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Kyleena

levonorgestrel
Used for Birth Control
Used for Birth Control

Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) is a progestin intrauterine device (IUD). It's approved for females of reproductive age to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) is inserted into the uterus by a provider in their office. Some of the more common side effects of this IUD include vaginal irritation or infection, acne, and stomach cramps. Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) has a lower dose of hormone and is smaller in size compared to some other hormonal IUDs, such as Mirena (levonorgestrel).

Last reviewed on December 4, 2023
basics-icon

What is Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel)?

What is Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) used for?

  • Prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years

How Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) works

Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) is a small device placed in the uterus that slowly releases a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel. This hormone prevents pregnancy by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg. Levonorgestrel also makes it difficult for sperm to reach the egg and for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.

Are you looking for information on Mirena (levonorgestrel) or levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) oral tablet instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsKyleena
Drug ClassProgestin
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) essentials

basics-icon

What are the side effects of Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Vaginal inflammation or irritation (24%)
  • Ovarian cyst (22%)
  • Acne (14%)
  • Stomach cramps (13%)
  • Headaches (13%)
  • Breast discomfort or pain (7%)
  • Changes in menstrual bleeding (8%)

Other Side Effects

  • Depression
  • Expulsion (the device comes out on its own)
  • Nausea
  • Genital discharge

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Ectopic pregnancy: severe, unexplainable pelvic pain along with unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Severe infection: fever, chills, confusion, fatigue

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
  • Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • New or worsening migraines or headaches
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)—fever, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, pain or trouble passing urine, spotting, bleeding during or after sex
  • Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
  • Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
  • Vaginal pain, irritation, or sores
  • Worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Breast pain or tenderness
  • Dark patches of skin on the face or other sun-exposed areas
  • Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
  • Nausea
  • Weight gain
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works for up to 5 years

More effective than oral birth control pills to prevent pregnancy

Can be used during breastfeeding as long as it's been 6 weeks since you gave birth

Contains a lower dose of hormone compared some other IUDs, like Mirena

thumbs-down

Cons

Can raise your risk of an ectopic pregnancy

Breakthrough bleeding, acne, and headaches are common side effects

Not safe to use if you've liver problems or have ever had breast, uterine, or cervical cancer

Can only be removed by a healthcare provider at their office

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel)

pharmacist
  • You might feel some pain, dizziness, or have some light vaginal bleeding after the Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) has been placed, but it should be temporary. If these symptoms don't lessen after a few days, tell your provider. They'll want to see if Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) is placed properly.

    • After the Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) has been placed, there will be 2 thin threads hanging inside the vagina. Your provider might recommend that you check for these threads once a month with a clean finger. Never tug or pull on the threads when you're checking for them. If you can't feel them, call your provider right away because it might be a sign that Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) isn't positioned properly.

      • If you haven't had a period for 6 weeks, call your provider. It's typical for some people to stop having their periods after using Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) for a year or longer. But keep in mind that having no menstrual bleeding can also be a sign of pregnancy. Your provider will want to check to see if you're pregnant, especially if you've an ectopic pregnancy.

        • The Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) can be used while breastfeeding. But your provider will likely ask you to wait at least 6 weeks since you gave birth to minimize injury to the uterus. The medication from the device will not hurt your baby, but you might notice a slight drop in your milk supply.

          • It's possible for your body to push the Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) back out of the uterus into the vagina. If this happens, call your healthcare provider right away and use a back-up method of protection (condoms, diaphragms) until you have a new device placed.

            • Let your provider know right away if you experience high blood pressure, blood clotting problems (e.g., heart attack or stroke), migraines, or severe headaches while using Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel). If so, your provider might need to remove the IUD.

              • If you need to get any magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans done, let your care team know that you have Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) in place. Depending on the MRI machine, you might need to have the IUD removed before the scan.

                More on Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) tips

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel)

                How long does Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) last?
                Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) works to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. But if you no longer want to use it, your provider can help you remove the IUD at any time.
                Does Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) cause weight gain?
                People who used Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) in clinical trials didn't report weight gain as a side effect. But in general, it's possible for the levonogestrel in Kyleena to cause some bloating. It's because this hormone can makes your body hold on to more water. Keep in mind that everyone responds to the medication differently, so you might not experience this side effect. But if you notice that you've gained a lot of weight since starting on the Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel), let your provider know and they can try to help you figure out the cause.
                How effective is Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel)?
                Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel), like other IUDs, is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. This means that it works better compared to many other forms of birth control, including the pill, ring, or patch. In order for Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) to continue to work well, it needs to be replaced every 5 years.
                Does Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) cause acne?
                Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) can cause acne and oily skin as side effects. Make sure to maintain a good skin care regimen with this IUD, and talk with your provider about possible treatment options if your acne becomes really bothersome.
                Does Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) stop periods?
                Yes, Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) can cause your period to stop. But this usually happens after you've already been using the IUD for a year longer. During the first 3 to 6 months after Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) is inserted, you're more likely to experience breakthrough bleeding and or irregular bleeding patterns. But over time, the IUD can cause lighter periods. Some people have reported their periods going away after using Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) for about a year or longer. Once your healthcare provider removes Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel), your periods should return to how they were before IUD use.
                How long do IUD cramps last with Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel)?
                You might experience cramps during the first few days to weeks after your provider inserts Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel). Rarely, the cramping can last longer. If your provider says it's okay, try to take some over-the-counter pain medication, like (acetaminophen) Tylenol or ibuprofen (Advil), to ease the pain. But if your cramps doesn't go away or are very painful, get medical help right away. Your provider will likely need to check the location of the IUD to see if it's still in the proper place.
                Does Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) have estrogen?
                No, Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) doesn't contain estrogen. It contains a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel. It's a lab-made version of the hormone progesterone that's made by the body.
                Is Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) a copper IUD?
                No, Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) isn't a copper IUD; but rather, it's a hormonal IUD that contains progestin hormone. If you'd prefer a hormone-free IUD, ask your provider about the copper IUD, Paragard, instead.
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                warings-icon

                What are the risks and warnings for Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel)?

                Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Ectopic pregnancy

                • Risk factors: Previous ectopic pregnancy | Past surgery performed on your fallopian tubes | Current pelvic infection

                  Ectopic pregnancies happen when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than your uterus. They're very rare, but can be life-threatening and sometimes need to be treated with surgery. Progestin-only contraception, including the Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD, can raise your risk of ectopic pregnancies. Pregnancy is rare with all IUDs, but if you do become pregnant while the Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD is inserted, the chance of it being an ectopic pregnancy is high. If you experience unexplained or severe pelvic pain along with unusual vaginal bleeding, let your provider know.

                  If you do become pregnant after the Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD was placed, contact your provider right away. Your provider will recommend for you to remove Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) because keeping it in place raises your risk for complications such as miscarriage and infection.

                  risk-warning

                  Sepsis (blood infection)

                  • Risk factors: Placement of device in an unhygienic environment

                    Sepsis is when bacteria infect your bloodstream, and it can be life-threatening. Your risk of getting this infection goes up if Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) wasn't placed using proper antibacterial technique. Sepsis would typically happen shortly after the device was inserted, sometimes even within a few hours. Tell your provider right away if you have pelvic pain, a high fever, or any other symptoms of being sick shortly after the device was placed.

                    risk-warning

                    Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

                    • Risk factors: History of or current pelvic inflammatory disease | Current sexually transmitted infections | Multiple sex partners

                      IUDs raise your risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) because there's always a small chance bacteria can get into your uterus when the device is placed. Because of this, the Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD isn't safe to use if you've ever had or are prone to PID. If you start to experience any unusual pelvic pain, funny-smelling discharge, unusual vaginal bleeding, sores or cuts in your genital area, or a high fever, call your provider right away.

                      risk-warning

                      Uterine injury

                      • Risk factors: Placing the Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD less than 6 weeks after giving birth

                        There's a very small chance that the Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD can uterine injury (perforation), which is extremely dangerous. It also prevents the Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD from working properly, meaning you can get pregnant if this happens. The risk of perforation is higher if you've the Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD placed less than 6 weeks after you give birth to a baby. Your provider will need to remove the IUD if there's an injury, and this might require surgery. Tell your provider right away if you can't feel the threads that hang freely inside your vagina after it has been placed.

                        risk-warning

                        Body ejecting the device

                        • Risk factors: Placing the Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD less than 6 weeks after giving birth

                          There is a small chance the body can eject the Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD from the uterus back into your vagina. If this happens, the device won't work and you can get pregnant. Your risk of having this happen is higher if you have the IUD placed less than 6 weeks after you gave birth. If you notice your menstrual bleeding suddenly becomes heavier than usual and it's been more than 3 to 6 months since your provider placed the device, this could be a sign your body is ejecting the Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD. Tell your provider if this happens and use non-hormonal protection (condoms, diaphragms) until your provider places a new device or tells you the device is in the right place.

                          risk-warning

                          Irregular periods

                          The Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD can cause you to experience irregular menstrual periods. Most women will have heavier or longer periods for the first 3 to 6 months after the device is placed, followed by very light or no periods. But, you might notice changes of any kind to your menstrual cycle while using the Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD. If you are worried about the changes to your periods, talk to your provider, especially if you are having sudden or unusually heavy bleeding after the first 3 to 6 months. This could be a sign that the device is not in the correct place.

                          risk-warning

                          Ovarian cysts

                          Since Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) is located within the uterus, it can sometimes lead to the development of ovarian cysts. Although most ovarian cysts don't cause any symptoms, some might cause pelvic pain or pain during sex. In most cases, the cysts go away on their own after a few months, but your provider will keep an eye on things just to make sure. Surgery is usually not required for these.

                          risk-warning

                          Possible risk of cancer

                          People who have or have had breast cancer shouldn't use hormonal birth control, including Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel). Certain types of breast cancer can be sensitive to hormones, and might grow in the presence of hormones.

                          dosage

                          Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) dosage forms

                          Typical dosing for Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel)

                          Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) will need to be placed inside the uterus by your provider at their office. Once placed, it can prevent pregnancy for 5 years.

                          contraindications-icon

                          Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) contraindications

                          Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel) will not be safe for you to take.
                          • Pregnancy or suspicion of pregnancy

                          • Use as emergency contraception

                          • Certain abnormal uterine anatomy

                          • Acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or a history of PID

                          • Postpartum endometritis or infected abortion in the past 3 months

                          • Uterine or cervical cancer

                          • Breast cancer or other progestin-sensitive cancer

                          • Uterine bleeding without a known cause

                          • Untreated inflammation of the cervix or vagina, or other lower genital tract infections

                          • Liver disease or liver tumor

                          • A previous intrauterine device (IUD) that hasn't been removed

                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel)?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                          Kyleena IUD (levonorgestrel)
                          Used for:
                          • Prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years

                          Used for:
                          • Prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years

                          Used for:

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                          References

                          Best studies we found

                          American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Postpartum birth control.

                          Bayer. (2024). Kyleena IUD placement.

                          Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2023). Kyleena- levonorgestrel intrauterine device [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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