Kyleena: Indications for Use, How It Works & Side Effects

Kyleena is a T-shaped intrauterine device (IUD) used to effectively prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years, making it a long-term contraceptive option.

This IUD contains levonorgestrel, a hormone that is released in small amounts into the uterus. It alters the uterine environment and thickens the cervical mucus, helping prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg.

Kyleena must be inserted and removed by a gynecologist or other trained provider, either in a doctor’s office or hospital. Before insertion, the doctor typically measures the size and position of the uterus and may order imaging or blood tests, since this type of IUD is not recommended in some situations.

Indications for use

Kyleena is an intrauterine device designed to prevent pregnancy. It contains the hormone levonorgestrel and provides long-lasting contraceptive protection for up to 5 years.

It’s important to remember that Kyleena does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For this reason, it’s recommended to use condoms during sexual activity.

How it works

Kyleena has antigonadotropic and antiestrogenic effects, thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.

It also thins the lining of the endometrium and, in some women, may stop ovulation.

Each Kyleena device contains 19.5 mg of levonorgestrel, which is slowly released into the uterus. Only small amounts of the hormone enter the bloodstream.

Insertion procedure

Kyleena is inserted by a gynecologist or other trained provider in the following steps:

1. The woman lies down on the exam table in the lithotomy position (feet in stirrups);

2. A speculum is inserted into the vagina;

3. An antiseptic solution is used to clean the cervix;

4. The IUD is inserted into the uterus using a thin, flexible plastic tube;

5. The insertion tube is removed.

During or after the insertion, some women may experience pain or pressure in the uterus.

Kyleena can be inserted within 7 days after the start of menstruation, and no additional contraceptive method is needed. However, if it’s inserted more than 7 days after menstruation begins, an additional contraceptive method, such as oral birth control pills or condoms, should be used for the first 7 days after placement.

Kyleena vs. Mirena

In addition to preventing pregnancy, the Mirena IUD can also be prescribed to treat heavy menstrual bleeding, prevent excessive thickening of the uterine lining during hormone replacement therapy, and help manage endometriosis. Read more about endometriosis treatments.

Mirena contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel and measures 32 x 32 mm.

Kyleena, on the other hand, is designed only for contraception and contains a lower dose of levonorgestrel (19.5 mg), which tends to cause fewer side effects. It is also smaller, measuring 28 x 32 mm, which can make insertion less painful or uncomfortable.

Side effects

Possible side effects of Kyleena include:

• Headache;

• Lower abdominal pain;

• Acne or oily skin (seborrhea);

• Increased, decreased, or absent menstrual bleeding;

• Depressed mood or depression;

• Nausea;

• Breast tenderness or pain.

Kyleena may also cause hair loss, vaginal infections, ovarian cysts, or vaginal discharge.

In rare cases, it may lead to excessive hair growth (hirsutism) or uterine perforation.

Does Kyleena cause weight gain?

Because Kyleena releases a low dose of levonorgestrel, it may cause fluid retention, which can lead to a temporary increase in body weight.

However, Kyleena does not cause weight gain from increased body fat.

Do you still get your period with Kyleena?

Yes, women using Kyleena may still have periods. However, the device often causes a gradual reduction in menstrual duration and blood flow.

Some women may stop menstruating entirely while using Kyleena, with their period returning once the device is removed.

Contraindications to use

Kyleena should not be used by people who are pregnant or suspected to be pregnant, have pelvic inflammatory disease, vaginal or cervical infections, have had a miscarriage within the past 3 months, or have suspected or confirmed cervical or uterine cancer.

It should also be avoided by people with progesterone-dependent tumors, abnormal uterine bleeding, uterine or cervical abnormalities that distort the uterine cavity, liver disease, or allergies to levonorgestrel.