Skyla and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• sup...
• January 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 21 years old and got the Skyla IUD put in four months ago. Worst pain I've ever felt. I don't get a period at all, but I randomly get crampy/moody. My doctor told me it wasn't supposed to affect my mood because the hormones only release throughout the uterus. I recently started researching common side effects (something I should have done before) and discovered that depression is common. I'm more depressed than I've ever been -- no appetite, often tired/lethargic, etc. Additionally, I have absolutely no interest in having sex. The past four months have been really rough. I'm looking to get this thing removed. :("

• get...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 8, 2017

For Birth Control "Overall, this birth control has worked for its intended purpose. However, it has upped my anxiety, given me depression, and I suspect that it has something to do with some other medical issues I have been suffering with. I definitely suggest trying it and seeing if it is for you, but it was not for me. I have had it for a little over a year and will be getting it out Friday."

• Aly...
• August 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I got on Skyla when I was 18 after I had a miscarriage back in December of 2015. Insertion hurt like crazy, as if you were having period cramps that would make you want to double over in pain and go to the hospital. After having it inserted, I started gaining weight, I was constantly depressed, I would want to eat more, periods would last for two weeks at one time minimal. It felt like I was on a constant period with all these mood swings. It's now August of 2016, and the pain is ten times worse, I go to the hospital about the situation and they tell me I'm a month pregnant. I do not recommend Skyla to anybody."

• Cru...
• September 27, 2017

For Birth Control "It’s a love-hate relationship. Effectiveness, I love it. I’m 26, no kids, and I would say it does the job. Like any BC, there are pros and cons. Pros: my periods are super light, cramps are minimal, not pregnant, you don’t have to remember to take a pill, and it was $35 for 3 years. Cons: I got super depressed the first 3 months of being on it, I never had acne until now, and it’s embarrassing, it’s cystic acne, and I have acne scars, and no acne meds help. I have my period on and off for 2 weeks out of the month, I snap a lot at my husband, hair loss the first 4 months on it, and now I have intense back pain to the point I can’t sit or stand. I love it, but I’m really considering taking it out in 2 months."

• Can...
• November 25, 2019

For Birth Control "Had Skyla inserted in Nov of 2016. Overall, I've had a very pleasant experience. I've had a Mirena before, so I knew what to expect with regard to insertion. Just felt some minor poking and prodding - I guess you can say I have a fairly high pain tolerance? I did experience some slight spotting afterward, but that was to be expected. The first 2 years were amazing, and I had no side effects whatsoever, except for lighter periods (but I consider this a pro). For the last year, though, there was a drastic change - I began feeling depressed, was very emotional, very tired and fatigued, and had an increase in bloating. I also saw a decline in my sex drive, periods were irregular (every 2-3 months), and an ovarian cyst formed. I will say that it has been a rough year for me both mentally and physically, so that probably exemplified those side effects. Nonetheless, Skyla did its job, and I would definitely recommend - 3 years of birth control with no major issues or side effects!"

• Moo...
• September 14, 2016

For Birth Control "First off, I want to say that the insertion of the birth control wasn't bad. There was severe cramping about an hour after it was inserted for the first time. The thing that I hate most about the birth control is I cramp all the time, even when I'm not on my period. I have a period all the time, sometimes it's heavy, sometimes it's spotting. The absolute worst thing about this birth control is the mood swings I can't control. I have severe mood swings, sometimes I cry for days. Depression, I now have low self-esteem and get angry very quickly. This birth control completely changed who I am."

• Moo...
• September 14, 2016

For Birth Control "First off, I want to say that the insertion of the birth control wasn't bad. There was severe cramping about an hour after it was inserted for the first time. The thing that I hate most about the birth control is I cramp all the time, even when I'm not on my period. I have a period all the time, sometimes it's heavy, sometimes it's spotting. The absolute worst thing about this birth control is the mood swings I can't control. I have severe mood swings, sometimes I cry for days. Depression, I now have low self-esteem and get angry very quickly. This birth control completely changed who I am."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Skyla removed a week ago after having it for about 5 months, and I'm very happy I did. After being on it for 5 months, I was still experiencing irregular bleeding (probably 20 days out of the month) and pain during and after sex. More importantly, I had noticed changes in my mood (more anxious and overall down). Once I had it removed, I started feeling normal again and have been feeling great since. I got a normal period the day after having it removed that lasted 5 days and haven't bled at all since. I know that I have always been very sensitive to hormones, so Skyla might be fine for some people, but I definitely noticed a difference in myself despite the fact that it is a very low dose of hormones."

• ECM...
• February 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted in August 2015 after being on the pill off and on for four years. The insertion was the most painful experience. I cramped and bled lightly for almost two weeks after the insertion and had mild paranoia from it. During my first period, I had very sharp, very centralized cramps that lasted only for a few minutes but happened once a day for the first three days. I would always spot two weeks before my period as well. My periods did become slightly lighter. I noticed during my second month that my sex drive was gone, and my husband noticed as well. I also started feeling depressed during the fourth month and noticed mood swings and weight gain. I've gained 10 pounds with no change to my lifestyle. I'm having it removed tomorrow."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I was put on birth control pills for severe cramps, however, I tried four brands of pills and was unable to tolerate combined hormones. They made me irritable and very sad, with a lot of crying. My doctor suggested the Skyla, and I received it in March 2015. Insertion was not bad, but she gave me a Valium before she inserted it. I only felt some cramping, but I am used to severe cramps anyway, so it was tolerable. Since insertion, I have had severe cramping, spotting, and moodiness. I am either crying or angry. I feel exactly like I did on the pills. This is only month two, so I will give it a little more time. I did read side effects subside after a few months. My spotting is sporadic now instead of daily. My first period was very short and light."

• Tho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2015

For Birth Control "I never do online reviews, but this is important. Skyla absolutely ruined my life. I've had it for 2 months, and I'm getting it out as soon as possible. I've had it. I've always had little bouts of depression and anxiety, but in the past two months, it has been unbearable. I've been a nervous wreck to the point that it's driving me insane. I've considered suicide. I've been bleeding for almost the entire two months. This has taken a toll on my sex life, which was the whole reason I got the IUD in the first place. And eventually, because of the emotional wreck I've been, it completely ruined my relationship of over a year. He's willing to try again once I get it taken out, but he can't handle the deep depression and mood swings. Do not do it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 11, 2015

For Birth Control "I got Skyla when I was 17. I've had it for about 8 months, and it's coming out tomorrow, and I'm absolutely terrified because of the fact that the insertion was incredibly painful. When I got it inserted, they said I had a highly tilted uterus, which meant it was more painful than usual. Once it was inserted, I passed out, but when I woke up, I could feel my uterus cramping, and when it did, all my muscles would shake. I bled for about a month. After that, I had regular periods but terrible cramps to the point of throwing up. I also have terrible acne, excessive facial hair, lack of sex drive, and major depression. I am ready to get this out and get back on the pill and be my normal self again."

• yas...
• August 3, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had Skyla BC for about 8 months now. It has been horrible. Such a painful process to get inserted as I was 20 and had never had a pap done or had a child. Almost passed out after. I figured I would give it some time, thinking that the horrible cramps (that felt like knives in my uterus) would go away, but they haven't. I have developed PMDD since being on this BC, and I get extremely depressed before my period... like, it's bad. Have had to switch depression meds and keep getting the dosage upped. My husband and I have had issues in our marriage because I have had no sex drive since getting it. Also, I have never weighed this much in my life. Have put on 20 pounds since then. I can't get rid of it either. All the doctors say that none of these things are a side effect of the BC. They say my depression is just a part of my 'mood' and same with the sex drive."

• Bet...
• September 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted almost 4 months ago. The insertion was painful, but not like most people make it seem. I was fine afterward. I even decided to go to the gym. I feel bloated all the time since the insertion. I am gaining weight (even while eating healthier and working out more). My belly looks like I am 3 months pregnant. I have lost my desire to have sex, and my self-esteem is really low. I was diagnosed with vaginal bacteria when I went to my 3-month follow-up about a week ago and was told to wait it out for another 3 months to have the body adjust to it. I am waiting a couple of weeks, and if I do not see any difference, it is coming off. Other than that, I am not pregnant, so it is reliable."

• mmm...
• November 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I had this inserted right about a year ago. I moved from the Depo shot to the IUD, I have also tried the pill in the past. The shot and the pill both gave me really out-of-control mood swings, so I thought this would be better. I will say that it is very effective, I have not had a period since I have been on it and have had no pregnancies. The major drawback for me is the mood swings and depression. The first six months were okay, nothing too noticeable. After that, mood swings, depression, anger, and anxiety hit me like a freight train. As for the birth control itself, I would give it a 10/10 in effectiveness and ease of use. I'm getting mine removed because I can't deal with the emotional side effects anymore."

• Not...
• September 14, 2016

For Birth Control "This was absolutely horrible. Terrible acne, abdominal swellings, and feeling very isolated and depressed. Kept it for 6 weeks. My doctor wanted me to keep it for another 6 weeks, but I couldn't take it anymore. After removal, I felt almost immediate relief and mentally much better."

• Cas...
• November 21, 2016

For Birth Control "After years of bad experiences with birth control, my OB recommended the IUD for me. I'd taken Orthotricycline and Trisprintec for many years, and a few years on NuvaRing. I suffer from acne, migraines, and depression very badly and also have had problems with weight gain and decreased sex drive with other birth controls. My doctor told me about Skyla, and I signed up for it that day! About a month later, I got the call from my doctor's office that they received my device and scheduled an insertion for the week of my period. Well, my period was late, so my cervix wasn't dilated and was extremely sensitive, and the insertion was super painful. I had a normal period and spotted for a week after. Now my sex drive is great and my acne is better!"

• Lov...
• July 12, 2017

For Birth Control "I hate this thing! I've had it in for over 2 years, I got it after I had my daughter. Not the best decision I've ever made, and I'm having a hard time getting my doctor and my OBGYN to take it out, it's like nobody wants to. It has decreased my sex drive, made me hormonal, mood swings, depressed, put a strain on my relationship with my husband because of that. I can hardly ever get 'in the mood,' and that sucks. I'm 24 y.o.! Also the weight gain, the nausea, irregular periods, cystic acne breakouts on my face... seriously, I hate this thing! It has made me so miserable. I'm switching OBGYN offices just to get the damn thing out!"

• Nik...
• June 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I had the Skyla inserted after my Mirena fell out after a year. I personally like the Skyla, and as pp stated, take a pain reliever before going. I took something and still felt pain, but not as bad. I've also noticed that I'm full quicker, so I'm eating a lot less. The only thing that I don't like is that I've been seeming to have a little more depression. Not sure if this is a side effect, but I'm going to keep an eye on it."

• SM1...
• November 11, 2015

For Birth Control "The procedure for Skyla was painful but doable for anyone. I got it done at 8:30 am and was at work for the day by 10:30 am. It was a little painful throughout the day. I've had Skyla now for 8 months and absolutely hate it. I bled constantly for the first 4 or 5 months, and now I have a period for 2 weeks. I have become depressed and have severe cramps that I never had before. Cramps so bad they wake me up in the middle of the night, and I just yell in pain. My husband has noticed a big difference in my emotions and attitude. He says I've been a lot more emotional and sad since the IUD was inserted. Needless to say, I am having it removed. I would not recommend this to anyone, although it has been extremely effective."

• Gir...
• July 20, 2019

For Birth Control "Try it. Everyone is different. I gave Skyla 10/10 because it was effective, I did not get pregnant for the 10 months I had it. But it was just not for me. Periods sucked. I had painful bleeding every time I lifted something heavy. Always spotting. I was on my period/spotting half of every month. In my 9 months with Skyla, I gained weight, had anxiety, depression, acne. But it could have been my lifestyle as well. I was also on birth control before Skyla, so that could have been a factor as well."

• i-S...
• November 23, 2015

For Birth Control "Before Skyla, I'd been on the Depo shot for 9 months. I'd had bouts with weight gain (20 lbs!) and depression while on it, so I decided to switch to Skyla. Had it inserted 11/20. Took a Vicodin before the procedure (didn't seem to help much). The procedure itself was fairly uncomfortable and painful. It wasn't debilitating pain for me - just uncomfortable with two sharp cramps (maybe an 8/10 on the pain scale, but they only lasted 30 seconds or less combined). I got it inserted at 4 pm and was having 7/10 cramps the rest of the night, took some Tylenol pm and slept like a baby. Woke up the next morning without any pain at all! Been having 3/10 cramps the last few days, but that's it. Hardly any spotting."

• Kld...
• September 25, 2018

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?!"

• Kld...
• September 25, 2018

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?!"

• Jen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 31, 2022

For Birth Control "I had Skyla for the full three years, and let me tell you, I would not recommend this to anyone. EVER. I never had bad acne prior to getting Skyla, and since getting it, I've had awful acne, worse than I've ever had. My mood swings were terrible, and the pain I had from it for the full three years was an awful experience. The pain would radiate down my legs, and I would have to be balled up in a fetal position until the cramp subsided. My periods were never regular and always heavy throughout the entire three years. I already had anxiety and depression prior to, but my anxiety and depression got a lot worse since having Skyla. My depression got darker. My anxiety more high and my will to be around people almost non-existent, even around my SO. I would have panic attacks in the middle of the night for no absolute reason, granted, I have in the past as well, but with Skyla, they were a lot more frequent, and I couldn't figure out why. I got it out the other day, and since, my pain has subsided."