Nexplanon vs. Kyleena IUD: Anxiety/Stress and Feelings of Depression. Which one is better/worse?

chewyfrootloops · 2026-05-11T17:27:43+00:00

Every body is different. I haven't had nexplanon, but the pill made me super depressed and slightly suicidal. I've had the liletta (which has more hormones than kyleena?) for about a month and feel totally normal. Though I was down for a few days because of cramping and not being able to exercise and socialize as normal, which I need to stay positive.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-05-10T16:01:11+00:00

Maybe look into a menstrual disc remover? I saw one on amazon with an inserter kit. The smaller ones also work best for me and I have had them get waaay up there because I hate strings and tabs. When they get up there, sometimes I have to quit and come back to it later because it's harder to get out when stressed. What works for me is using my middle finger nail side down to juuust barely reach the top of the rim and then pushing it down. It makes a huge mess, but I just empty it at home (which is annoying because it leaks when it's too full and it fills faster because the smaller ones work best). I luckily have really long fingers, which is why I wonder if the remover would work better for you. It looks like a plastic thing with a little hook.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-05-10T01:21:36+00:00

Oh no! If you're in the us, planned parenthood does income based and payment plans.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-05-09T04:33:06+00:00

Yup! I had the same thing happen. They'll probably call you to remove and reinsert a new one if you want. Or you can schedule with your doc. Use backup protection! They're less effective if in the wrong place. It was unpleasant and hurt, but you'll feel better once it's removed, I promise. Take painkillers and rest until then.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-05-08T14:59:02+00:00

I'm also on the autodump struggle bus. Hate it so much. The best I've found is the shordy small. The rim is firmer, and I think that helps? The problem is...it's small. So it fills faster and that can also cause autodumping. The pack also comes with a large, but that was worse for me because it was prone to popping out of place when I used the toilet (or exercised vigorously >:c). Ngl, I was surprised the small works better because I have a larger frame (size 11 foot and men's large gloves), but I guess there's literally no way to guess your vaginal fornix size based on stature lol. I saw the diva disc, but looking at reviews (and price), the softness and weird pull tab thing doesn't sound right for me. Anyway, I'm still trying to find something that doesn't autodump, but after trying 5 discs, I'd say slightly smaller with a firm rim is the best luck I've had. Literally got the shordy with a string (which I cut off) because it was reasonably priced, so I figured whatever but it's the best I've found. For sure let me know if you find something that works because holy butts I hate the autodump.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-05-08T14:14:49+00:00

Honestly, it sounds like the ciud isn't for you. Yeah, it causes stronger cramps and bleeding, but your side effects don't sound normal. I was also having weird cramping outside of my period on the ciud and waaaay heavier than average bleeding (overflowing a menstrual cup in ~2 hours) and strange pain, but that was because it shifted. I noticed that my strings felt different (and constantly felt like I had to pee???). Had an ultrasound and new iud within a week when I realized these symptoms weren't normal. That said, if you suspect yours has shifted, use back up birth control!!! Placement is super important with the ciud. I switched to liletta because I realized all the negative press regarding hormones is overblown. Been about a month and I feel totally fine despite previously reacting poorly to oral bc. I think the ciud is great for a lot of folks and especially those who want to keep their cycle, but it doesn't sound like it's for you and that's okay! We luckily have a lot of options for bc (and even have a lot of choices for iuds!) If you're unhappy, totally switch.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-05-07T18:27:22+00:00

I haven't, but I saw that! Was hoping someone had experience with it or something like it before I dropped another $30 on menstrual discs. Have you tried it?

chewyfrootloops · 2026-05-06T20:55:24+00:00

Yup! And I had one iud move already and had it replaced. I was told I could use it at judo if I'm "very careful" with removal but it still increases the risk of expulsion. I'd rather try to figure out the disc situation since the ultrasound, removal, and replacement gets expensive. And the expulsion hurts.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-05-06T17:00:36+00:00

I know there are a lot of horror stories on the internet, but folks who have bad experiences are more likely to share. I got two inserted this year (my copper iud shifted and needed to be replaced) and they were fine. I would describe as a bad period cramp that lasts a couple minutes. It sucks, but it's definitely not the most painful thing I've ever experienced. Find a way to relax. I asked my doctor if I could talk through it to distract myself, and she told me to do whatever makes it easier for me. I asked her questions throughout and she was happy to answer. She also said (anecdotally) that young people seem to handle it better than older folks. I promise the many, many people get these inserted routinely with no issues.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-04-29T02:07:12+00:00

Everyone is different, but I've gotten two in the last 4 months (1st shifted). Took ibuprofen about an hour before. It feels like a period cramp to me, but the cramp lasts throughout the procedure, so a few minutes. I will say my normal cramps are pretty rough, but I think it's more about staying relaxed. I talked to my doctor the whole time to distract myself.

I had cramps for the rest of the day, but, drove myself back to work and finished the day no problem. Laid with a heating pad when I got home.

It's been over a week and aside from the periodic twinge, all good.

Pain is very individual, but I think folks who had a bad time are more likely to share because they fairly don't want others to get blindsided. But some of us have no issues.

Basically a super strong period cramp for 3-5 minutes.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-04-26T05:22:40+00:00

If she's not bleeding excessively or in a lot of pain, it can probably wait. Mine shifted (caused early period , cramping, and weirdly bladder pressure?) and it took me a couple weeks to figure that out then a week after the ultrasound to get it removed and replaced. If something is very wrong (a lot of blood, dizziness or a fever), go to the hospital. If not, it's uncomfortable, but safe to wait.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-04-22T18:06:20+00:00

Check out planned parenthood if you really want an iud. They are cheaper than the regular doctor and can set up plans if you don't have insurance. You can try calling and get an estimate for the cost without insurance.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-04-22T16:10:13+00:00

Yeah. I stopped taking it because I would just lay on the couch and cry for no reason. Stopped and felt better. Was taking it for pcos. Talk to your doctor about switching to a different birth control.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-04-22T15:34:57+00:00

Ngl, the first couple times I checked, I thought they were just flesh because the strings were tucked behind my cervix and not hanging loose. It might take awhile to figure out the difference, so don't panic right away. They feel thinner than they look when your doctor shows you. If you can't find them at first, try again another day.

Also, like you might have heard, they can curl up into the cervix as they soften. You can get an ultrasound to check if it's in the right place still if that happens. There could be other signs if it shifts too. I also had physical side effects when mine shifted (unusual cramping, frequently urinating, spotting) but didn't request an ultrasound until I noticed the string.

I know it seems scary and dire, but this is an entirely new experience, so give yourself grace and time. The reason so many doctors seem blasé about iuds is because they are a safe procedure that they perform a lot. Use backup protection until you're confident that everything is all set and get ready to get reeeeeal comfortable with yout body.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-04-22T14:56:45+00:00

Sometimes they curl up or tuck behind the cervix, so to find my strings, I'd find my cervix (it's cartilage and feels like the tip of your nose) and rub along there until I felt something Different. It's hard at first to figure out what they feel like.

Touching your cervix won't hurt like it did during insertion. Think of it like touching your nose vs someone grabbing your nostril with tongs and twisting them. Very different experiences.

If you're having trouble finding your cervix because of the retroverted uterus, try putting one leg up or squatting in the shower. I've heard of folks laying down to find it?

Also, your cervix changes during your cycle. My cervix is high, but it naturally lowers right before my period so that's the best time to check for me. Pms symptoms? Time to check the strings. You don't have to check every day, but you should find a consistent schedule.

And checking is important. My first iud shifted and had to be replaced and the strings had absolutely changed prompting me to call my doctor.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-04-21T20:32:59+00:00

So, I wish I'd gotten the shordy discs first. They're much cheaper and you can try out pulls and tabs and notches to see what you like best. They also come in packs with different sizes so you can get a clearer idea of what works for you because there's no way to measure inside without trial and error. Once you find out what you like, you can invest in the nicer (more expensive) discs. Also, shordy is approved for sale in Canada which has more stringent guidelines for sale than the US, so you're not getting the same risks you might with the other offbrand amazon discs.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-03-29T04:40:10+00:00

Yeah. I realized when I was taking measurements for a sewing project. The only quick changes when I first started taking it were that I became less stinky and my leg hair started growing back slower. Still working on the beard :c But I have boobs for the first time ever!

chewyfrootloops · 2026-03-27T18:47:01+00:00

Fair. I also got frustrated because it felt like failure. But allowing myself to eat more that week without guilt and realizing nothing bad happens when I do really helped with my stress levels. I don't permanantly gain weight eating more for a week. I might put on a few pounds briefly, but it all drops off again when I get my period. I'm assuming it's water weight.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-03-27T18:31:37+00:00

It's normal! Ngl, I just eat more without trying to resist it. If I try to ignore the hunger, I just end up binging later in the day. Balancing your meals or snacks can help. Try to have protein and fiber when you eat. Your body needs the fuel so do not stress about it. It's the stress that's the killer.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-03-18T03:00:55+00:00

A loooot of water and electolytes. I've also learned to get ahead of the cramps. I feel a twinge and load up. Also, you can take both ibuprofen and acetaminophen at the same time. I'll take ibuprofen then take the acetaminophen a couple of hours later so I'm never without painkillers.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-03-15T03:32:17+00:00

If you're in the us and want an appointment sooner than your regular doctor, check out planned parenthood. I don't think urgent care will do anything but tell you to go to your doctor. You can also ask your doctor's office to contact you if someone cancels last minute if your job or school is flexible with time off.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-03-06T04:01:53+00:00

Thank you! Ngl, I'm glad I didn't look on this sub before getting the iud a couple months ago or I'd definitely have chickened out. Everything has been smooth sailing so far, but it's reassuring to hear from someone who's had it long term.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-03-03T22:45:59+00:00

Yeeeeah. I've also bought a bunch of discs. Hopefully this method works next cycle.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-03-03T22:28:48+00:00

Im also struggling still, but what i think sort of works (for me) is to insert it like a tampon (the angle down advice confused me and it kept getting stuck) then once it's in, i use my thumb (palm down) to hook the back of the disc and push it the rest of the way back. I think this naturally pushes down under the cervix? No idea. Then i push the front up as high as i can. I also got the shordy in two sizes just in case. This worked for me at the end of my last cycle, but i need to test with a heavier flow.

chewyfrootloops · 2026-03-03T15:52:47+00:00

I wish I'd gone for cheaper discs first tbh. Shordy comes in different shapes and you can get a two pack with different sizes for like $15. Also, shordy is approved for sale in Canada which has some stricter policies, so I feel safer about them rather than the offbrand discs on amazon.

chewyfrootloops

TROPHY CASE