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Skyla and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 3)

Reviews for Skyla

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Ath...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had Skyla for a month. Several of my friends, with and without children, have Mirena, and almost everyone told me it was no big deal, a little cramping, etc. Let me tell you, it was the most painful experience of my life. I am not a wimp. My doctor had to clamp (!) my cervix, and it hurt so bad upon insertion that I got immediately nauseous and almost fainted. The nurse held my hand and basically let me squeeze her to death the whole time. It took 10 minutes to insert. Afterwards, I got the worst cramps of my life, and it took a full 24 hours for me to be able to recover. I've been spotting ever since. Cramps went away after a week. No crazy mood swings. No weight gain. No acne. I haven't had a period yet. Just lots of spotting."

7 / 10
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  • Llh...
  • November 16, 2016

For Birth Control "When I had it inserted, it wasn't too bad. Some minor cramping and a few pinches and pokes, it was over. After, however, I felt nauseous and crampy the entire day. After about a week, I got my period (even though I wasn't due for another 2 weeks). The cramps, headaches, and mood swings were crazy and almost unbearable. I called my doctor to move up my follow-up checkup and talk about why my symptoms were so severe, even though I knew they weren't completely abnormal. A week before the appointment, my boyfriend and I were having sex, and he felt it half out of me with his finger. I called the doctor, and between my symptoms and the way it was positioned out of me, my body just rejected it. It was scary. Probably not something I would ever recommend."

1 / 10
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  • Cas...
  • November 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had my Skyla in for 4.5 months. The insertion sucked. It was very painful, which was expected, but the sensation of having your cervix opened and something put in it freaks your body out. I had cold sweats, nausea, and was worried I'd faint. About 30-45 minutes later, I had horrible cramps, which are expected, I made my uterus very angry. Make sure to take ibuprofen before, and have a couple doses available for that day and the next. A heating pad works awesome too. I was on my period when I had it placed, and it lasted for 10 days after, though the last 6 days were mostly brown-colored discharge. Month 1 and 2, I had a couple of ovarian cysts. All of my periods are 1.5 weeks long, and I have bad acne now. But it works to prevent pregnancy."

7 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • 05c...
  • March 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I just got my Skyla inserted on Monday (5 days ago). The insertion was pretty painful and more awkward than a normal pap. At insertion, my pain level went to about a 9. I got super hot and nauseous, but it went away in less than a minute. I laid there for a few, walked out, and drove back to work (I had it done on my lunch break). All week I've had severe cramps, but it's like a bad period when it first came. I'm using a heating pad, and it really helps. I haven't had this for long, but I'm hopeful it all turns out fine. My BC pills were $100 a month, and my high deductible insurance helped none. I have about a week before I can get off the pill (it takes two weeks for Skyla to be effective)."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • March 23, 2017

For Birth Control "My doctor gave me an 800 mg ibuprofen about an hour before insertion. While they attempted to insert the Mirena (which I had originally planned on getting), I experienced horrible pain for nearly 10 minutes. I'm 20 and have never had children, and it was one of the most painful experiences of my entire life. I usually have very painful period cramps, and this still felt much worse. Finally, they asked if I'd rather have the Skyla, which is smaller and might accommodate my tiny cervix better. In comparison, the Skyla insertion was much quicker and less painful. After the procedure, I did throw up once due to the intense pain, but after a few days, I experienced little to no side effects. I do recommend taking the day off of work though."

10 / 10
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  • Tau...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 15, 2016

For Birth Control "Had my Skyla IUD inserted on the 4th, and the insertion part for me was very uncomfortable and painful. I cried while having it inserted. But I was comforted the whole time, which made things better. After having it inserted, I went home and rested with my heating pad. No pain meds taken before or after my insertion. Cramping took place several hours after, would stop and return shortly again. On a scale from 1-10, the cramping was a 7 the first day. Week 2: occasional strong cramps in my abdominal area, light bleeding/spotting, feeling nausea, bloating (common side effects). Will try this out for a couple of months, if no sign of improvement or better comfort, will have it taken out. FYI, everyone's experience will be different. Be your own judge."

5 / 10
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  • Eye...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 29, 2015

For Birth Control "Well, I got Skyla put in about 3 or 4 weeks ago. I have 3 kids already, so the insertion was nothing, lol, compared to what I have read! It barely hurt, just mild cramping and a tiny bit of pressure. But so far, I've had nausea with this and a lot of spotting :/ The spotting started about 4 or 5 days after I got it in and it has not stopped!! Well, I went in for the follow-up to check the placement of it, and I asked my doctor when the spotting would most likely stop, and she said a couple weeks on and off, so I'm still waiting for it to stop. This is the only thing I don't like about it."

7 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Fal...
  • September 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I got Skyla placed early August. The insertion hurt pretty bad. I jumped and wanted to cry. Three days later, I was still extremely crampy, nauseous, and dizzy. I figured I just needed to get used to it due to the fact that I have endometriosis, so it may just be more uncomfortable for me at first. But then, about two or so weeks later, I got extremely severe sharp cramps two days before I started my period. The day before I started my period, I was fine. I started, and it was pretty bad cramps, but bearable. Then, about a week and a half into my period, (I usually last no more than six to seven days), I started getting severe cramps again, only five times worse. For three days, I couldn't do anything, and I'm currently still on it. (August 30th - September 15th) I got it removed yesterday."

1 / 10
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  • Jay...
  • January 7, 2020

For Birth Control "The insertion procedure was painful, but it was a very short process, and I was fine afterwards, bar some minor cramping. The first week went well, only light bleeding and spotting or brown discharge. My period came on the second week and lasted over 10 days. It was very heavy, and at times, there was a strong scent. Though the cramps were not as bad as prior to my IUD, having such a period made me ill, and I ended having to go on iron supplements. My OBGYN assured me it was normal and that all was fine. The bleeding stopped, and the spotting and discharge subsided drastically. Occasionally, I experience slight pain in my lower abdomen and the sides of my pelvis, but for the most part, no trouble. I even noticed my sex drive has increased (though I will put this down to the relief of no longer being afraid of falling pregnant). I'm on my period now, and once again it's lasting a little longer, and I'm dealing with occasional nausea and cramps. Overall, it's good though."

7 / 10
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  • Mix...
  • January 6, 2016

For Birth Control "My experience with Skyla has had its ups and downs. Insertion was not nearly as bad as what I read online. It might have lasted 15-30 minutes altogether. I was not nauseated or lightheaded afterwards. The painful part was during the actual insertion, and it lasted for about 3 seconds. I had mild cramping as my body adjusted, but afterwards, I could hardly tell it was there. It's done its job so far. The worst part is the change in my cycle. I went from having mild cramping to heavier cramping and increased flow. I've been hearing that this will go away after a few months. I'm hoping this is true. The other days of the month are great though!"

8 / 10
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  • Qua...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 9, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 22 and got Skyla inserted in March 2015. Upon insertion, I experienced cramps, my hands tingled, and I felt like I was going to vomit. But that all lasted for about 15 seconds. When I got home, I felt extremely sick; I was nauseous, cramping badly, and had moderate bleeding. The bleeding and spotting lasted for about 2 weeks, then stopped. I have not had any periods, just spotting here and there. I did have a bacterial infection, got prescribed some meds, and it went away. I've now been experiencing severe cramps and bleeding after intercourse. Appointment for an ultrasound to make sure it is in the right place, so we will see. I haven't had a pregnancy scare, so I guess it is doing its job."

8 / 10
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  • Jus...
  • March 23, 2018

For Birth Control "So I got the Skyla inserted yesterday, 3/21/18, and it was the most horrible, terrible pain I have ever experienced. I’m 29 years old and have never been pregnant, so the doctor said my cervix is tiny, that’s what caused me to have more pain than most women. It started off fine, like a Pap smear, so I was calm. Then the insertion started, but my body automatically tensed up. Like I said, I’ve never been pregnant, so I don’t know what giving birth feels like, but... the doctor finally got the Skyla in after three tries, and that last try was the worst, because when she removed some of the equipment, I immediately passed out from the pain. I woke up dizzy and in sweats, and then was nauseous, so I threw up a bit, but I finally got it together. My boyfriend had to come pick me up, because I could not drive home. But like I said, I have only had it for one day now, and I don’t have any more pain. I had it inserted while on my cycle, so we’ll see how it goes."

6 / 10
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  • SZa...
  • November 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 42. Never pregnant. Got my Skyla at the end of May. The insertion was crazy painful for me. I did not take any pain meds beforehand, though. For the next week, I was in so much pain 800 mg ibuprofen and a heating pad couldn't even touch it. I had to sleep sitting up on the couch because it hurt too much to lie down. After about 2 months, I finally could no longer feel it in my body and could lay on my stomach. It's now November, and I still have pelvic pain. I'm nauseous a lot too. I have PCOS, and my doctor confirmed I have a sizeable cyst on one of my ovaries now. My period stopped completely by month 3, although it has always been extremely light. I don't think I will get it a second time."

5 / 10
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  • Kay...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 5, 2015

For Birth Control "Have no fear if you plan to get Skyla implanted by your doctor. During the procedure, which only lasted about 10 minutes, I felt mild cramping and a little discomfort due to the utensils going past my cervix. But once Skyla was in there... no pain, lightheadedness, nausea, or even bleeding. I started to spot later in the day, but that's the worst side effect I'm experiencing."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 12, 2017

For Birth Control "I had been on the depo since a young age due to my periods landing me in the ER each month because of vomiting. My body and depo worked well together, so I was disappointed when my gyno recommended I switch to something lighter. Skyla it was. Insertion was painful but over quickly. The aftereffects are what took me down. Fainting, vomiting, unreal cramping by the time I got to the car and the whole first day. Nausea and cramps the next week. Now I just cramp terribly all the time. Every day. For 2 months. That being said, I am thrilled to have mine removed tomorrow. My experience will not be yours, but I do recommend hearing other stories so you can be prepared, but do not fear IUDs or your insertion process! Each woman will have her own experience."

5 / 10
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  • Bec...
  • April 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I just had mine put in today. I realize every experience is personal, so take my review with a grain of salt. This was the absolute worst pain I have ever experienced. I passed out, and the moment I woke up, I threw up from pain. Mind you, my pain tolerance is such that I didn't even cry when I broke my pelvis. I couldn't even drive myself home from the procedure, my husband had to leave work and pick me up. When I got home, I was on Advil and Tylenol, still 10/10 pain. Eight hours later, I'm at about a 6/10."

6 / 10
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  • Vic...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I got Skyla exactly a week ago today. (never had kids) I'm a very anxious person and was so nervous/anxious for insertion. She gave me a shot in my cervix to numb it, this I did not feel. But after that, holy crap, worst pain in my life. It was so incredibly weird, with cramps in an area I've never felt before. I had two of these, which lasted about 10 seconds each. After I sat up, I was sweating and so nauseous (stupid me didn't eat beforehand) and literally almost passed out. My ears went numb, and I couldn't see, this was probably from all the anxiety I worked up. Anyway, I had bad cramps the rest of the day to where I had to lay in bed all night. Woke up and felt like a brand new woman. Haven't had any issues since!! So excited!!"

9 / 10
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  • Pc1...
  • September 18, 2015

For Birth Control "I just got my Skyla inserted yesterday. I'm 27 and have no children. Just a reminder, everyone's body is different, so it will react differently. I was given a pill for the day before to open up my cervix. (I suggest taking ibuprofen 30 minutes before, my doctor suggested it, but I forgot.) The procedure itself is very short. In my experience, it was painful. I could feel how tense my body got and felt as if I was going to pass out, I also had nausea for the most part after the IUD. The process took about 3-5 minutes, and after, they did an ultrasound just to make sure it was in place. I cramped all day yesterday, stayed in bed, and took some pills. I'm now on day two and don't have any side effects besides mild cramping and light spotting."

6 / 10
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  • fra...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 24, 2016

For Birth Control "Let me start off by saying that this rating is solely based on my insertion experience. After my OBGYN inserted the IUD, I felt nauseous, then fainted. Everything was blurry, and my arms/fingers went numb. It only lasted 15 minutes, but this is called a vasovagal attack, where your blood pressure drops due to a neurological shock. Only a small percentage experience it, but it can still happen. Some words of advice: 1. Have someone go with you! My husband insisted he come in case my body reacted badly. Thank goodness he did, as I was in no shape to drive after. 2. Take ibuprofen 30 min before insertion. 3. Schedule appointment during your menstrual cycle (more dilated cervix). I'm better now, just managing the abdominal pain with ibuprofen and lots of rest."

5 / 10
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  • 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."

8 / 10
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  • gab...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the depo shot for three years. I decided to go on something different, so I chose the Skyla. I was super nervous about getting it, considering I'm very self-conscious, but it wasn't as embarrassing as I had thought it would be. The insertion was pretty terrible. It didn't take long, just a minute, but the pain was unlike anything I have ever experienced. I haven't had kids, so this was almost too much for me. But I just gritted my teeth and didn't think about it. I was quite dizzy, and the cramps were miserable. For hours, it was terrible. And it even got so bad, I threw up. I slept restlessly that night, but in the morning, I felt fine. No more cramps or pain. During the day, though, I felt strange, just a little off. Other than that, it's great! I recommend."

9 / 10
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  • Mim...
  • October 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the Mirena IUD in the past, and it was a super miserable experience. My Skyla was placed today with a little pain upon insertion, with some spotting. I have absolutely no cramping, and the bleeding has pretty much stopped. The best thing I have done since the Mirena would give me morning sickness and the shakes. Love it so far!"

10 / 10
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  • Bos...
  • October 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I had the Skyla inserted Friday and removed it the following Monday. I had no cramps or pain afterwards, but I had chills, diarrhea, dizziness, I was unbearably nauseous, and my anxiety was off the charts. It was one of the worst weekends of my life. I really wanted it to work for me, but it didn't."

1 / 10
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  • I...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla IUD put in on November 7th, 2017. The pain of getting it in was a 9/10. I have had on and off cramping and bad back pain since then. In just a month, I have experienced weight gain, acne, facial hair growth, severely oily skin, severe anxiety, vertigo, nausea, depressed mood, irritability, and more. It has been a month and I was in the hospital last night with extreme pain in my abdomen and pelvic region, nausea, and dizziness. I have never experienced pain worse than this. Although it is nice not having to worry about pregnancy, I am having it removed next week."

1 / 10
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  • VAg...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I was very nervous about getting my Skyla inserted after reading negative blog posts all over the Internet. Overall, the insertion hurt for a maximum of 3 minutes and felt like a typical exam. I gripped the table tightly, anticipating a huge pain and then was surprised at how easy it was. My doctor measured my cervix first to make sure he was putting it in properly to prevent any pain. From what I understand, the pain is largely based on the doctor's experience with it - mine had placed hundreds. I did have cramping the first day that made me a bit nauseous, but ultimately ended up feeling well enough to have intercourse that night. I have had VERY minor spotting, but it hasn't been enough for a panty liner. So worth it for the peace of mind!"

9 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.