Skyla and Nausea: What Users Say

• Chr...
• July 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 31 years old, no children ever, and recently got the Skyla. Prior to getting Skyla inserted, I came on here to read the reviews and wish I didn't because it definitely scared me. But thankfully, my OB-GYN was great and explained everything to me. Not to mention, she numbed me prior to inserting the Skyla and informed me when I would feel the most amount of pressure, which helped A LOT! There were some mild cramps during the first month, but since the month has passed, I've been feeling great - no nausea and no weight gain. There's some mild cramping, which I never had before, but no periods. So for me, it's working out great and realized only your body can tell you if it's good or not - and not by others' experience."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I previously wrote a review but need to update. My Skyla ended up dropping into my cervix, where I could feel it. I didn't have pain or bleeding, but I could feel it on my self-examinations at home. I got it replaced today and took Cytotec to soften my cervix 2 hours before. Last time, it was tolerable pain. This time, it was SO painful! I got shaky, hot, dizzy, and felt like throwing up. The pain made me jerk away from the doctor and clench every muscle in my body. Removal of my first one just felt weird and non-painful. Mild cramping. They had me take 800 mg of ibuprofen before I left. Thankfully, it only needs to be done every 3 years!"

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I've taken oral birth control pills for years. After getting an on-call job, I was no longer able to take them at a scheduled time. I'm 23 and sexually active and would love to wait until I'm ready for my own family. Insertion for me personally felt like a hardcore cramp, one like no other I had felt before, but it was over quickly. One bad part! Hours after I had been home, I went to go outside and suddenly felt nauseous, got extremely dizzy with blurred vision, I thought I was about to pass out! Supposedly it's normal, but it was still terrifying. After the first day, I have had no other symptoms (spotting, moodiness, etc.), and I have to say I love my Skyla. It's worry-free birth control and gives me peace of mind for the next 3 years!"

• Mia...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had Skyla since September 30, 2016. The insertion process was quick and very painful for me. I almost blacked out. My period came around the same time each month, normally lasts a week. Which was dreadful because without birth control I'm only on for 3 days and it's light, lol. But here's why I am getting it removed next Thursday: these early labor contraction-like cramps are horrible! The pain is so bad it makes me feel like I'm about to throw up. I get the cramps every month for a week before my period, and I cry (actual tears) every time. It literally puts me in a ball. Heating pad and pain medicine work somewhat. Skyla did its job at preventing pregnancy, but the side effects just aren't worth it. I stayed on as long as I could."

• Ama...
• March 12, 2021

For Birth Control "I’m 27 with 0 pregnancies and always had a normal period cycle and light flow, yet I have the worst period cramps. I got my IUD placed on 06/20 by a specialty gynecologist (I have a tilted cervix/uterus). It took 2 doctors 2.5 hours to place the IUD after numerous numbing shots, it was absolutely excruciating. I was bedridden for 3 weeks with the worst cramps all day, every day. I spotted every day for the first 3 months. My period started to lighten drastically, and I only have 1-2 “real period days” per month now. My partner can’t feel the strings, nor have I had any pregnancy scares. Ever since getting Skyla, my cramps feel sharper but less intense. My nausea has increased a ton. My sex drive is all over the place, as are my moods. I feel the best way to put it is I’m always PMS-ing. Always! It has increased my IBS symptoms as well. I have been heavily debating having it removed, as I don’t feel like my personal experience and symptoms outweigh the fact that I barely have any periods."

• Pet...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had Skyla for a year and three months; the insertion was painful and uncomfortable. I had some VERY light spotting, cramping, and a bit of nausea the first day, but by the following day, I was absolutely fine. All in all, this has been the BEST decision I've ever made in terms of birth control. Prior to Skyla, I took pills, and they wreaked havoc on my body and libido. After almost three years, I was fed up with the side effects, so I opted to try something new. I would recommend this IUD to anyone reconsidering their current method of BC. The simplicity and joy of not having to remember a pill every night, emergency prescription runs, and the improvement in the overall feeling of my body is incredible and well worth one day of discomfort."

• che...
• March 1, 2017

For Birth Control "It has been two weeks since my Skyla insertion. The insertion was as most people described. More than just discomfort. After the insertion, I immediately had to sit. I was nauseous, sweating, and experiencing tremendous cramps. I opened the patient room door to let the nurses know I was not doing so hot. Luckily, I have a wonderful doctor's office. They had me lie down with the lights out, with some water and a couple of 800mg ibuprofen. My nurse assured me she had the exact same reaction. I have had cramping since my procedure (some days it's awful, some days manageable). I am hoping they will subside soon. I am happy to be off the pill. I have been taking it for 16 years and am happy to not be ingesting all that extra estrogen."

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Skyla in for 4 months, and it was horrific. It did not hurt to have it inserted, but my pelvic cramping has been so severe! I had to take Ibuprofen around the clock for 4 months straight, including for my wedding and my honeymoon. I also had horrible vaginal dryness and bad mood swings. My periods lasted about 7 days and were very light. I was having such bad cramps I would wake up in the middle of the night in horrible pain, I threw up 3 times because of how horrible the pain was. I had a vaginal ultrasound done to ensure it was in the correct area (which it was). I finally had it removed today, and I feel amazing!"

• BN2...
• November 25, 2016

For Birth Control "ZERO STARS. I became pregnant in October 2016 with the Skyla in place. I had Nexplanon for a year and a half after my first daughter was born but changed to Skyla because of irregular cycles and mood changes. I had Skyla put in place in July. I felt sick in mid-November and thought I had the flu. I hadn't had a cycle but didn't worry because the strings were in place. After experiencing nausea and cramping, I took two pregnancy tests, which came back positive. I went to the doctor, and I was six weeks pregnant. I had the IUD removed. I am posting this here to let others know of a true failure case and to tell you to have it placed with ultrasound. We are coping with the pregnancy but were shocked to say the least."

• hal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 18 years old. I got the IUD inserted about a month ago, and I love it. Insertion was pretty rough, there was pretty bad pain for maybe 20 seconds, and afterward, I felt nauseous and lightheaded for about an hour. After that, I was completely fine. My boyfriend has never felt the IUD, and I never have to worry about taking a pill or anything like that, which is great. The only negative thing I have to say is that I've had some spotting and random cramps for the last month, but nothing too bad at all. When you consider that Skyla works for three years, a month of a little spotting and minor cramping seems worth it to me. I will check back at the three-month mark."

• Pee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2017

For Birth Control "Most of my girlfriends love their IUDs, but so far I’m on the fence. About six weeks in, I started to get really sick. Jaw pain, migraines, vertigo, nausea, cramps, exhaustion, confusion, and unpredictable histamine reactions, among other things. I went to four different docs, including my gyno, all of whom said it was unlikely from my IUD and couldn't find any reason for the illness. I kept getting worse. Finally, I asked my gyno about intracranial hypertension caused by my IUD, and after researching it, she agreed that was a likely culprit. The point is, not every birth control works for everyone. If it's not for you, don't let a doc tell you it's all in your head. Just keep asking questions."

• It ...
• August 27, 2018

For Birth Control "I had Skyla for 8 months. I have to say insertion was a little painful but not too bad. I got it on Jan 4, 2018, and removed it on August 24, 2018. Throughout the whole 8 months, I did not get my period. I did get mild symptoms: cramping, nausea, and breast tenderness. However, in 8 months I gained 50 lbs. I also noticed my hair thinned. I was retaining a lot of water."

• 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."

• Mae...
• October 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had Skyla for 5 months now. Insertion was nowhere near as painful as I expected, just felt like a sharp cramp. However, bad cramping started the next day and did not stop until I got my period a month later. My first two periods were very painful, but after that, very manageable. I never experience random cramping and very rarely experience random light bleeding. I can't feel it at all and notice no hormonal changes to my body, which is rare for me, as I am very sensitive to hormones. I had to come off the pill because I was constantly emotional, tired, and nauseous. I haven't gained any weight with Skyla either. I feel much more in control of my life with this IUD and would recommend it to anyone willing to stick the 1st month cramps out."

• 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!"

• Cie...
• June 18, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the IUD for about 8 months now. I have never had children, but because of its smaller size, I figured it was no biggie. The nurse who was to insert it said the same thing, so I figured it would be a breeze. Well, it wasn't. It was extremely painful when she inserted it. I was nauseous and had diarrhea for about an hour and a half after it was inserted. She had me stay for a half hour because I had gone pale, and she was concerned, but she said she hadn't seen that happen before (she was a pretty old lady), so don't think it's going to happen to you because it did to me. Had I expected some pain, I don't think it would have been nearly as bad. So, expect it to hurt and hope you're disappointed."

• Naa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 28, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been using the IUD for almost 9 months now. I'm 24 years old. I got it inserted 01/2018. My coworker has the Mirena and said the insertion was not bad at all, although I read up on it and people said it was very painful. I went in for my appointment expecting the worst, and it was the worst pain I felt. I ended up flinching and asking to stop, but my doctor said, 'Almost done.' As soon as she was finished, I immediately felt lightheaded and nauseated. I had a few tears, lol. I did cramp for a few days and spotted for a few weeks to a month. Fast forward to late August, I've noticed that when I'm ovulating, I get sharp cramps to the point it literally feels like a contraction, and I have to hold onto something or hold my breath. My periods are regular, and before I had it, they were irregular and lasted 7 days with moderate bleeding. Now I would say about 5 days, maybe, and light to moderate. I will say the IUD is convenient, but I'm contemplating if the cramping is worth it."

• Kel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2015

For Birth Control "The insertion of it was so painful I was shaking, sweating, and nauseous. I stood up, whitewashed face, totally pale and about to vomit/pass out. Prior to this, my doctor gave me three 'extra-strength ibuprofen.' It wasn't nearly enough, I wanted to die. After one month of solid period bleeding, writhing around in pain in the fetal position, tears streaming down my face from excruciating pain, my mother took me to the hospital. They did an ultrasound to make sure the IUD was in its proper place and not stabbing through my uterine walls. Surprise! My body was having contractions trying to push out the IUD. I had the IUD removed the next day. It took two doses of morphine to get the pain to dull out. Horrible, horrible experience."

• BRI...
• September 9, 2017

For Birth Control "This will be graphic so you can know what could happen if you get this IUD. I have not had children. When the PA put Skyla in, by opening my cervix (hurts extremely bad), she described it as a few cramps but it was nothing like a cramp to me. (I told my sister and she said it is more like contractions.) I cried out in pain, and the PA tells me that some women pass out from it because it affects a nerve that can make you pass out, vomit, have diarrhea, etc. She didn't tell me any of that before! I felt so sick, I couldn't walk out of the place until I went to the bathroom to throw up. I also had the other side effect before I left. Since then, I have cramps and spotting regularly. After sex, I have cramping. I wish I wouldn't have gotten it."

• Anonymous
• August 25, 2017

For Birth Control "I just got Skyla inserted this morning. I wanted to write this review for anyone who is nervous about the procedure or feels discouraged from all the negative reviews out there about IUDs. I went in expecting the worst pain of my entire life, and it turned out not to even make my top 5 most painful experiences. It was painful, but it was not unbearably so, and it was over so quickly. About a minute of being uncomfortable (that included the speculum and the positioning of the cervix) and six seconds of more intense pain (during the sounding and the actual insertion). The pain was like a very bad menstrual cramp. I felt nauseous and faint afterwards, but not too bad. I have had some light bleeding, but barely any cramping whatsoever."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the Skyla IUD put in because I thought it would keep hormones localized and not through my whole body, and be an easy form of birth control. The insertion was awful, and I had super intense cramps for months afterward, with bleeding randomly at least half the days of the month. I got horrible cystic acne, lost a ton of hair, and lost ten pounds in one month due to nausea. After four months, I had it removed and instantly felt better. Two months later, my hair is growing back and acne is clearing up. The side effects were awful for me, but I have friends who love it. Depends on the person."

• Hah...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2016

For Birth Control "So I've had the IUD inserted sometime in November, a little before Thanksgiving, and I've had serious, serious bleeding and lots of bad cramping, days where I'm not even able to get out of bed! Can't remember when was the last time I didn't run to the store for women's necessities (pads, tampons)... debating whether to make an appointment with my OB/GYN to get it removed! And I can't forget to mention the nausea, bad temper, mood swings, and tears. I hope this BC works for some of you girls! Good luck."

• new...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I got my IUD earlier this week. I would say that the insertion wasn't so much painful as it was uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing. It's weird to have someone poking around up there with metal instruments. The more you relax, the easier it is. I took valerian and Motrin before my appointment. Immediately after the appointment, I felt sick in the way I feel after a blood draw. My blood pressure was low, my anxiety was kind of high, and my body was not happy about the foreign object. I was crampy and sweaty and nauseous. I went home and put on comfy pants and put a hot water bottle on my belly. I was crampy for about five hours. I've been fine the rest of the week!"

• don...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I was hesitant to get an IUD, so my doctor recommended the Skyla because it's a little smaller and has fewer hormones. I've never birthed a child, and I wasn't on my period during the insertion. The insertion was a nightmare, it took several tries for my doc to get it in properly. I almost fainted from the pain and anxiety. After four or five tries, he finally said it was good to go. I had to wait in the room after for about 20 minutes before I felt okay enough to drive home. I was bedridden for three days. The last three weeks have been a nightmare, I've had constant heavy spotting and persistent cramps that are sometimes sharp, but they're always existent. Nausea every day all day, and very bloated. The Skyla IUD is not for me, and I'm getting it removed tomorrow."

• end...
• June 14, 2018

For Birth Control "I had the Skyla IUD inserted in late June 2017. I have mild PCOS and irregular periods. I went on Skyla because my period was lasting sometimes 14 days at a time. It was light, but it still felt too long. I chose Skyla because I wanted a low-dose hormonal birth control. I've done at least 4 or 5 different oral contraceptives in the past and the NuvaRing. I had not been on birth control for over a year before Skyla. The insertion wasn't bad. I felt nauseous because of the local anesthetic and had some cramping the first month after, but it was easily controlled with ibuprofen. I started spotting frequently and sporadically only to realize that those were my new 'periods' that have lasted sometimes 23 days. I kept waiting for it to normalize, but it didn't. The spotting continued. I am switching to Kyleena today, and I don't know if it will be any better than Skyla, but I hope it will. It has been a year and is showing no signs of regularity."