Skyla and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• blu...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 18, 2020

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."

• Mis...
• May 22, 2020

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."

• Cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2020

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."

• t_a...
• December 14, 2015

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."

• Kia...
• January 25, 2021

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. Here's 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 IUDs. More power to you and the women it works for. As for myself-NEVER AGAIN!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 27, 2019

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."

• chi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 21, 2021

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 lost 7 lbs already! This was a nightmare of an IUD, and I will definitely never get an IUD again."

• Eri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I really wanted to like the Skyla, but I had a horrible experience. Getting an IUD was one of the worst decisions I’ve ever made. My best friend loves her Skyla, has no side effects, and got another placed after 3 years, so take my comments with a grain of salt. First, insertion was the worst pain I’ve ever felt (and I’ve fractured my back in 2 places). I threw up immediately after. Second, this gave me cystic acne. I had panic attacks before leaving my house because I was so disgusted with my face. Third, I had ovarian cysts and severe cramps. The kind of cramps that make you black out upon standing up and throw up. Fourth, I could hardly stand to have sex. If my boyfriend hit the IUD, the pain was paralyzing. One pro is its efficacy. Knowing that I was virtually protected from pregnancy was empowering. It did not inherently decrease my libido, but the fear of pain and low self-esteem due to my skin made me too anxious to have sex. I did not gain weight."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla almost 2 years ago. So far, everything has gone great with the IUD. I get my period maybe every 3-4 months (light spotting for about 2 days tops). I do get cramps every month for about one entire day. It's not anything crazy or out of the ordinary (beats having periods and having kids!). I definitely recommend it. The insertion process was a bit painful, and I had cramps for about 3 hours, but with some ibuprofen and a heating pad, it can surely be tolerable. I used to be on the pill and shot for a while, but both of those made me really depressed, and I gained a ton of weight. Which is why I switched to the IUD. Skyla releases a smaller dose of hormones so that really helps to 'feel normal.' Good luck, ladies!"

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2021

For Birth Control "Began Skyla at the end of July 2020. Two and a half months of a regular period; bleeding EVERY day, some days light, some days extremely heavy. Cramps often brought tears to my eyes, and I couldn't move from the fetal position on the couch. They were the worst cramps and close to the worst pain in general I have experienced in my life. After two and a half months, the bleeding subsided a little to bleeding every OTHER day. I'm now on month 5. I have a period once a month now, for about 3 days; very light. I have gained about 10 lbs. If you can manage the possibility that you have this experience that a lot of us do from Skyla, get it. It has served its purpose so far, but I have to wonder if there was an easier and painless alternative. Do I recommend this? No way."

• Kay...
• March 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Skyla for 9 months, and this is my second review on this site. The first five months were constant cramps and spotting. The spotting has stopped, but cramps randomly come and are intense. I get my period every 2-3 months. I've gained a little weight and have some acne on my back (before I had neither of these), but Skyla works considering I am not pregnant. Other than the side effects I've had, it really is great, and you don't have to worry about taking any pills. With others, I had major weight gain, face acne, and migraines. I definitely recommend. Stick it out through the spotting and cramps, and you'll realize it's so worth it!"

• 27a...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I’m 27, got Skyla in February of 2017, so I’ve had Skyla in for over a year. The beginning 6 months were rough! Crazy insane cramps and bloating! Now periods last 2 days or so, and cramps aren’t so bad. BUT the side effects... So before Skyla, I weighed 125 lbs. Today, I weighed in at 135 lbs. I've always worked out, no red meats, and small portion-sized food! Nothing has changed... but somehow, I just keep putting on weight! Oh, I've also noticed my acne increased! It’s taken much longer for the acne on my face to go away, it appears, than blemishes, and I'm stuck with it for months. I got Skyla because I just got married and was not ready for kids! But this battle of weight and acne is really depressing. I’m trying to make the decision of removing it ahead of time. Needless to say, this IUD does do its job, but the side effects are starting to be more long-term than anything. Super torn."

• Chr...
• July 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 31 years old, no children ever, and recently got the Skyla. Prior to getting Skyla inserted, I came on here to read the reviews and wish I didn't because it definitely scared me. But thankfully, my OB-GYN was great and explained everything to me. Not to mention, she numbed me prior to inserting the Skyla and informed me when I would feel the most amount of pressure, which helped A LOT! There were some mild cramps during the first month, but since the month has passed, I've been feeling great - no nausea and no weight gain. There's some mild cramping, which I never had before, but no periods. So for me, it's working out great and realized only your body can tell you if it's good or not - and not by others' experience."

• ari...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 16, 2016

For Birth Control "Absolutely horrid. Had this for over 2 years and could not take it anymore. Hair loss, weight gain, acne, depression, mood swings, dry skin, bloating, no sex drive. The list goes on. After going on Skyla, I got horrible stretch marks all over my butt, thighs, boobs, and hips. I am 20 years old, 5'10" and weigh 136 pounds. WTF! I want to cry just thinking about birth control. I will never take birth control again. Look into charting and temperature reading. Been off Skyla for a little over a month now and I already feel better, have lost some weight/bloating, hair stopped falling out. Maybe it works for some women, but it's not even worth the risk in my opinion."

• Khl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I researched IUDs extensively before actually deciding to consult my gynecologist about getting one. I wanted to get off the pill as it caused me weight gain and water retention, and the amount of hormones makes it hard for women to build muscle, and as someone who works out a decent amount, I wasn't seeing much progress. My gyno suggested Skyla, as it is a low hormone dose. I was reading horror stories online about the process and almost didn't get one. Thank God I didn't give in to my fears because I love having an IUD. The process was not bad at all. When inserted, I felt more pressure than pain. I had cramps for the following 24 hours, spotted a week, and my first period was the lightest it's ever been. Based on my experience, 10/10 would recommend."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2023

For Birth Control "3 mo. since I got my Skyla. I was terrified from negative reviews, but knew it was worth the risk for me. I have had a VERY GOOD experience. Insertion was not fun & hurt bad I’ll admit, but I didn’t cry!! Just cussed lol. That was 15 sec. of sharp pain and then the rest of the day just felt like period cramps. I would have occasional random cramps for the first month. And my first periods were weird and long, with a lot of spotting. I am now on my 4th period since insertion, and I bled lightly for ONE day. I have had no hormonal side effects like weight gain, acne, or depression. I have one issue & that is my cervix has been kinda sore. My partner is well endowed, and certain positions when he goes too deep my cervix will cramp. My doc says there’s probably a bit of inflammation still & that should go away with time. Other than that, I would recommend to anyone, and it’s so nice with no pill or baby worries!"

• Lac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2018

For Birth Control "Don’t do it. I can’t believe I let the doctor talk me into getting Skyla; I originally went in for the copper, but she talked me out of it because I’m 17 and I haven’t had any kids. It has the same hormones as the Nexplanon, basically: progestin. When I had the arm implant a year ago, I had it for 7 months and attempted suicide, had hair loss, and my acne returned (even after being on Accutane for 6 months), and I gained 15 pounds. I took a break from birth control and switched to Skyla, and it is the dumbest decision I have ever made. It’s only been a month, and I’m always crying as I can feel the depression already sneaking its way back. Whenever I comb my hair or run my fingers through, I get about a dozen strands coming out, and my acne is once again horrific. If you are already on Skyla and going through this, you are not alone."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2014

For Birth Control "I went on Skyla on 9.17.14, the experience has been okay, just a few side effects I wasn't fully aware of. 1. I gained 10 pounds in one month. I got really odd cravings and was also very hungry all of a sudden. 2. My hair started shedding in clumps, but that has slowed down tremendously. 3. I still get cramps, maybe not a heavy flow, but still crazy cramps during my time of the month. Other than these three, things have been pretty good."

• J-L...
• November 27, 2019

For Birth Control "So I got the Skyla in September. I wanted something different because I had the implant that goes in your arm, and I was always scared it would move or break, and the depo shot made me gain a ton of weight, and the pills made me crazy, so I figured I heard good things about IUDs. Well, this one was not a good idea. It hurt like anything getting it in, and then my mom started noticing I wasn’t happy, and I wasn’t myself. I didn’t want to do anything. I was snapping at my kids over everything. Little things would make me mad. It was to the point my husband didn’t even want to come home. I would cry over everything, and like I don’t already have anxiety, and I’m taking something for it as it is. This pretty much made it worse. I was to the point I started to have panic attacks again and felt like I couldn’t breathe. I didn’t want to eat anything, so today, 11/26/2019, I got it removed, and I feel like a weight was lifted off my shoulders."

• Roc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I got Skyla inserted 6 months ago, and it's been a nightmare since then. I'm 25 with no kids. My friend got Mirena when she was 21 and said it was amazing, so I figured I'd try it. Insertion was pretty painful, and I had cramps for a week. I went back and got an ultrasound to check the placement and was informed I had an irritated cyst and that it would go away. Here I am, 6 months later, every 2 weeks I get insane cramping and a week-long period. Before Skyla, 3-4 day long periods and no cramps. I told myself if, after 6 months, I'm still in pain, I'm getting it out. Obviously, my body is not going to adjust, and it's not worth the pain! I've also gained 20 lbs in the first 4 months and noticed more zits, anxiety, and my hormones are crazy."

• Glo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted in February 2018. I was very scared to get it prior to having it inserted, but I went through it anyway, and it actually wasn't that bad. However, fast forward to 2019. I have gained 35 lb on Skyla. I had my last baby in July 2017, and I lost a lot of weight after I had her and continued to lose weight up until the insertion of the IUD. If you are very sensitive to birth control as I am, I would recommend the good old condoms. I feel like the IUD has made me go emotionally crazy and experienced a lot of weight gain. I had the depo shot in 2015, and it was far worse than Skyla. I had experienced a lot of weight gain, and I was hormonally off balance severely. Anyone that is sensitive to any sort of birth control like I am, I wouldn't recommend anything."

• Tcm...
• July 15, 2016

For Birth Control "I have written on here twice before in the beginning of when I first got it inserted. If I could go back and not do it, I would. I've had the Skyla for 6 months now, and I am miserable. I have severe cystic acne everywhere (even though I never have), crazy bad cramps, insane mood swings, and weight gain. I'm 23, no kids, nothing. I've tried the pill, and I hoped this would work, but I am getting it out. Don't do it, your relationships and health aren't worth it, and it's a painful process."

• Tin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 24 and have no kids. I have had Skyla in for 4 months now. I took an Aleve an hour before the IUD was inserted and had some pain right after the insertion for 5 seconds. Afterwards, I had two days of cramps and spotting, but nothing unbearable. Since that day, I have had no issues. I have more intense cramps around the time of my period, but my period lasts less than 3 days. The second month, I missed my period altogether, which made me nervous, but my doctor said it was normal, and I had my period the following month. I have no spotting between periods. I also do not have any mood swings, depression, or weight gain, which were side effects for me with oral birth control pills and the NuvaRing. I would definitely recommend Skyla."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I was a little skeptical at first, given the fact that I went in for a regular Pap smear and walked out with an IUD. Overall, the insertion was painful, but tolerable. It was really fast. I never cramped before Skyla, so the cramps are my only complaint; but nothing Tylenol can't fix. After the insertion, I cramped for a good 12 hours. I got it a week before my period, so I got my period a week later; everything was normal except the bad cramps for about 10 minutes the day I started my period. After that, everything was normal. No spotting, no emotional moods, no weight gain. It is as if I am not on anything. No babies! Which is the ultimate goal. So far, I am happy. Periods are lighter, and sex drive is through the roof."

• cst...
• June 15, 2021

"Insertion of Skyla was painful, so I took a day off work. I drove myself. Insertion, compared to EXTREME contraction, lasted about 10 minutes. Four months in, I stopped having periods. I haven't had a period for almost a year, which is problematic after doing some research because you can develop a hormone belly or ill symptoms because your body never has the ability to expel the extra hormones. I'm extra bloated and have the WORST pain of my life with cramps that can be all day for an entire week. I've gained about 15 lbs. I'm always puffy feeling and bloated, especially around my uterus/lower belly. You can see the change in my face. Go all day without eating and still lots of bloat. I'm very tired all the time, no energy, no motivation, full of anxiety. I believe deeply that this IUD is making me sick. For that reason, my partner and I have looked into more permanent options, and I will be getting off synthetic hormones altogether. Synthetic hormones literally break my body down and make me sick."