Skyla and Insertion Pain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• Tay...
• August 31, 2016

For Birth Control "My experience with Skyla has been rough. For the record, I've never had kids and am fairly petite. The insertion process was, as most people have said, fairly painful. Maybe a 7 on a scale of 1 to 10. I took ibuprofen before the insertion, but my OBGyn accidentally clipped my cervix, which led to some bleeding. The cramps after the insertion got increasingly bad. I've had ulcers, and I can say these cramps were the worst pain I have ever been in. These cramps have continued almost every day for the past 6 weeks and have severely impacted my life. My last period lasted 12 days with heavy flow, and it's starting again 15 days later with terrible cramping. If you have another option (which I don't), I would not recommend this insertion."

• Anonymous
• November 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I just got Skyla. The insertion was... not something I'd like to do again. I've never had kids, just got married. I couldn't take the ibuprofen they were going to give me because I was also being tested for low blood sugar, so I had to fast, and it would have been too hard on my stomach. The insertion hurt, but according to my doctor, it was really easy considering I had never had a kid before. But I am terrible at remembering to take my pill, so... yeah."

• All...
• January 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla IUD about 3 months ago, and there are definitely pros and cons. The insertion was painful for maybe a minute, then I had constant cramping for about a week, but nothing ibuprofen and a heating pad couldn't take care of. I had spotting for about a month (until after my first period with Skyla). My boyfriend and I have not had any problems with it during sex so far. For the last few weeks, I have been experiencing major fluctuations with my moods. I'm not 100% sure if it's related to the IUD, but it's been awful with a lot of crying randomly over dumb things and going from angry to happy and vice versa in a split second. I'm hoping this will resolve and go away soon!"

• Goo...
• April 9, 2021

For Birth Control "I had my Skyla IUD inserted in Feb of 2020, and was excited as I have tried countless hormonal levels of the pill and the Nuva Ring before. My periods have always been extremely heavy and prolonged for up to 17 days. I decided with my doctor to get the Skyla IUD after having 6 periods in the course of 2 1/2 months. After a painful insertion process, which left me throwing up, and a month of spotting, I didn’t get a period for 7 months. I was so happy until they hit worse than ever before. I thought maybe my body would normalize, but I continued to have periods lasting from 14-21 days for 4 months. After bleeding from March 5 to today, and having excruciating cramps that made me feel like I would faint, my Gyno removed my IUD. I’ve had it out of me for 4 days, and despite the heavy bleeding from removal, my mood, skin, energy levels, and sex drive have improved drastically. Please consider the negative comments before the insertion of the Skyla IUD."

• Kay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 10, 2021

For Birth Control "I had Skyla for 2.5 years. The insertion pain was quick and about a 4/10, but then cramps lasted for about a week or two after. It wasn't bad, just uncomfortable. I didn't have a period while on it. I was on birth control for 4 years before and got Skyla at age 20. Instantly, I felt relief from birth control symptoms I didn't even know I was having! My mind was clearer, my energy was increased, my libido increased, and sex felt even better. Unfortunately, I had never in my life had a pimple, and suddenly my face was covered in acne with absolutely nothing able to fix it. I got on Spironolactone, which didn't help the acne, but anyone looking to lose weight, I 100% suggest taking it. Anyway, after trying everything to get rid of the acne, I finally decided to get it taken out. It's been a while, and I still haven't been able to get my acne back in check. I wish I had never gotten it, but if it wasn't for the acne, I would have loved it."

• Aan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I switched oral contraceptives to the IUD shortly after getting married. The insertion was very painful, and I have a high pain tolerance. Cramping the next few days was uncomfortable but bearable. I’ve had my IUD for a little over two years now and want to switch back to oral pills. I can feel the IUD during sex, which makes it painful and is the biggest reason I want it out. I also randomly have periods with various lengths and flows. Additionally, I have gotten ovarian cysts, which are extremely painful (turns out the pill has hormones in it to prevent those, IUDs do not). Haven’t gotten pregnant, though! I would recommend an IUD to a friend but warn them about feeling it during sex and the random cramping."

• df1...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 19, 2019

For Birth Control "Switched from ParaGard IUD to Skyla as it’s smaller. Insertion process was very painful, but the following weeks were far less painful than the ParaGard (had about 6 months of extreme cramps with that one— even went to the ER). I have not been pregnant, which is why I gave it a 10 — it has done what it is meant to do. Have gained about 25 lb, but that could also be due to quitting smoking cigarettes. Have had extremely light periods ever since initial placement. Sometimes I get very sharp cramps throughout the day about two weeks before my period is due. Menstrual cycle seemed to be just about stopping, as last month it was extremely light and lasted 2 days (shortest it’s been since insertion). *BUT* this month is the heaviest it’s been since I’ve had it and I’m on day three. I do have a history of fibroids, though, which could explain some of this. Once my 3 years is up, I do not think I’ll be getting a new one. I just remember insertion being too painful."

• Jen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had Skyla for 3 years now. I’m getting it out this week. Insertion was extremely painful. For a couple of years, Skyla served me well. It’s very effective at preventing pregnancy. However, my acne is horrific now, and I feel that I’ve gained quite a bit of weight being on this IUD. I’m thinking about going back on the pill, my acne is so bad. I’ve had some pelvic pain, my periods lately have gone from super light to worse, and I’ve experienced a couple of yeast infections since being on the IUD. I don’t think I’d get this again."

• mol...
• February 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had my Skyla for approx 1.5 months. So far, I am in love with it. Not only am I sparing myself a costly monthly expense, but it was completely covered under the Affordable Care Act, including the follow-up appointment to ensure everything was as it should be. The insertion was quite painful for me, both on the day of the procedure and the following week. I got mine inserted without being on my cycle, which, to my understanding, is more difficult and painful. But I also think it gave me an advantage, I had no spotting or anything except the cramps for over a week. After that, I had a bit of spotting, but not too bad. I got my first period, which was delayed by about 2 weeks. I'm not going to lie about it, it was pretty excruciating, always has been."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 21, no kids, got Skyla about a month ago after dealing with crazy mood swings with a different BC I was taking. The initial insertion was pretty painful but only lasted about a minute, got extremely lightheaded and nauseous after insertion, but it went away within 20 minutes. I got mine done at Planned Parenthood, which I'd suggest, and was even able to get it for free through a program they have and only paid for implantation. So far, pretty pleased with the IUD itself, good sex drive, my mood swings have completely decreased, overall very, very happy I got it. The only downside is random cramping that can be pretty uncomfortable, but there's usually a few months after starting a birth control where your body adjusts, so hoping they stop soon."

• Ris...
• April 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I got Skyla about a year ago, and I love it. The insertion was slightly painful, but only lasted a few minutes. I was dizzy the hours after and did have some cramps, but it only lasted about a day. I hardly get my period; light spotting. Although when I do get my period, I get cramps, which I never used to get when I was on the pill. I'm not pregnant, so that's a bonus. Overall, my only complaint is the cramps I now get. I would recommend this to everyone!"

• Sky...
• July 14, 2016

For Birth Control "My time with Skyla has been an absolute breeze. Ms. Skyla and I have been together since late October 2015, and it has been great. I must admit that the insertion is a bit painful, but you will soon forget. I got cramps for about a week after insertion. Nothing that a little ibuprofen couldn't tackle. I urge anyone who is thinking about Skyla to just do it. I promise it is worth it. Please remember that pain is subjective, meaning it just depends on the person."

• All...
• September 27, 2016

For Birth Control "Overall, I would say it's had a positive impact on my life. Depends on what's important to you. Insertion was terrible, and I dread when I have to have it removed or insert a new device. I would not have sex for maybe 2 weeks. I've had Skyla for almost 1 year now. My sex drive is back to normal, which is great, and I never worry about taking my pill. My period is almost non-existent. Occasional spotting, but never the menstrual cycle like I used to experience. When I was on the pill, I was always hungry, no energy, and insane mood swings. For the most part, that has subsided. Worst part of the device would be acne and cramping. At times I am in a constant state of cramps. Also, never had issues with my skin, and now I have regular breakouts."

• Eli...
• March 23, 2017

For Birth Control "Got Skyla two months ago. Insertion was super painful but quick. I was able to drive and go back to work after with minor discomfort. Since insertion, no serious cramping, but the spotting is nonstop. So annoying. It's not enough for a pad, but it will ruin your undies. I'm not sexually active at the moment, so I didn't have to worry about that, but your man will probably be grossed out for a while because the constant blood and discharge smells. I never feel fresh, which is enough of a side effect to be turning me off. I'm hoping this subsides as I hear it does after about 3 months. I will say that my mood swings seem WAY better. I've always struggled with acne, so that hasn't improved but hasn't significantly worsened, so that seems like a wash."

• Anonymous
• June 15, 2017

For Birth Control "The Skyla IUD was the first form of birth control I've used. I typically cramp very badly on my period, but after getting Skyla, especially after the insertion with the help of ibuprofen, I did not cramp at all. Pain during the insertion was pretty intense, but it did not last long at all. I would highly recommend the Skyla IUD!"

• A12...
• October 17, 2017

For Birth Control "For me, the insertion pain was a 9/10. It's similar to a mild contraction. I've had it in for over four weeks now. In those four weeks, I've had a constant, heavy period, cramps, migraines, bloating, moodiness, worsened acne, and overall tiredness. I'm not saying I didn't have acne or was never tired before, but the last four weeks have made me not want to leave the house. I have to take ibuprofen every 4 hours to relieve the cramps. Everyone's body reacts differently, but at this point, I may get it removed. It's really affected my day-to-day life."

• Hap...
• November 12, 2017

For Birth Control "After being on two different pill birth controls, I was tired of not feeling like myself-unhappy, negative, anxious, crying. I was scared to get the IUD, but I pushed myself, and it's so worth it. The insertion was painful but quick, and I have a great gynecologist who coached me through it. The worst part was the intense cramps and spotting for the next week, which would return off and on for the following month. However, my emotions are so much more stable, and I feel very protected. I do have cramps sometimes that are worse than before I had the IUD, but I would take that over depression and anxiety any day."

• Nic...
• November 28, 2017

For Birth Control "Skyla insertion was painful, but not anything unbearable. I did break out in a sweat from the insertion process. My gyno failed to make a follow-up appointment. I had Skyla for 8 months. I experienced the worst period cramps of my life. My periods lasted 9-12 days. It was heavy the first 5 days and then light spotting the remainder of the time. I would get lightheaded from the pain. After several months of discomfort, I went to see a new gyno. The IUD was stuck in my cervix and had been for at least 4 months. Scar tissue had formed around the IUD. The removal process did not hurt as much as the insertion process. Had it worked, it would have been a great option. Unfortunately, my body did not like it."

• Hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted almost a month ago. I was having trouble with remembering to take oral BC, and it really seemed to alter my mood. I am 29 and have never had children. I took 1000 mg of Tylenol and Klonopin prior to the procedure. Truthfully, insertion was painful but quick enough to make it tolerable. The doctor did a great job of letting me know what she was doing, and I practiced deep breathing to help myself relax (relaxed muscles = less pain). I had some menstrual-like cramps and bleeding for 2-3 days. I was glad I had my insertion on the weekend, so that I could relax. 3.5 weeks later, I have started cramping and bleeding lightly again - my period is not due for another 6 days, so I'm unsure if my cycle has changed or if it's breakthrough."

• Don...
• January 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the IUD implant about 2 months ago, 24, no children. The insertion was unbearable for me. I had no idea how painful it was going to be. After that, I spotted forever, I have random stabbing spasm cramps, and I've experienced a different scent down there. Not a good one. I've never had a problem with this before, but after looking up reviews, there are tons of girls who experience that and a watery discharge constantly. It's extremely embarrassing. My mood swings are crazy, especially when I'm PMSing. I'm looking to have it removed ASAP. I regret going through that intense amount of pain for these results. Experiencing this actually makes me look forward to taking a pill every day."

• App...
• March 9, 2016

For Birth Control "After reading all of the reviews, I was very scared about the insertion pain. I have been on Skyla for about 2.5 weeks now. The pain was short-lived (strong pinch), maybe 20 seconds. After 5-10 minutes of being in the room, I left with 3 years of 99.9% effective birth control. Definitely worth it!! Mild cramps after insertion, and regular/light period. Menstrual cramps are new for me now, although I just got my period back after having my 1st kid. I am 20 years old. Also a little moody, but probably due to PMS and cramps!"

• Got...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted 8 weeks after having my 2nd child through c-section. The insertion was very painful but quick, about 5 min. I had some moderate cramping a few days after, but nothing serious. I was breastfeeding at the time, not sure if it's Skyla's fault, but I lost my milk supply almost completely after getting it inserted. I only had one period after the insertion, it was much heavier than my normal period, lasted for about 5 days with very heavy bleeding on days 2 and 3. And 3 months later, I found out I was pregnant, so much for 99.8% protection."

• Hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had the Skyla IUD for about a month now! I'm 19 years old and have already tried Implanon and the pill (Sprintec). Cons: - Insertion was painful (I've never felt THAT part of my body before), but it only lasted less than a minute! As soon as the insertion is over, there's no pain. - Had the most awful cramps for about a week (I believe it's because I was about to/or was on my period). - Spotted for 3 weeks and had a heavy period (1 week after insertion). - Bloated for a while and gained about 5 lbs of water retention weight, but can't seem to shake off the leftover 3-4 lb weight gain :( PROS!!: - No babies! I've had unprotected sex with my partner numerous times since insertion, and everything is a-ok."

• Syd...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 4, 2017

For Birth Control "The insertion for me was painful. On a scale from one to ten, it was an eight and a half. My periods were pretty heavy, and I kept bleeding for about 5 months straight, just light bleeding and spotting until I started my period. Which got kind of irritating, but I just used a panty liner. So far, my boyfriend and I have loved it, sometimes he feels the string, but not too often. In the last three months, I haven't been spotting at all, which has been nice! Also, I lost weight on this. Everybody is different, but I was stoked about that! Anyway, it's a good one to get, I recommend it!"