Skyla for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 4)

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2017

"Okay, so... I got Skyla inserted in the beginning of January. It is now March 13th, and I've literally had my period since February 6th. I know periods will be irregular the first couple of months, but mine literally has not stopped. Every single day... blood. It's not very fun, and it's a mood killer for sex, so here I am, debating what to do..."

• Meh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2019

"I went for an IUD because I was newly married and we didn’t want kids, and I wasn’t doing the best with remembering to take my BC pills. The insertion was so awful that I had to lay down at the doctor's office for about 30 minutes after. Within about a month and a half, I had uncontrollable anxiety to the point where I needed to seek help and complained to my doctor about it while they claimed all the issues I was having were not IUD-related. I had my IUD removed that day, and it was the best decision I made regarding IUDs."

• 27a...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 30, 2018

"I’m 27, got Skyla in February of 2017, so I’ve had Skyla in for over a year. The beginning 6 months were rough! Crazy insane cramps and bloating! Now periods last 2 days or so, and cramps aren’t so bad. BUT the side effects... So before Skyla, I weighed 125 lbs. Today, I weighed in at 135 lbs. I've always worked out, no red meats, and small portion-sized food! Nothing has changed... but somehow, I just keep putting on weight! Oh, I've also noticed my acne increased! It’s taken much longer for the acne on my face to go away, it appears, than blemishes, and I'm stuck with it for months. I got Skyla because I just got married and was not ready for kids! But this battle of weight and acne is really depressing. I’m trying to make the decision of removing it ahead of time. Needless to say, this IUD does do its job, but the side effects are starting to be more long-term than anything. Super torn."

• Kat...
• June 21, 2015

"I am 28, no kids, never pregnant. I was on the pill up until last year when the doctors discovered a blood clot in my lung after a surgery. After that was cleared up, I was told I couldn't go back to pills. My only options were an IUD or a condom with a douche. I chose the IUD with huge reservations because I didn't know about Skyla yet, and I heard horror stories about Mirena. My OB/GYN did some research and found Skyla for me. The insertion was kind of painful. It was like a very strong period cramp for 10 minutes, then a dull ache for a week afterward. Heating pad and ibuprofen! I had bad spotting/light period for the first 3-4 months, but since then I have not had my period. I maybe get 1 little spot once a month. Getting Skyla was a great decision!"

• Kri...
• May 11, 2016

"If you are reading this the night before you are going to get Skyla put in, STOP READING NOW. Every woman is different, so how you react will more than likely not be the same as these horror stories you see on here. I made the mistake of reading these, and I was so nervous for my appointment. I'll admit, the insertion was extremely painful but only lasted less than a minute. I was lightheaded, and my legs were numb for about 5 minutes, but I was able to drive myself home. I had some cramping afterwards, but nothing too severe. Some ibuprofen every 4 hours made them go away. I got mine put in 2 days ago, and my cramps have completely gone away. I'm looking forward to seeing how this works for me! Don't let the negative comments steer you away."

• Spe...
• April 14, 2017

"I'm deciding to comment because I read so many painful reviews on here. I just got mine inserted yesterday. It was honestly not bad at all. The reason I think maybe my experience was different is because I was instructed to come in and have it inserted during my period. When you are menstruating, your cervix is more open, so the procedure is easier and less painful. My period is almost over, and honestly, my cramps have been no different than any other period I've had. If you are deciding on Skyla as a birth control method, schedule your appointment during the heaviest day of your period when your cervix is nice and open. Just a tip."

• Chr...
• July 19, 2016

"I'm 31 years old, no children ever, and recently got the Skyla. Prior to getting Skyla inserted, I came on here to read the reviews and wish I didn't because it definitely scared me. But thankfully, my OB-GYN was great and explained everything to me. Not to mention, she numbed me prior to inserting the Skyla and informed me when I would feel the most amount of pressure, which helped A LOT! There were some mild cramps during the first month, but since the month has passed, I've been feeling great - no nausea and no weight gain. There's some mild cramping, which I never had before, but no periods. So for me, it's working out great and realized only your body can tell you if it's good or not - and not by others' experience."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2019

"I got Skyla on November 1, 2018. I honestly love it. It's only been a few months, but it's the best birth control I've ever used. I had been on the pill for years, and I wanted something I didn't have to worry about. I tried Nexplanon and hated it, I bled almost every day for a year and a half. The insert for Skyla was not bad at all. It was just like cramps. The nurse practitioner who inserted it was really good as well. I will admit that I had some anxiety going in, but she was so professional and talked to me about my concerns. I honestly believed that since I became relaxed, the insert wasn't as painful. I drove myself home from the appointment too. My periods are lighter now. I really don't use tampons anymore, even pads feel a bit too heavy. Usually, a panty liner will do the trick now. My sex drive came back too. The pill took that away from me, lol. Ladies, don't be afraid to try it, if it doesn't work for you, you can always get it removed."

• Nic...
• January 18, 2020

"I became pregnant using the Skyla IUD after 3 months of insertion. Ultrasound showed the IUD was in place where it should be and had not moved down into my cervix. The IUD caused my ectopic pregnancy and inevitable miscarriage. Horrible experience. This IUD is NOT 99% effective. The first nurse I spoke to when I called my doctor told me the same thing had happened to her."

• Mea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 12, 2020

"I got Skyla inserted at my 6-week postpartum check-up. It’s been 7 months since. The first 3-6 months, bleeding was random. I didn’t have heavy bleeding, just small amounts, but it was annoying. It’s been 2 months that I’ve gotten regular periods. I am hoping my periods stop altogether. But at least for now, periods are regular."

• SDA...
• November 18, 2016

"I've had Skyla for a little over a year now. For the most part, I love it... But, yes, there's a but, it has been freaking me out lately. About 6 months ago, I started getting random 'contractions,' as I would call them (I've never had a baby, but yes, I'm comparing the pain to them). I get random painful cramping that lasts about 10 seconds off and on. Enough to put me on my knees. Not every day, and not when I'm on my period (normal cramping during that time). This pain comes and goes as it pleases. I have debated having it removed, but it is my only dependable method of birth control that I'm willing to use."

• 27 ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2017

"I was not on my period, had no medication to open my cervix, and had no numbing spray. The insertion was painful for about 30 seconds. I was sweating, had abdominal cramps that felt like I was going to have diarrhea, and some menstrual cramps. I had bad cramps for about 2 hours after insertion. I had no bleeding after insertion and didn't have a period until 8 weeks later. I recommend having someone drive you home and taking a heating pad with you. Take Motrin like an hour before you go. I would 100% do it again and hope that the rest of my time with it works out. So far, I feel like my sex drive has increased, which had always been a problem on other birth control. My husband cannot feel it, my doc says the strings are wrapped around my cervix."

• Kat...
• December 29, 2016

"I had Skyla inserted 6 months ago. I would describe insertion as the most uncomfortable I've ever been. It was extreme pressure in a place deep inside my body – nothing I've felt before, but also not exactly pain. It lasted maybe 20 seconds before subsiding into the feeling of menstrual cramps. Those cramps lasted 3-4 days after insertion, and I spotted for the first month. Since then, Skyla has been pretty good. The only time I notice Skyla is during my period. My bleeding is light, but WOW do I get horrible cramps. I rarely got cramps prior to using Skyla, and these feel similar to the ones I had post-insertion. However, my friends have not had this issue – every body is different. Overall, I do recommend Skyla!"

• Jaz...
• January 4, 2017

"Had it for six months. Very reliable. Insertion is highly uncomfortable, but I sucked it up in the end because I knew it'll be well worth it for my boyfriend and me in the end. Two long (1 1/2 weeks) heavy periods in the same month back in August. Two months later, had a short (3 days) super light period. My periods are now starting to regulate, and so far no pregnancy scares. (Despite sex daily and not using any other form of contraception)"

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2016

"I previously wrote a review but need to update. My Skyla ended up dropping into my cervix, where I could feel it. I didn't have pain or bleeding, but I could feel it on my self-examinations at home. I got it replaced today and took Cytotec to soften my cervix 2 hours before. Last time, it was tolerable pain. This time, it was SO painful! I got shaky, hot, dizzy, and felt like throwing up. The pain made me jerk away from the doctor and clench every muscle in my body. Removal of my first one just felt weird and non-painful. Mild cramping. They had me take 800 mg of ibuprofen before I left. Thankfully, it only needs to be done every 3 years!"

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2015

"I've taken oral birth control pills for years. After getting an on-call job, I was no longer able to take them at a scheduled time. I'm 23 and sexually active and would love to wait until I'm ready for my own family. Insertion for me personally felt like a hardcore cramp, one like no other I had felt before, but it was over quickly. One bad part! Hours after I had been home, I went to go outside and suddenly felt nauseous, got extremely dizzy with blurred vision, I thought I was about to pass out! Supposedly it's normal, but it was still terrifying. After the first day, I have had no other symptoms (spotting, moodiness, etc.), and I have to say I love my Skyla. It's worry-free birth control and gives me peace of mind for the next 3 years!"

• ari...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 16, 2016

"Absolutely horrid. Had this for over 2 years and could not take it anymore. Hair loss, weight gain, acne, depression, mood swings, dry skin, bloating, no sex drive. The list goes on. After going on Skyla, I got horrible stretch marks all over my butt, thighs, boobs, and hips. I am 20 years old, 5'10" and weigh 136 pounds. WTF! I want to cry just thinking about birth control. I will never take birth control again. Look into charting and temperature reading. Been off Skyla for a little over a month now and I already feel better, have lost some weight/bloating, hair stopped falling out. Maybe it works for some women, but it's not even worth the risk in my opinion."

• Khl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2016

"I researched IUDs extensively before actually deciding to consult my gynecologist about getting one. I wanted to get off the pill as it caused me weight gain and water retention, and the amount of hormones makes it hard for women to build muscle, and as someone who works out a decent amount, I wasn't seeing much progress. My gyno suggested Skyla, as it is a low hormone dose. I was reading horror stories online about the process and almost didn't get one. Thank God I didn't give in to my fears because I love having an IUD. The process was not bad at all. When inserted, I felt more pressure than pain. I had cramps for the following 24 hours, spotted a week, and my first period was the lightest it's ever been. Based on my experience, 10/10 would recommend."

• 19...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 20, 2016

"I wanted to share my experience since I looked at these religiously prior to going. I got Skyla yesterday around 2 o'clock. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen around 1:15, prior to my appointment. When I went in, the entire experience was an absolute breeze. She walked in, told me the risks, set up, and inserted Skyla, all within 7 minutes. I felt a slight period-type cramp when she used the sound to measure my uterus, and then another cramp when she inserted Skyla. The cramp on both occasions did not last longer than thirty seconds. I felt absolutely fine after and even went out to dinner and to a professional baseball game! Everyone is different, but don't worry too much - you'll do great!"

• nan...
• May 27, 2015

"I read a lot of reviews about IUDs... Skyla in particular... and basically I let them all really psyche me out. So many people said insertion was ridiculously painful and that cramping lasted for days afterwards. My experience was nothing like that. I only had my Skyla inserted yesterday, so I can't speak for the long term, but I can say the most painful thing about my appointment was the almost 2-hour wait. Insertion took only a few minutes, and while it was very uncomfortable, pain was minimal. It really just felt like period cramps. I took no pain meds beforehand. Everyone has different pain thresholds, and I could imagine it being different for women who have never had children (I have 2, both c-sections). Don't let the reviews scare you."

• wep...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2019

"Well, I had Skyla for a couple of months. I got it in probably March or April. It’s now October, and I am 2 months pregnant. Before any of that happened, I couldn’t take the pain of it, like the cramps were the worst. I felt like rubbish. I asked my OB to change it, and she recommended I take the antibiotics because she had one in for years, and she didn’t think it was that bad. So I took the antibiotics, and now I’m pregnant. So yeah, Skyla sucks!"

• Bni...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 19, 2016

"I've had Skyla for 9 months now. (26, no kids). I have a mixed opinion of it. Insertion was uncomfortable but not painful. Cramps were bad for 30 minutes to 1 hour. I menstruated regularly for about 2 months, then stopped pretty much altogether (I spot here and there). One major change for me was a huge decrease in libido for the first 4 to 5 months. Fortunately, it has since gone back to normal. Even though I do not menstruate, I do often still get the cramps during that time, and they can be rough. I do not plan to be on it the full 3 years, but it does what I need it to do for now."

• sun...
• June 16, 2015

"Okay, got the Skyla IUD inserted today. I work in an OB/GYN office, so I am well aware of the side effects and advantages, however, I have tried pills and the NuvaRing, and they did not work for me. So my best option was trying an IUD. The insertion process wasn't bad, the only thing that was weird was being on your cycle. But the actual insertion of the device took about 30 seconds or less, I was not even aware that it was in. The cramping lasted for about an hour, it felt like pre-cycle cramping or first day cramping. Not extremely bad, just uncomfortable, and they went away with some ibuprofen. I would do it again, so ladies, please review the side effects and remember that everybody is different."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2023

"3 mo. since I got my Skyla. I was terrified from negative reviews, but knew it was worth the risk for me. I have had a VERY GOOD experience. Insertion was not fun & hurt bad I’ll admit, but I didn’t cry!! Just cussed lol. That was 15 sec. of sharp pain and then the rest of the day just felt like period cramps. I would have occasional random cramps for the first month. And my first periods were weird and long, with a lot of spotting. I am now on my 4th period since insertion, and I bled lightly for ONE day. I have had no hormonal side effects like weight gain, acne, or depression. I have one issue & that is my cervix has been kinda sore. My partner is well endowed, and certain positions when he goes too deep my cervix will cramp. My doc says there’s probably a bit of inflammation still & that should go away with time. Other than that, I would recommend to anyone, and it’s so nice with no pill or baby worries!"

• Sky...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2015

"I had had the Skyla inserted since October 28, 2015. I must say that this birth control is the best. I recently was on the Depo shot, which made me crazy. I feel like I am now coming back to myself. Goodbye bloated belly and water weight."