Generic Name: Skyla (levonorgestrel)
Skyla Reviews
For Birth Control "I got my Skyla placed yesterday. I read every single review I could and worked myself up so much that I was shaking and crying when my OBGYN came in. I wanted to share my positive experience. Let me say, it is not the worst pain I’ve ever had (I am 30 and do not have kids). It felt like an average period cramp at best when she did the first thing in and again when she placed the IUD. I was SO relieved afterwards. I took Motrin the morning of and an hour before the procedure. I was on day two of my period, which I think helped tremendously. My doctor prescribed Cytotec, but, upon research of my own, Cytotec is not shown to assist any more than just being on your period... plus it causes more pain during and after. If you’re thinking about getting one, try not to panic. I’m usually low pain tolerance and had no issues with the insertion. Afterward, I had some mild cramping which was relieved by a heating pad and ibuprofen. Just remember that everyone’s experience is different."
For Birth Control "I had the Skyla in for 6 years: I replaced it once after 3 years. After reading all the horrible reviews of IUDs, I hesitated getting one for a full year. I eventually took the plunge, out of fear of becoming pregnant. Insertion was uncomfortable, but bearable. The majority of the time, I forgot I had the thing in. No cramps, no bleeding, no acne, no weight gain-zero side effects. I know my experience is in the minority, but I wanted to leave this review so others could see that not every person has issues with IUDs. My experience was overwhelmingly positive."
For Birth Control "WARNING! If your body hasn’t responded well to hormonal birth control in the past, think twice about having the Skyla inserted. I had tried the pill in the past, and it made me feel crazy. My gynecologist assured me that the Skyla IUD only released a very small amount of hormones locally into the uterus and wouldn’t manifest any systemic side effects. After having it placed in March 2018, I had my first panic attack in October. I became overly weepy, and by the end of my time on it (I finally had it removed yesterday), I was sobbing every day for no reason, experiencing super dark thoughts, and I would lay in bed at night having panic attacks focused on my heart and breathing, chest pain, and shooting cramps. I stopped getting my period altogether. My sex drive was completely gone. Sex was painful and unenjoyable. I found myself almost completely unable to become aroused. My blood pressure skyrocketed, doctors prescribed me antidepressants and anxiety medications. Just had it removed."
For Birth Control "Well is my story very strange! I got my Skyla October of 2019 and have had no bad side effects from it, only good ones... until my period was late last week. Help, turns out I’m 6 weeks pregnant today. My husband and I are extremely fertile as we did get pregnant last year from BC pills! Well, here’s to my second baby❤️"
For Birth Control "I am VERY pleasantly surprised at my Skyla IUD experience. I'm a small woman (5' 100 lbs) & previously partially expelled a Paragard IUD due to the small size of my uterus. I always wanted to avoid ANY sort of hormonal BC out of fear of side effects. When the Paragard was taken out, I decided to take a chance on Skyla (smallest IUD size, lowest hormone dosage). My next form of BC was going to be FAM, that's how much I wanted to avoid hormones. Well, after insertion (which felt awful, but that's not surprising), I've been GREAT. I felt virtually no cramps post-insertion. I've had zero hair loss, acne, or mood swings whatsoever (and trust me, I've been paying close attention). My first period post-Skyla was normal but with ~2 weeks of light brown spotting afterwards. I'm guessing this will diminish with time since the uterine lining will continue to thin. A recent ultrasound confirmed everything looks great. If things stay the way they are, I'd happily get another Skyla in 3 years. Yay!"
For Birth Control "I got pregnant after 7 months of use - while it was still in, no other medications. My pregnancy was very complicated in the beginning due to having an IUD in my uterus and the baby at the same time. They had to remove the IUD, hoping to not interrupt the pregnancy. 50/50 chance of miscarriage. It was very traumatic and stressful."
For Birth Control "Just wanted to address something, for those who say don’t listen to the negative comments. Everyone’s body will react differently to the IUDs. Do not dismiss these reviews because they are being used for guidance for women who are not sure how they will react to it, especially if their bodies are more sensitive to hormones."
For Birth Control "First of all, the insertion procedure with Skyla was excruciating for me. I had severe cramping, worse than anything I've ever experienced, and they held me for observation for almost an hour because I was extremely lightheaded. I had 1 week of severe cramping and was bedridden. An ultrasound confirmed that the IUD was correctly positioned. I've had mild-moderate cramping and spotting almost every day since then, no sex drive, and gained 15 pounds in 3.5 months despite dieting and working out 6X/week (P90X). I am only 5'3", so 15 lbs is a lot on my frame. Dieting has not helped. My blood pressure has gone up, I'm bloated all the time, and have developed some facial hair. I have decided to have the IUD removed because I'd rather be pregnant than feel like this all the time."
For Birth Control "Horrible. The only thing that was great was it didn’t get me pregnant. I’m thankfully getting it out tomorrow. I’m praying and hoping that my mood, depression, anxiousness, and sadness go away after it is removed. IUDs work differently for everyone. However, I have never ever experienced something like this. Has anyone else had major issues like this?!"
For Birth Control "Best decision I’ve ever made! Please don’t let the horror stories scare you from trying the Skyla IUD. I let the negative reviews get into my head, and it caused me to put off getting my IUD for two years. Finally, 5 months ago, I got the Skyla inserted. The insertion didn’t hurt at all! Just a slight cramp that lasted maybe 5 seconds. I went home and used a heating pad, but never cramped. My first period was light, right off the bat. I still get monthly periods. However, they are so light I can get away with just wearing a panty liner. I love the freedom my IUD gives me. Not having to take a pill every day is wonderful. It’s sooo much better than a pill. I was in the rare percent of women who lost a lot of hair while using the pill (TriNessa). The IUD never caused any hair loss or weight gain. The first month I got a few more zits than normal, but now my skin is clear again. It’s worth a try, and remember you can always remove it."
For Birth Control "I got my Skyla IUD 5 months ago. I am 18 and have never had a child. I liked the idea of the IUD because I didn't have to remember to take it, it was there for three years, it was the most effective, and because there was an option to have an IUD without hormones. I struggle with depression and anxiety, and I was afraid that hormonal birth control would only make matters worse. However, because of all of the terrible period stories I had heard about it, at the last minute I had my OBGYN switch to Skyla. The insertion did not take long at all, and amid horror stories, the pain wasn't unbearable. It didn't feel great, but it was well worth it. If the fear of insertion is what drives you away from this option, don't let that happen! Before my IUD, my periods were like clockwork, every four weeks, five days, no cramps - perfect. Afterward, I still don't get cramps, some periods have been really light, but I have had a period that was over a week late and one that was two weeks long. This is to be expected in the first few months. I do not believe that it has had any influence on my depression/anxiety, at least not monumental. I haven't gained weight, lost my sex drive, or any other negative symptoms. My partner has finished inside of me multiple times, and nothing has happened. Also, he cannot feel the strings. I would highly recommend this form of birth control. I understand every body is different, but if you're spending hours reading horror stories like I was, don't let that stop you."
For Birth Control "I’ve had Skyla inserted for a year now, and for the last couple of months, I’ve debated getting it taken out. I love how convenient and effective it is, but I feel like it’s slowly making me crazy. I already suffer with depression, but the mood swings I’ve had with Skyla are insane. I haven’t had any issues with spotting or cramps. I barely have a period at this point. My skin isn’t terrible, but I already have super oily skin, and this definitely hasn’t made it any better. But mood swings and the depression are definitely a major con, and I’d rather have my sanity back than leave it in. Anyone else suffer with crazy mood swings?"
For Birth Control "I suffer from endometriosis, ovarian cysts heavy cramps/ periods for about the past 8 years. The Skyla IUD the first year for me made me have brown discharge, BV and yeast infections. The string felt like hard sharp plastic, and it did in fact cut my partner during intercourse!! I had horrible acne and weight gain. The second year as my body still adjusted my periods did become lighter, the strings were still very much like a fishing line, and my ovarian cyst pain was bad. Third year, it started to no longer agree with my body, and all symptoms returned. I had to get it removed three months before its expiration date. I am so glad I had it removed. Heres another interesting thing, Skyla is a bright pink color when inserted and when it comes out, mine was white... So now have i absorbed harmful dyes into my body? Why make it a pretty color? ... I think more research needs to be done on IUD's. More power to you and the women it works for. As for myself- NEVER AGAIN!"
For Birth Control "I had my Skyla IUD inserted on 04 Sep 2014, so I am only commenting on my first month after having it inserted. I am a 33-year-old woman, no children, and hormonal birth control was no longer agreeing with my body (mood swings, heavy bleeding, large clots, periods lasting 2 weeks, etc.). My doctor and I agreed to the Skyla IUD (I had already done research). So far, so good. I haven't had any mood or sex drive changes and feel 100% better than I did on oral contraceptives. Out of pocket, my IUD would have cost $1400. My insurance covered 100% of it. Update: Month #4 and still no issues. No side effects. I keep track of everything so I know what to expect and when until my body fully adjusts."
For Birth Control "I had it in for a year and a half, I gained 50 lbs and even when I tried to lose weight, I could only lose 5 lbs from a month of working out. I also had prolonged and heavier menstruations. I was told it would regulate after a few months but that never happened and I even started getting cramps and back aches which I never had before the IUD. I took it out March 4th 2021 and I have lose 7 lbs already! This was a nightmare of an IUD and I will definitely never get an IUD again."
For Birth Control "I received Skyla 24 hours ago. I was super anxious about the pain because of how badly my experience was with the Copper IUD. I must tell you, DO NOT read dozens of reviews and allow them to implant fear into you. We are women, we are designed to withstand pain. You CAN do it! It's literally 30 seconds of OH CRAP, then done. I'm not downplaying anyone else's experience by any means. However, if you go in strong-minded and you are sure it's what you want, you will be fine. I do recommend taking Tylenol at least 20 minutes before insertion (it will help). B.C. pills were terrible on my mind and body, so I'm glad I chose to go back to the IUD. Remember, if you don't end up liking it, it can always be removed. You got this!"
For Birth Control "Had Skyla inserted 3 months ago. Side effects: first 2 months I had the annoying spotting every day. After that, I started to finally have clear days in a row. Had periods lighter but longer than usual (7-11-12d), but they should shorten now. Some PMS, nothing serious (breast soreness, mild to moderate cramps). Haven’t had any other side effects! Sex: My partner didn’t feel the strings, so I’m relieved. I didn’t have any pain during or after, no bleeding (I was scared that an “accident” might happen). Sex drive is just as high as usual. But I spotted the day after. Gym: I do CrossFit, and I was scared I might get cramps or it might move, but so far so good (just minor cramping after gym in the first month). Sometimes I spot over the next hours after gym due to increased blood flow. I’m trying to be patient with all this “shedding.” Bio: 32 yrs., NP, first form of BC. I read and watched all reviews until I drove myself crazy, but decided I will give it a try! Best luck, ladies!"
For Birth Control "I had Skyla implanted 6 months ago and have since gained 15 pounds. I don’t eat terribly, I exercise a few times a week and haven’t changed my eating habits since insertion. I feel like no matter what I do, the weight just keeps packing on. Has anyone else had these issues? I’m desperate and about to take the thing out."
For Birth Control "At first it was fine on Skyla but then I began having acne (to be expected, but it was bad) and it worsened my anxiety. I ended up with high blood pressure (no history of this) and chronic high anxiety. My doctors thought the IUD couldn't cause these symptoms but once it was removed by anxiety lessened and my BP returned to normal. Can't tell me it's not related! It worked great for birth control but I ended up getting it removed because I could not stand the side effects. I'm sure some people do fine with it, but this is my personal experience. Would NOT do it again."
For Birth Control "If you are here to gauge how painful an IUD insertion is, I beg you not to read any reviews on it. Pain is subjective. It really varies from person to person. I say this because I was on here the week before my appointment reading every bit of information. This made my process a thousand times worse. I was so nervous when I went in because reviews said it would be the worst pain I would ever experience. So far from the truth. The doctor will tell you everything you're about to feel; take their word for it. They won't deceive you. I cried a ton because I was so nervous. Relax. Take deep breaths, you'll feel a pinch, it'll hurt some, but not a lot. You'll feel a sudden cramp. It'll hurt because it's sharp, but that's it. Quick and easy! :)"
For Birth Control "I had nothing be issues with this Skyla IUD. The insertion was fine and wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle. But the cramps and heavy bleeding I got the whole time was crazy. I couldn’t even go to work without being in pain. My periods were worse then being on nothing. I have had Skyla for 7 months and just found out yesterday that I got pregnant while on it. It is a complete nightmare. I would not recommend this IUD to anyone"
For Birth Control "I got the Skyla IUD put in at the beginning of May 2014 due to my inability to take combined hormonal birth control of any sort due to major migraines and mood swings. My first two periods after insertion gave me the most terrible cramps, but they have since lightened up a lot, as has my period flow. It messed with my sex drive for a while, but that seems to have evened out as well. The only real downside that I can tell is the three or so days of spotting after my period, but that has slowly been disappearing as well. I would honestly suggest the Skyla to anyone, after all my terrible experiences with other birth controls, this has been a major godsend."
For Birth Control "Implanted at 8 weeks pp. - Slight cramping + spotting, but easier than I expected. I soon began to have mild irritability + impatience, mainly toward my husband and baby. I assumed it was work stress and being tired. 2 months of Skyla - mild irritability became something much worse. I had negative intrusive thoughts. I looked at my beautiful daughter and felt nothing but a sense of obligation. I constantly snapped at my sweet husband. I had 24/7 anxiety about anything and everything. Even my worst PMS was nothing like this. The dealbreaker came when my baby was crying one night, and I yelled at her to shut up. (That’s painful to even type right now.) I had Skyla removed 2 days later. Within 3 days, I was stable, calm, + patient. Most importantly I felt love toward my baby again. I 100% believe that I had a negative reaction to this IUD, and that it made me feel psychotic. Removing it was the only change I made, and I’m my normal self."
For Birth Control "Skyla is great at preventing pregnancy, however, the insertion was extremely painful-worst cramps I have felt. They lasted a couple of days, but it was manageable. However, I've been on this for 8 months and have been on my period non-stop. 8 months of having a period. The bleeding isn't serious, but enough to wear a tampon. I am planning to have this removed."
For Birth Control "Ladies, let me just first say that the mind is a very powerful thing, and just like you I read all these reviews and was terrified. I told my doctor I was nervous of how awful it was going to feel and he assured me that it was all in my head. He was right, it was nothing like the reviews I have read. I counted how long it took, it was less than 2 minutes. AND I counted how long the severe cramping lasted during, and that was less than 20 seconds. Yes the cramps felt like a very powerful menstrual cramp and it was not comfortable, but it was so so so short. I left the office feeling completely fine, just feeling like I had menstrual cramps. Very little spotting the next few days. Don't let the reviews scare you!"
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