Kyleena coil vs Mirena coil

So I’ve had the kyleena put in just over 2 years ago. For the first 18 months it was great, there was no side effects and my periods were getting lighter and less painful! After that, I started noticing quite a bit of hair loss during showers and brushing, visibly making my hair look thinner. I’ve always had thick hair so this was quite upsetting and I put it down to the stress I had during college. Now I’m in a new job that I’m loving, the hair loss hasn’t subsided. It’s still falling a lot everyday so I’m deciding to get the kyleena removed in a months time. I’ve been to the GP and got bloods done in which everything came back fine. So hopefully once I’ve the kyleena removed my hair will slowly start growing back :(

Overall this was a good option for me. The insertion was painful but momentary, and was nice not to have to worry about taking pills. The spotting occurred more at the end of the coil’s lifespan (I’m having it taken out this week after 5 years). I did notice vaginal dryness (most noticeable when aroused, needing lube etc). Ultimately I am coming off this contraception because of this. I have vaginismus and the dryness hinders my ability to get/feel aroused. I know this is because of the coil because I have felt the effects wear off as the coil gets to the end of its lifespan (in the last 6 months of my 5 year stint)

I had a Kyleena coil inserted, after 6 months I was still having week long breakthrough bleeds between periods. I had the coil checked and it was in position, no problems according to the doctor. A month later I was pregnant, with the coil still in the correct place. Unfortunately the Kyleena coil didn't work to protect me from pregnancy, caused me to have breakthrough bleeds and have recurrent episodes of thrush.

I got the coil fitted to control heavy periods with contraception as a bonus. I’m aware I might be still in the settling down phase, this is my experience so far. Fitting was uncomfortable but I’ve had 3 vaginal birth so nothing touches that! Cramps for a few days but settled down. So far I have been bleeding most of the time since having it fitted, not heavy, light, but constant and irregular patterns. Very annoying. Low self esteem and low mood. Weight gain, despite being more physically active and eating healthily. Increase in headaches and migraines. Generally unimpressed at the lack of connection with healthcare professionals and Mirena coil users. So many women reporting poor experience yet doctors aren’t relaying this information. Will be having it removed. I choose control over my body over convenience.

First 6 months is an adjustment period so I had plenty of headache and feeling sick but after a while my body used to it and I am fine. 100% contraception effectiveness and no heavy period.

Insertion was definitely a little more than just "uncomfortable', it was incredibly painful and emotionally felt very invasive. Took about a day or two to get over the cramps. Felt very faint the first night after having it inserted. Have had experience with SA before though and after telling the nurses they were incredibly supportive throughout the procedure. Side effects wise I got on pretty well for the first year. My periods did stop after a few months, which I found to be a bit strange as I like to track my cycle and I found this a bit strange at first, as I could feel my other symptoms of my cycle but felt a bit off kilter when I didn't have my usual period. Not having to worry about condoms or taking a pill everyday is great though. But after about a year of having the hormonal coil I've noticed my mood and mental health take a bit of a dip. I feel a bit like my emotions are just sitting a bit flatter, I'm a bit more irritable, I don't experience quite the same amount of joy as I used to. I do have a lot going on in life at the moment, but I can't help but notice day to day, even on good days, that I'm not as cheerful or reacting to things in the same way I used to. Emotionally not feeling like myself I don't feel is worth this,no I'm going to seek advice on whether to have this removed or not I think.

So far I love the mirena coil! Insertion was definitely painful (not just “uncomfortable”!), but the pain was very brief. I had cramps for a couple of days, and then light bleeding/spotting for about a month. However since then I’ve had no periods, and don’t even know it’s there. I get a few more spots now but that’s from rarely getting any when I was on the pill, it’s not a lot. My weight has stayed exactly the same. I was terrified of getting it fitted but am so glad I did, if it continues like this then I will take 30 seconds of pain for 8 years of not having to think about contraception, no periods and no side effects!

Had the coil for just over a year and bled daily (although only light). Only had a few days a month not bleeding

Generally the Mirena has been great. Only noticed most of the side effects after 4 years having it in - and they’re still very manageable.

I had the worst time on Mirena. I had a bad experience from day one at insertion - I found the whole experience so much more painful than I imagined that it would be - no one really prepares you for this. From the first day I started experiencing cramps and everyone said that they would ease up within no time however they did not. Month after month I experienced endless painful cramps and times where I would be doubled over in two on dates with my boyfriend - never have I had anything like that. As a girl, we very much always shut up and put up and I always felt like I could just push through it but there were times when it was really bad and I almost got it out, but you’d forget about it the next day as it’s such a good feeling to not have to Take a pill etc and it is very convenient. But it’s also crazy I actually had it in for as long as I did. I have never really had that bad periods and my bleeding was longer, the cramping much more intense and honestly just a whole lot worse than it was when I was off it. I didn’t really notice anything kind of sexually or from a weight or ski. perspective but I know that the cramping and the bleeding was enough for me to never touch this thing again. The Doctors kept telling me to hold out and just wait to see if it would change and it just never did. I would really recommend if you are having these symptoms any time past two months they are not going to get better and you’ll just continue to suffer. At the eight month mark I went and got it out and honestly it was the best thing I ever did. As soon as it was out, I felt like I could actually breathe again and havent suffered another cramp like it ever since (thank god!). I have gone back onto the mini pill now which I’m much more happy with - it does have some side-effects but nothing like that cramping!

I feel like myself, which I cannot say for other forms of BC I’ve used. The weight gain may have more to do with some lifestyle changes, but I enjoy the way my body look regardless. I was able to collaborate with my doctor to find suppositories to help with the dryness during sex and that in turn has helped with my libido. I cannot imagine using another form of birth control.

I've not had any significant side effects...so far. But the one thing I don't like is that I struggle to track my period. I don't bleed it bleed very little. Some periods are just spotting. In theory this is great, but the rest of my body is still experiencing a cycle and without the bleeding it can be hard to track. I still try to, but I'm about ready to give up. If you are like me and spent 10 years on the pill, this can feel a bit jarring. I'm on a hormonal rollercoaster that is normal but I'm not really use to it. My cramping is normal compared to before I had coil. I've had acne rosacea crop up and after a year of it I strongly thing it's linked to hormones but not sure how much the coil plays a part (though I did NOT have this before coil, I am also 40 and may be perimenopauseal). Insertion recovery was totally fine. Very little discomfort. However I was undergoing a minor gyno procedure at the same time and as a result got a general! Highly recommend should it be available. Won't lie, not sure I would have the coil again after this one....I'm still not sold in all honesty. It just emotionally felt evasive as a method of BC.

Overall my periods were regular but once I got the coil I had very irregular periods and extra cramping. I also have frequent dizzy spells and headaches since it has been inserted. And I've seen an increase in spots and body hair since starting with the coil