Contraception Reviews

Hormonal IUD and period like cramps

How our community feel they have been impacted by period like cramps on hormonal IUD

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

None or not sure

42%

A bit

27%

Quite a bit

13%

A great deal

13%

A lot

4%

Out of the 45 reviews for hormonal IUD, 26 people (58%) reported period like cramps.

Reviewers that reported period like cramps as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 5 - 8 yr
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  4 days ago

My first IUD placement (Mirena) was without numbing shots, and it really was quite painful. The immediate pain lasted only a few seconds, but I had hot flashes for a few minutes afterwards. The next week, I got the heaviest period of my life, followed by about 4 months of light bleeding. After that, I lost my period completely for about 3 years, and then very light and irregular periods until I had it replaced. My period used to cause painful acne and very frustrating mood swings, which I was quite happy to go without. I did have some discomfort during sex, but only with larger partners and only in certain positions. My second IUD was the Kyleena. I did have numbing shots for the placement, and it was much more comfortable - similar to getting a pap smear. My period has gone away again, and I haven't noticed any pain during sex (Kyleena is a little smaller). My only real concern about the IUD is that if I were to become pregnant while the IUD is in place, it is very likely to be ectopic. I do take a pregnancy test every couple of months, so if it does happen I can get the care I need. I live in a state with very good and safe abortion care, so I would be able to get help right away, but it's still something to keep in mind. All that being said, I would 100% recommend an IUD. I have been nearly period-free since 2018, which is well worth the pain of insertion. I really appreciate being able to avoid the acne, pain, and mood swings I used to get with my period, and I really really appreciate that I have an incredibly effective form of birth control that I only have to think about once every 8 years. I love my IUD so much, and I am probably going to use IUDs as my primary form of birth control for the rest of my life.

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Very positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 12 - 18 mo
17 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 month ago

If you are considering the hormonal IUD route, I highly encourage you to read this! I primarily chose to switch over to the Mirena due to the weight gain I experienced while on the pill. To preface, I never had any issues with vaginal dryness prior to the switch. Following the insertion, I have been almost completely unable to get wet. As I stated before, this was never a problem for me regardless of arousal. It has been over a year, and without using an external lubricant, I physically cannot have sex due to the severity of this issue. It can be humiliating if the person i’m getting with isn’t aware of the causation. Just wanted to make it known, because it’s impacted my life pretty significantly.


Somewhat positive mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 1 - 3 mo
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  20th Dec 24

Just got this inserted early November. It's December and Im experiencing a month of bleeding, cramps, irritability, nausea, headaches, dizziness, feeling unwell everyday.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

3 helpful

0 comments

Hormonal IUD common side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

1

Period like cramps

58% of hormonal IUD reviewers reported period like cramps

2

Lower back pain

36% of hormonal IUD reviewers reported lower back pain

3

Tender breasts

33% of hormonal IUD reviewers reported tender breasts

4

Headaches

33% of hormonal IUD reviewers reported headaches

5

Nausea or vomiting

27% of hormonal IUD reviewers reported nausea or vomiting


Possible hormonal IUD side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

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