Skyla and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Eri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I really wanted to like the Skyla, but I had a horrible experience. Getting an IUD was one of the worst decisions I’ve ever made. My best friend loves her Skyla, has no side effects, and got another placed after 3 years, so take my comments with a grain of salt. First, insertion was the worst pain I’ve ever felt (and I’ve fractured my back in 2 places). I threw up immediately after. Second, this gave me cystic acne. I had panic attacks before leaving my house because I was so disgusted with my face. Third, I had ovarian cysts and severe cramps. The kind of cramps that make you black out upon standing up and throw up. Fourth, I could hardly stand to have sex. If my boyfriend hit the IUD, the pain was paralyzing. One pro is its efficacy. Knowing that I was virtually protected from pregnancy was empowering. It did not inherently decrease my libido, but the fear of pain and low self-esteem due to my skin made me too anxious to have sex. I did not gain weight."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla almost 2 years ago. So far, everything has gone great with the IUD. I get my period maybe every 3-4 months (light spotting for about 2 days tops). I do get cramps every month for about one entire day. It's not anything crazy or out of the ordinary (beats having periods and having kids!). I definitely recommend it. The insertion process was a bit painful, and I had cramps for about 3 hours, but with some ibuprofen and a heating pad, it can surely be tolerable. I used to be on the pill and shot for a while, but both of those made me really depressed, and I gained a ton of weight. Which is why I switched to the IUD. Skyla releases a smaller dose of hormones so that really helps to 'feel normal.' Good luck, ladies!"

• Lyn...
• January 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Skyla since Dec. 12, 2014. So just over a month. (No kids). Getting it put in felt like really bad cramp with a lot of pressure. They insert the stick and measure you first. (10 seconds.) They then put the stick in again and put in Skyla (10 sec). I was dizzy and felt sick for a few minutes. It passed. I had cramps for a day and a half. Then I felt great. I was on my period when I had it inserted. They say the cervix is softer and the process will be less painful. Overall, it has been great. No major cravings. My appetite has decreased since I have been off my last birth control (pill). I cramp once in a while. My first period was longer. I would recommend! Migraine 90% gone! My complexion on birth control is great! Including Skyla."

• Yay...
• February 11, 2019

For Birth Control "This is the first birth control that has truly worked for me. Over the years, I've tried four types of pill and a copper coil, and they were all terrible in their own special ways. The pills tended to decrease my sex drive to pretty much nothing and make me feel overwhelmed and miserable and like I wasn't myself anymore. The copper coil made my periods unbearably painful. I've had Skyla (or Jaydess) for a bit more than three months now, and it's been great. The downsides are that I have experienced quite a lot of spotting (although it seems to have stopped now!), a few painful cramps, and I think my moods have been a bit more up and down than before. But there are more upsides: I have, if anything, a higher sex drive than normal, and when I say my moods are more up and down, I mean in a manageable way as opposed to uncontrollably crying on the pill. I basically still feel like myself, which I never did on the pill. Oh, and also I'm not pregnant, so it's doing its fundamental job. Yay."

• col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I tried pill after pill for 6 years, hated them all, whether it was bad skin or mood swings. Decided that I wanted to go as hormone-free as possible. As a 21-year-old, my doctor said that Skyla tended to have the best reviews from women my age. After reading all of the reviews, I was spooked, so I took a painkiller before. The doctor did not give me anything for anxiety or the pain. I ended up passing out twice during the insertion, and the next two days afterward were agonizing cramps. Thankful I had my boyfriend to take care of me. The rest of the first week was occasional sharp cramping. 6 weeks in, couldn't be happier! Appetite is smaller, skin is clearer, zero mood swings, high sex drive, normal periods. Well worth the initial pain."

• col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I tried pill after pill for 6 years, hated them all, whether it was bad skin or mood swings. Decided that I wanted to go as hormone-free as possible. As a 21-year-old, my doctor said that Skyla tended to have the best reviews from women my age. After reading all of the reviews, I was spooked, so I took a painkiller before. The doctor did not give me anything for anxiety or the pain. I ended up passing out twice during the insertion, and the next two days afterward were agonizing cramps. Thankful I had my boyfriend to take care of me. The rest of the first week was occasional sharp cramping. 6 weeks in, couldn't be happier! Appetite is smaller, skin is clearer, zero mood swings, high sex drive, normal periods. Well worth the initial pain."

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2015

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla put in. The procedure was very similar to what I had read in all the reviews online. Felt like some severe period cramping, but nothing that was unbearable! I had waves of cramping throughout the rest of the day, took a little nap, but was able to go grocery shopping and even went out in the evening with no problem. Felt mild cramping throughout the week. Have been comfortable with it since! Neither I nor my boyfriend can feel it during sex. Completely covered by insurance. Worry-free birth control."

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2015

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla put in. The procedure was very similar to what I had read in all the reviews online. Felt like some severe period cramping, but nothing that was unbearable! I had waves of cramping throughout the rest of the day, took a little nap, but was able to go grocery shopping and even went out in the evening with no problem. Felt mild cramping throughout the week. Have been comfortable with it since! Neither I nor my boyfriend can feel it during sex. Completely covered by insurance. Worry-free birth control."

• jun...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Skyla for 3 years and only had it removed because it was about to expire. I replaced it with Kyleena because it lasts for 5 years. In the past, I had tried both estrogen/progestin birth control pills as well as the mini pill (progestin only) and reacted horribly (bloating, mood swings, etc.), so I was really nervous about Skyla. I am very small (5’1”, 96 lbs) and sensitive to hormones, and with Skyla, I had few to no side effects. Overall, my experience was amazing! I actually lost weight (more so due to diet changes and a lot of running), and while I did have acne for months 3-6, that passed and now my skin is clear! Honestly, the only long-term side effect was menstrual cramping, which was tolerable. I have been with my SO for 2 years and we have never used additional protection, and there has never been a time when I have had to deal with pregnancy-scare jitters. Overall 10/10, don’t let the negative reviews scare you, Skyla offers freedom and spontaneity and is totally worth it!:)"

• pco...
• April 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had Skyla for about 4 months now, and it's GREAT. I can't lie... insertion KILLED. I was not on my period, and I was unable to take the medication that my Dr. prescribed to soften my cervix in time, as there were some scheduling issues. So for me, it was very painful. The cramps lasted only a day or two more, and then they only came periodically after that. The reason I initially got Skyla was because the mini-pills I was on previously were making me absolutely crazy, with severe anxiety and basically depression every single day. My Dr. suggested Skyla because the hormones tend to remain localized, and I cannot tell you how much better I feel with it. Furthermore, I'm not pregnant even with lots of unprotected sex."

• Cri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2021

For Birth Control "I started using Skyla 4 years ago after I took out my Nexplanon (which really didn't agree with me), and it’s been the best birth control for my body. Everyone’s body reacts differently, but this is a good option for women who haven’t had children. Insertion is painful, but Tylenol before and after helps. I don’t notice any symptoms other than really short periods and mild cramps. No acne or mood swings. Definitely recommend."

• K29...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 27, 2019

For Birth Control "Was curious if anyone has had this issue or problem yet. I’ve been on the Skyla IUD for about 2 and a half years. I’m due to get my IUD out in June 2019 because my 3 years will be up to have another placed in. But I have missed 2 periods now when I have gotten a period every month on time, and they have been regular. Now I’m on month 2 of no period. I’ve taken 2 tests, both have said negative. But I’m cramping, but no blood. I’m tired more than usual sometimes, and some headaches, heartburn. I’m contacting my doctor soon, but wanted to hear other people’s feedback. Thanks in advance!"

• Yes...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 5, 2021

For Birth Control "Someone else mentioned this, and it’s what pushed me to share my experience using SKYLA IUD. I had my son in 2019. Got the SKYLA implanted right away after giving birth. It’s been great at preventing pregnancies. My partner and I don’t use any protection (condoms), and till today I’m not pregnant. NOW, the cons... ladies. My periods last 12 days. Lately, I get two periods within a month. Randomly spotting in between periods + cramps. Depression and anxiety have never been a thing for me prior to my baby and the IUD, but when I am on my period, everything just comes over me. My moods are 10x worse. Like someone else here said, there was this strong odor after my period I’d get, and every time my partner and I would have sex. This is really bad if we are in the mood every time, and it just sucks. I might get it removed, but now I have no idea what other birth control to try - Skyla has been everything I’ve ever used."

• Tay...
• January 11, 2016

For Birth Control "18 yrs old. Getting the IUD inserted was EXTREMELY painful but worth it. The 1st month or so was nothing but pain, but it was from spotting and cramps from getting used to something foreign in your body. Day 4 was the most painful, but I LOVE my IUD! I don't have scares, and I don't worry about taking a pill every day, and I don't worry about getting pregnant. This is the best choice I've made for my birth control. I've lost weight, acne cleared up, and most importantly, I'm not moody all the time! :) My boyfriend says he can feel it rarely during intercourse, but it doesn't hurt nor bother him. I've been on this since November, and I'm extremely happy I made this choice. Take ibuprofen before and after, and rest with a heating pad. Hope this review helps!"

• lil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 16, 2020

For Birth Control "This Skyla is the worst thing to ever happen to me. I’ve had it in for almost 7 months now. Insertion was the absolute worst pain I’ve ever gone through. I was in pain for weeks. I’m not the type to cry, but I was crying every day. Couldn’t get out of bed. Throwing up and passing out from the pain. After about a month and a half, it seemed to be getting better, but I was wrong. For the past 4 months, I’ve been cramping every day. It has not moved. I’m not pregnant, but the cramps I get on a daily basis are excruciating. I have scheduled an appointment to get it out. I can’t wait. I was on the pill, and I used the ring as well, neither of them worked correctly for me as they were messing with my hormones like crazy, but I would 110% prefer those options over the Skyla. Do not recommend. At all."

• Ido...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 1, 2017

For Birth Control "I've read some of the reviews, and I just want to share my input. I feel like many of the reviews posted are just after Skyla was inserted. Yes, Skyla hurt after insertion. I cramped for the first week. I even told the doctor for my one-month check-up following this would be the only time. During the three years with Skyla, my periods were significantly lighter, although a little random. But honestly, I couldn't tell you the last time I bought a box of tampons. I just went back to see him in March, and my three years with Skyla were up. He removed the old one and reinserted the new one. Small difficulty getting it positioned just right, but pain scale = 0. Since then, I have had my period once, and it lasted a day. I will preach Skyla any day."

• MB3...
• June 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I am a 21-year-old female, and I had Skyla placed in two weeks ago. The process itself was not comfortable and involved some pain, but afterwards, I had a couple hours of slight cramping, and then I was fine! I bled for the two days after it was implanted, and then it stopped. I just finished a period that lasted three days :). My period prior would last for more than 7 days with severe cramping. I'm already loving this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on Skyla for about 2 years and had an okay experience. The pros: insertion and removal were quick and easy, just a pinch. I had some cramping following both, but in both cases it didn't last longer than a day. Not having to worry about taking the pill. This was the entire reason I got on. It was nice not to worry about it. The cons: irregular bleeding. Some months I had the heaviest flow, which would last 10 days, and others I had light spotting for 2 days. It was very frustrating to be inconsistent. Also, body acne. I started breaking out on my back, shoulders, chest, and neck, all places I had never had before. Anxiousness during sex, I know the doctor says it can't be moved, but I felt pain/fear when a partner went too deep. Hope I helped!"

• luc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 6, 2023

For Birth Control "Well... 2.5 years later after insertion, my Skyla failed. The best part? The IUD was perfectly in place, but I ended up 6 weeks pregnant with an ectopic pregnancy. This led me to have a laparoscopic salpingectomy with D&C. 23 years old, and never been pregnant other than this, now I have only one fallopian tube and a much higher risk of having another ectopic. I'm scared to death of getting pregnant again and losing my other tube. The whole 2.5 years I had the IUD was painful. I have a very small frame (hardly 5' tall), so maybe that is why I had so much pain, but who knows? I had intense cramps all throughout as well as irregular periods (never irregular before Skyla). Not to mention the indescribable pain that came with insertion. Please do extensive research and discuss IUDs in great detail with your physician before considering this birth control method. Wish I could leave a zero, but a 1 will have to do since I still got pregnant."

• Gir...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I had no noticeable side effects at all. I did have some cramping the first month that was slight. I took some ibuprofen when it bothered me. I spotted for about 3 weeks and had one small period. Then my periods stopped. Once in a while, I get a little pink speck on toilet paper, none on my underwear. It is wonderful having birth control and not worrying about pills, periods, mood swings, or headaches. It is the best birth control ever! I also like the shorter commitment and the extra low hormone content. No weight gain. I love that it pretty much stopped my PMS completely. I notice a slight mood change once a month-ish, and it used to be really bad for me. It is a big improvement. I am 42, and I plan to stay on this until menopause."

• Tb0...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 16, 2017

For Birth Control "I had my Skyla put in May 2015. I have had it almost two years and can say that it was the best choice I could have made. When I first got it, I did experience a lot of pain, for at least a month, I had very bad cramps and mood swings. Two years later, I don't even know it's there. I would very strongly recommend!"

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2021

For Birth Control "Began Skyla at the end of July 2020. Two and a half months of a regular period; bleeding EVERY day, some days light, some days extremely heavy. Cramps often brought tears to my eyes, and I couldn't move from the fetal position on the couch. They were the worst cramps and close to the worst pain in general I have experienced in my life. After two and a half months, the bleeding subsided a little to bleeding every OTHER day. I'm now on month 5. I have a period once a month now, for about 3 days; very light. I have gained about 10 lbs. If you can manage the possibility that you have this experience that a lot of us do from Skyla, get it. It has served its purpose so far, but I have to wonder if there was an easier and painless alternative. Do I recommend this? No way."

• Spo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2020

For Birth Control "Overall, I love it! It's super effective in preventing pregnancy, and I don't have to worry about taking a pill or having my partner buy condoms. Most times I forget it's even there! However, the first couple of months were awful - I experienced a few acne flare-ups, had incredibly heavy and long periods (with oftentimes a strong scent), and I was always bloated. And don't even get me started on the sharp cramps. In between periods, I had brown discharge (normal, I know, but still very annoying). So the side effects were not pretty, I'll be honest about that. But now all is well, acne is pretty much gone, discharge is rare, and no more aches and pains in my pelvis and lower abdomen. I just wish doctors were more upfront about the side effects - I know it's effective birth control, but at least give us the full range of what to expect so we don't lose sleep and worry about it."

• Kay...
• March 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Skyla for 9 months, and this is my second review on this site. The first five months were constant cramps and spotting. The spotting has stopped, but cramps randomly come and are intense. I get my period every 2-3 months. I've gained a little weight and have some acne on my back (before I had neither of these), but Skyla works considering I am not pregnant. Other than the side effects I've had, it really is great, and you don't have to worry about taking any pills. With others, I had major weight gain, face acne, and migraines. I definitely recommend. Stick it out through the spotting and cramps, and you'll realize it's so worth it!"

• Kri...
• May 11, 2016

For Birth Control "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."