How Can You Treat Kyleena
In most women, the bloating caused by Kyleena will subside as a womans body gets used to the progestin in the contraceptive device. In addition, women are more likely to gain weight during their reproductive years, whether they have an IUD or not.
Other recent lifestyle changes should also be considered as a factor for weight gain, such as an increase in food intake, a decrease in exercise, stress, or other medications. All women should ensure they eat a healthy balanced diet, partake in regular exercise, and stay hydrated with lots of water.
If the weight gain is significant or worrisome and lifestyle changes have not made a difference, then contact your doctor for further advice.
Does Mirena Cause Weight Gain
Mirena is a small T-shaped intrauterine device that releases the progestin hormone levonorgestrel to prevent: pregnancy, heavy menstrual periods, and/or excessive build of the uterus lining in persons on estrogen replacement therapy. When properly inserted within the uterus, Mirena is programmed to release 20 micrograms of levonorgestrel per day, and is expected to remain effective for a duration of 3 to 5 years.
According to medical literature, intrauterine devices like Mirena remain among the most effective formats of birth control on the market, exhibiting one-year failure rates of approximately 0.2%. Furthermore, the World Health Organization lists levonorgestrel-containing IUDs as Essential Medicines, or drugs that are safe, highly effective, and necessary in a basic health system.
It is understood that many women prefer using hormonal IUDs like Mirena over other contraceptives because they are low-maintenance, set-it-and-forget-it options requiring no daily, weekly, or monthly adjustment. Despite the fact that Mirena is an effective contraceptive, prospective users may be concerned about whether Mirena might cause weight gain as a side effect.
How Do I Use The Hormonal Iud
The hormonal IUD is inserted inside the uterus by a trained doctor or nurse. You can choose to have a local anaesthetic or sedation while it is inserted. The IUD insertion takes around 15 minutes but you will be in the clinic for an hour or more. See below for a video about IUDs and how to help prepare for and manage pain from an IUD insertion.
The IUD has a fine nylon string attached to it which comes out through the cervix . The string cannot be seen and it does not hang out of the vagina. If you feel high up inside your vagina, you can check that the string is there and know the IUD is still in place. It is good to do this every month. If the string feels like it is shorter or longer than normal or you cannot feel the string at all, the IUD may have shifted and you should see a doctor or nurse.
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What Are The Advantages
- Long acting it lasts for between 3 and 10 years depending on the type of IUD
- Reversible you can choose to have it taken out at any time. After that, you will be able to get pregnant
- 99% effective it works very well
- You dont need to think about contraception every day
- Does not affect breastfeeding
- Does not get in the way of sex
- The copper IUD does not contain any hormones
- The copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception
- The hormonal IUD has a very small amount of hormones and most people have no side effects from this
- The Mirena can help with period bleeding and pain, and most people will have light bleeding or no periods at all.
Studies show that IUDs do not cause pimples, headaches, sore breasts, nausea, mood changes, loss of sex drive or weight gain. There is no evidence of an extra risk of cancer.
Know Your Iuds: Kyleena Mirena And Copper Iud

In Canada, there are currently two types of IUDs available:
- Copper IUDs also called Non-Hormonal IUDs The copper material of these non-hormonal IUDs prevents pregnancy by creating an environment that is unfavourable to sperm cells. This environment reduces the sperm cells ability to fertilize the womans egg. Learn more about Copper IUD here
- Hormonal IUDs The hormones in these IUDs also produce an environment that is unfavourable to sperm cells. These IUDs make the mucus within the cervix thick. The dense texture of the mucous prevents sperm cells from reaching the egg. In addition to this, the hormones in these IUDs can prevent ovulation. Without ovulation, eggs cannot leave the ovaries. If there are no eggs for the sperm cells to fertilize, pregnancy cannot exist. Learn more about Mirena IUD and Kyleena IUD
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Can Birth Control Cause Weight Gain
Patients often tell me that they think all birth control causes weight gain, but there is only one method, the progestin hormonal injection given every three months, that is linked to weight gain, Dr. Stanwood says. Thats not to say women arent gaining weight. Most American women naturally gain about 2 pounds every year, but its not the pill or intrauterine devices causing it.
Sold under the brand name Depo-Provera, the birth control injection contains progestin and suppresses ovulation so that you dont release an egg each month and therefore cant get pregnant. One study showed that, over one year, women who used Depo-Provera gained five pounds more than those using a copper IUD. The reason Depo-Provera can cause weight gain, Dr. Stanwood explains, is that it can activate signals in the brain that control hunger.
Which Birth Control Works Best
People often have a misconception that all birth control methods are the same in terms of protection. But thats not true. Some work better than others, Dr. Stanwood says. I tell patients that, aside from permanent sterilization , what gives the most protection is an intrauterine device or the arm implant, both of which have a less than 1% risk of pregnancy in a year.
An IUD is a small, soft, flexible piece of plastic shaped like a “T”it is inserted into your uterus, via your cervix, by your doctor. There are several brands , all of which release the hormone progestin, which changes the cervix and uterus to prevent sperm from getting through to an egg. These hormonal IUDs protect against pregnancy for three to seven years, depending on which one a woman chooses. Another type of IUD is hormone-free and instead uses a copper coil, which also changes the cervix and uterus to prevent sperm from getting through to an egg, and it can be used for up to 12 years.
The arm implant, sold under the brand Nexplanon, is a rod about the size of a matchstick that is inserted under the skin of your upper, inner arm. It releases progestin and prevents pregnancy for up to five years by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
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Prior Contraceptive / Substance Use
Any substances that you used prior to Mirena could impact the amount of weight gain that you experience following Mirena insertion. For example, if you administered a contraceptive before Mirena that caused you to lose weight, its very likely that youll end up gaining weight following its discontinuation.
If you begin using Mirena shortly after discontinuation of a contraceptive that induced weight loss, youll probably notice weight gain while on Mirena. However, in this case, the weight gain that you notice may be completely attributable to the fact that youre no longer receiving the weight loss effect of the formerly-administered contraceptive rather than caused by Mirena.
Oppositely, if you administered a contraceptive before Mirena that caused you to gain weight, you might notice weight loss after Mirena insertion. In this case, the weight loss may be fully attributable to the fact that youre no longer receiving the weight gain effect of the formerly-administered substance rather than caused by Mirena.
Realize that if you gain or lose weight while using Mirena the weight change that you experience could be due to the recent discontinuation of another substance rather than from introduction of Mirena. For this reason, if you recently discontinued another contraceptive or medication before starting Mirena consider that this may account for your weight gain.
Copper Iuds And Weight Gain
Weight gain isnt listed as a side effect of ParaGard. Anecdotal evidence from women using the device indicates IUDs cause weight gain, but scientific evidence is inconclusive.
A study published in Contraception assessing weight changes in Brazilian women using copper IUDs found that weight increased, especially in older women. It was also determined that the women tended to gain weight during their reproductive years independent of IUD insertion. Because of this, weight gain may have been related to age.
A more recent study published in the European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care compared weight gain in women who used hormonal contraception or IUDs. The study found users of both types of birth control gained significant weight over a 10-year period.
Although these studies indicate IUD users experienced weight gain, its unclear if the gain was due to the IUD or normal aging and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Removing the IUD didnt necessarily result in weight loss. More research is needed to put an end to the debate about weight gain and IUDs.
Birth control is a personal choice that should be weighed carefully. Most women can safely use a copper IUD, but you should consider other options if you have any of these risk factors:
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Have You Gained Weight While Using Mirena
If youve used Mirena IUD for a moderate duration, leave a comment discussing whether youve noticed weight change after its insertion. If youve noticed weight change after Mirena insertion, how much weight did you gain or lose? Do you believe that the weight change is directly attributable to Mirena?
Assuming you think that the weight change is attributable to Mirena, how do you think Mirena caused the weight change? .
To help others understand your situation, provide additional details in your comment like: how long youve had Mirena inserted whether you use other substances your preexisting medical conditions and whether you track calories plus exercise regularly. If you use other substances with Mirena, have a preexisting medical condition, and/or dont track your calories or exercise consistently how can you be sure that your weight change is from Mirena?
In conclusion, while modest weight gain might occur in a small percentage of women using Mirena , moderate and/or severe weight gain is unlikely. Moreover, most medical doctors consider Mirena to be a weight neutral medication and The National Collaborating Centre for Womens and Childrens Health recommends telling patients that theres no evidence that IUDs cause weight gain.
What Are Differences Between Mirena And Kyleena Hormonal Iuds
Both Mirena and Kyleena are very effective methods of contraception that last for up to 5 years. Mirena is 99.9% effective and Kyleena is 99.7% effective.
Mirena may be used until 55 years of age if inserted when you are 45 years of age or older, whereas Kyleena needs to be replaced every 5 years for all ages.
Kyleena is slightly smaller than Mirena and has a lower dose of the hormone, progestogen. Both hormonal IUDs will reduce vaginal bleeding , however there are typically less bleeding or spotting days per month with Mirena than with Kyleena.
The choice between these two IUDs is a personal choice. You can speak with your doctor or nurse for more information.
Local anaesthetic: a medicine used to numb a part of yourbody for a short while. You remain conscious.
Sedation: a medicine used to cause a relaxed, sleep-like state so you are unaware of the procedure.
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Does Iud Cause Bloating
Ingestin, the hormone that is used in hormonal IUDs, can cause weight gain. Weight gain from IUDs is unlikely to result in increased body fat, but rather an increase in water retention. In addition to causing bloating, progestin may also increase water retention, which can add about five pounds to the body.
How To Prepare For Iud Insertion

- Eating a light snack or meal before the IUD is inserted is advisable to prevent dizziness.
- Drinking lots of water and staying hydrated before the procedure is also recommended, as a urine sample might be needed as part of the process before insertion.
- If you experience discomfort and pain, consult your doctor if taking Tylenol or Advil is recommended.
While the result may be desirable, the IUD insertion procedure continues to be a source of fear and apprehension. The most common concern being Is getting an IUD painful?
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How To Manage And Prevent Weight Gain
Working with a healthcare provider can help identify and monitor any causes of weight gain while taking birth control and develop a plan to combat it.
Recommendations for preventing and managing weight gain include:
- Monitor weight to determine what might be contributing to changes.
- Get moving by incorporating exercise.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
Talking with a healthcare provider about available options can help you make an informed decision to manage any side effects.
Protection From Sexually Transmitted Disease
Neither the pill nor an IUD protects you from STDs. The only form of birth control that does shield you is the condom. If you have multiple partners, or a partner who has other partners, using a condom as an extra layer of protection against STDs is recommended even if you have an IUD or take the pill.
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Reduce Exposure To Hormone Disruptors
Toxins are one of the most common reasons why hormonal weight gain occurs.
You see, toxins cause inflammation, which basically throws your body into a state of confusion.
The most common source of toxins is the food we eat.
Food toxins that contribute to hormonal weight include:
- Processed and genetically modified fats
- Processed sugar
- Dyes
- Processed meats
So, if you want to lose weight fast and reverse hormone-related weight gain, reduce your consumption of these foods and ingredients.
This single step will make a tremendous difference in your bodys ability to shed excess pounds.
What Is Good About The Hormonal Iud
- It is an extremely effective method of contraception.
- Once inserted you will only need to check the string each month.
- It can last up to 5 years or longer if you have it inserted from 45 years of age.
- You can use it while breast feeding.
- No medications stop it from working.
- Most users have no vaginal bleeding at all or very light bleeding.
- Periods may be less painful.
- It can be taken out at any time by a doctor or nurse.
- Once removed your fertility quickly returns to what is normal for you.
- It is another contraceptive option if you have difficulty taking the hormone oestrogen. The Pill and vaginal ring contain oestrogen and progestogen. The hormonal IUD only contains progestogen.
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Other Things Can Bring Weight Gain
Even when people report weight gain, Dorn says itâs important to think about other factors that might play a role. Sometimes itâs merely your stage of life. For example, if you start using an IUD before your body fully matures, you might think normal body changes result from the IUD.
âA lot of it is timing. A lot of it is, it coincides with the normal weight gain of maturity,â Dorn says.
You can stop the birth control as easily as you start it, too. If you decide you want to get pregnant, or otherwise donât want to use the method anymore, you only have to go to your doctor or other medical professional to have it removed.
What Is An Intra Uterine Device
An IUD is a small object that goes inside your uterus.
There are two types of IUDs:
- Copper IUD – contains copper, a type of metal
- Hormonal IUD contains the hormone progestogen
The IUD is put in your uterus by an experienced nurse or doctor. This is simple and safe. The procedure itself takes about five to 10 minutes, but your appointment will take about 30 minutes. During this time the nurse or doctor will explain how the insertion is done and will give you instructions about what to expect once your IUD is in place.
You cant feel it or tell it is there except by checking for the threads. If you are having penis in vagina sex, your partner should not be able to feel it. You can still use tampons.
The removal threads come out of your cervix and curl up inside the top of your vagina they dont hang outside.
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How Does Hormonal Iud Work
IUDs affect the way sperm move and survive in the uterus , stopping sperm from meeting and fertilising an egg. IUDs can also change the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for a fertilised egg to stick to the lining to start a pregnancy.
The hormonal IUDs also work by thickening the fluid around the cervix . This helps to prevent sperm from entering.
Sometimes the hormonal IUDs can also stop the ovaries from releasing an egg.
Types Of Contraceptives That Affect Weight

Few contraception methods impact weight. Birth control injections and implants may cause some fluctuation in weight.
Specifically, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate , a progestin-only shot, has been linked to initial weight gain. Even though there is some research indicating weight gain with these methods, the evidence is minimal.
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Best Birth Control Pill For Weight Loss
The birth control pill Yasmin is the only birth control pill that has this effect. It is not marketed as a weight loss pill, and women can only expect to lose maybe a pound or two in excess water. As always, making smarter diet choices and exercising are the only ways to prevent weight gain or promote weight loss.
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