Skyla and Pain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ivy...
• April 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my Skyla inserted last Thursday, April 23, 2015. Today, it's been a week after insertion. Placing the Skyla was intense pain for me. Lots of cramping and pressure, which was very uncomfortable. After the insertion, I had cramps-very mild, but cramps-for the first few days. Three days after insertion, I had really bad cramps, and I had to take medication to relieve the pain. Today marks a week I've been spotting nonstop, which is annoying, but w/e that's a common side effect. The only thing I can say is that as soon as they inserted Skyla, I've lost my appetite completely. I spend hours without eating, and I don't get nauseous or dizzy, which is very uncharacteristic for me. I force myself to eat because I know I have to."

• k_o...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 16, 2015

For Birth Control "The trade-off is a few hours of real pain for 3 years of not having to worry about birth control. I have never had children, and I'm 22 years old, so my cervix is really small according to my doctor. That's why the insertion, and the few hours after, hurt so very badly. However, since then, I have felt no pain. I can't feel it ever. The best part is that my periods are incredibly light and only last one or two days! I am really glad I did this, and in three years, I'll probably get another one."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I was a little skeptical at first, given the fact that I went in for a regular Pap smear and walked out with an IUD. Overall, the insertion was painful, but tolerable. It was really fast. I never cramped before Skyla, so the cramps are my only complaint; but nothing Tylenol can't fix. After the insertion, I cramped for a good 12 hours. I got it a week before my period, so I got my period a week later; everything was normal except the bad cramps for about 10 minutes the day I started my period. After that, everything was normal. No spotting, no emotional moods, no weight gain. It is as if I am not on anything. No babies! Which is the ultimate goal. So far, I am happy. Periods are lighter, and sex drive is through the roof."

• how...
• September 5, 2016

For Birth Control "Before my procedure, I had researched IUDs extensively. Basically, all I was seeing was negative reviews. If you're the same, seeing if this is for you, this is a positive review for you to read! First off, the insertion. The worst part, by far, is when they clamp your cervix. I screamed Bloody Mary and cursed. The pain stopped once it was inserted. However, I did almost pass out after the procedure. I got VERY hot during the insertion and started sweating like a whore in church. After laying down for a while, I was alright to drive myself home. Two days post insertion, I've had little to few cramps and only some spotting. If you can get your head past the insertion, GO FOR IT! So far, I love it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 12, 2017

For Birth Control "The day I got Skyla was horrible, my doctor asked if I had taken any pain meds beforehand, and I told her no. Her response was, 'You should go take some, you're going to need it.' That whole day I laid in bed and cried because the cramps were so bad. That lasted for about two days. Then when I was getting ready to have my period, the cramps were still unbearable, nothing helped. I've been to the ER seven times for the pain and cysts, which they told me they can do nothing about. I've kept it for a year hoping it would get better, but it hasn't, so I'm getting it taken out 'cause it's not worth it to me."

• Ame...
• October 11, 2018

For Birth Control "I had the Skyla for 2 years, and at first, it was very painful. The doctor told me it wasn't painful, but I nearly passed out on the table while getting it inserted. I survived that pain, and the next year, I had no issues. I went to my OB for my yearly check-up, and to our surprise, the birth control couldn't be found. My doctor then used a camera and saw that it had wrapped around my cervix, which was a reason why my legs went numb, and I would have weird pains in my side. As well, I started having blackout spells. I had been to a cardiologist thinking it was a heart issue, and he could never find anything. The OB discovered the IUD was wrapped around my cervix, and I had to have it surgically cut out. I was no longer having numbness in my legs, heart palpitations, and blackout spells stopped, and my body feels normal again. My doctor said that since it's smaller than all other IUDs, it wouldn't migrate, and it doesn't hurt during insertion, but the fact of the matter is she was wrong. I would make this my last choice!"

• Ame...
• October 11, 2018

For Birth Control "I had the Skyla for 2 years, and at first, it was very painful. The doctor told me it wasn't painful, but I nearly passed out on the table while getting it inserted. I survived that pain, and the next year, I had no issues. I went to my OB for my yearly check-up, and to our surprise, the birth control couldn't be found. My doctor then used a camera and saw that it had wrapped around my cervix, which was a reason why my legs went numb, and I would have weird pains in my side. As well, I started having blackout spells. I had been to a cardiologist thinking it was a heart issue, and he could never find anything. The OB discovered the IUD was wrapped around my cervix, and I had to have it surgically cut out. I was no longer having numbness in my legs, heart palpitations, and blackout spells stopped, and my body feels normal again. My doctor said that since it's smaller than all other IUDs, it wouldn't migrate, and it doesn't hurt during insertion, but the fact of the matter is she was wrong. I would make this my last choice!"

• Ano...
• January 30, 2017

For Birth Control "People with endometriosis or depression, good option. I'm 20 years old, and I had surgery and was diagnosed with stage 3 endometriosis. They urged me to try out Skyla to relieve some of my chronic pain. I was hesitant because of my medications and my history with BC pills, but the doctor assured me that this would not make me unbalanced and that the estrogen was most likely doing that to me on the pills. Getting the IUD was one of the worst pains I've ever experienced, and the next few weeks weren't any better. I bled heavily for a month and lots of pain, but I am now obsessed with Skyla. Give it the 3 months. After month 2, I feel GREAT. I am the best I've felt in years. I still get my period, but not as heavily and pain-free."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 14, 2020

For Birth Control "I was very nervous to get any sort of IUD because I’m 23 and have never been pregnant. I went with Skyla because I am pretty sensitive to estrogen-based birth controls, and every pill I tried made my anxiety/depression unbearable. The insertion was overwhelming and painful-worst cramps of my life on ibuprofen 800. The first month or so, I was very bloated and crampy. After that, my body started to adjust. No issues with spotting, my period is a bit longer but much lighter (5-6 days). My anxiety seems back to the way it was before any type of BC, and I’m pretty pleased. The only downside is the cramps, they’re horrible the first day of my period, but I’ll take it over being a crazy anxious person. I also was getting bad acne the first 4 months, but that seems to have subsided. Everyone is different, but definitely need to let your body adjust. Hopefully, this impression stays the same for me for the next 2 years."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 9, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had Skyla in for a little over a year now, and although there is cramping that comes with it, I would definitely recommend it! The insertion was really painful! I had to go back a second time because the first time it was unbearable. My OBGYN prescribed me some pain meds and a pill that widened my cervix so it would go in easier. That night, I began to bleed a lot and have horrible cramps that lasted two days. After the first week, I was completely fine, occasional cramping, but I have always had really bad cramps. It has been effective and seems like the easiest, most cost-efficient form of birth control!"

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 9, 2018

For Birth Control "When I first got Skyla, I had about a month of pretty intense cramping, and then after that, I would cramp each month when I ovulated and then on my period. I had a lot of breakthrough bleeding and spent about half of each month spotting. I also found myself having pretty severe anxiety while using Skyla. It actually got to the point where I got the device out after about a year. My mood began to improve about a week after removing the device, and I lost about 10 pounds in the first month after stopping use. I would not recommend this device, it was a nightmare and caused quite a bit of unnecessary pain and cramping."

• Kan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 5, 2020

For Birth Control "This is my fourth month with Skyla. The first month was the worst pain, but I thought surely it would get better. It did not. I bleed randomly without any warnings. And I cramp almost all of the time. Today, I was cramping so bad in class I was on the verge of tears. It hurt so bad my legs were aching, and I kept falling asleep to avoid the agonizing pain. I don’t understand why it causes so many issues, but I can’t wait to take it out. It’s just not for me."

• Dia...
• February 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I got Skyla inserted last Monday. I’ve never had any children, and my uterus is tilted. It was so painful. I went the second day of my cycle. From start to finish, it was a horrible experience. My doctor had me move down as normal and put the tool in me to hold me up. She then had to open up my cervix. The cramps were so horrible. I asked for so many breaks. After the 5th or 6th attempt of being gentle, she kinda stuck it in there. I’m sure y’all can only imagine, and yes, it was everything and more. I literally told my doctor my cramps were at a 15 on a scale of 1 to 10. It was traumatic. Afterwards, I cramped for 6 days straight. I barely ate or slept due to the cramps. By day 6, I was at the hospital begging them to take it out, and Monday it got removed. I feel 100% better. Oh! Also, once I got it inserted, I cried for 3 days straight. And I’m not a crier at all, it actually irritates me. I wouldn’t recommend it, but everyone’s experience is different."

• Ste...
• May 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had the Skyla IUD for over a year now. It was very painful, even with cervix softening drugs, remember to take ibuprofen as well. It was inserted, and I experienced heavy cramping. Before, I had tried every birth control imaginable. I love my Skyla. I was scared the first few months and had pregnancy tests on hand, but my RN reassured me after my month post-op that I couldn't get pregnant. I would recommend Skyla to everyone, especially since on the depo shots I gained weight. The Skyla has some progesterone, but not so much as the depo shots. The only downfall is the re-insertion of my new IUD in 2 years. I have lost 10 pounds and never have to remember appointments! Insurance covered it because it's preventive health-no babies for me!"

• Emm...
• September 2, 2016

For Birth Control "Getting this IUD was the worst pain of my life. Everyone on here is sugarcoating how painful the process is. They take this one long skinny stick with ridges to poke at your cervix to get the blasted thing in there. The poking has to be the worst part, and if you happen to have a small cervix opening like I do, they will be poking at it for a while. After the poking, they put the thing in. Afterwards, for the next day or two, you will feel cramping. Imagine your period on steroids times 10. After getting inserted, it was hard for me to walk because of how much pain I was in. I then had a 3-month period where I bled EVERY DAY. Now it's been 6 months, and I love it. When it's period time, I just spot. Well worth the pain."

• GiG...
• September 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been on BC since I was 15, I'm now 27 years old. I've been on the pill, patch, ring, you name it. I've tried them all. I had the Mirena, and I LOVED it. It was the best BC I ever had. I got a new one inserted again because it was about to expire, and it all went downhill from there. I've been diagnosed with severe depression and GAD (general anxiety disorder), and I felt like I was going crazy. After having the second Mirena removed, I got the SKYLA IUD. The first year was WONDERFUL - I'd recommend it to anyone. After the second year, my anxiety and depression increased to the point I needed to be on meds. HORRIBLE PELVIC and ABDOMINAL pain. And migraines? I've never been a headache type person, but man... these migraines are KILLER. I am scheduled to have the IUD removed in a few days - I had my checkup, and I guess the string is all intertwined with the IUD... I am so nervous it's going to hurt like hell when it comes out."

• dig...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 21, 2022

For Birth Control "I am 36 years old and got the Skyla IUD in March 2021 (now June 2022). The insertion process was about what I had anticipated, shocking but not more painful than an abortion. I bled almost daily for 6 months. I wanted to stick with it, and from month 6-11 I loved the secure feeling. I had lost some of the weight gained from Nuva (fat as plus emotional disaster), but I couldn't enjoy sex due to bleeding/cramping/pain (the doctor says the IUD is fine). Now in month 15, I am really seeing the emotional disaster is increasingly worse. I wake up crying daily, the brain fog is crazy. I am a PhD in psychology with ADHD, and my Adderall literally does nothing even when I double it. I can barely get any real mental work completed. I'm a huge psychodissociative anxious, depressed, sleepy person, not even having sex. I haven't decided yet if I will stick with it, but your reviews have helped me realize the low hormone does still impact me. It's not my imagination, it's still hormonal birth control despite localized."

• Was...
• April 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 25 years old, no kids. I had Skyla inserted just over a week ago. I am writing this because I'd wish I wouldn't have overdramatized and freaked myself out by scrolling through countless pages of nightmarish reviews, and for the sake of other women that may be doing the same thing right now. My insertion was definitely painful, but not life-ending (like some of the reviews). The best way to describe my experience was that it felt like a bee sting inside of me-lasting about 1 minute. I felt only slightly dizzy but was actually quite surprised that I felt relatively okay. I did take the day off to recover, had to use a heat pad to relieve some severe cramping about 20 minutes later, but by the end of the day, I was taking the dog for a walk :)"

• JGL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 7, 2016

For Birth Control "Had Skyla placed today, roughly around 5 hours ago. I am familiar with the IUD scene, having had both Paragard and Mirena in the past. (27 y/o with 2 kiddos). Anyway, my MD used a local anesthetic (scary as hell because I despise needles). Was not on my period at the time, by the way. I have to admit, it was quite a pinch, a little painful, but brief and tolerable. I have not had any problems with previous IUDs as well. I removed Paragard to have my 2nd child, and then my Mirena was about to expire, so I switched to Skyla. As of now, minimal bleeding, zero cramping, no problems or complaints here!! Don't believe all of the horror stories you hear, everyone is different, and our bodies are not all going to react the same! Take a deep breath and good luck!"

• meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I just wanted to write a review because I read so many negative reviews prior to my experience, that I figured I'd share mine to outweigh the bad. I got Skyla a couple of days ago, and I've never had an IUD. It was a pretty painful experience, but only lasted about five minutes. I had some pretty severe cramping for the next few hours, but was still able to work. The past few days I've had no cramps and only light spotting."

• 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."

• Mar...
• February 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I am 19 and have never had kids. After reading reviews on Skyla, I didn't know what to think or what to expect. I have had surgery and broken bones, and I can honestly say that this was the worst pain I have ever felt. It lasts for only a couple of seconds, and overall, the procedure takes only a couple of minutes. Expect complete bed rest the day of insertion, and pain for the week following."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2015

For Birth Control "Okay, so you hear the horror stories, and then you hear some ladies say it wasn't bad at all. I have to say, my experience would definitely go under the 'horror story' category! I had done some research, but not looked up any forums discussing insertion. I prepared myself, but NEVER would I have expected how bad it actually was! It doesn't take long, but the amount of pain was almost intolerable. I thought I was going to pass out! When she told me it was over, the pain did not subside! I had to lay on the table for an extra 10 minutes to catch my breath. When I did finally leave the office, I had close to unbearable cramping all afternoon. I had to curl into a ball every time I got one (every half hour), and it lasted almost 7 hours! :("

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2017

For Birth Control "I have only had Skyla for about 5 days now, but this is my review so far. Insertion was painful to me-lots of intense pressure and cramping. The good news is that the whole process only takes about five minutes. I've been pretty crampy and have had minimal spotting (both are normal). The only time it's been nearly unbearable was the first day. I had the worst cramps of my life (no exaggeration, and I always have crampy periods) for several hours after insertion, and no amount of Ibuprofen or heat helped me. It has been tolerable since, just a bit tender and uncomfortable. If you're going to get the Skyla, understand that it's going to take time for your body to adjust and it's no walk in the park at first, but it does slowly get better."

• K S...
• February 16, 2017

For Birth Control "I just got my Skyla today, and so far, so good. I'll admit, I totally spent the days before the appt reading all the negative reviews and psyching myself out. I talked to my doctor about the different IUDs, and we decided the Skyla was most logical because I haven't been pregnant (good because of the size of the IUD), I didn't want to completely stop my period, didn't want full hormones (just enough to hopefully help with my cramps), and obviously didn't want to get pregnant. I'm leaving for college in the fall, so it was important to have some sort of birth control for a lot of reasons. I was worried about pain with insertion, but it honestly was like a 4/10, just really uncomfortable. The whole appt took literally 10 mins. Hoping for good results."