Skyla

Generic name:levonorgestrel intrauterine system [ LEE-voe-nor-JES-trel-IN-tra-UE-ter-ine-SIS-tem ]
Drug classes:Contraceptives, Progestins

Medically reviewed by Kaci Durbin, MD. Last updated on Aug 24, 2021.

What is Skyla?

The Skyla intrauterine device (IUD) contains levonorgestrel, a female hormone that can cause changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Skyla is a small, flexible plastic T-shaped device. This device is placed in the uterus where it slowly releases the hormone to prevent pregnancy for 3 years. (Other types of levonorgestrel intrauterine systems release different amounts of hormone and are used for different lengths of time.)

Skyla can be used whether you have had children or not. It should not be used during pregnancy.

Levonorgestrel is a progestin hormone and does not contain estrogen. The Skyla IUD releases levonorgestrel in the uterus, but only small amounts of the hormone reach the bloodstream. Skyla should not be used as emergency birth control.

Warnings

You should not use the Skyla IUD if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, a pelvic infection, certain other problems with your uterus or cervix, or if you have breast or uterine cancer, liver disease or liver tumor, or a weak immune system.

Do not use Skyla during pregnancy. Call your doctor if you think you might be pregnant.

Skyla does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of a stroke or heart attack, such as sudden numbness or weakness, severe headache, or chest pain.

Before taking this medicine

Skyla can increase your risk of developing a serious pelvic infection, which may threaten your life or your future ability to have children. Ask your doctor about this risk.

Do not use during pregnancy. If left in place during pregnancy, Skyla could cause severe infection, miscarriage, premature birth, or death of the mother. The hormone in the IUD may also cause unwanted effects in a female newborn.

Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you continue the pregnancy, watch for signs such as fever, chills, cramps, vaginal bleeding or discharge.

You should not use Skyla if you are allergic to levonorgestrel, silicone, silica, silver, barium, iron oxide, or polyethylene, or if you have:

• abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;

• an untreated or uncontrolled pelvic infection (vaginal, cervical, uterine);

• endometriosis or a serious pelvic infection following a pregnancy or abortion in the past 3 months;