Skyla and Bleeding: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Cin...
• January 9, 2018

For Birth Control "I had Skyla for about 10 months. For the first 6 months, I bled every other week. Before Skyla, my normal period would last 3-4 days. With Skyla, after the 6 months passed, I stopped bleeding every other week, but my periods were long, 9-10. Also, my skin was the type that I would get acne once a year (not kidding). I’m 25, by the way. And with Skyla, my face got terrible. I have so many acne scars now. Plus, I gained 17 pounds. I come from a very small-framed family. (My mom had 5 kids and weighs 103.) I went from weighing 110 to 127. I had it removed 2 weeks ago and already lost 6 pounds."

• Ash...
• January 26, 2018

For Birth Control "Legit, the best birth control I’ve ever been on. I’ve never had kids, tried the Mirena 3 different times and the Paragard, and both were absolute nightmares. The Skyla made my period a little unpredictable at first, but that’s to be expected and had a lot of breakthrough bleeding during sex in the first 5 months or so. But now my periods are shorter and lighter, and I have zero side effects! So freaking happy I finally found a birth control that works."

• 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."

• Sab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2018

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted in December 2017. First of all, the insertion hurt for me, especially the part when she measured my cervix, so I'd definitely recommend requesting the day of insertion off from work, because I felt quite crampy and lightheaded afterward. Unfortunately, thus far, the cons have been outweighing the pros in terms of having it. The pros are not having to worry about an unwanted pregnancy, which is nice! My boyfriend has never complained about the strings either. The cons are very long, heavy periods. I'm not talking spotting, but a decent amount of bleeding that leaves me feeling exhausted. I've also experienced a massive breakout before I got my period all over my forehead, chest, back, etc. Before I was on Skyla, I used to get an occasional breakout on my chin before I got my period, but nothing this bad. I'm hoping my periods will lighten and my hormones will balance out if I wait it out. But if things aren't improving in a few months, I think I'll take my Skyla out."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Cas...
• April 18, 2016

For Birth Control "23 + no kids. I went to the doctor and expected the worst. I took an Excedrin and 2 Advil beforehand. My doctor 'numbed me up real good' with four shots in the cervix. Four sharp pinches. Then measured me with a long probe, also not pleasant - the pain was probably an 8. Then she inserted the Skyla, which was uncomfortable and instantly made my legs go numb. She had me lay there until I felt better, and by the time I got up, I felt fine. I didn't feel nauseous or lightheaded. This followed with a night full of intense cramping and heavy (to me) bleeding, I took another 2 or 3 Advil. Friday, I woke up and went to work feeling brand new with light spotting. No bleeding Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, with the occasional light cramp. Loving it!"

• Tab...
• June 18, 2016

For Birth Control "My experience with birth control in general is crappy. With Depo and Nexplanon, I bled every day for six months each, among many other side effects! They ruined my sex drive (so has Skyla). The IUD is my last shot. I continued to bleed daily with no cramps for the first few months. My periods are becoming more normal, but I'm experiencing much worse cramping than my periods before it! The pain has left me unable to work, and it comes and goes like contractions in childbirth do. I have to do breathing exercises to get through it because painkillers like ibuprofen do nothing! The pain is like when I had it inserted. I was warned I may have 'slight' cramping when I had severe cramping for 17 straight hours! It only stopped when I went to sleep."

• Ove...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I had horrible experiences with birth control pills - I could not handle the hormones in any of them I tried. I got Skyla after my first child was born. The insertion hurt pretty badly, and I was cramping and bleeding for about a month afterward. After that month, though, I stopped getting my period completely. I can handle the hormone levels in it, and really the only negative is that I've had some very dull, light abdominal pain that comes and goes randomly, which is tolerable in comparison to having a regular period and to what other birth control did to me."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I got Jaydess (Canadian Skyla, same thing) in June 2015. I switched from the pill because I was having a hard time remembering to take it. The procedure itself was pretty painful, but the two waves of cramping only lasted about a minute in total, and my doctor had me cough during the insertion. I had some pretty bad cramping for the rest of the night (more than my usual period cramps) and used a heat pack and some extra strength ibuprofen for a couple of days. Moderate spotting/bleeding for about 2-3 weeks after, but then it stopped. At first, I had some slight pain during sex, but it's totally fine now. Six months in, I get a period approximately every six weeks that lasts around three days. Totally worth it to not have to remember a pill every day!"