Skyla
"I've been on and off different birth control methods for years (since high school) I am now 27 and this is by far the best contraceptive I've used. 

Not to reiterate what others have said, but the pain for the first few weeks was rough. But nothing an Advil or Tylenol couldn't take care of. I think of it most like an the level of discomfort you feel after any outpatient procedure. 

I was spotty for about 5 weeks after I first got it inserted. After that I had normal periods. Some of the greatest benefits to me were 

1. NOT GAINING WEIGHT!  (I actually lost weight, my boobs got bigger, and my body just looked more womanly- including my butt!) 

2. No real side effects but a little cramping discomfort every now and again."