Skyla and Spotting: What Users Say

• Mis...
• May 22, 2020

For Birth Control "First of all, the insertion procedure with Skyla was excruciating for me. I had severe cramping, worse than anything I've ever experienced, and they held me for observation for almost an hour because I was extremely lightheaded. I had 1 week of severe cramping and was bedridden. An ultrasound confirmed that the IUD was correctly positioned. I've had mild-moderate cramping and spotting almost every day since then, no sex drive, and gained 15 pounds in 3.5 months despite dieting and working out 6X/week (P90X). I am only 5'3", so 15 lbs is a lot on my frame. Dieting has not helped. My blood pressure has gone up, I'm bloated all the time, and have developed some facial hair. I have decided to have the IUD removed because I'd rather be pregnant than feel like this all the time."

• Pos...
• February 16, 2020

For Birth Control "Had Skyla inserted 3 months ago. Side effects: first 2 months I had the annoying spotting every day. After that, I started to finally have clear days in a row. Had periods lighter but longer than usual (7-11-12d), but they should shorten now. Some PMS, nothing serious (breast soreness, mild to moderate cramps). Haven’t had any other side effects! Sex: My partner didn’t feel the strings, so I’m relieved. I didn’t have any pain during or after, no bleeding (I was scared that an “accident” might happen). Sex drive is just as high as usual. But I spotted the day after. Gym: I do CrossFit, and I was scared I might get cramps or it might move, but so far so good (just minor cramping after gym in the first month). Sometimes I spot over the next hours after gym due to increased blood flow. I’m trying to be patient with all this “shedding.” Bio: 32 yrs., NP, first form of BC. I read and watched all reviews until I drove myself crazy, but decided I will give it a try! Best luck, ladies!"

• wyo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla IUD put in at the beginning of May 2014 due to my inability to take combined hormonal birth control of any sort due to major migraines and mood swings. My first two periods after insertion gave me the most terrible cramps, but they have since lightened up a lot, as has my period flow. It messed with my sex drive for a while, but that seems to have evened out as well. The only real downside that I can tell is the three or so days of spotting after my period, but that has slowly been disappearing as well. I would honestly suggest the Skyla to anyone, after all my terrible experiences with other birth controls, this has been a major godsend."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2018

For Birth Control "Implanted at 8 weeks pp. - Slight cramping + spotting, but easier than I expected. I soon began to have mild irritability + impatience, mainly toward my husband and baby. I assumed it was work stress and being tired. 2 months of Skyla - mild irritability became something much worse. I had negative intrusive thoughts. I looked at my beautiful daughter and felt nothing but a sense of obligation. I constantly snapped at my sweet husband. I had 24/7 anxiety about anything and everything. Even my worst PMS was nothing like this. The dealbreaker came when my baby was crying one night, and I yelled at her to shut up. (That’s painful to even type right now.) I had Skyla removed 2 days later. Within 3 days, I was stable, calm, + patient. Most importantly, I felt love toward my baby again. I 100% believe that I had a negative reaction to this IUD and that it made me feel psychotic. Removing it was the only change I made, and I’m my normal self."

• Anonymous
• March 10, 2017

For Birth Control "Ladies, let me just first say that the mind is a very powerful thing, and just like you, I read all these reviews and was terrified. I told my doctor I was nervous about how awful it was going to feel, and he assured me that it was all in my head. He was right, it was nothing like the reviews I have read. I counted how long it took, it was less than 2 minutes. AND I counted how long the severe cramping lasted during, and that was less than 20 seconds. Yes, the cramps felt like a very powerful menstrual cramp, and it was not comfortable, but it was so, so, so short. I left the office feeling completely fine, just feeling like I had menstrual cramps. Very little spotting the next few days. Don't let the reviews scare you!"

• S12...
• March 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I had Skyla placed in December of 2014. The placement wasn't too painful, but the cramping afterward was pretty rough. I had spotting on and off for 2 months, which is normal. Then the bleeding stopped altogether, and I had no period or anything. However, one morning I experienced severe lower abdominal pain and went to the ER. Turns out I had two cysts, and one had burst (never had a history of cysts before the IUD) and also had an ectopic (or tubal) pregnancy. I had to have the IUD removed immediately and ended up having laparoscopic surgery. Needless to say, getting Skyla was definitely not the right choice for me..."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2015

For Birth Control "My experience with Skyla has been pretty good so far. I have had it in for 4 months now. Getting it inserted was fairly simple, and I felt little pain. The cramping was pretty severe immediately after the procedure and for the next couple of days, so I suggest having someone drive you to and from the procedure. I had spotting on and off for the next 3 months, but no other side effects."

• not...
• April 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the Skyla IUD in me since October 2014. The insertion wasn't so bad, cramps for a day. Birth control pills were not agreeing with my body, and surprisingly, Skyla has been the best option for me. During the first two months, I had constant spotting and mood swings. So far, I have had no new side effects. I do spot a little bit during the days my periods are supposed to arrive (which isn't that often. Maybe like once per 4 months or more), and if I sit in a funny position, sometimes I can feel the IUD poke me. My boyfriend and I do not use condoms anymore and felt no need for them. I haven't had any pregnancy scares at all. Definitely recommend for younger girls who have never had children and don't plan to have any for the next while."

• mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had Skyla for a month now. Personal experience is that I have random period-like cramps that only last a few minutes or so and occasional spotting, but nothing too serious. Period has always been regular, like clockwork. I got Skyla inserted while menstruating. Next period came right on time and my normal 4 days, but was so light I didn't even have to wear a tampon, just a thin pantyliner. Had some pretty ridiculous mood swings for the first week or two while adjusting to the hormones, but it seems to have leveled out now. Recently, dry skin on my face and my boobs are fuller and ache sometimes because of it, I guess. Sex drive through the roof. Hope this helps balance out the horror story reviews! Minor side effects, but worth it overall."

• Yay...
• February 11, 2019

For Birth Control "This is the first birth control that has truly worked for me. Over the years, I've tried four types of pill and a copper coil, and they were all terrible in their own special ways. The pills tended to decrease my sex drive to pretty much nothing and make me feel overwhelmed and miserable and like I wasn't myself anymore. The copper coil made my periods unbearably painful. I've had Skyla (or Jaydess) for a bit more than three months now, and it's been great. The downsides are that I have experienced quite a lot of spotting (although it seems to have stopped now!), a few painful cramps, and I think my moods have been a bit more up and down than before. But there are more upsides: I have, if anything, a higher sex drive than normal, and when I say my moods are more up and down, I mean in a manageable way as opposed to uncontrollably crying on the pill. I basically still feel like myself, which I never did on the pill. Oh, and also I'm not pregnant, so it's doing its fundamental job. Yay."

• Tay...
• January 11, 2016

For Birth Control "18 yrs old. Getting the IUD inserted was EXTREMELY painful but worth it. The 1st month or so was nothing but pain, but it was from spotting and cramps from getting used to something foreign in your body. Day 4 was the most painful, but I LOVE my IUD! I don't have scares, and I don't worry about taking a pill every day, and I don't worry about getting pregnant. This is the best choice I've made for my birth control. I've lost weight, acne cleared up, and most importantly, I'm not moody all the time! :) My boyfriend says he can feel it rarely during intercourse, but it doesn't hurt nor bother him. I've been on this since November, and I'm extremely happy I made this choice. Take ibuprofen before and after, and rest with a heating pad. Hope this review helps!"

• Kay...
• March 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Skyla for 9 months, and this is my second review on this site. The first five months were constant cramps and spotting. The spotting has stopped, but cramps randomly come and are intense. I get my period every 2-3 months. I've gained a little weight and have some acne on my back (before I had neither of these), but Skyla works considering I am not pregnant. Other than the side effects I've had, it really is great, and you don't have to worry about taking any pills. With others, I had major weight gain, face acne, and migraines. I definitely recommend. Stick it out through the spotting and cramps, and you'll realize it's so worth it!"

• Kat...
• June 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 28, no kids, never pregnant. I was on the pill up until last year when the doctors discovered a blood clot in my lung after a surgery. After that was cleared up, I was told I couldn't go back to pills. My only options were an IUD or a condom with a douche. I chose the IUD with huge reservations because I didn't know about Skyla yet, and I heard horror stories about Mirena. My OB/GYN did some research and found Skyla for me. The insertion was kind of painful. It was like a very strong period cramp for 10 minutes, then a dull ache for a week afterward. Heating pad and ibuprofen! I had bad spotting/light period for the first 3-4 months, but since then I have not had my period. I maybe get 1 little spot once a month. Getting Skyla was a great decision!"

• Kat...
• December 29, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted 6 months ago. I would describe insertion as the most uncomfortable I've ever been. It was extreme pressure in a place deep inside my body – nothing I've felt before, but also not exactly pain. It lasted maybe 20 seconds before subsiding into the feeling of menstrual cramps. Those cramps lasted 3-4 days after insertion, and I spotted for the first month. Since then, Skyla has been pretty good. The only time I notice Skyla is during my period. My bleeding is light, but WOW do I get horrible cramps. I rarely got cramps prior to using Skyla, and these feel similar to the ones I had post-insertion. However, my friends have not had this issue – every body is different. Overall, I do recommend Skyla!"

• 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!"

• Khl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I researched IUDs extensively before actually deciding to consult my gynecologist about getting one. I wanted to get off the pill as it caused me weight gain and water retention, and the amount of hormones makes it hard for women to build muscle, and as someone who works out a decent amount, I wasn't seeing much progress. My gyno suggested Skyla, as it is a low hormone dose. I was reading horror stories online about the process and almost didn't get one. Thank God I didn't give in to my fears because I love having an IUD. The process was not bad at all. When inserted, I felt more pressure than pain. I had cramps for the following 24 hours, spotted a week, and my first period was the lightest it's ever been. Based on my experience, 10/10 would recommend."

• MK1...
• April 4, 2017

For Birth Control "Before I got my IUD, I researched a ton about what to expect during and after the procedure. All the reviews had me terrified of the procedure, saying it was the most pain they've ever had, that they fainted, that they were bleeding for months afterwards, etc. DO NOT listen to these. Every experience is incredibly personal and will be different for every single person! The procedure itself felt like a slightly more extreme period cramp, and then for the next few days, I had mild cramps that were on and off, nothing different from a normal period. I have some spotting, but it is very tolerable and manageable. Overall, this has been an extremely effective contraceptive for me."

• Kay...
• April 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I am 26 years old with no children, and this is my first IUD. I was previously on the pill. I never had any issues with that, just wanted to try something different. I got Skyla put in on 3-23-17, so almost 2 weeks ago. The procedure took about 5 minutes, wasn't bad, just felt like really hard menstrual cramps. I felt fine when I left my appointment. About 30 minutes later, I experienced really painful cramps that lasted about 4 hours, I took some Aleve at the onset of the bad cramps. The next day, I felt normal. I had some light cramping and very light spotting. The cramping lasted exactly 7 days. I've not had any more cramps since, but I'm still spotting on and off, very minimal, which is expected. So far, so good! Doing an update review on 4-23-17 & 6/23/17."

• Kay...
• April 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I am 26 years old with no children, and this is my first IUD. I was previously on the pill. I never had any issues with that, just wanted to try something different. I got Skyla put in on 3-23-17, so almost 2 weeks ago. The procedure took about 5 minutes, wasn't bad, just felt like really hard menstrual cramps. I felt fine when I left my appointment. About 30 minutes later, I experienced really painful cramps that lasted about 4 hours, I took some Aleve at the onset of the bad cramps. The next day, I felt normal. I had some light cramping and very light spotting. The cramping lasted exactly 7 days. I've not had any more cramps since, but I'm still spotting on and off, very minimal, which is expected. So far, so good! Doing an update review on 4-23-17 & 6/23/17."

• del...
• May 16, 2017

For Birth Control "I am writing this review for the sake of all women who are iffy on this product. I was apprehensive to Skyla ONLY because of what I read online. Despite my doctor assuring me this was the best option for me, I still was not 100% on Skyla. I am one month post-insertion, and I am so happy I decided to go with Skyla. I am 19 years old, and I have struggled with birth control since it was present in my life. I cannot be on the combined pill due to the migraines with aura (visual changes) I get, and I struggle with acne, so the POP pill is not for me. I decided to go with Skyla, and I'm very pleased. Insertion (for me) was a bad cramp that lasted no more than 5 seconds. Spotting/cramps continued for about a month after, but now I'm good."

• Alp...
• December 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted 9/18/15. Never have I ever been pregnant. I was 26 at the time of insertion. Insertion was VERY painful. While the insertion was painful, it lasted only 2-3 minutes. I had slight pain for 3 days with MAJOR bloating. I spotted every day for 8 months. It was enough I had to wear a panty liner. Eventually, spotting stopped. My periods are irregular, when I did get one, I would bleed for 15-20 days. It was always dark, thick tissue that I bled. I had severe cramps not only on my period but randomly. Severe 8/10 pain. I just had the device removed 11/30/17. While it did prevent pregnancy, I had minimal side effects. The prolonged bleeding, the pain, and unpredictability of getting my period made me choose to remove it."

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2015

For Birth Control "I had previously been on birth control for two years. The last year on the pill, they changed it to continuous use due to the intense cramping/bleeding I experienced. I had been thrilled at the concept of having no periods until I started heavily spotting. For a majority of 9 months, I had one colossal period, and my OBGYN finally suggested trying an IUD (Skyla, to be exact). I am 20 years old and have never been pregnant. I had the IUD placed March 10th, 2015, and I have to admit the insertion was painful despite the ibuprofen I had taken, but also very quickly done. The pain has definitely seemed worth it, my cramps are now virtually gone, and my 'periods' are now constant and are VERY light spotting. Not to add, my PMS from BC is gone too!"

• KMW...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on Skyla for 8 months. I read many negative reviews that horrified me. I am VERY happy with my IUD! Inserting it hurt, and the next few days I felt like I was having a really bad period. I had minor spotting the first month. I had a minor 2-4 day period the first three months. Since then, my period has completely stopped. I have even lost the weight I put on from birth control pills, and my sex drive has increased. I sincerely recommend trying Skyla."

• Hor...
• July 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I got Skyla inserted about 6 months ago, and although I psyched myself out, it was absolutely painless. When the OB-GYN said she was finished, I asked if that was it, because the only thing I felt was pressure, and maybe a 1 in pain. What I hated most about it was that I spotted for about 4-5 months, and being someone that never spots, it got a little irritating. Since starting Skyla, I have gotten some random breakouts, especially on my chin, and I'm not sure if it's from the BC or if it's just natural because I would sporadically break out before, and although it's a bit more prevalent. Other than that, I feel like the hormones are having their way with me, but again, I'm not sure what % Skyla contributes to that and what % is just me."

• Hoo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my Skyla put in May 2013. I was the first person my doc put one in. My period was kind of unpredictable for a few months, which was expected. I started Boot Camp 4 mo later, which makes everyone's cycle crazy, syncing with 60 girls. I had my period for a month, then didn't have anything but occasional spotting for a year. Maybe 3 days of spotting every three or four months. It was awesome. And no pregnancies in the months leading up to leaving, despite unprotected sex with my fiancé. Then, a year after my period stopped, it started again. Now, after 2 years, I spend 2.5 weeks on my period and 2.5 weeks off. Talking to doc soon because this is so frustrating."