Skyla and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ste...
• May 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had the Skyla IUD for over a year now. It was very painful, even with cervix softening drugs, remember to take ibuprofen as well. It was inserted, and I experienced heavy cramping. Before, I had tried every birth control imaginable. I love my Skyla. I was scared the first few months and had pregnancy tests on hand, but my RN reassured me after my month post-op that I couldn't get pregnant. I would recommend Skyla to everyone, especially since on the depo shots I gained weight. The Skyla has some progesterone, but not so much as the depo shots. The only downfall is the re-insertion of my new IUD in 2 years. I have lost 10 pounds and never have to remember appointments! Insurance covered it because it's preventive health-no babies for me!"

• Sky...
• May 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I got Skyla thinking it would be the best birth control. Not so much. The insertion was painful and went home with slight cramps. Spotting only lasted for six weeks, but within the last four months, I have gained fifteen pounds, which is very bad. But not having to worry about taking a pill is good. But before you make the decision on this birth control, use some other options first because this should be the last option. Will be getting this removed very soon. Not liking my weight gain."

• don...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2016

For Birth Control "23 y/o, never pregnant; got Skyla put in Aug 22. Before Skyla, tried the pill - wasn't for me. Went in on the 1st day of period, wasn't too bad, did hurt for a quick sec when they put it in. Post-insertion cramps were probably the worst part. No Advil beforehand (mistake), so those hurt, nothing too crucial (I'd say I have high pain tolerance tho). Only had about 4 big cramps that day. Up until 4 days ago, I was spotting, so had to wear a pad, liner/light tampon. I'd cramp worse than usual around ovulation. 1st period was normal. Was pretty moody at the 2nd week, cried really easily. I've gained a few lbs, but diet and lifestyle also come into play there. Sex drive and acne haven't been affected. I recommend!! Everyone is different! Will update later again."

• Jen...
• March 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla inserted about a year and a half ago. I've gained about 20-30 lbs, and I have noticed that my hair seems to be thinning. I'm 25. I still get periods, but they're very short, and I don't need a pad or a tampon-- they're really, really light. I get occasional cramps, definitely less than when I didn't have the IUD. I like the short, light periods and not worrying about being pregnant-- but the weight gain and hair loss are bothering me. I don't fit into any of my old clothes anymore. And it seems like I just keep gaining weight, even though I'm in an intense spin class. I'm considering getting it removed because of the weight gain."

• Tay...
• May 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I had Skyla for exactly 1 year. Starting with how painful the insertion was, I had hoped things would get better. I didn't have a period 3 months into it, but still had crippling cramps and aches like I was on my period at any given time. I waited it out and ended up gaining over 30 lbs in the last year. I recently went to my family doctor and expressed that I wasn't happy with the weight gain, my mood swings (random crying, anger fits), and I said I wanted to take it out. So she took it out right then and there. Best decision I've made. Removal was a breeze."

• Aut...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Skyla for about two years. I actually don’t even remember about my insertion experience, so I’m guessing it wasn’t as painful as other people, or at least I have a high pain tolerance. Anyway, within about a week, I started breaking out on my face and my back!!! Never in my life have I ever had back acne, and for my face, I am blessed with skin that usually doesn’t have a problem breaking out unless I was on my period...until this IUD!!! I have permanent back acne scars now :( What was even annoying was the weight gain...I used to weigh about 120 lbs, 5’1”, Asian...by the time I was ready to take it out because of the severe weight gain, I was at my heaviest weight in my life at 145 lbs!!! And I didn’t change my diet or exercise any differently!!! The only positive for me was the fact that I didn’t get my period at all for the whole time I had it in me. But other than that...I wouldn’t recommend it to any of my friends or family members."

• It ...
• August 27, 2018

For Birth Control "I had Skyla for 8 months. I have to say insertion was a little painful but not too bad. I got it on Jan 4, 2018, and removed it on August 24, 2018. Throughout the whole 8 months, I did not get my period. I did get mild symptoms: cramping, nausea, and breast tenderness. However, in 8 months I gained 50 lbs. I also noticed my hair thinned. I was retaining a lot of water."

• 18n...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been off Skyla for almost 6 months, and my periods are just starting to regulate again, so I know this is a sign of my body starting to regulate again also from not being on this birth control anymore. I am also losing weight since gaining almost 15 lbs in the 3 months I was on Skyla, and my acne is under control again, and I am no longer depressed. I am birth control free and feeling 100%. This birth control did not work for me, but it doesn't mean it can't work for you. Everyone is different!"

• ran...
• October 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had Skyla for 2 years. It’s the best decision I have ever made regarding birth control. Many reviews spoke about how horrible the pain is when inserted, which is 100% accurate. However, I experienced this kind of pain from my period, which was way worse than that 60 seconds of pain. If you don’t usually cramp with your periods, then you are in for a rude awakening when the IUD is first inserted. My doctor requires an ultrasound when inserting the IUD to properly place it (unlike some doctors who blindly put it inside you, which is so dangerous!!). I noticed when I stood on my feet more than 10 hours, I would get unbearable pains. I felt like throwing up because they were so bad. However, these pains stopped around 5 months. I've never had mood swings, weight gain, or an increase in acne!! My periods were very light at first, but now I can go months without a period or slightly spot for a week or two. I have no complaints as of today! The benefits definitely outweigh the cons!"

• rea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 30, 2023

For Birth Control "My experience with Skyla has been a rollercoaster. It has been very good at preventing pregnancy, but my period still comes (sometimes twice a month) and is very irregular and almost lasts a full week, if not sometimes more. I have developed the worst skin/acne I’ve ever had in my 22-year-old life (worse than puberty). I’ve gained weight, and my confidence has just gone down in my appearance overall. I’m getting mine taken out very soon, and hopefully, my hormones go back to normal. One positive, though: my mood has been very good compared to when I was on the pill and am not very emotional."

• JeN...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 22, 2018

For Birth Control "So I'm a little over a year 2 of having my Skyla inserted. I have birthed 4 boys, my youngest being 3 now. I loved this IUD, but in the beginning, my husband would complain that he could feel something poking him, which kind of killed our sex vibe. I had them trimmed by my OB, and his complaints didn't happen as often. One thing that I realized, which after reading some comments on the Skyla, is that I don't want to say I've gained an excessive amount of weight since my last kid, but I find that I'm having a hard time losing weight. I've been going to the gym almost 5 times a week for 1 hour and changed my eating habits, and I expected to lose a little bit of weight, and I haven't. I'm really thinking about going to have it removed and just plan on getting my tubes tied. I still have my period, but some months it's super light and only a few days, and others it's normal. Has anyone found since having the Skyla that losing weight is hard?"

• Sam...
• October 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I posted when I first got Skyla (almost 6 months ago, April 27, 2017) and wanted to share my experience. I spotted for a little over 3 months, which wasn't fun since it was summer. Usually, I wore just a panty liner. My periods definitely are a lot longer, close to 10-11 days, but lighter than they used to be. My boyfriend can feel the strings in certain positions but says it just feels like scratching. (He can suck it up since I'm the one who has it inside them.) Other than that, I've had a positive experience. I've been on the pill twice and gained significant weight both times. Haven't gained weight or had acne appear since getting Skyla."

• Kar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 28, 2023

For Birth Control "I have had the Skyla IUD for almost 5 years. The pain after getting it placed was quite severe. The first year wasn’t bad. I was told I wouldn’t have a period, but I spot multiple times a month, and my period symptoms are worse than ever. Severe cramping and back pain. I have also gained almost 120 lbs since switching from the pill to the IUD. I will be getting this out as it will expire soon, and I will not get it again. Remember, this is just my experience and may not be the same for everyone. I did not get pregnant, so that is a plus, but the weight gain alone has made me more depressed than ever."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2020

For Birth Control "The insertion and afterwards was extremely painful, but pain meds and not moving from bed made it manageable. After 2 days, the pain got a little better, but it took a month for the insertion pain to go away. My first period was SO BAD. I thought it was going to be the end of me. It was 3 weeks of intense bleeding and cramping. The periods do get better, however, after 4 periods, they are still long and painful. I feel as though I always have random terrible cramping, but I’m going to give my body the full 6 months to adjust before I remove it. The positive side is it is very effective, and besides cramping and bleeding, I have had ZERO side effects. On the pill, I had terrible weight gain, migraines, depression, anxiety, and more. I haven’t had any problems with my IUD in that regard, thank God. I’ll be writing back after 6 months to see if the random cramps all the time stopped."

• Rev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2015

For Birth Control "The insertion didn't hurt much. My doctor was very gentle and explained the entire process as it was happening. I just felt minor pressure, and the most pain I felt was towards the end. Every so often I do get a sharp pain, but it lasts no more than a minute, and it feels like a bad cramp. My periods have been getting lighter (I was already irregular to start with, but when I did get my period, it would be heavy). My skin has also cleared from acne. I'm barely breaking out, although I broke out a little more when I first got it inserted. Overall, I'm glad I got it, that way I don't have to worry about taking a daily pill. However, I've gained 15 lbs! I literally gained them within a month."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 11, 2015

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted a little over a year ago. The insertion itself wasn't too painful, but I did have bad cramps for the rest of the day after insertion. However, I no longer get cramps with each period. My periods are WAY lighter than they were pre-IUD. The one thing I've noticed that I don't like is that I'll think my period is over, but a couple of days later, it'll sneak attack and come back out of nowhere (though so light that I only need a thin pantyliner). I've gained about 8 lbs since I had Skyla put in, but also have a job change where I went from walking all day to a desk job, so I don't know if there is a direct correlation, just thought I'd mention."

• Bre...
• December 30, 2017

For Birth Control "I really researched this IUD, talked to my doctor, and decided that Skyla was right for me. It was so painful during insertion, but I liked not having to worry about taking the pill each day after the pain subsided. After a year and a half, I reflected and noted severe bloating and weight gain that I had never experienced previously. My breasts were so swollen and painful sometimes that I could barely button my shirts. I was also fatigued and experiencing breakouts of acne and hair thinning that I had never experienced in my life. In addition, I spotted and had a light period sometimes twice a month. My husband even noticed the changes and made the connection to the IUD. I had it removed after almost two years, and I feel like I have my life back."

• all...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2017

For Birth Control "So I got Skyla inserted today (4/7/17). I'm 24 yrs, 5'7", 120 lbs, been thin all my life, never had a child. I read so many reviews and got so scared about insertion. The day of insertion, I was having major anxiety, so I took half of a Xanax bar (1 mg). It helped SOOOOO much. The less tense you are for insertion, the less painful it is. I would highly recommend asking your doctor for a prescription for anti-anxiety medication, even if it's just one pill for the procedure. The procedure itself lasted at most 5 mins and the pain was less than a minute. It feels like a cramp but more pressure and pinch. Totally doable, you will be fine! I'm hoping Skyla will help with my sex drive. Just worried about gaining weight or acne. I will update again soon."

• Jjs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2019

For Birth Control "Got Skyla in December 2018 and bled for about four months every day. Some days heavy, some lighter. I never got pregnant, but I did gain about 12 pounds and got cystic acne, which I had never had before. Insertion was horrible. I have had Paragard before and actually just switched back to it, and the insertion process is much smoother with Paragard. Watch videos on IUD insertions, you’ll then understand why Skyla hurts more. Overall, wouldn’t recommend. Periods never went away, but did get lighter. For me, the weight gain and acne just wasn’t worth it. Also had severe cramping for about two months. So happy to have it out!"

• Anonymous
• January 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I got Skyla after being on the pill for about a year and a half. Immediately after, I got a ton of under-the-skin acne on my face and back. Over time, I gained weight, which may or may not be a side effect of the BC. Anxiety went through the roof. It was nice to not have to think about taking regular contraception, but was not necessarily right for me."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Skyla IUD for almost 6 months, and it’s definitely not my favorite. I have horrible hormones from this, and I have gained weight. I went from 128 lb to 137 lb just in a couple of months, which is very out of the norm, especially because my diet has not changed at all. I seem to be very irritable all the time, which once again I was not like before... I also noticed an increase in anxiety. Every time I feel as if this storm has passed, it just gets worse."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I had the Skyla inserted 4/22/15, so it has been 6 months now. I have a very high tolerance to pain, and the insertion was not the best, but do take ibuprofen beforehand, and you'll be fine. The worst of the pain is right before my period, the cramps from ovulating and right before my cycle starts. I have had my period now for two weeks at a time every two weeks, which is killing my sex life with my boyfriend and my pockets on the amount of tampons I am purchasing. My acne is still the same, I'm always bloated, and I'm shedding so much, and have gained a ton of weight. I wanted to at least try to give it a year to see if things were going to change, but it's just so aggravating. I know some love the Skyla, but it's not for me."

• Anonymous
• October 24, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on the Skyla for about a year now. Getting it in is a painful experience. After being on it for a few months, I noticed a significant change in my weight, and my pants weren't fitting at all. Fast forward to a year of having it in, I've gained over 20 pounds, and the acne is just horrible. I wish I never went on it. I'm 20 years old, by the way."

• Tif...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I had a bad experience with the insertion of Skyla. I went there by myself and almost passed out at my OBGYN once I was about to leave. I was in horrible (cramping) pain for about 3-4 hours after. There are a lot of people that don't experience it that badly, but this was just my personal experience. I do love how I never have to remember to take a pill every day. With going back to school and working full time, it's hard to remember anything. My periods are normally pretty light but seem to last longer now, 5-6 days. Since the insertion, I have experienced more headaches and sometimes feel lightheaded and dizzy. I have also had significant weight gain, 15 lbs since I got it. No diet change, and I always feel bloated."

• kar...
• April 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I get a feeling like my poor uterus is being stabbed, also horrible back pain, gained so much weight, horrible acne, and even more discharge like white stuff inside my vagina (I never had that in my life). It grosses me out. I want to get it removed as soon as possible."