Are you considering an intrauterine device, or IUD, as your primary birth control method?

It can be hard to know what to expect with IUD insertion and what IUD side effects you’ll have. I certainly experienced that when I chose to get the Kyleena IUD!

To make your decision a little bit easier, today I’m going to share my experience with a hormonal IUD. Remember that your body will likely react differently than mine, but you’ll get a general idea of how much an intrauterine device will affect you.

There are also multiple kinds of IUDs. I chose to get the Kyleena IUD so that is the only IUD I can share my experience about, particularly in areas like Kyleena side effects.

One last note: I am not a medical professional and can’t make recommendations for your own health—I’m simply sharing my own IUD experience. Please consult your primary care physician when choosing a birth control method.

With that in mind, let’s get started! Here is what to expect when you get an IUD.

My Experience with the Kyleena IUD

I started discussing birth control methods with my doctor at my premarital appointment, which is something I definitely recommend doing! It’s a great sexual intimacy tip for newlyweds and soon-to-be brides.

We had concerns about keeping the additional hormones contained (instead of circulating through my body) and gentle on my liver. Because of this, we decided that an IUD would be the best fit for me.

The IUD is a highly effective birth control method that boasts high protection and minimal side effects. It’s also an extremely convenient and long-lasting method!

We chose to go with the Kyleena IUD because it has the lowest level of hormones, making it gentler and easier transition.

That being said, I wasn’t sure how my body would react to the hormonal birth control or what the IUD insertion and transition period would be like.

Will insertion be painful? Would my periods go away after the Kyleena IUD was placed and my body adjusted to it? Would my cycle become more regular?

All of these questions were ones that I couldn’t answer until a few months had passed from the initial IUD insertion. That’s the main reason why I wanted to share my experience!

Hopefully, you can learn a few things about what to expect and what the IUD insertion and adjustment process might be like for you.

What’s an IUD?

An IUD (or intrauterine device) is a small T-shaped plastic device with a string attached at the bottom. It is inserted into the uterus with the strings slightly sticking out from the cervix opening.

These strings are there for a couple of reasons: (1) they make for easier removal when the time comes, and (2) they allow you to periodically check on your IUD and make sure it’s still in place.

Most doctors recommend checking about once a month. My doctor specifically recommended checking during your period since to ensure regular checks. Plus, your cervix is often lower during certain days of your menstrual cycle.

Types of IUD Birth Control

There are two main types of IUDs: the hormonal IUD and the copper IUD. There are four different hormonal IUDs: Kyleena, Mirena, Skyla, and Liletta. My doctor offers Kyleena or Mirena, so if you want a specific IUD make sure your doctor carries it.

There is only one kind of copper IUD: the ParaGard. If avoiding hormones is your main goal, the copper ParaGard IUD is the one to look into.

Head over to WebMD for more information about IUDs.

How Does an IUD Work?

All IUDs work by triggering an immune response that changes the movement of the sperm so eggs are never reached and can’t be fertilized.

Hormonal IUDs alter the movement of sperm by releasing small amounts of the hormone progestin into your body. The levels that are released vary by the type of hormonal IUD that you get.

The progestin thickens your cervical mucus which makes it harder for the sperm to get through to the egg. The hormone also makes your uterine lining thinner so there is no place for a fertilized egg to go. This is why hormonal IUDs typically result in lighter (or sometimes nonexistent) periods.

The copper IUD, on the other hand, causes an inflammatory response to your uterine lining. This in turn creates an unlivable environment for sperm.

Basically, IUDs make it so sperm can’t reach your fallopian tubes to fertilize an egg. On the off chance that they did reach an egg, the IUD makes your uterus inhospitable for sperm.

How Much Does an IUD Cost?

Like most medical devices, IUDs are expensive. Most cost between $500-1300, but in most cases your insurance can help cover that cost. Personally, I didn’t pay anything out of pocket; however, I have really good insurance.

Make sure to discuss IUD costs with your doctor prior to your appointment so you’re not surprised by the bill.

How Long Does an IUD Last?

Another great benefit of IUDs is how long they last. IUDs are effective anywhere from 5-10 years after IUD insertion, depending on the type of IUD you got. Kyleena, for example, is effective for up to 5 years. Mirena will last up to 8 and the copper ParaGard for 10 years.

IUDs are not only long-lasting, but they’re also a very comfortable and convenient form of birth control!

Once I had my Kyleena IUD inserted and got past the initial few days of discomfort it was so easy! Minimal maintenance, unlike traditional birth control pills which you have to take daily and typically have major side effects.

You don’t need to remember anything besides occasionally checking on your strings to make sure your IUD is in place.

Kyleena IUD Insertion

Before I got my Kyleena IUD inserted I had talked with some close friends who had IUDs, read others’ experiences on the internet (which is likely how you stumbled across this post!), and tried to learn about what the experience was going to be like.

My doctor told me she likes to insert IUDs during the menstrual cycle. I thought that was odd at first, but it’s actually pretty common. During your period your cervix is the most dilated, making insertion as comfortable as possible.

Since my menstrual cycle isn’t regular I was given a 5-day prescription of Provera to start my period. I was told this prescription is a nasty one and would likely cause nausea and cramping. Somehow I avoided that and it really was a pretty normal few days while taking that med.

I was definitely nervous that I wouldn’t start my period because, for some reason, my body likes to do its own thing and not follow anything else. Lucky for me, however, I started right when I was supposed to just in time for my IUD insertion appointment.

Before my appointment, I took a couple of ibuprofen pills to help with any insertion pain, and my then-fiance picked me up and drove me to the appointment. I highly recommend this! You never know how your body will react and it’s so nice to have a loved one there to support you and drive so you don’t have to worry about it if you’re cramping afterward.

At the appointment, we asked any additional questions that we had and discussed the IUD insertion process and what to expect in the following weeks and months.

IUDs and Periods

It was during this initial meeting that I asked ‘Can I use a menstrual cup with an IUD?’. Up until that point, menstrual cups were my go-to period product; however, they’re not recommended if you have an IUD. The suction that holds the cup in place can accidentally dislodge your intrauterine device.

If you’re looking for a different reusable menstrual product that won’t dislodge your IUD, check out my complete guide to menstrual discs. It’s what I use currently (in addition to a pantyliner) and, it’s even wearable during sex!

After the pre-appointment consultation was over I had to do a pregnancy test and then it was insertion time.

For your IUD insertion, your doctor will ask you to take off any clothing on your lower half. Then you’ll sit on the bed and rest your feet in the stirrups.

Next, the doctor will use a speculum to hold your vaginal walls open, just as they do during a pap smear.

This may be a little uncomfortable, but shouldn’t be painful. Finally, after the speculum is clicked into place the doctor will insert your IUD. This is the most painful part of the insertion, but it’s over quickly! You can expect a few moments when the IUD is being pushed into place that will cause discomfort.

In my personal experience, the insertion caused more discomfort than pain. It was kind of like a few sharp cramps that were over shortly.

All in all, insertion wasn’t too bad for me, but everyone’s experience with insertion will be different.

IUD Side Effects & How to Prepare

After my IUD was in place I was definitely crampy and uncomfortable for a few days. I highly recommend purchasing a heating pad if you don’t already have one and keeping ibuprofen nearby.

For a good 2-3 months I was spotting after my IUD insertion appointment, so make sure you’re prepared for that as well. I made the mistake of not ordering a reusable menstrual disc early on and spent more money than I should have on disposable period products which overall made me feel super dried out and uncomfortable.

After those first few months, things went back to normal for the most part, with a few changes. My menstrual cycle became regular, which I’ve never had, and my periods were much lighter!

Keep in mind you might have some negative IUD side effects as well. A few months after getting married I gained quite a bit of weight in a relatively short period of time. At one point I gained 10 pounds in a week and it wasn’t just regular fluctuations.

Now I can’t say for sure that the IUD was the main cause of this—there were a lot of lifestyle changes involved after getting married, including more snacking than I should have been, and slacking off on my regular workout routine in addition to a few other health concerns that came up—but I feel like there may be a bit of a correlation there.

Should You Get An IUD?

My best advice? The IUD will affect you, as will any form of birth control.

The best thing you can do is make sure you’re prepared for the initial discomfort and spotting after IUD insertion, and then wait and see how your body reacts and how the birth control method works for you.

But really, hormonal birth control is associated with weight gain—it’s kind of unavoidable for many women.

All in all, the IUD has been a great form of birth control for me and my body. While there are a lot of pros and cons, you won’t find a single birth control option that doesn’t have a negative aspect to it; unfortunately, that’s just how it is.

The Kyleena IUD is a highly effective and comfortable birth control method that I would recommend to anyone looking to find a birth control method that offers them convenience and stress-free protection.