Kyleena – an IUD option with fewer hormones
Kyleena is a hormone-based intrauterine device, special for women who have not given birth, and provides protection for up to five years.
Are you looking for an intrauterine device with a low hormone dose? Kyleena is an intrauterine device specifically designed for women who have never given birth, or for women who have had only had a cesarean delivery. It is a good alternative for anyone who can not use estrogen-based contraceptives, and is also suitable for breastfeeding women.
How does the Kyleena device work?
Kyleena prevents pregnancy by interfering with sperm movement, making it difficult for it to fertilize an egg. Kyleena also has progesterone, a hormone that thickens the cervical mucus, thins the lining of the uterus, and lowers the ability of the sperm to survive. It is important to know that the hormone effect is in the uterine cavity, and that the dose is minimal.
Benefits of Kyleena
As with any intrauterine device, Kyleena provides a long-term solution and contraception for up to five years. There is no hassle, and there is no need to remember to take anything. After installation, you do not need to do anything.
In addition, the Kyleena is smaller in size compared to other devices, as is its installation tube.
Compared to other hormonal devices, Kyleena’s big advantage is in its low hormone dose. Kyleena contains 19.5 mg (mg) of levonorgestrel, and it releases 17.5 micrograms (mcg) of this hormone per day. After one year, this rate slowly drops to 9.8 mcg per day, and then to 7.4 mcg per day.
Kyleena can be removed at any time, and its effect is completely reversible. From the moment you remove Kyleena, your fertility returns and you can get pregnant.
Installing Kyleena
The appropriate time to install Kyleena depends on a number of factors, such as: Are you using other methods of contraception, have you had an abortion recently (and in what trimester of the pregnancy did it occur), recent birth, and more.
The device can be inserted at any time during the month, as long as the woman is not pregnant. The installation process takes 15-20 minutes. After disinfecting the cervix, the doctor will measure the depth and position of the uterus and insert the device. When the device is in place, the doctor will shorten the pull wires of the device, which remain in the vagina and will be used in the future to remove the device.
Some women experience mild pain and discomfort, lasting a few seconds, while inserting the device, so painkillers can be taken prior to installation. About six months after the device is installed, an inspection will take place, during which the doctor will check that the device is in place.
The device can be removed at any stage, and once removed the fertility returns immediately.
Removal of Kyleena
Kyleena can be removed at any time before the end of the five-year period. At the end of this 5 year period, the device must be removed, and if you wish, a new device can be inserted during the same visit.
When not to install Kyleena?
- If you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant
- If there are changes in the shape of the uterus, such as fibroids
- You have or have had breast cancer or other cancer sensitive to progestin
- Liver disease, and tumors on the liver
- Cervicitis or acute untreated vaginitis
- Postpartum or abortion endometritis
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or history of PID
- Conditions that increase susceptibility to pelvic infection
- Hypersensitivity/ allergy to any component of Kyleena.
Disadvantages of a non-hormonal device
First of all, keep in mind that although an intrauterine device is one of the most effective and convenient ways to prevent pregnancy, it does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections. In addition, a copper device may impair menstruation and cause cramps, especially in the first 3-6 months. However, for most women, it is an experience that improves once the body gets used to the device.
Did you know?
Most women who use Kyleena report lighter periods, and in some women the cycle stops completely after a year of installation.
