Skyla and Insertion Pain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 11, 2015

For Birth Control "I got Skyla when I was 17. I've had it for about 8 months, and it's coming out tomorrow, and I'm absolutely terrified because of the fact that the insertion was incredibly painful. When I got it inserted, they said I had a highly tilted uterus, which meant it was more painful than usual. Once it was inserted, I passed out, but when I woke up, I could feel my uterus cramping, and when it did, all my muscles would shake. I bled for about a month. After that, I had regular periods but terrible cramps to the point of throwing up. I also have terrible acne, excessive facial hair, lack of sex drive, and major depression. I am ready to get this out and get back on the pill and be my normal self again."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• March 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I just got my Skyla inserted on 3/6/19. I’m not going to lie, the insertion was painful. I have never had kids before, so that’s probably why it was very painful. It felt like 100 needles were stabbing my cervix when it was opened. I was cramping on and off for 5-6 days after, but it was not that bad. My period cramps are more painful. It was inserted on my 2nd day of my period. The next day, it already lightened up my period. I already have lighter periods since I have PCOS. I have returned to normal activity after 6 days of rest. My spotting/period also stopped 7 days after insertion. So far, I am happy that I had it inserted, and I do not have to worry about pregnancy like I used to. Personally, I think if you are considering getting this IUD, make sure you really trust your doctor. If you do not, I would switch, read reviews, and find a new one. I switched about 4 months ago, and my new doctor is a million times better, and I trust them to insert it. I will update as time goes on."

• Cas...
• November 21, 2016

For Birth Control "After years of bad experiences with birth control, my OB recommended the IUD for me. I'd taken Orthotricycline and Trisprintec for many years, and a few years on NuvaRing. I suffer from acne, migraines, and depression very badly and also have had problems with weight gain and decreased sex drive with other birth controls. My doctor told me about Skyla, and I signed up for it that day! About a month later, I got the call from my doctor's office that they received my device and scheduled an insertion for the week of my period. Well, my period was late, so my cervix wasn't dilated and was extremely sensitive, and the insertion was super painful. I had a normal period and spotted for a week after. Now my sex drive is great and my acne is better!"

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I got my Skyla in August of this year. I previously had the Nexplanong and loved it. I'm 24, never had children and had not had a period from 6/2014 to 8/2016. I was not informed to take any kind of muscle relaxer or anti-inflammatory beforehand. The insertion was terrifying and painful. The 'test' probe hurt so bad that I pushed out the speculum, which meant that they had to start all over. The cramping was painful, and I was so glad I did it on a Friday. Since insertion, I have had a period every month, and the cramps are excruciating. I also get sharp pains when I am not on my period. I called the doctor today and told them what was going on. They told me that I need to go back to the Nexplanon ASAP."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 22, 2017

For Birth Control "Skyla is the third birth control method I’ve tried. To date, I’ve had an IUD for ten months before getting it out today. In regard to its effectiveness and convenience, it’s a 10/10 option for birth control. No condoms or trips to the pharmacy for refills in ten months, and no pregnancies. It’s nice to not have to actively think of your birth control, especially if you lead a busy life. However, there were some downsides to this method, which is why I switched back to the pill today. The insertion process was unbearably painful for me; I’d rate it a 9/10. I’ve always had heavy periods with severe menstrual cramping, and this was by far the worst pain I’d ever experienced. After insertion, I experienced mild cramping for the rest of the day, but I experienced sporadic, severe cramping for the first two months. Like, “knock the wind out of you, can’t walk or talk” cramping, and it would come and go in spontaneous waves. Those passed after the first two months, and for the remaining eight, I experienced cramping maybe two or three times, and it was when I got my period. Speaking of, I spotted for no more than two weeks after insertion; my periods became significantly lighter during the first three months and by the fourth plateaued out but remained light the rest of the time. I noticed the more long-term side effects I experienced with Skyla around the sixth month, which were fatigue, weight gain, acne, irritability, and mood swings. The acne is mild, but the weight gain, irritability, and mood swings were more significant. I gained about 25 pounds within the ten months and I noticed I was tired, irritable, and hormonal all the time-not just when I had my period. I waited a few months to rule out any other factors contributing to these symptoms and to see if they’d subside, but they remained. So, I switched to a low-dose birth control pill today, Taytulla. It contains estrogen and progestin, instead of just progestin like Skyla. Hopefully, my symptoms will begin to disappear. Skyla was effective, but unfortunately didn’t react well with my body chemistry. But it’s different for everyone."

• Rey...
• January 12, 2021

For Birth Control "I got my IUD inserted in June 2020 after being on the Depo injection for almost 2 years (I had my period once on the Depo). The insertion was very painful, I was extremely nauseous after due to the pain. After taking some Gravol and a nap, I felt much better and was able to go back to my regular activities. While on the Skyla IUD, I experienced a lot more headaches, acne breakouts before and after my period, mood swings, and an increase of discharge. For the first few months, I didn't get my period besides a little spotting here and there. Now, for the past couple of months, I've had a regular period with cramps that are still uncomfortable but bearable. And the most important part of it all is that I'm not pregnant. So far, so good."

• Ver...
• May 27, 2015

For Birth Control "Desperate to get off hormones, I decided to try Skyla. My doctor told me there is 0% estrogen and only 3% of the progesterone that was in my pill. Close enough for me! She had me take the cervix softening pill the night before. Studies are showing that it doesn't help pain reduction during insertion and can even make the pain worse. Do your own research and ask your doctor. Insertion was more painful than I was hoping, but I was able to work that evening. My cramps have tolerably increased during my period. My flow has lightened, but my period lasts 2 weeks now. The last week is so light I only need a liner, but still. I'm being patient because I know some of my symptoms are from getting off the pill. Overall, I'm happy with my decision."

• Syd...
• December 4, 2015

For Birth Control "I have struggled with birth control since I was 15. I get severe migraines with birth control, and I also would suffer from acne, as well as mood swings. I was really nervous about getting Skyla, but it has been the best birth control experience I have ever had! No migraines! The insertion pain lasted a couple of hours, and I bled for about a week after, really lightly. In the first two weeks, I also had some minor mood swings, but nothing compared to how I felt on the pill. My periods are so light I just need a panty liner for about three days, and then it's over. I have noticed a decrease in my sex drive for about two weeks after, but not anything that I couldn't deal with. The only flaw is that I get random painful cramps that last about 20 mins."

• Ben...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2016

For Birth Control "Inserted Dec 1, 2015. Insertion was extremely painful. My uterus contracted so much that I pushed out the IUD during the first insert. My doctor had to do it 2x. Most people say you only experience a minor pinch. For me, this was very untrue. This is the worst pain I have ever experienced. I bled for about a month after insertion. About month 2 is when things started to become more 'normal.' I have experienced what I think are 2 cycles. I was formerly on the pill, had minor symptoms and only 3 days of bleeding. Although I know my body is still adjusting, my periods are now about a week long! I also experience horrible cramping about 5 days before. The cramps are not long-lasting, rather, very sharp and random. I have been having acne on my face and back. :/"

• ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted 4 months ago, and I am very glad I went ahead with the insertion. The only negative thing I have to say is that I have gained weight since the insertion. I've gained about 15 pounds, but it's not something I'm worried about. If I can give any advice, it would be to not pay attention to other people's ratings of this birth control method. Do what is best for YOU. You know your body and what is best for it. Insertion was painful. I won't lie to you there. I had terrible cramps for about 6 hours after, but after that, it was a breeze. For me personally, getting Skyla was the best decision I could have made for birth control."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 20, with no kids. I got Skyla because I had very painful periods and very bad cramps, and I wanted some form of birth control that would at least stop the bleeding. Insertion was painful for me. My boyfriend went with me and heard me scream from the lobby. I spotted for about 2 weeks after insertion. My first period was normal. Bleeding got lighter and lighter until I no longer had to use a tampon, just a pantyliner. After 6 months, I stopped bleeding altogether, just with severe cramping throughout the month. My cramping never got better, it is actually worse than before, but at least I don't deal with bleeding too. I still notice a couple drops of blood in my panties periodically. Cons: weight gain, no sex drive. Good experience so far except cramps!"

• Kai...
• June 29, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted in February 2016. Yes, as all the other comments and reviews have stated, it was the most painful experience 'down under' that I have ever been through. I am a 26-year-old with no children. I had spotting for the first couple of weeks with extremely harsh cramping. My first period was normal, with every cycle becoming lighter and lighter. I am now 4 months into having the Skyla inserted, and I couldn't be happier! The cramping has subsided, only arising around the time when I am on my cycle. I haven't noticed any weight gain, and my sex drive is through the roof! (I don't feel it during intercourse either!) The only reason I didn't rate Skyla 10/10 is because of the painful insertion. Otherwise, I am completely happy!"

• Mar...
• June 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I got Skyla four months ago, and I'm just now having my first period. It is lasting longer than normal, and the cramps are ten times worse. Before this month, I would just have cramps but no actual bleeding. Before this, I have had no problems. Of course, insertion was painful, and there is a lot of cramping, but the cramps should improve after a couple of months. My boyfriend and I stopped using condoms after I got Skyla, and I haven't gotten pregnant, so it's very effective."

• Kai...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I had to get an IUD because I’m unable to take oral birth control due to the reactions with my seizure medication. The insertion pain was a 7/10 for 45 seconds, then intermittent cramping for a few weeks after. For the first year, my periods were long (almost 2 weeks of red-brown spotting). They then became almost nonexistent. I was incredibly sad when I had to get it removed after the 3 years. My new insurance didn’t cover a new one, so I opted for getting off BC for now. I started my period a month after and have been regular since. I would recommend the Skyla for sure! The reasons it’s a 9 are because of the cramping part at the start and the annoying long periods of spotting for the first year."

• Val...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 19, 2023

For Birth Control "I’m 22 years old and have never been pregnant. I’m in my second year of Skyla, and so far, no pregnancies! Not going to lie though, insertion was very painful for me. I was given ibuprofen, Tylenol, and misoprostol to help prevent pain prior to insertion, but let me tell you, those medications did nothing to help with the pain. Insertion was about a 9/10 and was horrible for me personally. It was a quick insertion but felt like forever. Afterwards, I did have cramping for the day, which was also painful, but nothing unbearable. I just recommend getting plenty of bed rest afterward. During the first 3 months, my boyfriend said the strings felt uncomfortable during sex, but the strings softened after 3 months, and it was no longer an issue after that. Period-wise, I still get mine, but now I get cramps monthly (which is something I hadn’t had before), and it’s super irregular. Other than that, I truly enjoy my IUD."

• Not...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I had the Nexplanon for a year and some change, but the prolonged bleeding was too much for me. I switched to the Skyla last June, and the insertion hurt, but nothing too bad. I spotted for three weeks, then had a regular but long period for two months. Months four and five were perfect, my period was always on time and pretty short and light. Then came December of last year, and to my surprise, I was pregnant with the IUD still in place. I ended up having a miscarriage two weeks after finding out I was pregnant."

• Kat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 8, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had 2 Skylas now. I had my first put in just over 3 years ago and had it replaced 2 months ago. The first time around, it was very painful for insertion, and my blood pressure dropped. I cramped on and off for about 2-3 weeks and had a bit of spotting. After the first 2-3 months, my periods got very irregular, and it was mostly just spotting. This happened until about 2 years in, then my period basically stopped completely. I had the Skyla replaced in January, and it went so much smoother. I knew what to expect, and I came prepared. But honestly, it was painful for about 15 minutes, then I got up and went to the grocery store. I spotted a little the first day, but I've had absolutely no cramping since the first day and don't get a period anymore. Honestly, the only reasons I don't give it a 10 are it's a bit painful when it gets put in, it's not 100% accurate, and I get a little nervous when I don't get my period."

• Dan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 28, 2018

For Birth Control "I absolutely loved it! The insertion was painful, but that was expected. Immediately following the insertion was bad cramping, but I took some Advil, which helped. It was so worth it, though, seeing as it lasts 3 years! Before Skyla, my periods were extremely heavy, and I always experienced horrible cramping. But literally after a couple of months with the IUD, I only spot when I’m on my period, and I have no cramps at all. My mood swings were pretty bad the first couple of months of Skyla, but they eventually went away after a while. And not to mention, this birth control is definitely effective!!! I’m not trying another IUD that lasts 5 years:)"

• Sup...
• September 1, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had Skyla for almost 5 months now. The procedure for getting it inserted was a bit painful. I got it inserted 7 weeks after having my third child, so I didn't think it would be so bad. I felt a pinch that lasted about 10 seconds. It was quick but painful in my experience. I immediately started to spot after. I had heavy bleeding that lasted for about a month. I haven't had a period since, I have been spotting on and off, though. Not sure if me breastfeeding has anything to do with it. I get a lot of nasty discharge. It must have something to do with Skyla because I had been fine before that. I check my strings constantly and at first, they were very hard. My husband described them as a bobby pin type of feeling. Been having pains lately too."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2015

For Birth Control "Had IUD for about a month now and never had children. I have a sensitivity to estrogen, so opted for this. I love it. Insertion hurt. The actual IUD didn't hurt at all. As soon as they released the clamp on my uterus, the pain went away immediately. I spot occasionally and have random cramps that last about ten minutes, but overall it isn't that bad. OB says spotting will subside (it isn't that bad, really just a speck on my panties, so I wear a liner). Boyfriend doesn't feel the strings at all like some claim. I would highly recommend."

• ang...
• February 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla IUD a year ago, trying to resolve my libido issues that were stemming from my oral birth control pills that I had been taking for the past 4 years. The initial insertion was very painful. I spotted for a week or so, and then nothing until 2 months in. I started spotting and cramping horribly for the next 2 months pretty much every day, but my doctor said everything was fine. It got better for a while, but then around 7-8 months in, I started having constant pain during intercourse, and went back for a second ultrasound. Turns out the IUD had shifted and had an arm pushing into the wall of my uterus, so I had it removed. I would have rated this a 1, but to be fair, I felt much less bloated and didn't gain any weight with it."

• Naa...
• March 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I got this birth control put in around early October, and today is March 11th. I've scheduled to take it out on Thursday. I read a million horror stories on IUDs, but figured every woman's body is different, so I'd try it. The insertion was EXTREMELY painful, but a really short process. The pain lasted about 40 seconds. Cramps lasted that day, but then went away pretty quickly. About 4 months in, I started getting UTIs every single time I had sex. Before I got this IUD, I was having sex every day with my bf, sometimes 2 or 3 times a day, and never had any issues with UTIs. I know how to clean myself and how to prevent them, so clearly it was my IUD causing them. Also, I've now had my period for 3 weeks and cramp and back pain. Can't wait to remove it."

• All...
• June 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had Skyla for over a year now. The insertion was fairly painful, some very intense cramping that lasted about 3 days. In the first month, I gained 15 pounds (after remaining the same weight for over ten years now), which I have since lost. I no longer get my period but will have random spotting that has basically ruined all of my panties. Also, random extremely intense cramps that I never experienced while on oral birth control. My acne is worse now than it ever was in high school, but then again, I was on oral contraceptives that whole time. Lately, I have noticed cramping and pressure during intercourse, which is worse during certain positions and has basically made me not want to have sex anymore."