can examine where the embryo has implanted and what the next safest step is for you. 

What are the Benefits of Kyleena?

The primary benefit of Kyleena IUD is that it is highly effective. It is a long-acting and reversible contraceptive method with 98.6%effectiveness. This means that out of 100 women using this IUD, only less than one will become pregnant with perfect and typical use.

Kyleena is a near fail-proof solution for those looking for an IUD. Its 98.5% success rate makes it an excellent choice for those who want a worry-free birth control option. 

• Low maintenance – As is the case with many IUDs, aside from a follow-up visit to your healthcare provider 4-6 weeks after insertion to ensure everything is in place, Kyleena does not require any maintenance or upkeep. Two small strings attached to the device enable you to check its positioning and ensure it is in the correct place. Checking these strings every month after your menstrual period is recommended.  
• Small in size – Kyleena is the smallest 5-year IUD available. Kyleena is recommended for anyone, whether or not they have had children. This is contrary to the Mirena, which is recommended for women who have had at least one child. 
• Kyleena is slightly smaller in size when compared to some of the other IUDs, and is for this reason less painful to insert.
• Kyleena can be removed at any time during this time frame, and a woman’s fertility returns almost immediately.
• Some of the main benefits include the longevity of the IUD, preventing pregnancy for up to 5 years, hassle free.
• There is also a 12% chance that after one year of being on Kyleena, the woman would be period free.
• Additionally, this form of birth control can also cause periods to be lighter and shorter.
• Kyleena is also an optimal option for those who cannot use estrogen-based birth control.
• No prep needed – Contraception options like the birth control pill, condoms or diaphragms, require an action to be taken for its benefits to be realized.

For example, birth control pills must be taken daily to prevent pregnancy. Condoms must be available and worn before intercourse to prevent pregnancy. A diaphragm needs to be onhand and inserted prior to sex to avoid pregnancy. All of these concerns are erased with Kyleena, as it eliminates the need to prepare for sex beforehand.

A trial conducted by Kyleena found that 71% of women who wanted to get pregnant after the removal of their IUD were able to do so within 12 months.

This is encouraging news for those who desire a long-term birth control option while still maintaining the ability to have a child in the future. (source: Huffington Post)

What are the Disadvantages of Kyleena?

• The progestin that is released when Kyleena is in place can cause some undesirable side effects, including the following: headaches, skin issues (acne), unpleasant/painful periods
• Those in a monogamous relationship can rely solely on Kyleena. While this IUD can protect against pregnancy, it cannot protect against sexually transmitted diseases. If you have Kyleena but are not in a committed relationship, for your protection, you would be best to use a condom.
• The process of getting Kyleena inserted may be a painful and uncomfortable procedure for some people. This fear and apprehension may cause some individuals to avoid getting an IUD altogether.
• If you do go ahead with the insertion, your medical professional may suggest that you take the rest of the day off from any planned activities (i.e. work) to relax. Missing an entire day of work for an IUD procedure may be a disadvantage for some.
• In some rare instances, the uterus can get punctured when Kyleena is being inserted. If you are concerned about this, be sure to speak to the medical professional that will put your IUD in place.
• Additionally, expulsion of Kyleena (IUD comes out either partially or entirely on its own) has been reported in some rare instances. If this does happen, contact your medical professional to advise, as the IUD must be removed. 

Kyleena Pros and Cons

Kyleena advantages

• It provides pregnancy protection for up to five years.
• It is low-maintenance and hassle-free. You hardly have to do anything once it is inserted.
• It is a reversible form of contraceptive. You can remove it within five years, and your fertility reverses immediately—you can conceive as soon as Kyleena is removed. Almost 7 out of 10 women who want to conceive will become pregnant within a year of removing Kyleena.
• It is smaller and has a slimmer insertion tube than Mirena. This makes the insertion process less painful.
• Kyleena is FDA-approved for women who never have had or have children.
• It is an excellent option if you cannot use estrogen-based contraceptives.
• It is also a good option if you only have only had cesarean deliveries.
• Kyleena is better tolerated if you have a smaller uterus, such as in perimenopausal women and teenagers.
• You or your partner would not feel Kyleena during sex.
• It is safe while you are breastfeeding.
• Kyleena is an eco-friendly contraceptive method.

Kyleena disadvantages

• You may face bleeding, headache, and dizziness while inserting it.
• You may also have backache or cramping for a few days after inserting Kyleena.
• Does not protect you against sexually transmitted disease.

You may also be prone to the following side-effects. However, these effects resolve within a few months.

• Almost 22% of Kyleena users are diagnosed with ovarian cysts
• Infection or inflammation of the outer part of the vagina
• Pelvic or stomach pain
• Increased bleeding
• Migraines
• Uterine spasms or dysmenorrhea
• Greasy skin and acne
• Breast discomfort or pain
• Bleeding or spotting between periods
• Perforation or expulsion
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Severe infection or sepsis

If you’re thinking about getting an IUD and have not yet had children, Kyleena may be the IUD for you. Speak to your doctor or medical professional to see if Kyleena is the best IUD for your unique needs.

Can Kyleena Cause Weight Gain?

Studies have shown that weight gain with Kyleena is rare becauseKyleena is an intrauterine device and these devides are usually not associated with weight gain.

Weight gain is often experienced due to water retention caused by progestin in the patch instead of weight gain due to fat accumulation.

Kyleena Side Effects

Some Kylneena common side-effects include bleeding, pain, dizziness, and headache for a few days after its insertion. These symptoms usually resolve on their own. Other Kyleena side-effects include:

• Ovarian cysts
• Recurrent infection or inflammation of the pelvic organs
• Breast pain
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Expulsion
• Cysts on the ovaries
• Perforation
• Missed menstrual periods

Are there any alternatives to Kyleena IUD?

Check out these articles below to see some alternatives to Kyleena if you are still researching your options for birth control:

1. Copper IUD in Canada: Paragard
2. Mirena IUD
3. Birth Control Patch