Skyla and Insertion Pain: What Users Say

• Lau...
• April 29, 2016

For Birth Control "I absolutely LOVE my Skyla IUD. I first got it last year in March of 2015, a year after having my daughter. The insertion hurts pretty bad for like MAYBE 10 seconds, but it's totally worth it. I've never felt more myself on a birth control. The pros for me are an increased sex drive (OMG), I feel way happier, I have light periods, I haven't gained any weight, I don't have crazy acne, and I never notice it! I've actually had 2 IUDs now in the last year because my other one kind of fell out and started to embed in my uterine wall (which we didn't know until removal. OUCH!), and I kept having bleeding, but I loved it so much that as soon as I got that one out, I got another! It's totally worth it! I recommend it to all my women friends!"

• 27 ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I was not on my period, had no medication to open my cervix, and had no numbing spray. The insertion was painful for about 30 seconds. I was sweating, had abdominal cramps that felt like I was going to have diarrhea, and some menstrual cramps. I had bad cramps for about 2 hours after insertion. I had no bleeding after insertion and didn't have a period until 8 weeks later. I recommend having someone drive you home and taking a heating pad with you. Take Motrin like an hour before you go. I would 100% do it again and hope that the rest of my time with it works out. So far, I feel like my sex drive has increased, which had always been a problem on other birth control. My husband cannot feel it, my doc says the strings are wrapped around my cervix."

• Bni...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had Skyla for 9 months now. (26, no kids). I have a mixed opinion of it. Insertion was uncomfortable but not painful. Cramps were bad for 30 minutes to 1 hour. I menstruated regularly for about 2 months, then stopped pretty much altogether (I spot here and there). One major change for me was a huge decrease in libido for the first 4 to 5 months. Fortunately, it has since gone back to normal. Even though I do not menstruate, I do often still get the cramps during that time, and they can be rough. I do not plan to be on it the full 3 years, but it does what I need it to do for now."

• Anonymous
• July 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had Skyla since March 6, 2019. I’m 27, and I also have PCOS. I’m on metformin to help with my PCOS symptoms. Before Skyla, I had painful periods, which were moderate to light flow. I would also spot daily between periods. My insertion was painful even though I was on day 2 of my period. I have never had children before, so I think that is why it was so painful. I have a high pain tolerance too. I was very dizzy after and had to lay in my doctor's office for a few minutes before I left. I bled for about 30-40 days straight with cramps on and off after my insertion, which is to be expected. Now my periods are light to the point I do not need a pad! My cramps are not as painful, they are just annoying. My daily spotting has gone away, and I’m still losing weight like I was before I had Skyla inserted! I did notice that I retained my water weight from when they inserted Skyla on my period, but I lost the water weight the next time I got my period. Overall, I would recommend Skyla."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Kit...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had Skyla for almost 3 years (removal due date September 2019). The insertion was painful for me, only because they have to clamp your cervix to insert it. I almost passed out (needed to lay down with an ice pack), but I also have a weaker pain tolerance. I don't believe this is a deterrent to get it, because it has been 3 wonderful years. At first, I bled a lot. Almost every day for 3 months. After that, I've had either no period or fairly light periods (3/4 day maximum, not heavy bleeding). I've actually lost 40 lbs since I had it inserted (unrelated, healthy eating/exercise), since I binge ate before and was simply unhappy with my weight. I have not used protection with my SO for 3 years and have never had any scares or concerns. I use pregnancy test strips occasionally just to make sure if I skip a period, but I've never actually worried. I can't wait to graduate from Skyla and move up to a Mirena for another 5 years of protection!"

• mah...
• January 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had Skyla since November 2014, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made! I used to have painful, heavy periods, but now I spot for about 5 days each month and only feel mild cramping on the first day (no medication necessary!). I don't even require tampons anymore; pantiliners are more than enough! The insertion was painful but bearable. I took 2 Advil 2 hours before my appointment (I HIGHLY recommend this!). My boyfriend drove me home afterwards, even though I could have driven. I babysat that night, continued taking Advil every 6 hours (even if I wasn't in pain) for the next three days, and only experienced occasional cramping during the next 3 months. LOVE Skyla; I can't imagine EVER going back to the pill!"

• Col...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I am 21, and I had my Skyla put in over 6 months ago. I took two ibuprofen before going to the doctor. The insertion was painful for about 30 seconds (really bad cramping). About an hour later, I had some bleeding, then some heavy cramps, but after taking Midol, they went away. I bled for about 4 weeks straight and had some pretty bad cramps during that time. After that, my period became normal (only once a month for 4-5 days with light to normal bleeding). I do experience some bad cramping from time to time, mostly before my period and a few days after it stops, but after taking Midol or Aleve, it goes away. I also have a history of ovarian cysts and endometriosis but have not had any problems with that since my Skyla! I recommend this!"

• cst...
• June 15, 2021

"Insertion of Skyla was painful, so I took a day off work. I drove myself. Insertion, compared to EXTREME contraction, lasted about 10 minutes. Four months in, I stopped having periods. I haven't had a period for almost a year, which is problematic after doing some research because you can develop a hormone belly or ill symptoms because your body never has the ability to expel the extra hormones. I'm extra bloated and have the WORST pain of my life with cramps that can be all day for an entire week. I've gained about 15 lbs. I'm always puffy feeling and bloated, especially around my uterus/lower belly. You can see the change in my face. Go all day without eating and still lots of bloat. I'm very tired all the time, no energy, no motivation, full of anxiety. I believe deeply that this IUD is making me sick. For that reason, my partner and I have looked into more permanent options, and I will be getting off synthetic hormones altogether. Synthetic hormones literally break my body down and make me sick."

• whe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I got Skyla in December 2014, and so far have had a great experience. I am an extremely busy 20-year-old college student, with previous negative experiences with the pill, and Skyla has been perfect. The insertion was quite painful, and I had cramps for a few days and then spotting for about a month afterward, but since then my periods have been getting lighter and seemingly a bit farther apart. My partner is a bit of a worrier, so having something that's close to 100% effective has been a real load off his mind, and since we both got tested, we don't have to use condoms anymore. ;) Not having to worry about birth control anymore has been fantastic. I would recommend Skyla to anyone looking for a low-maintenance form of birth control."

• Sky...
• May 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I got Skyla thinking it would be the best birth control. Not so much. The insertion was painful and went home with slight cramps. Spotting only lasted for six weeks, but within the last four months, I have gained fifteen pounds, which is very bad. But not having to worry about taking a pill is good. But before you make the decision on this birth control, use some other options first because this should be the last option. Will be getting this removed very soon. Not liking my weight gain."

• Tay...
• May 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I had Skyla for exactly 1 year. Starting with how painful the insertion was, I had hoped things would get better. I didn't have a period 3 months into it, but still had crippling cramps and aches like I was on my period at any given time. I waited it out and ended up gaining over 30 lbs in the last year. I recently went to my family doctor and expressed that I wasn't happy with the weight gain, my mood swings (random crying, anger fits), and I said I wanted to take it out. So she took it out right then and there. Best decision I've made. Removal was a breeze."

• Mis...
• August 30, 2016

For Birth Control "Leaving a positive review because this site almost scared me into not getting it at all! This product is AWESOME! Insertion was painful, but mostly was a really strong cramp. Over in 5 minutes, and I went straight back to work afterwards. I was crampy for a few days, but nothing ibuprofen couldn't fix. Less than a week out, and cramping is gone! I feel great! No pills every day on a strict time schedule. No side effects from the hormones (for me mainly nausea, bloating, extreme tiredness, and other ahem...issues). My energy is back, and I feel like myself again! If anything changes for the worse, I'll update, but since side effects are usually worse in the beginning, I am hopeful! I follow up in a few weeks with the doctor to check placement."

• Kim...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 7, 2018

For Birth Control "I was put on the Skyla after forgetting to take the pill so much. The insertion was painful afterward. No period for 6 months after insertion, but then my periods came back and started to get even worse. They would last at least 9 days with horrible cramps. I’m planning to get Skyla removed finally after 26 months."

• Bre...
• December 30, 2017

For Birth Control "I really researched this IUD, talked to my doctor, and decided that Skyla was right for me. It was so painful during insertion, but I liked not having to worry about taking the pill each day after the pain subsided. After a year and a half, I reflected and noted severe bloating and weight gain that I had never experienced previously. My breasts were so swollen and painful sometimes that I could barely button my shirts. I was also fatigued and experiencing breakouts of acne and hair thinning that I had never experienced in my life. In addition, I spotted and had a light period sometimes twice a month. My husband even noticed the changes and made the connection to the IUD. I had it removed after almost two years, and I feel like I have my life back."

• Hay...
• September 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I got Skyla after trying the pill and NuvaRing. The cystic acne and crazy emotions I felt with both had me desperate to try something else. I decided on an IUD so I wouldn’t have to be burdened with remembering birth control every day, and I hoped the hormones would not make me feel like I wasn’t me. My doctor recommended Skyla because I have a small uterus and have not had children. It also has 13 mg of hormones, whereas Mirena has 50+ mg. I can honestly say it has been the best thing. I can’t recommend it enough. The ONLY downside and the reason I gave it 9/10 was because the insertion was the most painful thing I have ever experienced in my life. I threw up after I got it in because the pain made me nauseous. BUT after I took medicine and went home, it just felt like period cramps, and I haven’t had a problem since. To me, 3 years of stress-free birth control is worth a few minutes of pain. I’m getting mine out soon and getting another one put in. Wish me luck!"

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I got Skyla about 2 months ago, and the bleeding has not stopped. Pads and tampons have been a part of my life for the past two months, it's so annoying. The insertion pain wasn't that bad, it was just like a really strong period cramp. So far, I'm just annoyed with the bleeding and spotting, it's so inconvenient."

• rac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 23, and I have one child. I've tried several different birth controls and had bad reactions to them all. My doctor suggested an IUD, and I was open to trying it after she gave me details. I knew the insertion would be painful, but I had no idea how painful. It was honestly comparable to labor contractions. That only lasted for a day or so, and it was hardly noticeable when I actually took medicine for it. It's been about a week and a half, and I have had dark red blood every day (but to be fair, I had been bleeding for a month straight due to the birth control I was taking before). I still get cramps every now and then, but nothing too bad. I was told by friends that the symptoms last for about a month, so I'm hoping for the best!"

• Dlo...
• November 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I got Skyla inserted 7 months ago. The insertion was painful, and it gave me horrible cramps. My periods got super heavy, and I get sharp cramps now. I also have been having my period twice a month! It's very heavy. It lasts about 11 days now, then stops for 5, then will last for 9-11 days. I wanted my period to stop, not to increase. It said that after 3-6 months, my period could stop, but I'm on my period right now, and it's very heavy. The only upside is that I haven't gotten pregnant."

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

For Birth Control "I have had my Skyla for almost a year now. I vaguely remember insertion, uncomfortable and some pain, but nothing I regret. As for positives, sex is great without condoms, and my periods are not as heavy as they used to be. However, my issues that I have had are pretty substantial. I had consistent bleeding for the first seven months. Not heavy, but enough to have to wear a liner or tampon, with cramping the first few months. Since the seven months, I get a light period every couple of weeks, very inconsistent (sometimes for two days, sometimes for two weeks). I have gotten an ultrasound to make sure it didn't shift, and it seemed fine. They suggested maybe I have a bleeding disorder, but blood tests seemed okay as well. And lastly, the past few weeks I have noticed that if I tense up too much (like during orgasm), that I get a sharp pain, not sure what that is about... Sorry about all that info, just my experience. I'm not sure if I will keep it or get it removed."

• 22y...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I'm 22 and don't have any children. I got the IUD inserted in April of 2019. The insertion was very painful, I had to rest the whole day because of bad cramping. The cramping lasted about a week or so, but after that, it was fine. My periods have been normal and monthly ever since. My cycle is pretty much the same, just worse cramping, but it's not a problem. I have remained the same weight since I got it, which makes me happy. I haven't gotten any acne. After trying so many birth control methods, I think I finally found the one for me! I recommend this."

• AFS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2016

For Birth Control "While Skyla and other IUDs can be a great option for some women (convenience, effectiveness, etc.), it was the wrong birth control method for me. The insertion was much more painful than was expected, even though an ultrasound confirmed the IUD was in the correct place. I had severe cramping for the first 24 hours. Cramping then came in waves for a few days afterward, ranging from mild/manageable to acute enough for me to be unable to walk or stand. Aside from the pain level, the thought that a foreign object was inside my uterus was much more upsetting to me than I had expected it would be. Removal was also painful but lasted no more than a few minutes. NuvaRing was a better choice for me."

• ama...
• September 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 18, and I've had it for about a week now. The insertion was fine -- they had to do it without the cervix dilation medication, however, because they forgot to tell me to get it, and as a result, I think it was a little more painful than usual. I took deep breaths, and it was over in 5 seconds after some pretty intense contractions. After lying down for 20 minutes, I was fine to walk around. I highly recommend just taking the day off. Cramps got pretty bad, and I slept all day when I got home. Since then, I haven't noted any physical or emotional side effects aside from the constant light bleeding. There are occasional cramps, but they never last for longer than five minutes and occur maybe 3 times a day, so yeah, that's totally manageable."