What is Kyleena?
Kyleena is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) employed for birth control. An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, flexible, T-shaped device that’s inserted into your uterus by a healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy [1, 2, 3].
Kyleena, which contains 19.5 mg of the progestin levonorgestrel, is effective up to five years after insertion [1, 3, 4]. It is one of the most effective forms of birth control available, and it is safe for individuals who cannot use birth control that contains estrogen [2].
What Does Kyleena Do?
Kyleena prevents pregnancy by slowly releasing into the uterus the hormone progestin. It works by thickening the mucus at the cervix to block sperm from entering the uterus, slowing down sperm’s motion so that fewer could fertilise the egg, and thinning the uterine lining so that an egg is less likely to implant [1].
Note that Kyleena does not protect against STIs: Kyleena is highly effective at preventing pregnancy but does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) [2].
Risk Factors of Kyleena
Kyleena is an intrauterine device (IUD) which can be used for the prevention of pregnancy. It has potential risks.
An existing condition that can affect the shape of your uterus, such as large uterine fibroids (tissue that grows in the womb), puts you at an increased risk for side effects from Kyleena, including a tear in the uterus wall while implanting it and the device being expelled [3].
Another risk: pelvic or vaginal infections. Kyleena could increase the risk of such diseases, and if you already have such an infection, Kyleena could worsen it [3].
If, however, you have or have had hormonal cancers, including uterine cancer, certain kinds of cervical cancer, or breast cancer, Kyleena can heighten the danger of those diseases or make them worse, or it may increase the risk of that cancer returning [3].
Having uterine bleeding without a reason, liver disease, or pregnancy/abortion within the past three weeks are risk factors for Kyleena use [3].
Another risk factor is having your current IUD in place. Do not have Kyleena placed if you currently have an IUD in place [3].
And you are allergic to Kyleena or one of its inactive components. Severe headaches or migraine episodes are also risk factors [3].
Being over 35 years old, having high blood pressure, blood clots, heart conditions or problems with your immune system can also raise your chances of using Kyleena.
Lastly, there is a slight risk of ectopic pregnancy if you do become pregnant while using Kyleena [2].
Can You Gain Weight on Kyleena?
Kyleena is a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device that prevents pregnancy. The fear that hormonal contraceptives, such as intrauterine devices, may facilitate unwanted weight gain is something that likely comes to mind. The use of Kyleena was not associated with weight gain, as studies did not report changes in weight as a side effect while on this particular IUD [3].
However, according to the official drug information, weight gain is listed as a potential side effect of Kyleena, although it's not considered common. Additionally a study comparing hormonal contraception and IUDs found that users of both types experienced significant weight gain over a 10-year period.
In some studies, this active ingredient, levonorgestrel, is said to slightly increase the risk of weight gain. Still, those studies involved the use of levonorgestrel birth control pills, not IUDs like Kyleena [3].
Keep in mind that other hormonal contraceptives – including the Mirena IUD – have also been associated with weight gain, and you should alert your doctor if you are using Kyleena and your weight changes for any reason. Your doctor can help you to assess why your weight has changed and what to do about it [3].
All in all, some hormonal birth-control options may cause weight gain. Individuals can (and hopefully, will) voice their personal experiences and speak to their healthcare provider if they have any concerns [3].