User Reviews for Skyla intrauterine

This has been my favorite birth control I’ve ever tried. I’ve used multiple pills, including the mini pill, spermicide, and calendar based. I got pregnant every single way but with this IUD! Also the insertion was painless. It’s best to go when you’re menstruating because it’s the only time besides childbirth your cervix is open so they don’t have to dilate your cervix. The insertion hasn’t hurt me at all. The first/second period was more crampy than usual but now I’m 2 years out and LOVE it. I have no problems, my period is the same. Couldn’t recommend it enough! My partner can feel it but not in a bad way so you’ll know if it moves.Read More Read Less

I’ve always used the pill form of birth control and wanted something different. For me, a 21 year old female, it was hard to get my hormones under control. I felt like my pill was either too much or too little. I talked to my doctor about the different options and we both agreed on the Skyla. My insurance covered the procedure 100%, they ordered the implantable device, and I got it within a week. I would suggest taking some ibuprofen or alittle stronger medication. I unfortunately was on a pill form on birth control were I didn’t get a period but every 3 months (and I didn’t want to wait that long to get it inserted) I was not on my period with I got it. The doctor did tell me that it could be hard and hurt alittle more bc of this. I was okay with it. The procedure itself is done in office. Like a Pap smear they open your vaginal canal, it was a sharp pain for about 20 seconds. And then it was done. My dad drove me to the appointment but I honestly could have driven myself. I got home and started bleeding (which they said would happen) and cramping. Honestly I laid in bed with a heating pad on and continued to take ibuprofen for the day. The cramps lighten up within 2 days and by day 3 I was spotting alittle. I’ve had it for going on 4 months. My period is much lighter and shorter. Sex drive is definitely heighten (didn’t have a sex drive on the pill). I still get moody on my cycle and have the symptoms; cramping, breast tenderness, mood swings, etc. but overall, for me it was worth the minute of uncomfort for 3 years to have use of one of the most effective methods of birth control. Read More Read Less

Although I had read and heard so many mixed reviews about the IUD, I was determined to give it a chance. I mean having birth control that you don’t have to think about is a dream, plus IUDs are proven to be one of the most effective methods. I was in a new relationship, where we couldn’t stay off of each other, but I did not want to get pregnant at all (still don’t, but one day maybe). I had my Skyla inserted the last week of August, and I’m writing this on New Year’s Eve, so it’s been around four months. Chile, it’s been hell…the cramping these past few months around the time of my period have been excruciating, to the point where I’m curling into a ball praying for relief. No amount of ibuprofen seems to help, and I’m now paying a crazy hospital bill from having to go to the ER. I swear to you, the pain is nothing like I’ve ever felt, and I’ve had surgery and several tattoos. The actual insertion however, was not bad at all. Uncomfortable, but nothing like what I’m experiencing now. At my follow up visit (1 month post insertion) I was honest about how I had been feeling. That, on top of the seemingly incurable yeast infections had me ready to throw in the towel. She insisted that I give it some time, as my body adjusts to this foreign object. I went to get a second opinion (after yet another cramping episode) and she said it’s normal, but if it’s really bothering me then we should remove it. Resilient as I am, I decided to keep it in to give it one more shot, and I’m angry at myself for not removing it when I was there that day. I had to leave dinner early because I was on the verge of tears. I still can’t believe how this thing has taken over my body. NOW I will say that it’s extremely effective at preventing pregnancy. My partner at the time never pulled out, and other than the demon cramps I had no issues. But yeah, it’s coming out next week & I’ll probably give the ring a shot. Hope this is helpful!Read More Read Less

This was my very first time trying a IUD and i chose Skyla. The insertion wasn't too painful just a bit of cramping, a few a hours later my lips started to swell. I took some allergy medicine hoping it would help. By day 3 my face and lips were completely swollen. I took a trip to the ER and was told it was Angiodema (allergic reaction) unfortunately for me they couldn't pin point the problem. I was sent home with medications to treat the symptoms. Over the weekend the symptoms worsen with hives and itching I went back to the my GYN to have it removed. Unfortunately I'm still haven't itching and hives which sent me back to the ER. I really believe this whole ordeal was from the IUD. Ladies please be careful ?? Read More Read Less

I’ve had Skyla, Kyleena, and am back on Skyla again because my periods are so much better on it! The first insertion was painful for a few hours - some intense cramping, then no pain, no mood swings, no weight gain, no breakouts for the next 3 years. I’m so glad to be back on it - my mood is more regulated, I have better energy, and just feel so much better knowing how effective this is. Of all forms of birth control I’ve had, this is the one I would recommend the most!

My experience with Skyla was a nightmare. First of all, the insertion and aftermath was SO PAINFUL. It was the worst pain I have ever felt and I have had multiple surgeries. I could barely get out of bed for the first week. Definitely ask the doctor for a strong pain killer/ anesthesia (not ibuprofen!) especially if you have never had children (it will hurt more). The biggest problem with the IUD were the MOOD SWINGS and DEPRESSION. I was very happy and content with my life and relationship before getting my IUD and never had had any mental issues/mood swings. Within a month of getting my IUD, I experienced severe mood changes and depression symptoms, I was crying all the time for no reason, I had severe anxiety attacks and felt generally hopeless and lost interest in all activities I used to love. It crippled my life, my work and my relationships and I became a shadow of myself. Within days of takin out the IUD after 2 months, I felt back to my normal, happy self. I honestly recommend thinking very carefully before getting this. The mental health effects are so powerful and dangerous and happen much more frequently than talked about (6-10%). Read More Read Less

While the freedom in pleasure was super cool, after having had the Skyla for 18 months I finally decided to have it removed. Removal wasn't anywhere near as painful as insertion, which felt like I was having a toenail ripped out of my guts. After placement I experienced intense-- doubled over with my mouth open in a silent scream intense-- and random cramping for the first 3-6 months. I had an ultrasound to check for placement and cysts because it was so disruptively painful, but the results were normal and my doctor encouraged me to "ride it out". Speaking of riding it out, any time my partner's penis penetrated too deeply and hit my cervix I experienced stabbing pain and would involuntarily yell and buck like a horse in the least sexual way you can imagine. My energy levels dropped, my appetite became ravenous, I became intolerant to alcohol, and at the year mark I developed alopecia. When my bald spot grew from the size of a quarter to the size of a tennis ball and another one appeared above it, I decided to have it removed despite my doctor's bizarre wish for me to continue waiting to see if it got better despite mounting evidence that it was only going to get worse. Coming to terms with the second adolescence that is entering your 40's is emotionally challenging enough without worrying about how much hair you're going to lose every time you brush or shampoo. Within 12 hours of removal I started to feel immensely... better? I had been existing in a cloud of psychotic, suicidal dysphoria without realizing it, and feeling this shadow lift was like my soul reentering my body after having been possessed by demons. I know plenty of folks who do fine on hormonal BC but if you're sensitive or feel in your gut that it isn't working for you, get it out of you. Honestly I would rather have a ~*shudder*~ baby human come out of me than have the Skyla back in. I'm getting my life back now but I'm mad about the time that I lost. Read More Read Less

I got it at 3 months postpartum. I’ve had a really good experience so far, I’ve only had it for 2 weeks but haven’t had any problems. Insertion was easy, I did not feel a thing I feel like my Pap smear hurt more. My doctor did help me to distract telling me when to take a deep breath and what not. I had minor cramping afterwards and spotting. I do recommend taking some sort of painkiller, my doctor gave me some ibuprofen right before putting the IUD. Overall good experience.

I cannot take normal birth control pills because the sideffects were too awful for me. I was very hesistant to get an IUD given my reaction to birth control pills and hyper sensitivity to medication. However after 3 months I am very happy to say that other than constant spotting (which has now greatly calmed down) I have had no negative side effects from Skyla and it feels amazing to be able to have an easy, worry free method of birth control with the lowest hormone dose. I would highly recommend you give Skyla a try if your sensitive or have had a bad experience with many other hormonal birthcontrol methods. As for the insertion, please request a nerve block injection! If I did not have a nerve-blocking shot of lidocaine in my cervix, I can imagine the insertion process would be very excrutiating. Read More Read Less

Idk why everyone is saying the IUD made them gain weight. I don’t wanna say it has zero effect but I’ve been on pills before and now IUD. I also have had no hormones, but without them my periods would kill me. The cramps are bad during insertion but don’t last long, so the protection is worth it. I also have a lot less pain than I did on my natural period. Additionally, I spot a bit but my periods are so so so light! Panty liners only and they are still regular. I have had it for about to be two years. Pills (5 years) gave me horrible anger & horrible acne. I only get acne during my time of the month with skylar (which was normal even without BC) and I’m not emotional unstable in anyway. I gained weight in the first year but that due to my eating habits & sedimentary lifestyle. I changed my diet and exercise and easily and quickly lost weight steadily and in line with how much work I put into it (25+lbs down and still going)(also keep in mind I’m at greater risk for weight gain as I also suffer from PCOS) this is where my confusion comes from, I think that maybe there is a chance women are gaining weight but it also maybe the regular track of their metabolism (from aging). Idk it could very well be the IUD! It’s unfortunate people do reviews on the pain level for the insertion (as it’s disclosed and doctors accommodate the pain during insertion, and even afterwards) unless of course rejection happens! My wish is that people shared their experiences after having it removed, because even pills require a period of adjustment, especially because it’s important to know beyond that. My appetite is normal, my periods regular, lighter (only liner needed) and significantly less painful, skin is doing good, I’m losing weight (making it a lifestyle, with no difficulties). one thing I will say that a con to IUD is I get more frequent yeast infections which my doctors also warned me about before I got it inserted! So that’s a big con for me, I don’t think. I’ll come back and update the removal. It’s sucks to hear ladies have had such poor experience like weight gain, pain, and all the other things. Everyone’s experiences are so different! I wish everyone who has had bad side effects the best, it so unfair and random the way things work! Read More Read Less

I got skyla when I was 3 months post partum. I felt nothing while it was being inserted. There was no pain and no cramping.( possibly no pain due to just giving birth?)I didn't have to be on my period to get it inserted.( still didn't get my period back yet) overall it's a good birth control, however I constantly feel tired. Before I was on it even being a new mom I still had some energy. Now all I want to do is sleep and even if I get enough sleep it still never feels like enough. I have irregular periods and it helped regulate mine. Once in a while i will have spotting. Read More Read Less

I just got Skyla inserted today and it was very easy process. I had Mirena for 5 years after my 4th kiddo was born and had irregular periods the entire time, however overall it was a good experience. I tried a combo pill for 6 months and it was a negative experience for me so that’s why I went back to the IUD (get it and forget it!) if you have decent pain tolerance, you’ll be just fine, just be sure to take pain relievers ahead of insertion and make sure you’ve eaten/drank so you don’t get lightheaded. This will make periods lighter and the low dose of hormones shouldn’t change much for mood, weight, etc. If you’re having those issues, side effects are a real thing but definitely evaluate your whole lifestyle and overall health before giving up on the hormonal IUD Read More Read Less

All of the reviews on here are bad and I told myself I would leave a review if I had a good experience. The insertion was not pleasant but not nearly as bad as most of the reviews on here. I was terrified because of what I had heard about how painful it was. For me it just felt like a really bad period cramp and right afterwards I was totally fine. I have never had any children. I think it’s important to find a doctor that is experienced with putting them in and to take ibuprofen before. I haven’t had it for very long but so far just light spotting and light cramps every once in a while. Great experience so far. Read More Read Less

I had this iud for 3 years, she took at last week and it put her in the hospital. From using this iud made her septic. I do not recommend this contraceptive to anyone. Please be very careful. Any complications please rush to the er to remove immediately. BE ware and stay away from this IUD!

I definitely did my research before I got the IUD and definitely recommend taking ibuprofen or Tylenol before you go it was such a life saver and probably just rest for the rest of the day or so and continue taking the pain meds throughout the day too it was such a life saver and it’s one of the best birth controls I’ve had and I recommend skyla especially if you’ve haven’t given birth

I’ve been using Skyla for almost a year now. I was so terrified to use BC again because I used to be on the pill all throughout high school and gained tremendous weight. Got off of it, dropped the weight and waited about 5 years to try an iud. I eventually want to have kids so the 3 years was perfect for me. The insertion wasn’t painful at all! My doctor had mini trouble due to my uterus being curved, but she numbed my cervix so it literally felt as if I was getting a pap. So far I haven’t had any bad symptoms or side effects of using Skyla. Far as my periods, I did cramp badly for the 1st few days. Obviously because my body is trying to get use to it. I naturally had a period for about 4 days and I would say it was between heavy and light. Now with Skyla I’m really, really light. I don’t even have to wear pads. Strictly panty liners. I still have it once a month at the same time every month. Read More Read Less

Just got my Skyla iud inserted, this is a POSITIVE review. Ive always been against birth control due to not liking the idea of something altering my body, chance of mood swings, acne, health problems, weight gain etc. Decided to get the skyla as it only has the one hormone and its low dose. I was pretty nervous for insertion as Ive heard so much negative things about it being like child birth. I wouldnt even say I have a high pain tolerance but insertion wasnt painful at all for me. Had one little tiny cramp the whole time. Before I knew it, it was in. I didnt have any numbing or dilation done either. I havent had kids either. Also afterwards I didnt have much cramping and only had a bit of brown blood come out for the next few days. I hope this can help someone seeing a positive review but this is my experience. One thing Ive noticed though is I have a crazy increased appetite now. I do have a fast metabolism so I dont see myself gaining weight and havent, but if I gain 5lbs Ill know its from the iud as I can never get above 120 no matter what I eat.Read More Read Less

Decided to try Skyla after being on the pill for ~10 years, no children and no plans of getting pregnant in the next 3 years. Insertion was surprisingly painful and uncomfortable, I can see why people pass out from it. I took the advice of my doctor and ate food and took tylenol ahead of time which seemed to help because I didn't pass out and felt fine soon afterwards. I've had it in about a year and a half now, I don't notice it in and neither does my partner. The side effects I've experienced were 1 uti after placement and my periods are very light and fairly irregular still. Sometimes I skip a month and other times I have spotting for 2-3 weeks. So that is very annoying but ultimately the iud was worth it for me to not be taking hormonal pills every day. My cramps, acne, and mood did not really change from birth control to iud. Read More Read Less

First of all … the insertion was excruciating. No one prepared me for that. I flinched and almost passed out. It was so painful. Afterwords the cramps lasted for days and I had never felt that kind of cramps before and I bled for almost a week after. My doctor described it as contractions due to the foreign body being accepted. Inserted in July because I kept forgetting to take the pill and my work schedule had no routine to take it efficiently. It’s now November and I’ve gained 15-20lbs. (Starting at 130-145/150) I’ve never in my life weighed this heavy. I’m only 5’2 and now My clothing doesn’t fit the same. I am bloated all the time and always feel gassy. I’ve been more active in the past 6 months and absolutely nothing has changed. I feel so pudgy and not like myself. Mentally is been fine. I was worried about the possibility of my depression creeping in but so far I’ve been very happy mentally. I’m terrified to get it removed because of the pain during the insertion. Also my husband and I don’t really want kinds right now so we’re thinking about our options. Read More Read Less

My world was turned upside down. While on this birth control I experienced such mental fog, dizziness, extremely low energy, weight gain, and more. I had all kinds of testing done through my General practitioner and nothing concerning came back. I took out my Skyla and immediately began to feel better. Within the coming weeks my energy level was back up. Felt like I had my mental clarity back. I don’t not recommend this to anyone. If I could go back I would have probably chose the non hormonal copper iud. Read More Read Less