Skyla and Pain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• July 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted on 6/17/16. I'm 19 with no kids and was on my period when it was inserted. It was extremely painful (although the worst of the pain only lasted about 2 minutes), but I ended up having to stay at my doctor's office for about 30 minutes because I was extremely dizzy right after, although my doctor told me that it was normal for a lot of women, and since I drove myself, I wanted to be safe. For about 48 hours after, I had pretty significant cramping, but ibuprofen every few hours definitely took the edge off. My period also ended sooner than normal. I had light spotting for about the next week, but since that has ended, I've had no cramping and no bleeding! I haven't had another period yet, but so far I'm very happy with Skyla."

• cbk...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 5, 2018

For Birth Control "August 2018 marks 1 year of having the Skyla IUD. I have an appointment later this month to have a check. 4 out of 7 days of the week I have pain. Sometimes it feels as if I had inserted a tampon sideways, and my body is trying to push it out, but it is stuck, causing stabbing pain. Other days I have pain towards my ovaries, which I have a feeling might be cysts (common side effect of IUD). I frequently find myself holding my lady bits because they just hurt. I have moderate depression since insertion. I have had acne still well into my 24-year life and have not noticed any change, good or bad."

• ran...
• October 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had Skyla for 2 years. It’s the best decision I have ever made regarding birth control. Many reviews spoke about how horrible the pain is when inserted, which is 100% accurate. However, I experienced this kind of pain from my period, which was way worse than that 60 seconds of pain. If you don’t usually cramp with your periods, then you are in for a rude awakening when the IUD is first inserted. My doctor requires an ultrasound when inserting the IUD to properly place it (unlike some doctors who blindly put it inside you, which is so dangerous!!). I noticed when I stood on my feet more than 10 hours, I would get unbearable pains. I felt like throwing up because they were so bad. However, these pains stopped around 5 months. I've never had mood swings, weight gain, or an increase in acne!! My periods were very light at first, but now I can go months without a period or slightly spot for a week or two. I have no complaints as of today! The benefits definitely outweigh the cons!"

• joj...
• July 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had Skyla inserted for about 3 months now. I took painkillers before I had Skyla inserted, which was a great help. While it was being inserted, everything that led up to the procedure wasn't terrible. It felt like very extreme period cramps and a burning sensation, but nothing crazy. Afterwards, I did spot for an hour or so, and the cramps were outrageous. I had meds and a heating pad to help, and eventually, they went away. Skyla has done a great job so far with helping my period become short and light, and protecting me from an unwanted pregnancy. It is worth it to get, as long as you can deal with a long period after Skyla is inserted and extreme cramps for short sections of time. Pain and blood do go away after the regulation of Skyla."

• Mag...
• March 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I decided to write a review because of the many negative experiences about insertion. The procedure was slightly painful, but tolerable. Mental preparation helped a lot. It was quick, about 2 minutes. Cramps the day of and day after felt like a heavy period. However, I did not spot at all afterward, and I still haven't spotted. I did yoga about 2 hours after insertion, and it helped eliminate all of the cramping. Physical activity and heating pads help immensely, but even without cramps, aren't that bad."

• Kar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 28, 2023

For Birth Control "I have had the Skyla IUD for almost 5 years. The pain after getting it placed was quite severe. The first year wasn’t bad. I was told I wouldn’t have a period, but I spot multiple times a month, and my period symptoms are worse than ever. Severe cramping and back pain. I have also gained almost 120 lbs since switching from the pill to the IUD. I will be getting this out as it will expire soon, and I will not get it again. Remember, this is just my experience and may not be the same for everyone. I did not get pregnant, so that is a plus, but the weight gain alone has made me more depressed than ever."

• Bab...
• March 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had the Skyla for about 3 months now. When I got it inserted, I couldn't even go to work; it hurt so badly. The day after, the pain got immensely better. The only reason it hurts so badly is because you are putting a foreign object in a place where it doesn't belong. Afterwards, I've had no problems with it. I get random (little to no) spotting and no periods with this. I highly recommend it."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2020

For Birth Control "The insertion and afterwards was extremely painful, but pain meds and not moving from bed made it manageable. After 2 days, the pain got a little better, but it took a month for the insertion pain to go away. My first period was SO BAD. I thought it was going to be the end of me. It was 3 weeks of intense bleeding and cramping. The periods do get better, however, after 4 periods, they are still long and painful. I feel as though I always have random terrible cramping, but I’m going to give my body the full 6 months to adjust before I remove it. The positive side is it is very effective, and besides cramping and bleeding, I have had ZERO side effects. On the pill, I had terrible weight gain, migraines, depression, anxiety, and more. I haven’t had any problems with my IUD in that regard, thank God. I’ll be writing back after 6 months to see if the random cramps all the time stopped."

• she...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had my Skyla for about 8-9 months now, and I recommend it to everyone I know. The day before I had my insertion, I read this whole page of reviews and really psyched myself out about how painful it would be to be put in. Yes, it was very painful during and quite uncomfortable the rest of the day (I would recommend a day off from work that day). I bled a bit and avoided sex due to it being uncomfortable for a few weeks, after that, it was totally fine, and my boyfriend couldn't even tell it was there. Again, if you're on the fence about this, I highly recommend it. Although painful and a little annoying at first, I'm now 8 months in, and as long as I'm interested in birth control, I'll never go back to anything else!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I got my IUD inserted about two hours ago. I'm not going to lie, the insertion hurts. It isn't unbearable, but it does really hurt. This was the first time I have ever even received a pelvic exam, which probably made it worse. The aftermath of the cramps can be handled with a heating pad and some Advil. Reviews can be scary, but you got to look at it this way: a couple of days of pain is worth not having to worry about it for the next three years. Don't let negative reviews steer you away from it. The aftermath is painful but can be controlled."

• Not...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 27, 2015

For Birth Control "26 years old with previously regular periods, lasting 5 days. Cramped, but normal. I dealt with cystic acne during my cycle. I had Skyla inserted April 2015, so 6 months now. It was extremely painful. The cramps/pain/bleeding did not stop. It would come on suddenly/severely that it totally had me hit the floor in agony. MRI showed a cyst burst; I never had cysts prior to this. I continued to have horrible cramping/spotting throughout the months and especially during my period. Cystic acne increased to a level I have never experienced before. 6 months later, still horrible acne, period lasts @2 weeks, with bad cramping, 2 weeks in between, and then the period begins again. It is coming out! I waited the 6 months, but this is not acceptable."

• Lin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I am actually in year 2 of my second Skyla IUD. The first one was painful to have inserted, and getting it removed was painful as well. With my second insertion, I took something beforehand and barely felt it. I’ve never had a period with this IUD. I love it. At this point, I plan to have a third inserted next year when this one expires. ☺️"

• sup...
• January 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 21 years old and got the Skyla IUD put in four months ago. Worst pain I've ever felt. I don't get a period at all, but I randomly get crampy/moody. My doctor told me it wasn't supposed to affect my mood because the hormones only release throughout the uterus. I recently started researching common side effects (something I should have done before) and discovered that depression is common. I'm more depressed than I've ever been -- no appetite, often tired/lethargic, etc. Additionally, I have absolutely no interest in having sex. The past four months have been really rough. I'm looking to get this thing removed. :("

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I had my Skyla IUD inserted this past Wednesday. Prior to my appointment, I was reading others' reviews and experiences. Some I was horrified by, and others I felt at ease. It all depends on the individual and your pain tolerance. I would say it was 4-5 on a pain scale. It was a bit painful and uncomfortable during the process. It took about 5-7 minutes tops. I'm happy with my decision, as sometimes I would forget to take my pill. With the IUD, I am worry-free for the next 3 years! I say it's worth it!"

• Nik...
• December 31, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted a month ago. It was slightly painful, and I spotted for an hour. If you have had a child, the Skyla procedure is a breeze. I had my daughter 3 months ago, all natural, and once you experience that pain, nothing else can hurt you. My boyfriend felt the strings for a few minutes and then no longer. My cycle lasted a week with very light cramps."

• Mal...
• June 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 20 years old, and I've never had children. I got Skyla about a month ago because I have gallbladder problems, and my body doesn't like the extra estrogen. No one had warned me about the insertion. It wasn't the worst pain I've ever experienced, but it was a lip biter. It also took her a while to do it. BUT I wasn't on my period when I had it inserted because her schedule was booked. I would highly recommend taking some pain reliever before going in just in case. Everyone is totally different. The first week I was a little tender. You should pamper yourself for the day you get it done and the day after. I've had light pink spotting and some pain here and there, but it's supposed to be normal."

• Anonymous
• May 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I had the Skyla placed a month ago. My doc said I would experience some slight cramping during insertion and light cramps throughout the evening. I haven't had children and have a tilted uterus; two odds against my favor. The doctor clamped my uterus, pulled it straight to allow for placement, and manually dilated my cervix with another tool. The pain was excruciating. I was so miserable that I was holding my breath (accidentally) and nearly passed out. She told me to take ibuprofen for pain. After bawling my eyes out 45 minutes driving home, I took ibuprofen, but no help. I called the MD back and she said this was 'okay' since I had a tilted uterus and never had children (bad answer). Now it's been in for a month and cramps are rare and tolerable."

• Tee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2017

For Birth Control "After being on the pill for 8 months, the side effects were too much for me to handle, so I gave up on all birth control and went back to just using condoms. After a recent condom scare, I started looking into other forms of BC, and my doctor recommended Skyla, as I have never given birth before. The insertion is definitely an uncomfortable and painful experience, but the initial pain itself only lasts for maybe 2 minutes. The night afterward, I had terrible cramps, and my heating pad was my best friend. I have now had it in for a month, and I will say that I absolutely love it. Very light spotting a few days, and a few cramps here and there, but nothing I couldn't handle. My period is almost nonexistent now too! Definitely suggest it!"

• She...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2019

For Birth Control "25 yrs old, 5' 7", 120 lbs, never been pregnant/given birth. Got Skyla yesterday. Insertion lasted 20 min, complications due to tiny cervix opening (I was even on my period). The pain was torturous, the worst pain I have ever experienced in my life (I cried, and I'm no wuss), almost passed out, took a while to recover. I shouldn't have driven home. With all of that said, I hope that this will be worth it for the next 3 years. Good luck, sisters."

• Che...
• February 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I had my Skyla inserted three days ago (February 15th, a lovely late Valentine's Day present). I knew the inserting and measuring weren't going to feel good, and I was right, but the pain was like a bad period cramp that lasts for maybe 30ish seconds. I've been on the pill for 6 years prior to my getting the Skyla (I'm 20 with no kids) and found myself forgetting to take my pill on time or at all! Which is not good, as I am in no way, shape, or form ready for a mini me. My doc had me come in while I was on my period as the cervix is looser when you're menstruating. I had it put in on the second day of my period, and by the next day, I had stopped bleeding! I hope this continues, as that was the major appeal for me of this birth control."

• Hia...
• February 16, 2017

For Birth Control "I am 6 weeks out of my Skyla insertion. The initial insertion is painful! I was told it is largely because I have never had kids. It was an intense and sharp pain, but it was fairly quick between measuring and insertion. My abdomen was throbbing after. So, I didn't go to work that day and took a few more Advil and a 2-hour nap when I got home. When I woke up, the cramping had largely subsided and into the night I was almost normal. I went to work the next day like usual. Now, I don't even feel the IUD. I have not had a period since. Also, I lost 3-4 lbs. I was on the pill before and must have lost the water weight. I would definitely recommend getting the Skyla IUD! It is worth the initial pain!"

• Fun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2015

For Birth Control "Today I had Skyla inserted. Have been using regular birth control pills for years. Decided to try Skyla to curve my high blood pressure due to the hormones in the birth control pills. Was informed to take Misoprostol 24 hours before the appointment to prepare the cervix (make the procedure easier). They said this procedure would hurt worse because I have not had any children. This procedure was surprisingly very painful for me. Would not suggest this form of birth control unless you absolutely needed this form of birth control, only because I found it very painful."

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2019

For Birth Control "Had it inserted. Worst pain I’ve ever experienced. Next day, cramps beyond explanation. Back to the doc. They couldn’t find the strings to the IUD. LONG STORY SHORT ... IUD traveled from uterus and wedged behind appendix and intestines. Ended up in emergency surgery. They still can’t figure out how it got there! Back on depo shot! Don’t like being a rare statistic!"

• Anonymous
• August 17, 2017

For Birth Control "I got this inserted this past January (2017), and overall I love it. The insertion was very painful despite taking 800 mg of ibuprofen like my OBGYN said, but the procedure was only a couple of minutes. I had some residual pain for the rest of the night, but nothing a little more ibuprofen and a heating pad didn't fix. I woke up feeling fine. No other pain. My sex drive returned (had issues with taking estrogen with drive) in just two weeks, and my periods have gotten shorter and lighter each month, and currently I am only spotting. I have had no other issues with it so far, but maybe next time I'll ask for a prescription-strength pain med for the procedure."

• B j...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2016

For Birth Control "Okay, so the insertion of this thing sucked, and the 1-2 months following also sucked. It was painful, I basically had a period for a month and would have very regular spotting. My sex life was a little off as a result, but my husband was okay with that. Six months later, it was all worth it. Almost no period at this point, still cramping during that time - but nothing that can't be managed. My moods are balanced, and I'm so happy I did it. Everyone's experience is different, but I highly recommend Skyla if you have heavy periods. This did exactly what I needed it to, and my husband is pretty happy about not having to worry about condoms anymore. It makes 'being in the moment' a lot more fun :)"