5 reasons why im taking out my hormonal iud
Happy anniversary to me and my hormonal IUD (the Kyleena)! Unfortunately for my IUD, I am parting ways with her because of hormonal side effects I prefer not to deal with. Firstly, I am no longer in a relationship – Thankfully – which is one of the 5 main reasons I am removing my Kyleena IUD. However, the side effects that come along with this long term form of birth control has gotten the better of me.
If you are on the edge about getting a hormonal IUD – Keep reading!
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice and should not be taken as such. I am not a doctor and do not claim to be as these are solely based on my experiences. Please consult your family doctor before considering any recommendations listed in this post. Thanks!
What is an IUD? Copper vs hormonal iud
IUD is short for intra uterine device. It is a small T shaped device that in inserted into your uterus by your doctor or a women clinic. If you are in the Vancouver area, I highly suggest Willows Women Clinic, I have had 2 IUDs inserted and they do the best job!
There are 2 main types of IUDs, The hormonal IUD and the copper IUD. The copper IUD is the only one that is non hormonal. However, I can increase copper levels in the body, which also increases estrogen.
Common hormonal IUDs are the Mirena, Kyleena, and Skyla. All of which have different doses of progestin. Speak to your doctor in regards to which IUD is best for you!
Both IUD are 99% effective and can be used long term (about 5 year). Additionally, They are the lowest maintenance form of birth control, a set and forget type of BC. However, It is important to check for your strings (the strings will hang outside of the cervix) every now and again to be sure it is set correctly.
More on my IUD experiences:
how hormonal iuds work and possible side effects
Hormonal IUDs work by thickening cervical mucus and thinning uterine lining to make it difficult for sperm to travel and difficult for an egg to implant in the uterus.
The side effects listed on the Kyleena IUD website are as follows:
- pain, dizziness, fainting during insertion (it was not that bad for me, this rarely happens)
- changes in bleeding
- missed periods
- cysts on ovaries
- pelvic pain
- headaches
- acne and greasy skin
- painful periods
- sore breasts
Everyone is different and will experience different side effects. I experienced many of these side effect and was the reason for my decision to remove my hormonal IUD.
side effects I’ve experienced: why I’m getting it removed
Lets get into the list of reasons why I am removing my hormone IUD! Reminder to all of you ladies – if the birth control you are on currently does not agree with you or you are miserable because of it, there are other ways to prevent pregnancy <3
acne
Can you say Backne? Acne is a common hormonal IUD side effect that is said to correct itself after your body come custom to the device. However, It has been a year for me and there is no sign of improvement for my cystic acne.
Cystic acne is the deep, large pimples filled with oil and they hurt! Depending on where I am in my cycle (pms week is worse) I have about 1-2 cystic pimples going at a time. Cystic acne is also the type that will scare if you pick at them too much. Love that for me:)
The common areas acne would accumulate are on my jaw line, back, shoulders, forehead, and my chest. If you are prone to hormonal acne take into consideration – it will most likely get worse on a hormonal IUD.
amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is the term used when one has no menstrual cycle. In other words, my period has gone MIA and no its not a good thing!
I have gone through hypothalamic amenorrhea for 4 years and endured many unwanted health effect because of it. Therefore, I cherish my period and knowing that I am a healthy woman!
I did have a regular period in the first 6-7 months with my hormonal IUD, however the past 2-3 months it has been missing and I’m not here for it. I have a sneaky suspicion the lack of menstruation has been contributing the intenser migraine, anxiety, and deprression.
Some women love this side effect and to each their own, I am not one of those women.
mood swings?
My mood was pretty stable during the first few weeks, then it started to get a bit off beat. Specifically during my PMS week I would cry for no reason, be extremely irritable to the point I fought with my family over trivial things. I just am not myself and I know it which makes it all the more frustrating!
Im not 100% certain this is due to the IUD as not many studies have been done to support this side effect. I intuitively feel that since the IUD was the only thing that change – It is the factor that has influenced my moods.
low libido
One might think that since a hormonal IUD allows you to have unprotected s*x with your partner at anytime would increase the sexy time. NOPE! I have a pretty high sex drive for a woman but my IUD has put a damper on the mood.
Since my IUD has caused amenorrhea, I no longer ovulate which is a reason why my libido is lower. Ovulation is when testosterone is highest for a women, causing her to feel extra frisky if you know what I mean 😉 no ovulation = lack of sexual desire.
pelvic pains and cramping
The last side effect that has solidified my decision to remove my hormonal IUD is pelvic pain. It has come in waves and only started a month ago which leads me to question.
has my IUD migrated?
Is it out of place?
what the studies are saying
The Hormonal IUD is claimed to have little to no effect systematically on a women body. Since progestin is released locally in the uterus, it will have a lesser effect of the body systems than the birth control pills that are ingested orally.
However, recent research has suggested this claim is not completely true. Hormonal IUD have been know to cause an ovulation and can effect the hormone balance in the bloodstream much like oral contraceptive can.
Therefore, It is plausible the IUD can cause similar effects as the birth control pill.
What women like you and me are saying
To support the above statement, I have gathered many concerns other women have gone through in regards to hormonal iud side effects:
so, what’s next for me?
Next up on my birth control journey is continuing to track my cycle for health purposes. When I enter another relationship where birth control is needed I will explore more options for fertility awareness.
Natural cycles is an FDA approved app for birth control, I have used them before and enjoyed to app. However, taking my temperature every morning is annoying! They have recently partnered with oura ring to track body temperature so you dont have to which is an option I will most likely take advantage of!
Fertility awareness is a great option for those who have bad reactions to synthetic hormones (so almost all women). Natural cycle and Daysy fertility tracker are by far the easiest devices to use so if you are looking to use fertility awareness as birth control. Check them out!
Daysy – track your cycle – natural and accurate!
Click here for the Daysy shop.
Natural cycles – FDA approved birth control app PLUS $40 off oura ring
let me know if you are planning on getting an iud or have had a similar experience as me in the comments below<3
until next time xx
Hailee
Such a informative, helpful, and interesting post on IUDs. It seems ladies often only hear the reasons to utilize these birth control options – not the reasons against. Great post!
Thank you Debbie <3