Warning: This post may contain some graphic descriptions and will focus on the IUD birth control device called Skyla. If you are uncomfortable with this subject matter do not continue reading, but do come back for some other, more lighthearted posts later!
After I had my daughter I decided I needed to have some sort of birth control so I could enjoy my baby’s first few years without interruption. In this post I will tell you all about my real experience with the IUD Skyla during the first three months following insertion.
Choosing Skyla
Before I even had the birth control discussion with my doctor I knew I wanted an IUD. An IUD is a “small, flexible contraceptive device that is inserted into the uterus.” According to this article which gives a quick overview of all the different IUD devices, “[IUDs] prevent sperm from joining with an egg by interfering with the movement of the sperm toward the egg. These IUDs also change the lining of the uterus.”
I knew an IUD was the right choice for me because I am forgetful and inconsistent and the pill would not be a viable option for me. The arm implant just sounded scary and unnecessary so I opted out of that one. That left me with devices that would be inserted and I chose an IUD.
There are several different IUDs and they each last a different amount of time. I believe there’s a three year one, a five year one, and a ten year one. I chose Skyla because it lasts for three years and to me, that was a small commitment, and in three years I can reevaluate my situation and either opt for another IUD or explore other options.
Insertion Day
When the device came in I scheduled an appointment to get it put in. Skyla is put in once and lasts for three years. Leading up to the appointment I had to abstain from intercourse for two weeks so there would be no risk I was pregnant. I had to get my urine tested anyway in the office and was approved to have it put in.
My doctor was great and talked through each step as she did it. First she inserted a speculum so she could see what she was doing. The device was removed from its packaging and inserted kind of like a tampon, where it was pushed up and out of a tube and into my uterus. The doctor made sure it had gone into position and trimmed the strings so that they would not hang out.
My doctor explained a few things to me:
- Effective immediately: The device was immediately effective and would prevent 99.9% of pregnancies.
- The strings: She said my husband may be able to feel the strings but that it would soften up over time.
- Bleeding: There would be some bleeding as my body adjusted and the progesterone released.
- Cramping: I may also have some cramping as my body adjusted but no more than regular period cramps (I don’t get cramps with my period so I wasn’t happy about that).
- Periods: They would be lighter, and may skip sometimes but most likely would just be lighter and shorter.
The Next Three Months
So the cramping lasted a few days. That first day I had the device put in in the morning and that afternoon I had bouts of nausea but that didn’t last long. I had some spotting that first week but nothing a panty liner couldn’t handle.
After that first week the bleeding continued and got a little heavier, think day 4 or 5 of your period. I bled for about eight weeks total, which was perfectly normal albeit a pain in the butt. I didn’t experience any cramping after that first week but I did experience a drop in libido. I joked that the birth control was working because if I’m not wanting to have sex then there’s no way for me to get pregnant (haha). At my six week check up the doctor confirmed that my symptoms were normal and that the IUD was in place and working perfectly. She said that the bleeding would only last a little longer and would one day just stop. She was right and one day in May I woke up and there was no blood. I didn’t believe it until a week went by and I was spot free.
Now I am in the normal cycle of the IUD and am waiting for my first period. From there I can start tracking and hopefully figure out a normal monthly schedule. Besides from the incessant bleeding the first two months I am so far pretty happy with Skyla. I will write an update once I have had more time with it. If you have any questions about my experience I would love to chat, so leave a comment below or message me for a more private conversation.- – —
– Michaela
The Kennedy Nest 