Skyla and Cramps: What Users Say

• Kmd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I got my Skyla placed yesterday. I read every single review I could and worked myself up so much that I was shaking and crying when my OBGYN came in. I wanted to share my positive experience. Let me say, it is not the worst pain I’ve ever had (I am 30 and do not have kids). It felt like an average period cramp at best when she did the first thing in and again when she placed the IUD. I was SO relieved afterwards. I took Motrin the morning of and an hour before the procedure. I was on day two of my period, which I think helped tremendously. My doctor prescribed Cytotec, but, upon research of my own, Cytotec is not shown to assist any more than just being on your period... plus it causes more pain during and after. If you’re thinking about getting one, try not to panic. I’m usually low pain tolerance and had no issues with the insertion. Afterward, I had some mild cramping which was relieved by a heating pad and ibuprofen. Just remember that everyone’s experience is different."

• Gem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2020

For Birth Control "I am VERY pleasantly surprised at my Skyla IUD experience. I'm a small woman (5' 100 lbs) & previously partially expelled a Paragard IUD due to the small size of my uterus. I always wanted to avoid ANY sort of hormonal BC out of fear of side effects. When the Paragard was taken out, I decided to take a chance on Skyla (smallest IUD size, lowest hormone dosage). My next form of BC was going to be FAM, that's how much I wanted to avoid hormones. Well, after insertion (which felt awful, but that's not surprising), I've been GREAT. I felt virtually no cramps post-insertion. I've had zero hair loss, acne, or mood swings whatsoever (and trust me, I've been paying close attention). My first period post-Skyla was normal but with ~2 weeks of light brown spotting afterwards. I'm guessing this will diminish with time since the uterine lining will continue to thin. A recent ultrasound confirmed everything looks great. If things stay the way they are, I'd happily get another Skyla in 3 years. Yay!"

• Mis...
• May 22, 2020

For Birth Control "First of all, the insertion procedure with Skyla was excruciating for me. I had severe cramping, worse than anything I've ever experienced, and they held me for observation for almost an hour because I was extremely lightheaded. I had 1 week of severe cramping and was bedridden. An ultrasound confirmed that the IUD was correctly positioned. I've had mild-moderate cramping and spotting almost every day since then, no sex drive, and gained 15 pounds in 3.5 months despite dieting and working out 6X/week (P90X). I am only 5'3", so 15 lbs is a lot on my frame. Dieting has not helped. My blood pressure has gone up, I'm bloated all the time, and have developed some facial hair. I have decided to have the IUD removed because I'd rather be pregnant than feel like this all the time."

• Cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2020

For Birth Control "Best decision I’ve ever made! Please don’t let the horror stories scare you from trying the Skyla IUD. I let the negative reviews get into my head, and it caused me to put off getting my IUD for two years. Finally, 5 months ago, I got the Skyla inserted. The insertion didn’t hurt at all! Just a slight cramp that lasted maybe 5 seconds. I went home and used a heating pad, but never cramped. My first period was light, right off the bat. I still get monthly periods. However, they are so light I can get away with just wearing a panty liner. I love the freedom my IUD gives me. Not having to take a pill every day is wonderful. It’s sooo much better than a pill. I was in the rare percent of women who lost a lot of hair while using the pill (TriNessa). The IUD never caused any hair loss or weight gain. The first month I got a few more zits than normal, but now my skin is clear again. It’s worth a try, and remember you can always remove it."

• t_a...
• December 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my Skyla IUD 5 months ago. I am 18 and have never had a child. I liked the idea of the IUD because I didn't have to remember to take it, it was there for three years, it was the most effective, and because there was an option to have an IUD without hormones. I struggle with depression and anxiety, and I was afraid that hormonal birth control would only make matters worse. However, because of all of the terrible period stories I had heard about it, at the last minute I had my OBGYN switch to Skyla. The insertion did not take long at all, and amid horror stories, the pain wasn't unbearable. It didn't feel great, but it was well worth it. If the fear of insertion is what drives you away from this option, don't let that happen! Before my IUD, my periods were like clockwork, every four weeks, five days, no cramps - perfect. Afterward, I still don't get cramps, some periods have been really light, but I have had a period that was over a week late and one that was two weeks long. This is to be expected in the first few months. I do not believe that it has had any influence on my depression/anxiety, at least not monumental. I haven't gained weight, lost my sex drive, or any other negative symptoms. My partner has finished inside of me multiple times, and nothing has happened. Also, he cannot feel the strings. I would highly recommend this form of birth control. I understand every body is different, but if you're spending hours reading horror stories like I was, don't let that stop you."

• Pos...
• February 16, 2020

For Birth Control "Had Skyla inserted 3 months ago. Side effects: first 2 months I had the annoying spotting every day. After that, I started to finally have clear days in a row. Had periods lighter but longer than usual (7-11-12d), but they should shorten now. Some PMS, nothing serious (breast soreness, mild to moderate cramps). Haven’t had any other side effects! Sex: My partner didn’t feel the strings, so I’m relieved. I didn’t have any pain during or after, no bleeding (I was scared that an “accident” might happen). Sex drive is just as high as usual. But I spotted the day after. Gym: I do CrossFit, and I was scared I might get cramps or it might move, but so far so good (just minor cramping after gym in the first month). Sometimes I spot over the next hours after gym due to increased blood flow. I’m trying to be patient with all this “shedding.” Bio: 32 yrs., NP, first form of BC. I read and watched all reviews until I drove myself crazy, but decided I will give it a try! Best luck, ladies!"

• chi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 21, 2021

For Birth Control "I had it in for a year and a half. I gained 50 lbs, and even when I tried to lose weight, I could only lose 5 lbs from a month of working out. I also had prolonged and heavier menstruations. I was told it would regulate after a few months, but that never happened, and I even started getting cramps and back aches, which I never had before the IUD. I took it out March 4th, 2021, and I have lost 7 lbs already! This was a nightmare of an IUD, and I will definitely never get an IUD again."

• Edi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2015

For Birth Control "If you are here to gauge how painful an IUD insertion is, I beg you not to read any reviews on it. Pain is subjective. It really varies from person to person. I say this because I was on here the week before my appointment reading every bit of information. This made my process a thousand times worse. I was so nervous when I went in because reviews said it would be the worst pain I would ever experience. So far from the truth. The doctor will tell you everything you're about to feel; take their word for it. They won't deceive you. I cried a ton because I was so nervous. Relax. Take deep breaths, you'll feel a pinch, it'll hurt some, but not a lot. You'll feel a sudden cramp. It'll hurt because it's sharp, but that's it. Quick and easy! :)"

• wyo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla IUD put in at the beginning of May 2014 due to my inability to take combined hormonal birth control of any sort due to major migraines and mood swings. My first two periods after insertion gave me the most terrible cramps, but they have since lightened up a lot, as has my period flow. It messed with my sex drive for a while, but that seems to have evened out as well. The only real downside that I can tell is the three or so days of spotting after my period, but that has slowly been disappearing as well. I would honestly suggest the Skyla to anyone, after all my terrible experiences with other birth controls, this has been a major godsend."

• Cha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I had nothing but issues with this Skyla IUD. The insertion was fine and wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle. But the cramps and heavy bleeding I got the whole time were crazy. I couldn’t even go to work without being in pain. My periods were worse than being on nothing. I have had Skyla for 7 months and just found out yesterday that I got pregnant while on it. It is a complete nightmare. I would not recommend this IUD to anyone."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2018

For Birth Control "Implanted at 8 weeks pp. - Slight cramping + spotting, but easier than I expected. I soon began to have mild irritability + impatience, mainly toward my husband and baby. I assumed it was work stress and being tired. 2 months of Skyla - mild irritability became something much worse. I had negative intrusive thoughts. I looked at my beautiful daughter and felt nothing but a sense of obligation. I constantly snapped at my sweet husband. I had 24/7 anxiety about anything and everything. Even my worst PMS was nothing like this. The dealbreaker came when my baby was crying one night, and I yelled at her to shut up. (That’s painful to even type right now.) I had Skyla removed 2 days later. Within 3 days, I was stable, calm, + patient. Most importantly, I felt love toward my baby again. I 100% believe that I had a negative reaction to this IUD and that it made me feel psychotic. Removing it was the only change I made, and I’m my normal self."

• Dan...
• March 12, 2015

For Birth Control "Skyla is great at preventing pregnancy, however, the insertion was extremely painful-worst cramps I have felt. They lasted a couple of days, but it was manageable. However, I've been on this for 8 months and have been on my period non-stop. 8 months of having a period. The bleeding isn't serious, but enough to wear a tampon. I am planning to have this removed."

• Mit...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I switched to the Skyla after having a horrifying experience with the Paraguard (don't recommend it if you have a small uterus or haven't had kids like myself). I had the Skyla inserted, and my experience has been great so far, this IUD doesn't release much hormones and is smaller than the others. I'm very sensitive to hormones, and I haven't had many adverse effects. I highly recommend this! Light periods, minimal cramping, no acne (I also don't have acne), no weight changes."

• Anonymous
• March 10, 2017

For Birth Control "Ladies, let me just first say that the mind is a very powerful thing, and just like you, I read all these reviews and was terrified. I told my doctor I was nervous about how awful it was going to feel, and he assured me that it was all in my head. He was right, it was nothing like the reviews I have read. I counted how long it took, it was less than 2 minutes. AND I counted how long the severe cramping lasted during, and that was less than 20 seconds. Yes, the cramps felt like a very powerful menstrual cramp, and it was not comfortable, but it was so, so, so short. I left the office feeling completely fine, just feeling like I had menstrual cramps. Very little spotting the next few days. Don't let the reviews scare you!"

• Anonymous
• March 10, 2017

For Birth Control "Ladies, let me just first say that the mind is a very powerful thing, and just like you, I read all these reviews and was terrified. I told my doctor I was nervous about how awful it was going to feel, and he assured me that it was all in my head. He was right, it was nothing like the reviews I have read. I counted how long it took, it was less than 2 minutes. AND I counted how long the severe cramping lasted during, and that was less than 20 seconds. Yes, the cramps felt like a very powerful menstrual cramp, and it was not comfortable, but it was so, so, so short. I left the office feeling completely fine, just feeling like I had menstrual cramps. Very little spotting the next few days. Don't let the reviews scare you!"

• S12...
• March 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I had Skyla placed in December of 2014. The placement wasn't too painful, but the cramping afterward was pretty rough. I had spotting on and off for 2 months, which is normal. Then the bleeding stopped altogether, and I had no period or anything. However, one morning I experienced severe lower abdominal pain and went to the ER. Turns out I had two cysts, and one had burst (never had a history of cysts before the IUD) and also had an ectopic (or tubal) pregnancy. I had to have the IUD removed immediately and ended up having laparoscopic surgery. Needless to say, getting Skyla was definitely not the right choice for me..."

• OBn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I had this IUD for a grand total of 3 months. Everything was great, or so I thought. Insertion was a nightmare and took like 15 minutes because my cervix just wouldn’t let the insertion device in. Cramping afterwards was bad, but not something I couldn’t bear. I felt the actual arms of the IUD unfold within me, and it was in that moment I knew something wasn’t right. Cramps subsided after 3 weeks. First period was fine. Month two came with very odd side effects, month three came with a positive pregnancy test and an ultrasound confirmation of malpositioning. FYI, Tricare is now discontinuing covering the Skyla, and I can see why."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2015

For Birth Control "My experience with Skyla has been pretty good so far. I have had it in for 4 months now. Getting it inserted was fairly simple, and I felt little pain. The cramping was pretty severe immediately after the procedure and for the next couple of days, so I suggest having someone drive you to and from the procedure. I had spotting on and off for the next 3 months, but no other side effects."

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2015

For Birth Control "Ladies, do not do what I did and read all these reviews and freak yourself out! When I got my IUD placed, they gave me a pill to help open up my cervix, so it would be less painful. I was so terrified to get it done due to the horrifying reviews. I finally got up the courage to finally have the doctor do it. Ladies, it was nothing! They put the clamp on my cervix, which didn't feel great, but it wasn't ungodly painful. The actual insertion took like 30 seconds, and then it was done. I felt a cramp, but not worse than the ones I get before I'm about to start. After it was done, I had mild cramping for an hour, then nothing. I also had no spotting at all. Please remember, pain is subjective, and don't let a terrible review stop you from getting it."

• not...
• April 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the Skyla IUD in me since October 2014. The insertion wasn't so bad, cramps for a day. Birth control pills were not agreeing with my body, and surprisingly, Skyla has been the best option for me. During the first two months, I had constant spotting and mood swings. So far, I have had no new side effects. I do spot a little bit during the days my periods are supposed to arrive (which isn't that often. Maybe like once per 4 months or more), and if I sit in a funny position, sometimes I can feel the IUD poke me. My boyfriend and I do not use condoms anymore and felt no need for them. I haven't had any pregnancy scares at all. Definitely recommend for younger girls who have never had children and don't plan to have any for the next while."

• Ter...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I wanted to leave my experience, due to the very mixed reviews. I guess it really narrows it down to each individual's pain tolerance and the experience and how accurate your doctor is. I have no kids, and I am 28 years old. I took no painkillers beforehand. The entire procedure took 5 minutes. And for 30 seconds, there was sharp pain, like a cramp mixed with a side stitch, but in that area. And it was done. Afterwards, I felt a little strange. I think it was more mental because of the horror reviews. But it wasn't bad at all. 30 seconds for 3 years of protection. Deal! I had light bleeding for a few hours and took Tylenol when I got home, more just because. I really didn't have bad cramps, just light cramps. More as a precaution, I took 2 Tylenol. Went up the road to Home Depot, bought some paint, and painted a spare room that afternoon. It's now a week since I have had it inserted. I feel fine! :) Hope this helps you make your decision."

• Sim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla inserted last week. Before I went to the appointment, I was petrified by everything that I had read on the internet (I should know better). People saying that it was worse than childbirth or that they passed out from the pain! In reality, it took no more than 3 minutes with 2 major cramps. They each lasted a couple of seconds and were maybe a 4 out of 10 on the pain scale (and I don't usually get cramps at all). Afterwards, there was very mild cramping (2 out of 10) on and off for a few hours, but then nothing! I got this done on the second day of my period, which turned into just light spotting for a day and then stopped altogether. Since then, I've had zero cramps or spotting! Love it!"

• Sim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla inserted last week. Before I went to the appointment, I was petrified by everything that I had read on the internet (I should know better). People saying that it was worse than childbirth or that they passed out from the pain! In reality, it took no more than 3 minutes with 2 major cramps. They each lasted a couple of seconds and were maybe a 4 out of 10 on the pain scale (and I don't usually get cramps at all). Afterwards, there was very mild cramping (2 out of 10) on and off for a few hours, but then nothing! I got this done on the second day of my period, which turned into just light spotting for a day and then stopped altogether. Since then, I've had zero cramps or spotting! Love it!"

• mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had Skyla for a month now. Personal experience is that I have random period-like cramps that only last a few minutes or so and occasional spotting, but nothing too serious. Period has always been regular, like clockwork. I got Skyla inserted while menstruating. Next period came right on time and my normal 4 days, but was so light I didn't even have to wear a tampon, just a thin pantyliner. Had some pretty ridiculous mood swings for the first week or two while adjusting to the hormones, but it seems to have leveled out now. Recently, dry skin on my face and my boobs are fuller and ache sometimes because of it, I guess. Sex drive through the roof. Hope this helps balance out the horror story reviews! Minor side effects, but worth it overall."

• Hap...
• June 11, 2019

For Birth Control "This Skyla IUD changed my life. I’m 28 and had been on oral contraceptives since I was 19. The past few years, my anxiety has been terrible, and I’ve been struggling to enjoy sex even in loving/healthy relationships. This year, I tracked my anxiety attacks, and they synced up with my cycle! I did more research and found out that tons of oral contraceptives have terrible side effects on mental health. I decided to try Skyla due to its lower hormone levels and the fact that it’s localized hormone. And with complete sincerity, this IUD has changed everything. I rarely suffer from bad anxiety anymore, and it’s been 1 month. I’ve also noticed a big change in my sex life! I feel like I actually have my libido back! The initial implantation is uncomfortable, and I had bad cramping the 1st day, but ibuprofen helped. And now I rarely cramp at all! Definitely worth a try for anyone who hasn’t felt like themselves on oral contraceptives. I’m so glad I switched!"