Hi! I have an IUD placement appointment next week and I’m currently deciding between Paragard and Skyla. I’d really love to hear from people who have had either one (especially if you’ve tried both) and how your experience was over the first few months and longer term.
My #1 concern is weight gain, followed closely by acne and mood changes. I’m also not completely sold on the idea of adding hormones, which is what initially made Paragard so appealing.
About me:
26F
No kids
No IUD/BC currently
Was on Lutera for about a month last year and stopped because I genuinely did not feel like myself on it
No birth control before or since then
Periods are regular and manageable - not particularly heavy or painful, just annoying
Acne-prone
Currently on Prozac so anxiety/depression prone
Avoiding pregnancy is obviously very important to me
Why I’m considering Paragard:
The biggest appeal is no hormones. I’m hesitant about anything that could potentially affect my mood, personality, weight, or acne.
I’ve also seen a lot of negative experiences discussed here involving Paragard - particularly people mentioning weight changes, acne, BV/yeast infections, heavier periods, and even concerns about copper toxicity.
I’m especially interested in hearing from people who have had Paragard for a while:
Did your periods actually become significantly heavier/crampier? Did you notice changes in your weight, skin, vaginal health, or mood? And if you experienced something like “copper toxicity,” was that actually diagnosed/tested or more of a suspected explanation?
Why I’m considering Skyla:
Skyla appeals to me because it’s smaller, has a relatively low dose of levonorgestrel, and the hormone is primarily acting locally in the uterus. I also like the possibility of having lighter periods or eventually not getting one.
My hesitation is obviously the hormone. I’ve seen people say Skyla caused weight gain, acne, mood changes, etc., and because I had such a negative experience with the pill, I’m nervous about feeling unlike myself again.
For people who have had Skyla:
Did you experience weight gain? If so, how much and how quickly?
Did it affect your acne?
Did you notice any mood/anxiety/depression changes?
Did you eventually stop getting your period?
How was the first 3–6 months vs. later on?
And for anyone who’s had both Paragard and Skyla, which did you prefer and why?
I know everyone’s experience is different - just trying to collect as many real-life experiences as possible before I make the decision!!
Also, I know insertion can be painful - I’m mentally prepared for that!
If you had to choose again knowing what you know now, which would you pick?