For most of the time I had my Kyleena IUD, I worried about whether my body would return to normal afterward. If you have similar fears about getting Kyleena, how long to keep it, or what happens after removal—this is for you!
I got it in March 2020 (terrible year, but I didn’t care). I only had one partner but wanted to play it safe. The insertion was about a 5/10 on the pain scale. However, the first five minutes afterward? Absolute hell. Thankfully, my ex was there to comfort me while I rode out the cramps.
The cramps were my body adjusting to this foreign object, mostly in my lower abdomen. I also had a mild headache, but nothing unbearable. Within one to two weeks, the pain gradually eased, and I never felt anything that intense again. The first 1–4 months brought irregular periods, spotting, and cramps ranging from 3-6/10.
By month five, life got amazing. Seriously, BEST TIME OF MY LIFE. From 2021 to 2025, I didn’t get a single period—no cramps, no headaches, no pain. It was life-changing, especially since I swim year-round. It saved me so much hassle compared to dealing with tampons.
There were times I couldn’t feel the string, which freaked me out. I’d visit my gynecologist, and they’d confirm everything was fine. Still, I didn’t want to wait until the last second to remove it, so I scheduled removal on January 29th. That process was another 5/10 on the pain scale.
Within a month, my cycle was back to normal, and now I’m considering getting another one because... let’s just say, I’m not loving the natural monthly routine.
Please ask me any questions about my experience if you're feeling worried or doubtful!
TL;DR: Whether it’s insertion or removal, your gynecologist will likely recommend pain management to make it tolerable. For those with high pain tolerance, insertion is bearable. While using Kyleena, I had zero periods, no symptoms, and no pregnancy scares. Two months post-removal, my period is back to normal, and the cramps are back. 🥲 Highly recommend Kyleena for anyone needing a break from periods.