My Skyla

So if you’re reading this you’re probably interested/curious about the Skyla IUD. I, like you, read many articles, reviews, and forums about Skyla. This made me so nervous about the insertion that I almost chickened out and called my doctor for birth control pills. However, I stopped reading the reviews and continued to remind myself that everyone’s body reacts differently to the various contraceptive methods. I was on Lo-Loestrin for 2 years and HATED it. It caused so many adverse side effects and my carb cravings were out of control. My doctor recommended Skyla to me because the hormones are released locally instead of having to travel through your blood stream, which means less hormonal side effects!! 

Insertion: August 17th, 2015

I had to pick up the two prescribed medications from the pharmacy this morning (misoprostol and 800mg Ibuprofen) that I had to take an hour before my procedure. The misoprostol made my light period very heavy, but it didn’t make me cramp like some people have described. This medication helps to soften your cervix to make insertion easier and less painful. 

I was so nervous when I walked into the doctors office, but the nurse was very sweet and comforting and told me that she was on her second Mirena and loved it. The doctor first explained what was going to happen and showed me the Skyla and how he would insert it. He also warned me that I would experience some mild to severe cramping. He was right. The first thing he did was insert a measuring device to make sure that Skyla would fit in my uterus properly. I had mild cramping, but it wasn’t bad. Then he very quickly inserted the Skyla. I’m not going to lie, it was very uncomfortable. I’m lucky enough to never have cramps on my period, so I’m not used to them, but these were pretty bad. If you’re used to cramps, it probably won’t be so painful because the cramps weren’t unbearable for me (the cramp-rookie). The entire procedure lasted about 2 minutes, and the second he took the insertion device out, the severe cramps were gone. 

It’s been 2 hours since insertion and I’m still having mild cramps, but nothing major. My doctor said I would probably bleed for the next week and then sporadically spot for the next month or two, but after that my body should become adjusted to it. A little spotting for 1-3 months for 3 years of worry-free birth control, I’ll take it! 

** I should also note that IUD’s should be 100% covered by your insurance provider. 

UPDATE: ONE WEEK SINCE INSERTION

So it has been a week, and so far so good. I have had occasional cramping for the past week as well as occasional spotting (mostly light at times heavy) so I just wear a panty liner daily. My only other side effect is that I bloat more easily, but I just take gas-x after a big meal and problem solved! I have had no other side effects to my knowledge which is great. 

I tried to feel my strings today, but was unsuccessful. They probably have curved around my cervix (like they are supposed to), but I’ll go and get it checked out in a few weeks to make sure everything is still okay! 

**I’ll update in a month for a more well-rounded review of Skyla!