Skyla and Bleeding: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 11, 2015

For Birth Control "I got Skyla when I was 17. I've had it for about 8 months, and it's coming out tomorrow, and I'm absolutely terrified because of the fact that the insertion was incredibly painful. When I got it inserted, they said I had a highly tilted uterus, which meant it was more painful than usual. Once it was inserted, I passed out, but when I woke up, I could feel my uterus cramping, and when it did, all my muscles would shake. I bled for about a month. After that, I had regular periods but terrible cramps to the point of throwing up. I also have terrible acne, excessive facial hair, lack of sex drive, and major depression. I am ready to get this out and get back on the pill and be my normal self again."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2018

For Birth Control "I had the Skyla inserted today and was quite nervous after reading a lot of scary reviews about painful insertion. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen 1 hour ahead of time and received lidocaine injections in my cervix. The procedure ended up being entirely painless, much to my surprise (I’m a wimp). I have had 3 pregnancies, so that may have helped, but I do think the lidocaine and ibuprofen made a huge difference. So far, minor gas-like cramping and bleeding lightly. I just wanted to share a positive review so others go into the gyno’s office a little less nervous."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 21, no kids. On my period, I came in to my OBGYN, and she numbed me up on the inside and proceeded with the process. I will tell you right now, it was the MOST painful 15 seconds I have experienced. It felt like your worst period cramp x15. When she was done, the pain dulled but never completely left. I had bad cramps for days. Along with cramps, I had diarrhea for the rest of the day and bleeding for the next 3 weeks. The only thing that stopped the bleeding was more birth control! Cramps are severe and haven't stopped in the 2 months and get as bad as the insertion feeling. My nipples are so painful! I have to wear a bra 24/7 to stop the pain! Worst part? Sex has become VERY painful. Had an ultrasound, everything is 'perfect.' Not for everyone!"

• Jan...
• August 8, 2016

For Birth Control "Chose Skyla over Mirena because less hormones and smaller in size. Insertion hurt soooooo badly, and I'm not sure having the IUD is worth it anymore. I've been on my 'period' for 3 weeks now, bleeding nonstop. Ever since I've had the IUD inserted, my periods have become so irregular and long. In terms of birth control, it is effective. But nonstop bleeding isn't worth it."

• Anonymous
• November 15, 2016

For Birth Control "Luckily for me, I really trust and like my OB-GYN because the insertion is quite invasive, probably the most invasive procedure I've been awake for. Never had kids, and my cervix wasn't happy to be forced open. Getting the sounding tools seemed to be a bit of a challenge, and it caused some crampy, pinch-like feelings, but nothing too bad. Despite the sounding, she still hit the top of my uterus hard with the Skyla upon insertion, and that was painful (still bearable). I had regular period-type cramping the next several days, which is to say at points distracting, but nothing horrible. It's been 16 days since placement, and my period wasn't due until two days from now, however, 8 days ago I started bleeding like a regular period, and it hasn't stopped yet."

• Las...
• November 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I can't use birth control pills, they give me crazy mood swings, so I got the IUD on 10-13-16. And I had minor pain with insertion, but all was fine. I did experience cramping like they said for the first 24-48 hours, it was painful because I never get cramps, just migraines during periods. If not the week before, it's the week of. I was not on my period at the time of insertion, my period was 6 days away. Here's the downside: my period lasts about 4 days, and I am still bleeding now for 15 days and counting. It was heavy during my period, but now it's light bleeding, and the off-and-on cramping is frustrating. I'm losing weight, but my breasts got bigger, I already have big boobs."

• EK6...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 19, 2017

For Birth Control "This is by far the most horrifying birth control I have ever been on. I have had Skyla for 1.5 years, checked my strings faithfully to make sure nothing happened to it on a monthly basis. Well, since Friday, I have spent a total of 10+ hours at the OBGYN and the IUC at my local hospital. I had been bleeding for two weeks with severe cramping, so I decided to go to the OBGYN. They told me even though my IUD placement was completely fine, I had somehow gotten pregnant. They couldn't tell me whether I'd have a normal child or an ectopic pregnancy, which could affect my fertility long-term. That was Friday night. Sunday, I woke up with bleeding, cramping, and was very sick. I went to the IUC, and after 4 hours there, I was told I had miscarried."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2017

For Birth Control "Just got my Skyla inserted about 5 hours ago. Insertion was P A I N F U L. Well, at least for me. The insertion of the Skyla was the worst cramp I have ever experienced, and I have PCOS. A couple of hours later, still cramping but light bleeding. Not much to say for right now, but will update a couple of months from now!"

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2017

For Birth Control "I am 28 years old, I have 1 child and have only had Skyla for about a week. First off, I had originally gotten the Nexplanon implant back in December, and after 3 months of constant bleeding, well, it was time for a change. I was hesitant about getting an IUD because of the horror stories of how bad it hurt. Well, I didn't think it was bad at all. I felt minor cramps for about 10 seconds and had just an uncomfortable feeling the next day, but after that, everything has been fine. I have had a few days of spotting but just used a panty liner because it wasn't even that bad! Hopefully, I have a good experience with this birth control as I don't want to have to change again! I will update my review after a few months to see how it goes!"

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2023

For Birth Control "I had Skyla put in about 2 months ago. It has been the worst experience I have ever had with birth control. I am constantly cramping and spotting brown blood. I get periodic pain on my right side going down my leg. My first period after I had it inserted was heavy and very painful. I was not able to use tampons because the pain was worse when I used them. I wake up in the middle of the night with cramps so bad they go into my stomach. I have had more breakouts now than I did as a child. And now I have to go get an ultrasound because at my follow-up appointment the physician couldn't see or feel the strings. So there is a chance it has moved. I have had nothing but an awful experience with this birth control. After doing a lot of research and reviewing the birth control I thought this would be good, but it is not. I don't see how this is still on the market."

• Nin...
• May 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I got Skyla inserted almost a month ago. My cramps and lower back pain were bad for a few days, and 1600 mg ibuprofen daily didn't help much. (My periods are usually heavy and painful; I had a vaginal delivery without anesthesia. The pain from the Skyla could be compared to my worst period cramping.) By the end of the first week, they became tolerable, but I was still spotting. There were 2 or 3 days when I didn't spot, then I started having bad cramps again and spotting, and a long and painful period followed that was a little lighter than usual. Well, I'm still spotting/bleeding and having cramps and obviously not pregnant because I have no mood when I'm in constant pain. I'm willing to give this method another 2 months..."

• Ang...
• April 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 26 years old, healthy, 128 lbs, never been pregnant, but I was an egg donor 4 times. I have been off of birth control for about 4 years. My insertion was not a great experience. I forgot to take ibuprofen, and all I had was 2 Tylenol in my car. I also didn't eat breakfast. I felt the needle and some pressure, followed by a few cramps. It wasn't unbearable, just uncomfortable for 5 minutes. I got very dizzy and hot and bled a lot after. I wish I had taken the day off because I was bloated and just uncomfortable all day. I also had to wear a pad. The first week was just annoying with the spotting and cramping. I'm 2 weeks in, and still spotting with random cramping. My sex life is so much better without worrying about birth control/pregnancy!"

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2016

For Birth Control "So, when I first got the Skyla put in, it hurt like a bitch. I screamed and cried, it felt like when they put the medicine in you from a shot, but times like 1000000000000000000000000000000. It hurts so bad, I almost passed out on the way home, slept all day, and was sick to my stomach the next. And ever since then, it has not stopped hurting. Constant cramps, constant bleeding. It's been about a month now, and the pain is not letting up! I went back because the pain was so bad, and my OB-GYN put me on antibiotics (which are now done) and pulled it down a bit, saying it might have been touching my uterine wall on the top because I have not had any children, so my uterus and cervix are small. That last visit was about a week ago, I still hurt so bad."

• kda...
• September 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 20 years old and have tried multiple birth control methods (pills, NuvaRing, and Depo shot). I have always had heavy bleeding and intense cramps during my menstrual cycle. After talking with my OBGYN, we decided on Skyla. I was so nervous after reading reviews, but I followed through with my appointment. My Dr. advised me to take 800 mg of ibuprofen 30 minutes before my appointment, and I did. Insertion was not fun and hurt more than anything I've ever felt, however, it was over quickly. Cramping lasted for about 1 minute after insertion but stopped. I drove myself home and don't feel too awful as of one hour after insertion. As of now, 30 seconds of pain was worth it for 3 years of protection!"

• Cou...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on the Skyla IUD since about May-June, and I didn't take any pain meds beforehand, and the pain wasn't that bad for me (high pain tolerance?). The only discomfort I had was when he opened my cervix up, then I felt a pinch, and that was that. I felt fine afterward and went shopping. The next day I was cramping some and bleeding a little bit, and I took some ibuprofen, and all was good. I only bled for like four days. I don't get mood swings, haven't had abnormal hair loss or anything. Just get the PMS for a couple of days when I should get my period. So far, I've loved it, and I didn't have to pay a single penny."

• Dom...
• July 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 22, no kids, and I got Skyla inserted 5 days ago. They told me to come in while I was on my period. My doctor made me feel very comfortable during the process. It wasn't painful, but it was slight discomfort, and I felt a little lightheaded, like I was about to pass out. I think it was from whatever he put in my cervix to numb it. I went home fine, but later that night I had the worst cramps, I thought I was going to die. But after that night, I was fine until 3 days later. I got more bad cramps, I couldn't even go to work. But it went away shortly. It's been past 7 days of being on my period, and I'm still bleeding, but it's light. I didn't rate a 10 because I have to see how this goes for another couple of months."

• Pg...
• April 21, 2017

For Birth Control "Effectiveness... well, I was the 1% of the population to get pregnant from the IUD. I ended up in the ER because of moderate to severe abdominal pain, bloating, and bleeding. I had weird symptoms, and I didn't think it was time for my period, so I called my gyno, and she said I was probably fine but just take a pregnancy test (I was concerned my IUD shifted). The pregnancy test was positive, so we knew something was very wrong, so I ended up in the ER with an ectopic pregnancy and a huge ovarian cyst. I had emergency surgery to remove my Fallopian tube. I had the IUD for 5 months, and it was not a pleasant experience. I had cramping that was severe even months after I got it put in, to the point I was hunched over. But it may have been the cyst growing."

• Sca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2016

For Birth Control "The insertion process was extremely painful (broke many bones and this tops the charts). It was the last day of my period, and I had even taken 800 mg of ibuprofen beforehand. The NP also put lidocaine on my cervix prior to insertion. Drove home after the appointment without much discomfort. Light cramping and lethargic the rest of the day, and went to bed early. Woke up 2 hours later with excruciating cramps and could not sleep the rest of the night. Little to no side effects 2 weeks following, at which time I started my period again. Cramping became more severe and bleeding proceeded for 10+ days with sharp stabbing pain in the cervix (like insertion pain). Couldn't take the pain after 1 week of persistent symptoms and had the IUD removed. Also gained 8 lbs in less than 3 weeks."

• lex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had my IUD going on 5 months. This is my first form of BC. Insertion wasn't too bad, they had to straighten my cervix. Apparently, mine's angled - that hurt quite a bit but didn't last long. Okay, the first about 3 months were hellish. I was bleeding off and on (not a lot) and had intense pains. I think it was trying to expel itself, but after those first 3 months of good and bad days, I haven't had a bad day! No pains, I forget it's there. I would definitely recommend it. Just hang in there for a few months of hormone weirdness, and it's smooth sailing."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2019

For Birth Control "I had switched from Paragard IUD to Skyla IUD, hoping for lighter periods. Within 3 months of having my IUD switched, I was having a lot of pain, so I went to my OBGYN and found out I was pregnant! Further tests were done, and I had an ectopic pregnancy! I was admitted to the ER and was in surgery within 3 hours. My ectopic pregnancy had ruptured, I had internal bleeding and lost my left tube. Very scary experience, missed 3 weeks of work and was a very emotional experience."

• K T...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had the Skyla for two months now. The insertion wasn’t too bad. It hurt, but I knew it would be quick. I felt fine immediately after. However, when I got home, I had some nausea, threw up a bit, and had bad cramps. I just took it easy, and I felt better in the morning. The first few weeks were great, only a little spotting and bloating. My first period was so bad, mainly the cramps. I have never had a pain like that before. Soon after that, I experienced some pain and bleeding after sex. I just went to get my IUD checked yesterday, and the doctor told me it is fine. I am hoping these side effects pass. Overall, I think the effects are worth it to have such great protection against pregnancy."

• Kai...
• September 7, 2015

For Birth Control "Holy crap. I feel like I just had an abortion. I don't normally write reviews on things, but you need to know this is painful! I'm 24, sexually active, and apparently a really sensitive uterus considering everyone on here says it was like a 'pinch.' I've never had a pinch make me curl up into so much pain before. After crying for an hour or two, curling into a ball with a heating pad for a half hour, and calling out of work...the pain subsided a little. Turned into just really bad period cramps. I had bleeding. Really couldn't tell what is my period and what is the Skyla since you get it inserted during your period. I got it inserted two days ago, still having cramps. I'm kinda nervous to have sex for the first time. I'm just nervous."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm hoping I'll help someone out there that's a worry wart like myself! I got Skyla implanted yesterday, and so far so good! I was on the second day of my period during insertion, but as soon as it was placed, I've had almost no bleeding! Slight cramps here and there, but nothing crazy. Insertion hurt like a mother, but it's bearable. (19 w/o kids)"

• mad...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 18 years old and could never keep up with the pill, so I went looking for other birth controls. After lots of consideration, I decided to go with the Skyla, and I can say it's been the best decision I've ever made. I've had it for 14 months now, and I'm 80% sure my periods have stopped. I will admit the insertion was the worst pain I've ever felt! I've read a lot of reviews saying girls reacted badly with daily bleeding, major PMS, and weight gain, but I never had any of that. I barely get cramps. I will say follow doctors' orders and check your strings after every period or at least once a month, it'll settle your nerves. Don't feed into IUD horror stories, you'll just psych yourself out. It's amazing not having to take a daily contraceptive!!!"

• Jay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 4, 2019

For Birth Control "Getting Skyla inserted (6/30/17) was basically painless. It was quick and easy. Little did I know what I was in for. My periods got heavier and extremely painful. My weight fluctuated horribly, and my skin took a turn for the worse: severe oily skin and acne. I had enough of all of that, so I had it removed (11/15/19). NOW I’m having heavy bleeding with large clots every 2 weeks and debilitating cramping. My energy is gone, and I’ve been extremely emotional."