If you're considering or have already had your intrauterine device (IUD) removed, you’re likely wondering what to expect after IUD removal. It’s perfectly normal to have questions about how your body will react once the device is out. This article explores the reality of Kyleena IUD removal, sharing both medical insights and real women’s experiences to help you navigate this transition with confidence.
Understanding the Kyleena IUD and Its Removal
Kyleena is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) that releases a small amount of levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin, to prevent pregnancy. IUDs, in general, are an effective birth control method called a long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Many people enjoy the freedom it gives them from remembering to take a pill every day. But IUDs don’t last forever, and they need to be replaced when they expire. There are other reasons why someone would want, or need, an IUD removed before the expiration date.
The levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs are meant to last 3 to 8 years, depending on the brand, while the copper IUD can last up to 12 years. Here’s how long IUD lasts based on brand:
- Mirena: Up to 8 years
- Paragard: Up to 12 years
- Liletta: Up to 8 years
- Kyleena: Up to 5 years
- Skyla: Up to 3 years
IUDs have expiration dates because the FDA approves them only for certain lengths of time. Beyond the expiration date, there’s no guarantee that the IUD will work to prevent pregnancy. There’s also a risk for infection if an IUD is left in for too long after its expiration date.
When it’s time for removal, the procedure itself is typically brief-often taking less than five minutes in your doctor’s office. An IUD removal is a short procedure that’s usually done in a healthcare provider’s office.
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The standard medical description suggests a simple process: your healthcare provider locates the IUD strings, uses specialized forceps to grasp them, and gently pulls the device out. The procedure itself is typically quick and straightforward. Your healthcare provider will use a small instrument to gently pull on the IUD’s strings. This causes the device to come out of the uterus. Most women report that it’s uncomfortable but not overly painful. You may experience mild cramping during the procedure, but this usually doesn’t last long. You can return to normal activities immediately after the removal. However, it’s recommended to avoid heavy exercise or sexual activity for a short time to let your body adjust.
Diverse Removal Experiences
However, women’s actual experiences vary considerably.
‘My Kyleena removal was genuinely easier than insertion-just a quick tug and minimal cramping that lasted about 10 minutes,’ shares Maria, 32. ‘I was back to normal by the afternoon.’
Conversely, Jade, 28, had a different experience: ‘The removal itself was quick but intensely painful. I experienced severe cramping, sweating, and felt faint. My provider seemed surprised by my reaction and wasn’t prepared with pain management options.’
These contrasting experiences highlight an important reality: while medical literature often describes IUD removal as straightforward and minimally uncomfortable, individual experiences can differ dramatically.
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Preparing for IUD Removal
Getting an IUD removed is usually shorter and less painful than having it inserted. An IUD can be removed at any point during the menstrual cycle. Unlike insertion, it doesn’t have to be timed against your period. That said, there are a few things you need to know to prepare for the removal of your IUD:
- Avoid sex for at least 7 days before the removal to make sure you’re not pregnant.
- Take a dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen about 2 hours before your removal.
- Think about whether you want to continue with birth control after your IUD removal. This may be a new IUD insertion, a different form of birth control, or nothing at all, if your personal circumstances have changed. Remember that it’s possible to get pregnant as soon as the IUD is removed.
The Removal Procedure
A doctor or nurse removes the IUD in their office, and it only takes a few minutes. You’ll lie down in the same position you used for the IUD insertion, and then your healthcare provider will:
- Look for your IUD strings.
- Grasp the strings using a medical instrument called forceps.
- Gently and steadily pull on the strings, which gets the IUD out.
- Check the IUD to make sure it’s been removed in one piece.
When it comes to removing an IUD, sometimes there are no IUD strings to pull on. That makes the process a little more complicated. This usually means the IUD has shifted. In these cases, you’ll need an ultrasound scan and a pregnancy test to look for the IUD and check for pregnancy. If the IUD is still present, but it’s hard to reach, then you’ll need another procedure with a specialist to remove the IUD.
IUD removal can be uncomfortable, especially if your IUD has moved or shifted. But the good news is that most people don’t experience much discomfort during an IUD removal. Afterwards, you might feel some cramping as your body adjusts. But taking a dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen 2 hours beforehand can help you avoid this cramping.
Post-Kyleena Hormonal Readjustment
Kyleena works by releasing hormones that thicken cervical mucus and thin the uterine lining. When removed, your body needs time to readjust to its natural hormonal patterns.
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Common Physical Responses After Kyleena Removal
- Menstrual changes: Your period may take 3-6 months to regulate. One of the most common experiences after IUD removal is bleeding or spotting. You might notice light spotting or even a heavier flow for a few days. This is especially true if you have an IUD with hormones, such as the Mirena. The hormones in your IUD often suppress your menstrual cycle. That’s why when the device is removed, your period may return to normal, or it might take a few months to regulate. If you were using a non-hormonal IUD, like the copper IUD, your period may be heavier right after removal. This is because the copper IUD can make your periods heavier and more painful. The bleeding should subside within a few days, but if you experience unusual or excessive bleeding, contact your doctor. For many women, the first period after IUD removal can be different from what they’ve experienced while the IUD was in place. It might be heavier or lighter, more painful or less painful, and the timing can vary. If you had irregular periods before getting the IUD, your first period might be irregular as well. Most women find that their period starts to normalize after a couple of cycles. However, it’s important to give your body time to adjust.
- Hormonal fluctuations: Mood swings, breast tenderness, or acne may occur. For women who have a hormonal IUD (such as Mirena or Skyla), the removal can trigger a return of your natural menstrual cycle. Hormonal IUDs can suppress ovulation and reduce menstrual bleeding. For this reason, your body may need a little time to adjust after removal. Once the IUD is removed, your hormones will gradually shift, and you may experience some fluctuations in your period. Some women also experience changes in their mood, skin, or even weight as their body readjusts to a natural hormonal balance.
- Fertility return: Most women regain fertility quickly, sometimes within days. One of the most common questions women ask is about fertility after IUD removal. The good news is that fertility typically returns very quickly once the IUD is removed. Most women can get pregnant within a month of removal, especially if they have no previous fertility issues. If you’ve been using a hormonal IUD, your body may take a little time to adjust. Nevertheless, there is no long-term effect on your ability to get pregnant. If you’re trying to conceive right after removal, it’s a good idea to track ovulation to know when you’re most fertile. For those who have had the copper IUD, fertility can return immediately after removal. It doesn’t contain hormones that need to leave your system.
- Cramping and spotting: Mild cramping is common after IUD removal, especially if you’ve had the device in place for a while. The cramping is usually similar to menstrual cramps, but it can vary in intensity. Some women report mild discomfort. Meanwhile, others may feel more pronounced pain, especially for the first few days following removal. The cramping should decrease within a few days. If the pain is severe or lasts longer than expected, it’s a good idea to speak to your healthcare provider to rule out any complications.
‘After having my Kyleena removed, I experienced intense mood swings and acne breakouts for about three months,’ reports Taylor, 35. ‘My doctor had only mentioned ‘some adjustment time’ but didn’t prepare me for how significant these changes would feel.’
Research suggests that while the synthetic hormones from Kyleena clear your system relatively quickly, your body’s own hormone production may need time to resume normal patterns. This transition period varies significantly between individuals.
Unexpected Side Effects
While official medical guidance tends to focus on mild side effects, women’s actual experiences sometimes include more severe symptoms that healthcare providers may not adequately discuss.
Reported Post-Removal Symptoms
- Gastrointestinal issues: Some women report nausea, bloating, or digestive problems
- Hair changes: Temporary hair loss or texture changes
- Emotional impacts: Depression, anxiety, or mood instability
- Energy fluctuations: Fatigue or insomnia during hormonal readjustment
‘I developed severe gastrointestinal issues within days of my Kyleena removal,’ says Rebecca, 29. ‘When I mentioned this to my doctor, she seemed skeptical about the connection, but in online communities, I found dozens of women with similar experiences.’
This disconnect between clinical information and lived experiences highlights the need for more comprehensive research on post-IUD adjustment.
The Possibility of Weight Changes After IUD Removal
If you’re wondering whether removing an IUD could cause weight changes, unfortunately, the answer is not clear-cut and varies by person. For example, if you have Paragard, you’re unlikely to notice many changes in your weight after removal since it is a non-hormonal device and does not list weight gain or bloating as a potential side effect. But if you have a hormonal IUD and experienced weight changes or bloating after insertion, you may notice a change in weight or how you feel after having it removed. That said, there is minimal research pointing to weight loss or gain as a side effect of IUD removal-and weight is a complex topic that’s influenced by many factors beyond the birth control method you use.
Many people report these side effects as mild and almost unnoticeable. Other people, however, find they experience more severe, long-lasting symptoms. Some say these effects persist for months after the IUD is removed. Anecdotal reports suggest that it’s possible to experience unwanted changes in weight, not only while the IUD remains in place but also after its removal.
Once your IUD is removed, you might notice:
- weight gain
- weight loss
- difficulty losing weight, even with changes in diet and exercise
Some people describe a collection of symptoms dubbed the “Mirena crash.” These symptoms include weight changes. However, there’s little research that currently supports this effect.
Since the evidence for weight gain (or loss) after IUD removal is largely anecdotal, there isn’t a conclusive scientific explanation for why this happens. It may relate to changes in hormones, which in turn affect appetite, mood, and energy levels. Some people notice some weight gain while taking hormonal birth control. When they stop taking birth control, it can take a few months for their hormone levels to return to baseline. Fluctuations in weight could happen as part of this process. The same goes for the IUD. After removal, the body has to adjust to the sudden drop in progestin. In theory, this hormone imbalance could lead to weight fluctuations and other symptoms people report as being part of the Mirena crash.
It’s worth noting that other potential Mirena crash symptoms, such as depression and insomnia, may also play a part in weight gain. Traditionally, medical research has focused on people assigned male at birth and has not adequately explored health and reproductive health concerns for people assigned female at birth. This may explain why many reports are anecdotal from those who experience it personally.
If you notice significant weight changes despite eating and exercising the same way, it’s not unreasonable that you’d want to consider other factors, such as your IUD or its recent removal.
Other Potential Side Effects After Removal
You might experience short-term side effects, such as cramping, bleeding, or dizziness after a healthcare professional removes your IUD. After the removal of Mirena and other hormonal IUDs, some people report additional side effects beyond weight changes, including:
- Nausea
- Decreased sex drive
- Depression, anxiety, and other mood changes
- Fatigue and energy loss
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Hair loss
- Acne
- Pain during sex
- Breast pain or tenderness
These symptoms might not always happen immediately after removal. Some people report noticing changes several weeks later. The lack of scientific research on the effects of IUD removal means there’s no clear timeline for how long these symptoms may last. Some people report weight changes and other symptoms cleared up within a few weeks. Others say they had a hard time losing weight for months after removal. And still others don’t notice any changes at all.
As the hormones in your body return to typical levels, these side effects will most likely go away naturally. The time this takes can vary, but many people notice improvement within a few months.
Strategies for Supporting Your Body After IUD Removal
Experiencing unwanted weight gain and other side effects after taking birth control can be distressing and overwhelming, especially when symptoms leave you feeling a lack of control over your own body. Rather than drastically cutting calories or ramping up your exercise routine to the point where you feel exhausted, aim for changes that promote overall wellness and leave you feeling nourished and empowered. These strategies can help improve both mood and physical health:
- Choose high fiber, mood-boosting foods.
- Stay hydrated.
- Spend more time outdoors, especially in sunlight.
- Make physical activity a regular habit if you’re able to exercise.
- Try to sleep between 7 and 9 hours every night.
- Consider wellness practices like yoga and meditation.
- Reach out to friends and loved ones for emotional support.
Supporting Your Body Through the Transition
Whether your post-Kyleena experience is smooth or challenging, certain strategies can support your body’s readjustment.
- Track your symptoms: Keep a journal of physical and emotional changes
- Support hormone balance: Focus on nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management
- Communicate with healthcare providers: Share your experiences, even if they seem unrelated
- Connect with community: Online forums and support groups can validate experiences when medical guidance falls short
‘I found that seed cycling and focusing on liver-supporting foods helped ease my transition after Kyleena,’ shares Leah, 27. ‘My doctor was skeptical, but it made a noticeable difference in my mood swings and menstrual symptoms.’
When to Seek Medical Advice
While most experiences after IUD removal are normal, it’s necessary to keep an eye on any unusual symptoms. When you experience prolonged heavy bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection (such as fever, foul-smelling discharge, or pain during sex), contact your healthcare provider. In rare cases, complications like infection or retained IUD fragments can occur, but this is not common.
If any unwanted side effects linger for more than several weeks after IUD removal, it may be helpful to talk with a doctor or other healthcare professional. Healthy weight loss can take time, but if you’re making an effort to lose weight and see no results over time, a healthcare professional can offer more support. If these symptoms involve depression, anxiety, and other mood changes, a mental health professional can help you explore possible causes and offer guidance on treatment approaches.
It’s always a good idea to reach out sooner rather than later if your side effects or symptoms begin to affect your everyday life or cause significant distress.
Birth Control Alternatives After Kyleena Removal
After Kyleena removal, you’ll need to consider new birth control options if you’re not planning for pregnancy. Many women seek alternatives that align with their post-IUD insights.
Popular Post-IUD Birth Control Choices
- Non-Hormonal Options
- Copper IUD (Paragard): Hormone-free and effective for up to 10 years
- Barrier methods: Condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps
- Fertility awareness methods: Tracking fertility signals to prevent pregnancy
- Permanent options: Tubal ligation or vasectomy for partners
- Alternative Hormonal Methods
- Combination pills: Different hormone formulations than Kyleena
- Progestin-only pills: Lower hormone dose than some IUDs
- Vaginal ring or patch: Different delivery systems for hormones
‘After my difficult experience with Kyleena, I switched to a combination of fertility awareness and barrier methods during fertile windows,’ explains Jamie, 33. ‘It required more attention, but I felt more connected to my natural cycle and experienced fewer side effects.’
The Bottom Line
Getting an IUD removed is usually a straightforward and relatively painless procedure with little preparation needed. It’s best to have an IUD removed by a healthcare professional in case there are any issues. IUD removal can be done at any time, but fertility returns to normal immediately, so it’s important to pick out an alternative birth control method if you need one.