The Kyleena IUD is a popular choice of contraception. This article explores the Kyleena IUD, how it works, its potential side effects, and its relationship to weight gain, providing a detailed overview for those considering or currently using this device.
What is the Kyleena IUD?
Kyleena is a small, T-shaped plastic device inserted into the uterus. It has thin, brown strings attached to the bottom that protrude slightly from the cervix. Smaller than the Mirena IUD (28 x 30 x 3.8 mm), Kyleena contains 0.009 mg of levonorgestrel released over 24 hours. This is a slightly lower hormone dose than Mirena, but the difference is minimal.
How Effective is Kyleena?
The Kyleena IUD is a highly reliable contraceptive method, boasting a success rate of approximately 98.6 percent. A significant advantage is the long-term protection it offers, eliminating the need for daily or monthly birth control management for up to 5 years. The IUD should immediately work after insertion, provided the insertion is done within 7 days of the start of your period and it is in the right place in the uterus.
How Does Kyleena Work?
A healthcare professional, such as a general practitioner (GP), obstetrician, or gynecologist, inserts the Kyleena IUD into the uterus. The device releases small amounts of progestin (levonorgestrel) that prevent pregnancy through several mechanisms:
- Thickening cervical mucus: The progestin thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.
- Endometrial changes: Progestin makes the endometrium (the uterine lining) unsuitable for embryo implantation.
- Ovulation suppression: In some cases, Kyleena can prevent ovulation, meaning no egg is released to be fertilized.
A follow-up appointment with the healthcare provider is usually scheduled a few months after insertion to assess the IUD's suitability and ensure proper placement.
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Potential Side Effects of Kyleena
As with any hormonal contraceptive, individuals may react differently to the Kyleena IUD. It’s essential to be aware of potential side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Common side effects include:
- Headaches and migraine
- Nausea
- Sore or painful breasts
- Inflammation or infection of the outer vagina (vulvovaginitis)
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Mood swings and feelings of depression
- Acne or oily skin
- Breakthrough bleeding (spotting), which is more common with Kyleena than with Mirena
However, the Kyleena IUD can also diminish hormonal acne or reduce symptoms of painful and/or heavy periods in some women.
Kyleena and Weight Gain: What Does the Evidence Say?
One common concern among women considering hormonal contraception is weight gain. Progesterone, the synthetic form of which (progestin) is released by hormonal IUDs, can increase appetite. This has led to the assumption that hormonal IUDs like Kyleena and Mirena might cause weight gain.
However, recent studies suggest a lack of strong evidence to support this claim. If any weight gain occurs, it is generally limited to less than 2 kilograms. Some weight gain may be due to water retention. Progestin, the hormone in both Mirena and Kyleena IUDs, can cause water retention, which in turn leads to bloating. This type of weight gain is not an increase in body fat percentage, but rather the body getting used to the introduction of progestin into the bloodstream. The bloating should subside within a few months.
To date, there are no reports of weight gain in clinical trials with Kyleena. Oftentimes, weight gain while on birth control coincides with lifestyle changes. A healthy balanced diet, regular exercise and staying hydrated with lots of water is recommended to maintain a healthy weight.
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It's important to consider that women commonly gain weight in their reproductive years, regardless of IUD use. This natural weight gain may be related to lifestyle choices, stress, changes in work/life balance, and other factors.
Kyleena vs. Mirena: Weight Gain Comparison
The main difference between Kyleena and Mirena lies in the amount of progestin they release. Kyleena releases approximately 9 mcg of progestin daily, while Mirena releases about 15 mcg per day. The lower progestin levels in Kyleena may potentially result in less water retention and, therefore, less weight gain compared to Mirena. While the Kyleena IUD may have lower levels of progestin, the Mirena is the preferred IUD for those who require both a method of contraception as well as treatment for heavy menstrual periods. These variables should also be taken into consideration when deciding if Mirena or Kyleena IUD is best for you.
Other IUD Options: Copper IUDs
It’s important to note that copper IUDs (non-hormonal IUDs) are also available. They prevent pregnancy by creating an environment unfavorable to sperm cells. Weight gain is not one of the listed side effects of any Copper IUDs. This type of intrauterine device is non-hormonal and is unlikely to cause weight gain. However, copper IUD users do still seem to gain weight gradually over time. Studies show that this increase in weight is comparable to the weight gain of those who aren’t using any form of intrauterine device for birth control.
Cost and Coverage of Kyleena
The cost of a Kyleena IUD is around €150. Whether and how much it is reimbursed by your health insurance company depends on a number of things.
A short overview:
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- Are you 17 years old or younger? Then the insertion of the IUD is covered.
- Are you 18, 19, or 20 years old? Then you will be reimbursed for the IUD and insertion from your basic insurance, but you will pay a deductible.
- Are you 21 years or older?
Other Potential Side Effects of Kyleena
Beyond the question of weight gain, the Kyleena IUD can cause other side effects. These can be mild or serious, and it’s important to be aware of them.
Mild Side Effects:
- Belly or pelvic pain
- Headache or migraine headaches
- Acne
- Cramps
- Breast pain or tenderness
- 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
Serious Side Effects:
- 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
- Severe allergic reaction
If you experience any serious side effects, it’s crucial to contact your doctor immediately.
Kyleena and Periods
Kyleena may make your period stop. Research has shown that 12 out of 100 women (12%) or women stop having periods after one year of Kyleena use. Typically, most women experience some sort of change in their periods, usually during the first three to six months after Kyleena insertion. Their periods may become lighter or more irregular or spotting may occur in between periods. Some women experience heavy bleeding during this time. However, these changes usually settle down after about 6 months with most women experiencing shorter and lighter periods once their body adjusts.
Important Considerations Before Using Kyleena
Before using the Kyleena IUD, it’s essential to discuss your medical history with your doctor. Certain conditions can affect whether Kyleena is a safe and effective option for you:
- Conditions affecting the shape of the uterus: Large uterine fibroids or other conditions can increase the risk of side effects, such as uterine wall tears or expulsion of the IUD.
- Pelvic or vaginal infections: Kyleena may worsen existing infections. These should be treated before Kyleena insertion.
- Hormone-related cancers: Kyleena may worsen hormone-related cancers. If you have a history of such cancers, your doctor likely won’t prescribe Kyleena.
- Uterine bleeding with no known cause: Your doctor may recommend a different form of contraception.
- Liver problems: The effects of Kyleena on people with liver problems are unknown.
- Recent childbirth or abortion: Recent childbirth may increase the risk of uterine wall tears during insertion.
- A current IUD: Any existing IUD must be removed before Kyleena insertion.
- Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Kyleena or its ingredients, it should not be used.
- Severe headaches or migraine episodes: Kyleena may worsen these conditions.
- High blood pressure, blood clots, or heart conditions: Kyleena may increase the risk of these conditions.
- Immune system conditions: Kyleena may increase the risk of certain infections.
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.
What to Expect After IUD Removal
When you stop using an IUD, your body will eventually return to the way it was before you got it. So if your period got heavier on the copper IUD, it will go back to what was normal for you before you got the IUD. If you stopped getting your period on the hormonal IUD, your period will eventually come back after the IUD is out. An important thing to note: you can get pregnant right away once your IUD is out, even if your periods aren’t regular or haven’t come back yet.