Skyla and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Odd...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 1, 2015

For Birth Control "I switched from Paragard to Skyla about a year and a half ago. I wanted an IUD because I'm terrible at taking pills, the NuvaRing always fell out, and my acne was so sensitive to any hormones. Paragard gave me the heaviest and most painful periods ever (used a super tampon almost every 45 minutes). I switched to Skyla, and I've had the best experience. The insertion is not the easiest stroll in the park, but it's all uphill from there. My acne nearly disappeared, I don't have to pay for BC pills or condoms all the time, and I practically don't have a period anymore. Two days a month, I spot some and have some mild cramps, and that's it. Nothing a little ibuprofen can't help. :)"

• Alp...
• December 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted 9/18/15. Never have I ever been pregnant. I was 26 at the time of insertion. Insertion was VERY painful. While the insertion was painful, it lasted only 2-3 minutes. I had slight pain for 3 days with MAJOR bloating. I spotted every day for 8 months. It was enough I had to wear a panty liner. Eventually, spotting stopped. My periods are irregular, when I did get one, I would bleed for 15-20 days. It was always dark, thick tissue that I bled. I had severe cramps not only on my period but randomly. Severe 8/10 pain. I just had the device removed 11/30/17. While it did prevent pregnancy, I had minimal side effects. The prolonged bleeding, the pain, and unpredictability of getting my period made me choose to remove it."

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2015

For Birth Control "I had previously been on birth control for two years. The last year on the pill, they changed it to continuous use due to the intense cramping/bleeding I experienced. I had been thrilled at the concept of having no periods until I started heavily spotting. For a majority of 9 months, I had one colossal period, and my OBGYN finally suggested trying an IUD (Skyla, to be exact). I am 20 years old and have never been pregnant. I had the IUD placed March 10th, 2015, and I have to admit the insertion was painful despite the ibuprofen I had taken, but also very quickly done. The pain has definitely seemed worth it, my cramps are now virtually gone, and my 'periods' are now constant and are VERY light spotting. Not to add, my PMS from BC is gone too!"

• Jel...
• December 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm a 22-year-old college student, and today, I received my Skyla IUD. I must say I read so many reviews on the days leading up to my insertion. I was anxious and nervous about the pain and cramping. My nurse practitioner talked me throughout the whole process, and I even had a nurse holding my hand. It was absolutely not painful at all, definitely uncomfortable, but no pain. I did experience some moderate cramping, but that subsided after 30 seconds. I'm only on day 1, so I don't know what the next few days will hold, but I'm expecting some cramping. All in all, DON'T be afraid to get this like I was!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 22 and nulliparous. I've previously used pills and NuvaRing, and didn't have bad side effects (except for no libido), but I wanted something long-term. I chose Skyla after discussing it with my gyno. She had me take misoprostol orally the night before insertion, and insertion was definitely uncomfortable, but bearable. I would recommend bringing someone with you to drive you home, because I had a 30-minute drive home and all I wanted to do was lie down. Had cramping the rest of that day and part of the next, but that's it. I've now had it for just over 2 weeks and LOVE it. My sex drive is back and I've had little to no cramping! I got my period a few days ago right on time and it's lighter than normal! Will update review in a few months."

• Kat...
• September 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Skyla put in at the end of May this year, and I am very happy with the results. The insertion process was painful, but seriously only for 3 seconds. Very quick, and I was able to drive right after. I felt some cramping that day, but it was nothing a little Tylenol couldn't fix. I would highly recommend this type of birth control to everyone. Now that I have had it for a little while, I can't believe that I was taking regular birth control pills for years before. I can just get up and go now! Don't let the bad reviews scare you, because Skyla is so worth it! You should expect some cramping while your body becomes accustomed to it, remember the uterus is a flat cavity, so there's gonna be some getting used to. Give it a chance!"

• nia...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on Skyla for slightly under a year. Insertion was painful, and the cramps afterwards were pretty intense. Within the first couple of months, my roommate (sister) as well as my boyfriend noticed my extreme mood swings. I was on either side of the extreme, super happy or super upset/mad/sad, and never in between. I’ve always been an emotional person, so I never looked too much into it. Well, almost a year later, I’ve watched my anxiety get worse. I’ve started having anxiety attacks and mental breakdowns on a weekly basis, sometimes for no reason at all. Although Skyla does help me prevent an unwanted pregnancy, I believe it has impacted my mental health substantially and should be taken into consideration if you’ve dealt or are dealing with anxiety and depression. I am scheduled to have mine removed."

• nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2015

For Birth Control "LADIES!! Please do not take to heart everything you read online of other people's experiences. I am a 20-year-old who has been on Yaz for the past 4 years and have never been pregnant. I went in today to have Skyla inserted at a local Planned Parenthood, and I could not have been more nervous due to the terrible insertion stories that I had read online. When the doctor did the actual procedure, it did not hurt AT ALL. I have had very minor cramping for the rest of the day, but nothing significant, and I only took 2 Aleve tabs an hour prior to insertion. I also had the procedure not during menstruation and still had barely any pain! Please be aware that the experience is different for everyone and to not worry too much before going in!"

• Ale...
• March 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I realize the insertion experience is different for everyone, but let me tell you, I think bikini waxes are three times as painful as a Skyla insertion. It was nothing more than a period cramp sensation followed by a sharp pinch - all of lasting around 5-8 seconds. The worst part was the cramps that followed afterward for a day, but nothing a heating pad and some Advil couldn't resolve. I am now on my second day, and the cramps have subsided almost completely. I just wanted to write this review because there are SO many horror stories out there, and I believe those are the exceptions, not the norm, for the Skyla IUD insertion process. Overall, I am very pleased so far!"

• Jor...
• September 30, 2017

For Birth Control "This is just about the insertion because I feel it's my duty to quell the fears of other women out there after I let myself go way overboard in reading horror stories online and freaking myself out. I was prepared for the worst pain of my life based on what everyone was saying, and I can't believe how completely fine it was. Seriously, I would describe it as discomfort. I squeezed the nurse's hand really hard for a second and then it was over. Barely had any cramping afterwards. I know this isn't true for everyone, but it is probably way more likely that you will have an experience like mine, so don't freak out, please! It's a non-issue, don't waste energy getting stressed over this like I stupidly did."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 3, 2016

For Birth Control "So, a year ago, I got my Skyla put in. My uterus is tilted, so the first try putting it in was unsuccessful. I went back three days later, and they used an ultrasound. The only pain I felt was the cramps afterward, which were hell, but that's not why I am giving it a bad rating! After a year of it being in, I got pregnant and had it removed the next day after finding out, and then two days after that, I started bleeding! I'm having a miscarriage. I wasn't on any antibiotics, nothing that could interfere with the Skyla! I loved my Skyla while I had it, but it was supposed to keep me from getting pregnant. It had one job, and it didn't even last more than a year! By the way, getting pregnant on an IUD is HORRIBLE!!!!!"

• Rec...
• April 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I got Skyla inserted a little over a week ago. I'm 22 and haven't had any kids. The insertion was rough. My legs and hands went totally numb, which was weird, but apparently not uncommon. However, it was all over within about 3 minutes. The pain was completely gone before the feeling in my legs and hands had even come back, and I drove home with no issues. I actually didn't even feel any cramping until today (9 days after insertion). Did anyone else have a delay in the onset of cramping, or is that just me? Anyways, I've had a little spotting, but it all happened exactly the way that my doctor said it would. I'm fine, and this seems worth it. I have a low pain tolerance and the worst imaginable anxiety. If I can do it, then you can too."

• Cie...
• September 9, 2017

For Birth Control "First off: don't let the horror stories scare you away! Everyone is so different, don't assume that will be your experience. I have had Skyla going on 3 weeks now (inserted 8/21/17), and it's awesome! After being on the pill (Generess) for 5+ years, it is such a relief to not have to take a pill. The insertion hurt for a whole 10 seconds, and then following was a VERY bad cramp, sort of like it was doing a final adjustment into place. After that, I cramped mildly for about a day and a half. I'd recommend having a driver if you live far away from your doctor, as your cramps may vary. Hormonally, I feel better than ever, libido and mood are better than ever! Hope this helps."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2014

For Birth Control "I went on Skyla on 9.17.14, the experience has been okay, just a few side effects I wasn't fully aware of. 1. I gained 10 pounds in one month. I got really odd cravings and was also very hungry all of a sudden. 2. My hair started shedding in clumps, but that has slowed down tremendously. 3. I still get cramps, maybe not a heavy flow, but still crazy cramps during my time of the month. Other than these three, things have been pretty good."

• Jes...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had the Skyla for six months now and love it! I always wanted an IUD because I'm terrible about remembering to take a pill, but I was worried about using an IUD with my small size (5'2", 105 lbs, never had children). Turns out I had no reason to be worried! The procedure went really smoothly, only mildly uncomfortable for like 3 minutes. I had cramps and bleeding for two days (no worse than a rough period cycle), then I was back to normal. Bonus: my periods went away a month after insertion! No more buying tampons!"

• mnd...
• February 12, 2016

For Birth Control "Absolutely amazing! I was on BC pills for years but discontinued due to chronic UTIs associated with the estrogen in the pills. I've had Skyla in for over 2 months now and have almost no symptoms. No UTIs (YAY!). Insertion was a bit 'crampy,' but I get horrible cramps anyway, however, measuring the cervix was awful! It was a painful pinch but only lasted a few seconds, and it was over with. I had no spotting the first week (except after initial insertion). Spotting (very, very light) continuously for weeks 2-3, then nothing. My periods are almost nonexistent, but I'll get a few painful cramps as a reminder. My boyfriend cannot feel it during sex, and it has not moved. I am very, very, very happy with my Skyla! 21 years old, no kids."

• Bcr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 27, 2018

For Birth Control "I normally don’t review products online, but I found that there isn’t a lot of information on this product, and it is not very well known outside the U.S. (I’m in Australia). The insertion was the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced (worse than broken bones and dislocated joints), it lasted for about a week, then I was fine for about 6 to 10 months. I experienced severe cramping, and my periods were almost non-existent (the doctor reassured me that I will continue to have normal periods). After a year of having this IUD, I developed severe anxiety that wouldn’t go away with anything! Before this, I never experienced a panic attack in my life. After 2 days, I had it removed, I started to feel somewhat normal again. I’m not here to bash this product, simply to share my experience. It did its job, and I didn’t get pregnant, but it is not for everyone. Please get informed before you make any decisions."

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 14, 2016

For Birth Control "Got put in a year ago (9/2015), and a year later, it is still great! Getting in did hurt, but I had an ovarian cyst a couple of months ago, and it wasn't as bad as that (also never had children). More like a pressure, then it was pretty bad cramps for the next 24/48 hours (I threw up, but again, not worse than the cyst), so after that, fine. I've gotten my period like 3 times since? I'll get some cramps but no period. Also, re: acne, I've noticed my face is more sensitive to acne than it used to be, but if I drink more water, wear less makeup, etc., it's fine."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I started off with the pill, but like most teens, couldn't remember to take it. I went to the doctor, and she told me about Skyla. Getting it was probably the most painful thing ever. My cervix wouldn't soften, so I had to get the medicine to make it soften. I had really bad cramps for about 2 days and even missed a little bit of school, but I hate pain and cannot stand it. But I don't regret getting it because I really do love it. I still do get periods every month, but my doctor said it was normal for Skyla. I love not having to worry about taking a pill or having to worry if something accidentally happens. I totally recommend this to everybody, especially teens!"

• M63...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 24 years old, have never been pregnant, and I had Skyla inserted over a month ago. So far, I have no complaints. Insertion was uncomfortable, but it was quick. I got it inserted while on my period because my gynecologist informed me that was the best time, and she has inserted many in the past. I did feel warm afterward, and I had cramping. I decided to take the day off work; however, after taking Aleve, my cramps went away. I had mild cramping the day after insertion, but after that, no more cramping. My period was lighter, but it lasted for about two weeks. Since then, my period has been lighter, and I haven't had intermittent spotting. I would recommend this IUD; it has been effective and a positive experience thus far."

• M63...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 24 years old, have never been pregnant, and I had Skyla inserted over a month ago. So far, I have no complaints. Insertion was uncomfortable, but it was quick. I got it inserted while on my period because my gynecologist informed me that was the best time, and she has inserted many in the past. I did feel warm afterward, and I had cramping. I decided to take the day off work; however, after taking Aleve, my cramps went away. I had mild cramping the day after insertion, but after that, no more cramping. My period was lighter, but it lasted for about two weeks. Since then, my period has been lighter, and I haven't had intermittent spotting. I would recommend this IUD; it has been effective and a positive experience thus far."

• Chr...
• July 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm 29 years old, and I've been on birth control for 14 years. I have been on NuvaRing for maybe 12 years. I was very nervous to mess with my hormones. Reading other people's experiences with IUDs made me very nervous to make the change. I decided on Skyla because it is the smallest of the IUDs, and it was covered by my insurance. I had Skyla placed on July 5th, and since then it has been the best decision I've made. My doctor did prescribe me a medication to take 3 hours prior to the appointment that softened my cervix, which I am sure helped. I also took Advil 30 minutes before my appointment. The worst part of the insertion process was just the feeling of the metal clamp thing that they always use at every check-up visit. The first day was like I had my period: bleeding and cramping. I rested for a while in bed with a heating pad. Some light bleeding and mild cramping here and there for about 5 days after, and then things went back to normal."

• Chr...
• July 19, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm 29 years old, and I've been on birth control for 14 years. I have been on NuvaRing for maybe 12 years. I was very nervous to mess with my hormones. Reading other people's experiences with IUDs made me very nervous to make the change. I decided on Skyla because it is the smallest of the IUDs, and it was covered by my insurance. I had Skyla placed on July 5th, and since then it has been the best decision I've made. My doctor did prescribe me a medication to take 3 hours prior to the appointment that softened my cervix, which I am sure helped. I also took Advil 30 minutes before my appointment. The worst part of the insertion process was just the feeling of the metal clamp thing that they always use at every check-up visit. The first day was like I had my period: bleeding and cramping. I rested for a while in bed with a heating pad. Some light bleeding and mild cramping here and there for about 5 days after, and then things went back to normal."

• Mol...
• December 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 23 and have never had kids. I was on the Depo shot for about 6 years and just got on the Skyla in August 2016. The insertion process was painful and extremely uncomfortable. I almost passed out, and I usually have a high pain tolerance. I thought I was okay to drive home, but the whole time I was hurling over my steering wheel in pain. I was in bed with medicine and a heating pad the rest of the day and honestly two days after. I'm on month 4, almost 5 now, and I've had terrible cramps but no periods. They are basically contraction-like pains. I get them almost every day. I don't know if I should get the Skyla removed or not. These cramps are unbearable. Only a heating pad and laying down helps."

• Dcr...
• October 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I just got Skyla put in a few hours ago. I can't comment on how well it works for me yet, but what I can comment on was the insertion. It was nothing. I got myself so scared due to reading reviews the night before going (dumbest idea) and I was so nerve-wracked from the horror stories I read. I took 2 Advil before I went. She didn't numb me or anything, and I'm on the 5th day of my period. All you feel is a slight cramping with insertion, which if you've ever had period cramps, it's nothing. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give the pain a 2 because it lasts for maybe 10 seconds. I had my appointment at 11:30, I was out by 11:40. Hope this helps someone :) All I can say is everyone's different, go by your experience, not others."