Skyla and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 3)

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

For Birth Control "If I could go back in time, I would have never gotten Skyla inserted. I had Skyla in for only 53 days, yet the negative effects I experienced were very apparent. I had spotting the entire time, which I knew was expected, but the most horrific side effect was hair loss. I have lost over half my hair within those 53 days, and I am still shedding abnormal amounts. I am trying to stay positive in hopes that my body will stabilize itself soon. To anyone reading this, I urge you to take all the side effects into consideration. I am a healthy 25-year-old. I eat extremely healthy and work out consistently, but the hormones were apparently too much for my body to handle. I don't want anyone else to have to go through what I've endured."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 18, and not sexually active. My mom recommended it just in case I was to need it, and I got the Skyla inserted today. After reading all the reviews on here, I was scared to death. I went in, and they did a normal pelvic exam and then started. The insertion was NOT as bad as all of the comments. There was a lot of pressure and one small pinch from the clamp they use to keep your cervix open. The only painful part for me was trying to open the cervix. They had to take several tries to get up there. The pain is like a severe period cramp. That's all. It wasn't the worst pain ever for me, very bearable! It's been about six hours since the insertion, and I have no cramps and a small amount of spotting. It wasn't bad at all!"

• sho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 16, 2015

For Birth Control "I was psyching myself out reading the 'pain' stories on here. I wanted to write a positive review so others wouldn't be scared. Make sure to go to a good, experienced gynecologist. My monthly periods were more painful than insertion. It was not bad at all. The worst part was the clamp to hold your cervix open. I was in and out in 30 minutes. Not bad. I did not faint, cry, scream... nothing. Anti-climactic. I am loving my Skyla. I will post again after 3 months. I had light spotting after insertion for a day or so. That's it. 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."

• hal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 18 years old. I got the IUD inserted about a month ago, and I love it. Insertion was pretty rough, there was pretty bad pain for maybe 20 seconds, and afterward, I felt nauseous and lightheaded for about an hour. After that, I was completely fine. My boyfriend has never felt the IUD, and I never have to worry about taking a pill or anything like that, which is great. The only negative thing I have to say is that I've had some spotting and random cramps for the last month, but nothing too bad at all. When you consider that Skyla works for three years, a month of a little spotting and minor cramping seems worth it to me. I will check back at the three-month mark."

• 1pe...
• December 18, 2015

For Birth Control "I had tried Implanon (made me crazy), Paragard (made me crampy, and I felt it during intercourse), and Mirena (I felt it during intercourse), so I was pretty much out of options when this came along. The size difference worked out! My tiny frame worked better with it. No pain during intercourse and no weird cramps. I was worried that I would have weird spotting because that has been reported on it, but not me. I had 4 months of light periods, each about 4 days long, super easy. After that, I haven't had any periods. I'm not a tiny girl either. 5'2'' 160 lbs. Anyway! I love this and highly recommend it to someone who always felt the larger IUDs and maybe if you're just sensitive to hormones, like myself. Love this! Totally plan to get another."

• Anonymous
• June 30, 2017

For Birth Control "I am beyond happy that I made the switch. I was on the pill prior to my new IUD, and I had the worst PMS and mood swings imaginable. I always felt depressed and this constant dread that hovered over me. I was always hungry, I gained 15 lbs when I went on the pill. My gyno highly suggested the Skyla. I finally went through with it. Insertion pain was excruciating, I will not lie about that. But... it was worth it, at least for me. I had severe pain for the rest of the week with very light spotting. Cramps that would not go away, no matter how many pain killers I popped. But after the first week, it was smooth sailing. I feel better mentally, and my appetite has decreased dramatically. I feel zero pain or discomfort. Highly recommend the Skyla IUD!"

• Not...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I got this IUD almost 3 years ago now, after being forced to change due to an insurance error. The first six months were quite unpleasant, which is expected since you are going on a new hormonal birth control. The cramps and monthly periods varied from light to heavy. Since then, I usually don't have a period. I have monthly 'PMS' symptoms with hormones and breast growth, but rarely spotting or having an actual period. However, the select months I do have a period, the cramps are debilitating. I often keel over and cannot function until they pass. I have spoken with several others with IUDs, and this seems to be a common thing. Even with this pain, I would still recommend it. It's really nice to not worry about getting pregnant."

• kat...
• January 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the implant in September, and the insertion was very uncomfortable, but only for a few minutes. I had a little bit of spotting, but I was also on my period. I spotted for maybe a month to two months afterward, but have not had any periods since. I don't even get the cramps from when I am supposed to start. I would recommend this to anyone."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2017

For Birth Control "UPDATE** 26 years old was previously on the pill, switched to this just to try something new. No children. Day 1: 3/23/17... 5 min procedure uncomfortable, not excruciating. Really painful cramps once I got home for about 4 hours, took Aleve to help. Day 2: No cramps, light spotting as expected. Days 3-12: Mostly just spotted lightly and had light cramps on and off. 2 of those days I had normal bleeding, I needed a tampon. Had several migraines. I get those sometimes, so idk if this had anything to do with that. Day 13-today: No bleeding, no cramps, no pain during sex. Partner can't feel the strings. Haven't had any migraines. So far, so good. Last update will be 6-23-17. That will be my 3-month mark. Don't let the bad reviews scare you!!"

• ab9...
• June 9, 2015

For Birth Control "Ladies! I just got Skyla put in yesterday morning. So it's been a little over 24 hours for me. I was freaking out because a lot of reviews said it was so painful to insert, I even read one where she said she cried afterward. In my opinion, it really wasn't that bad. I took a 600 mg ibuprofen and I also took a tramadol, which I'm prescribed for back pain, before I went in to the doctor's. It did hurt, for literally about 2 seconds, but nothing like some of the reviews said. It was more like a sharp, quick pressure pain. It came and went immediately. Very quick. I'm currently still spotting very lightly and do have some cramps, but they are just like very light period cramps, nothing a little Advil won't take care of."

• 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."

• KMW...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I got my IUD placed 8 weeks after having my first baby. The insertion was a little uncomfortable but quick and bearable. I had cramping the first day and some spotting. So far, I've had my first period, which was very light and lasted 4 days. I've had my IUD for a month. I feel great. It's nice not having to worry about a pill every day, especially while caring for an infant. I will rate later on after I've had it longer also."

• Rub...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 30, 2023

For Birth Control "Had Skyla inserted 7/31/2022 and just had it removed 5/25/2023. I spotted either light pink or brown throughout the entire time it was in. My periods were about the same (heavy and long), but having regular periods in addition to the spotting for 10+ months was a nightmare. I also noticed that my libido began to gradually diminish, I was feeling sad (for no reason, life is fantastic right now), tired all the time, and I was constantly bloated no matter what changes I made to my diet, exercise, etc. The same night it was removed, I had the most intense sexual dream (welcome back, libido!!). Everybody reacts differently, and for some, hormonal IUDs work great, and for others, they suck! Make your decision based on what you feel is best for YOU."

• Anonymous
• April 25, 2016

For Birth Control "The insertion does hurt, but it's tolerable. I'm glad I didn't read these reviews beforehand because I would've been super freaked out! I got my Skyla inserted about 4 days ago, and the worst part was after the insertion because I got some pretty painful cramps. They went away after about 5 hours and haven't come back. I'm still spotting a little bit, but nothing too bad. If you're reading these reviews, just remember everyone's body reacts differently to birth control."

• 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."

• 22...
• September 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I got this IUD a week ago after much research and after several years of trying to be on birth control but hating the mood swings and forgetting to take it all the time. The insertion wasn't too bad. It didn't hurt so much as feel odd/uncomfortable, like a consistent cramp that lasted. I have pretty bad period cramps as it is, so it wasn't too bad for me. I was surprised at how quick it went overall. My whole appointment took 40 minutes, and 3/4 of that was waiting and signing the paperwork. I went back to work after and worked for 3 hours before heading home for the day. I felt tight and crampy, but it was bearable with Motrin. The next day and ever since, I've had very light spotting, but other than that felt great and perfectly normal!"

• Ora...
• July 11, 2016

For Birth Control "Just had this inserted after using the Depo shot for two years. I read the reviews beforehand and was prepared for cramping and possible dizziness. The procedure took only a minute or two, and my doctor explained what she was doing throughout. The contraction/cramps during the procedure were pretty bad for me-never had anything like that before-but they were over quick. I thought I was okay, but then I got dizzy, and my blood pressure dropped really low; I had to stay at the office for a bit. Drove home two hours later. Felt a little 'off' the rest of the day, had cramps, and some spotting. Also felt 'off' the following day. Two days after the procedure, I felt back to normal. I've had occasional cramping since the procedure, but no spotting."

• 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."

• gur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2015

For Birth Control "Got the Skyla 10/1/15, and it all took 10 minutes. I had two mild cramps, then one last sharp cramp (lvl 6) as insertion was happening, then back to mild (lvl 2) day-long cramps along with spotting. Had cramps off and on for the next couple of days, then they went away. I get PMS and very mild cramps for a bit when my period is about to start. Period lasts 4 days, followed by spotting/brown discharge. So far, I love everything about Skyla. I do not have any mood swings, no acne, no weight gain, same high libido I had before I was on Skyla. The only concern I have is with spotting. I've been spotting nonstop since insertion. Had only 4 clear days on the 2nd week of November, then back to spotting. Will give it more time and post experience soon again!"

• 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."

• Bre...
• December 30, 2017

For Birth Control "I really researched this IUD, talked to my doctor, and decided that Skyla was right for me. It was so painful during insertion, but I liked not having to worry about taking the pill each day after the pain subsided. After a year and a half, I reflected and noted severe bloating and weight gain that I had never experienced previously. My breasts were so swollen and painful sometimes that I could barely button my shirts. I was also fatigued and experiencing breakouts of acne and hair thinning that I had never experienced in my life. In addition, I spotted and had a light period sometimes twice a month. My husband even noticed the changes and made the connection to the IUD. I had it removed after almost two years, and I feel like I have my life back."

• hw9...
• June 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had Skyla for 4 months, and I love it! I read all the reviews before, and that was a mistake. Insertion did hurt-there are 3 big 'pinches' involved-but it was over in 30 seconds with no complications. I had very painful cramps for about 12 hours after insertion and spotting for a week or so afterwards, but only had to take ibuprofen a few times after that first day, and cramps were totally gone after a week. My period came later than normal the 1st time after insertion, and I was so scared it wasn't working! But it was fine, and the doc said don't try checking the strings because most people can't find them as they curl up under the cervix. Periods are super light but a bit long. Haven't had to use a tampon in 3 months-just pantyliners!"

• gor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2017

For Birth Control "Getting Skyla inserted was a breeze. From the moment she started insertion to the moment she was done was probably around 90 seconds, with 30 seconds of that having any sort of pain. If you've ever had bad period cramps, you know what it'll feel like. There's about 3 very intense, but bearable, cramps that feel just like a bad period cramp. As long as you breathe through them and stay relaxed, they are no biggie. After she was done, I sat up slowly and felt 100% fine. I drove 2 hours back to school with no issue. For the first 48 hours, I had VERY mild cramping that easily went away with Advil and some spotting. It's been a week, and I feel great. I am experiencing a small breakout, but that could also be due to stress and eating like crap."

• 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."