Skyla and Pain: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Ang...
• June 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I just had Skyla inserted this morning. The pamphlets said cramping would last about 30 minutes, but this is false. I decided on Skyla because I am bad at remembering to take pills or reorder prescriptions, I figure the IUD is going to be more effective. I am 19 and have never had kids, and the actual insertion was painful but extremely fast. My doctor gave me a prescription to soften the cervix before the procedure, I took ibuprofen, and she used lidocaine during the procedure (this is not typical, but she said it would help). I have had severe cramps nonstop since the procedure, and ibuprofen isn't cutting it. Obviously, everyone reacts differently to meds, but if you're considering getting this, be prepared for the possibility of pain."

• KC1...
• November 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my Skyla placed in March 2015 - I'm 21 and never had kids. The insertion was terribly painful, and I stayed in pain for about 3 or 4 days. I've bled/spotted for most days out of the month since I got it put in. I've gained a lot of weight with this IUD, and my acne has gotten a lot worse. I went to my doctor about my bleeding, and after looking at it, he said that everything was fine and there was nothing that he could do to stop the bleeding/spotting, and I would have to deal with it until it went away on its own. I would get this removed early, but because of how painful it was to get it inserted, I'm terrified that it's going to hurt just as bad. As far as keeping me from getting pregnant, it's 100% effective. I wouldn't recommend."

• Kel...
• August 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I went in expecting some pain and cramping, and that is exactly what I got. I am 18 and have never had a child, but I hate remembering to take pills, so I decided on Skyla. The best way to describe the procedure is: uncomfortable! For me, the clamp and cleaning part was just an odd feeling. The worst pain was when the actual device was inserted. It was basically menstrual cramps, but 100 times worse. I got extremely lightheaded and threw up all over myself. The doctor informed me that those side effects are normal and I'm fine. After 5 minutes, I did still have cramping but was able to drive home. I had non-stop extreme cramps for about 6 hours after the procedure, and they finally went down after taking Midol. The pain is worth the safe 3 years!"

• Bec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2015

For Birth Control "I am here to talk about the pain. My experience was very traumatizing for me, but that has everything to do with personal issues and some past experiences and nothing to do with the procedure. The beginning of the visit was like a normal pelvic exam visit. Little discomfort when I was being cleaned and prepped; the insertion of the device was the worst pain, feeling more like a strong contraction than just a period cramp. I am 26 and have one child. My Dr. has told me that naturally I am very small and tight (I tore when I gave birth to my son), so that was a contributing factor in the pain. I look at it like getting a tattoo or piercing; 10 minutes (not even) worth of pain for 3 years of knowing you are safe. It was worth it to me."

• Ark...
• April 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla IUD inserted exactly a week ago. (21 with no kids) The process of getting it inserted wasn't exactly comfortable. It was painful, but it only lasted a few minutes. I was bleeding so bad that I had to stop by the store on the way home. Now on day 7, I'm still having pretty bad cramps. I have been taking ibuprofen since the first day. At one point today, I was in so much pain my body started shaking. I'm still spotting, but I'm staying hopeful. I just keep trying to stay positive that it will get better. I hope this helps someone!"

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2019

For Birth Control "Getting this IUD inserted was the worst pain I've ever experienced. I was screaming so loudly at the doctor's office the entire time. I almost threw up from the pain. Three days later, I started bleeding, and it hasn't stopped for 25 days. I'm already anemic, so this is really worrying me. I've been very lightheaded, plus I'm having terrible cramps. I very rarely ever had period cramps before, and now they are unbearable. I have to lean against the wall or sit down, the pain is so bad. Plus, it's making me feel that I'm not in control of my emotions. I've been moody, and my anxiety has gotten worse. Plus, my acne is getting so bad since I got this IUD. My libido has also decreased, and sex is painful. My boyfriend is a doctor, so he assured me it was safe, but he was wrong. I'm so upset I got this instead of continuing to take the pill. I would NOT recommend getting this IUD. I really want it removed. I'd rather have a baby than deal with these symptoms for a full 6 months!"

• Awi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 3, 2022

For Birth Control "I had the Skyla inserted in 11/2018. Within the first 6 months, I gained 60 lbs, which I initially attributed to stress because I had only been told IUDs do not affect weight. Insertion was very painful, and for the first 6 months after insertion, I had daily pain and cramping in the afternoons. Once that went away, I loved the IUD. My periods turned into monthly spotting. At about a year after insertion, I started noticing migraines and ovarian cyst pain that was worse than any period cramping I had previously experienced. I started seeking medical help to lose the weight I had gained. I tracked meals and exercise, talked to my primary care physician, a naturopathic doctor, an endocrinologist, and several nutritionists and dieticians. None of them could explain why I wasn’t losing weight. I had my IUD taken out in April of 2021, and by May, I had lost 10 lbs. I have lost a total of 20 lbs since then, and it’s still dropping. Look at studies on how IUDs affect cortisol."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2016

For Birth Control "Got Skyla put in a month ago, 25 years old, no kids. My doctor said it would hurt getting put in, which it did! After the appointment, I almost passed out and started vomiting from the pain. Really bad cramps after the procedure for about an hour, and my pulse was considerably lower than normal. The next morning, just mild cramps. Would definitely recommend having someone drive you home from the appointment. Had a normal period but hardly any cramps. No weight gain, no mood swings, no sudden acne, so so far, so good. I did spot periodically after placement until my period started."

• Bre...
• May 6, 2017

For Birth Control "I was 21 years old when I got my first Skyla and 24 for my second. I was the first woman in my OB-GYN to get it when it first came out. It was so new, my insurance company didn't cover it because there was not a billable code for Skyla. Both insertions did hurt, and I was tender for a couple of days after. Almost like period pain. Once the cramping from insertion was over, I didn't have any side effects or problems. Had the first one removed 3 years later. The NP had problems finding it and had to recruit a DR to come in. He, of course, found it right away. The first removal was worse, but I believe it was because I was so tense from the NP 'digging' for about 15 minutes. The second removal was a breeze. I would definitely recommend this IUD."

• EMM...
• January 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Skyla for 7 months. I have a very high pain tolerance, covered in tattoos and piercings, but insertion was one of the most painful things I've ever felt. I cried in my car afterward. I stayed in constant pain for about 3 days. That constant pain turned into pain for about 3 hours a day. When that went on for several months, I went back to my doctor. I told her I had sharp pains in my uterus that seemed to come and go at random intervals. She gave me an ultrasound, took blood and urine, told me I was fine, and that I just needed to exercise to help the IUD acclimate. I walk now for 20 minutes a day and do other low-impact workouts, the pain is less, but I am in pain from it at least one day a week since starting to work out. I fear it's endometriosis or an ovarian cyst, but my doctor is pretty set on my weight being a factor, so I have to try and go find a second opinion in my network. Overall, no, I haven't gotten pregnant, but the trade-off for me is fear and pain."

• EMM...
• January 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Skyla for 7 months. I have a very high pain tolerance, covered in tattoos and piercings, but insertion was one of the most painful things I've ever felt. I cried in my car afterward. I stayed in constant pain for about 3 days. That constant pain turned into pain for about 3 hours a day. When that went on for several months, I went back to my doctor. I told her I had sharp pains in my uterus that seemed to come and go at random intervals. She gave me an ultrasound, took blood and urine, told me I was fine, and that I just needed to exercise to help the IUD acclimate. I walk now for 20 minutes a day and do other low-impact workouts, the pain is less, but I am in pain from it at least one day a week since starting to work out. I fear it's endometriosis or an ovarian cyst, but my doctor is pretty set on my weight being a factor, so I have to try and go find a second opinion in my network. Overall, no, I haven't gotten pregnant, but the trade-off for me is fear and pain."

• Hap...
• December 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted in October 2016, and so far, everything has been great! I won't lie, the insertion process was incredibly painful. I took a cervix dilator the night before, yet failed to eat breakfast or take any other pain relievers the morning of, so this may have contributed to the pain. Horrible cramps followed for the rest of the day, but by the next morning I was already back at work! I spotted a little bit the day of insertion, and two weeks later began a period that lasted for about two weeks. In the time after the first period, I have had zero negative side effects! I have just started my second period since insertion, and it is incredibly light with no cramps! I would fully recommend Skyla to anyone considering it!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 15, and I got the Skyla IUD yesterday. I was on the Depo shot for about 2 years, but my doctor recommended I find another BC, as they don't like teens on the shot for more than 2 years. I decided on Skyla for multiple reasons. I can say the procedure was the worst pain EVER, and I've had brain surgery. I felt sick/dizzy for about 15 minutes after. I continued to have very BAD cramps for the rest of the day and up to the next morning, and could barely walk (still having small cramps 24 hours after). I never had periods on the shot, so maybe others used to cramps would take to it better. I had brown spotting after (doctor said this is normal). My advice: don't plan this on a day you need to go somewhere, and bring pantyliners and pain meds."

• Ann...
• January 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had the Skyla IUD for 2 years now, and it's been a fantastic experience. I will admit the insertion was very painful. I took 600 mg of Advil about an hour beforehand, and it was still very painful (an 8.5 out of 10 pain-wise). The rest of the day I had to stay home because the cramps would come in waves and were severe. After 2-3 days, the pain was gone, but I did have bleeding/spotting for about 1-2 months afterward. However, I was on Depo-Provera prior to the IUD, and it caused my uterine lining to really thicken up, so there's no telling whether the bleeding was from the IUD or from the Depo. Since then, my periods come every 2 months or so and only last about 3-4 days, and I've never once worried about being pregnant. Highly recommend!"

• Jes...
• August 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I have read a lot of negative comments on the IUD insertion, so I just wanted to share my positive experience. Beforehand, I took two Vicodin about 1.5 hours before the appointment. The actual insertion only took about a minute. And yes, it was painful, but it was over so quickly that it wasn't that bad at all. I would do it again. The night I got it in, I had cramps that felt like bad period cramps, but nothing some Advil couldn't help. Everyone is different, but it was not as bad as I was expecting."

• Nel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I talked to my PCP about an IUD option for birth control. I went to my OBGYN, and he recommended Skyla as I have never had kids. I got mine in Feb 2016. The insertion hurt due to the clamp on my cervix. I cramped really badly. Once done, I was okay. Once in my car, I felt those pesky cramps coming back. I did not go to work that day or the next. The pain was ridiculous. But eventually, I was able to manage. It has been a year now, cramps are seldom, the period is light (I use panty liners), but lasts 8-10 days. I like it, but I don't. It has its days where we are friends and others enemies."

• Ano...
• July 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had the Skyla for about a year now, and I must say, when I got it inserted, I thought I was going to die! The process was quick, but the pain was unbearable after. I've always had bad cramps and heavy bleeding, but now all of that has tapered off since I've had it so long. I haven't had a period in about a month, but I can say the only thing I don't like is the heavy discharge. I'm 23 with one child, and an IUD was my only choice due to health reasons. Good luck to you all, ladies!"

• Its...
• March 17, 2017

For Birth Control "So I'm reading all these wonderful and not-so-great reviews about Skyla. What I got mostly is that you'll have mild pain if you're not so lucky and major discomfort. I had mine inserted on March 7th, and lord, let me tell you, I have a high pain tolerance (EXTREMELY HIGH). I took two extra-strength Tylenol (800), and it didn't do a dang thing. Yes, God, I felt that plastic being inserted, and when she measured my cervix? Yeeeeeeeeeesh, the pain, but after that, it was just discomfort. As of now, I feel light cramping and no bleeding, plus vaginal discomfort, like I have a UTI. All in all, I'm not giving up on Skyla nor saying it's bad, it's just the insertion that got me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted 6 months ago, and I like it. The insertion was uncomfortable and somewhat painful. I did bleed for a few days after, but nothing outside of the normal. I will say now, my cycle is all out of whack. It's irregular and super light to the point where I only use a pantyliner. This does freak me out because I'm always paranoid about getting pregnant while using Skyla and not knowing it. I think I know my body well enough to know I'm not, but you know your mind gets the best of you. Overall, I love not having to remember a pill every day... I have a 2-year-old thanks to BC pills, so no thank you. IUD is definitely better!"

• Pue...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I had Skyla put in a few days ago, and so far, it has not been painful at all. I expected the procedure to hurt, but honestly, I was just uncomfortable. I took Cytotec before the procedure so that my cervix would be dilated, so I think it helped a lot. I would rate my pain level a 2 immediately after the procedure because it was not bad at all. It's been a few days, and I feel nothing! I am so happy I tried this birth control. Honestly, the Depo shot hurt more. I am so happy with the IUD so far. I would definitely recommend."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 7, 2017

For Birth Control "I had an absolutely horrible experience with Skyla, which began from the insertion. Honestly, it was the most painful experience I had ever had. I was close to vomiting and fainting from the pain, and I typically have a high tolerance for pain. I had taken 800 mg of acetaminophen prior to the procedure as directed, and it didn't help a bit. Following that, I had bleeding, cramps, and ovary pain for the entire duration that I had the IUD in. I went to my gynecologist multiple times, and they assured me that it was in place and that it was normal to feel this way. I began breaking out on my chin and neck area, as well as becoming extremely moody and irritable. I was always tired and had no energy. Furthermore, I gained about 7 pounds."

• ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I had the Skyla IUD put in December 13th (I believe that's the day). I have a very high pain tolerance, over 16 piercings, have even pierced myself a few times, and the pain from having this inserted was easily a 10/10. I was crying. I was telling them to take it out of me, it hurt so bad, but honestly, immediately after it was completely in, the pain went away SO FAST. I had terrible cramping that day and the day after, but I only bled about 3 days once it was put in. I spotted pretty irregularly the first month, and when it came to the time my period was coming, I bled a full 8 days very heavily. Since my period has ended, I haven't spotted once, and I haven't had any cramps. I would definitely go through the pain again!! Best birth control!!"

• ANi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 26, 2018

For Birth Control "I got my first Skyla (my first ever BC) a little over 3 years ago. Took some Advil before insertion to help with pain, and yes, it was painful, but nothing like the debilitating cramps I’d get with my heavy periods every month. I spotted every day for the first 30 days. My periods got lighter right away, and the pain was minimal. Even though they were still consistent (I’ve always been consistent), my periods now lasted 3-5 days longer! That was weird. That lasted throughout my entire 3 years. I got my new one inserted this past summer, and now my periods are even lighter and shorter. Must just take me a long time to adjust. I haven’t noticed any weight gain or mood swings directly related to Skyla; it actually helped clear up my acne on my chest and shoulders (but that has since had a resurgence for some unknown reason). It used to be way worse without Skyla. Overall, I highly recommend it, but of course, talk to your doctor and decide what’s best for you."

• Not...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I chose Skyla because of great reviews from friends and to have one less thing to remember each day: birth control. The day of insertion, I thankfully worked from home. At the appointment, I didn’t expect the pain that I was about to experience. It was horrible. After, I was hoping to have little to no period. Wrong. I get a very heavy period every month. What’s worse, the pain I experience every single week of the month from excruciating cramps. It’s shooting pain through my abdomen and back. I was hoping it would get better, but this was not a good experience for me. Definitely going back to the pill."

• Kay...
• September 6, 2015

For Birth Control "This is my second month on Skyla. I had the Mirena IUD before and the Depo-Provera in between. They are all extremely effective. I had the Skyla inserted the day I was due for my Depo-Provera shot. I was not on my period (I thought I needed to be, Gyno said no). The insertion was quite painful! I tore into my arm with my nails trying to take the pain away from the insertion. I didn't remember it being that painful with the Mirena. I started my period 2 weeks after insertion. Cramps weren't too bad, seemed to be normal and the period lasted a normal 6-7 days. The next month, I am having contraction-like cramps and have not stopped bleeding. The cramps are horrendous and I am considering having it removed! Not recommending!"