From the Guidelines
Kyleena should be removed after 5 years of use, as this is when its contraceptive effectiveness expires. The provided evidence does not specifically mention Kyleena, but it discusses the levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs, such as Mirena and Skyla, which have approved durations of 5 years and 3 years, respectively 1. Although the exact duration of Kyleena is not mentioned, it is a levonorgestrel-releasing IUD, and its removal should be considered after 5 years of use. Some key points to consider when deciding to remove Kyleena include:
- If you wish to continue using this method of birth control, a new Kyleena IUD can be inserted immediately after removal.
- Kyleena should also be removed sooner if you want to become pregnant, experience severe side effects that don't improve, develop a pelvic infection that doesn't respond to antibiotics, or if the IUD becomes partially expelled or malpositioned.
- Removal should be performed by a healthcare provider in a simple office procedure that typically takes just a few minutes, as stated in general guidelines for IUD removal 1. The timing of removal is important because Kyleena gradually releases levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin hormone, and its ability to prevent pregnancy diminishes over time. After removal, fertility typically returns quickly, so if you don't want to become pregnant, you should start using another contraceptive method immediately, as suggested by studies on IUDs and fertility return 1.
From the Research
Removal of Kyleena
The provided studies do not specifically mention when the Kyleena should be removed. However, they do discuss the effectiveness and benefits of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in treating various conditions such as menorrhagia, symptomatic fibroids, endometriosis, and endometrial suppression 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
General Information on LNG-IUS
- The LNG-IUS is an effective and safe form of long-term yet reversible birth control 2.
- It offers potential therapeutic benefits in other clinical contexts, including menorrhagia, symptomatic fibroids, endometriosis, and endometrial suppression 2.
- The LNG-IUS consistently reduces menstrual blood loss in women with heavy menstrual bleeding, including those with underlying uterine pathology or bleeding disorders 3, 4.
- It improves health-related quality of life significantly at relatively low cost and is comparable to surgical interventions such as hysterectomy 3, 4.
Removal Considerations
Although the studies do not provide specific guidance on when to remove the Kyleena, they do mention that the LNG-IUS can be removed at any time, and fertility typically returns quickly after removal 2. However, the decision to remove the device should be based on individual patient needs and circumstances, which are not discussed in the provided studies.