Kyleena is one of three Intrauterine devices (IUDs) available in Canada. This hormonal IUD is a long-term birth control solution for those looking for a maintenance-free contraception option. 

How does Kyleena Work?

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, Kyleena releases 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.

Similar to Mirena, 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. 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.

Why Kyleena?

Kyleena can prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. Once inserted, Kyleena is a maintenance-free, long term contraceptive solution. Since Kyleena doesn’t require regular maintenance, there is no need for monitoring or frequent doctor’s visits after insertion.

Do you ovulate with kyleena iud?

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. 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.

Kyleena pregnancy & birth control:

However, less than 1% of women will get pregnant while on Kyleena. It is unlikely, but it can happen if the IUD has fallen out of place or if a woman has intercourse during the first 7 days of insertion. It is advised that a woman sees medical advice if she thinks she is possibly pregnant. The physician will be able to examine where the embryo has implanted and what the next safest step is in the process.

Kyleena is 99% effective as a birth control method.

How do I Get Kyleena?

Kyleena requires a prescription as well as an appointment with a medical professional for insertion. 

You should also discuss your desire to get Kyleena with your medical professional to ensure this IUD is the ideal choice for you. An assessment of your medical history and individual needs will help determine if Kyleena is right for you.

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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 99% 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

Pros

  • 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.

Cons

  • 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.

Kyleena Weight Gain

Kyleena is an intrauterine device, and IUDs are usually not associated with weight gain. Studies have shown that weight gain with Kyleena is rare.

Even when present, weight gain is due to water retention caused by progestin in the patch instead of weight gain due to fat accumulation.

Kyleena Side Effects

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

Learn more about the alternatives to Kyleena IUD:

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