Skyla and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Jay...
• October 2, 2017

For Birth Control "So it's been about a month and a half now since I had gotten my IUD inserted. Now the pain for the insertion was about a 5 out of 10. I have never been pregnant and certainly don't intend to. So I was debating whether or not to do this for almost a year. I knew all the side effects and I went along with it. Probably the best decision I have made. I don't have to take a pill anymore. I was reading some reviews and it scared me on the pain tolerance, but everyone is different! Anyway, I've had mine in for about a month and a half. I am spotting, but so far I love it!!! Definitely recommended."

• Cks...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2018

For Birth Control "First of all: take birth control reviews with a grain of salt, every woman is different and will react differently. Do your research, talk to your doctor, and choose the birth control method that is right for you. On to my review: I have had Skyla for about 5 months now, and I love it. I love not having to worry about a pill every day or having to go to the pharmacy every month. Insertion was a bit uncomfortable, but it is over quickly. I started spotting two weeks after insertion, and it only lasted a week or so. My first period was a bit heavy, and I had pinkish discharge for a few days after it was over. Since then, my periods have been extremely light. I wear a panty liner. It’s more of a brown discharge. I haven’t had any adverse effects, and I’m very happy with my decision to get it!"

• BRI...
• September 9, 2017

For Birth Control "This will be graphic so you can know what could happen if you get this IUD. I have not had children. When the PA put Skyla in, by opening my cervix (hurts extremely bad), she described it as a few cramps but it was nothing like a cramp to me. (I told my sister and she said it is more like contractions.) I cried out in pain, and the PA tells me that some women pass out from it because it affects a nerve that can make you pass out, vomit, have diarrhea, etc. She didn't tell me any of that before! I felt so sick, I couldn't walk out of the place until I went to the bathroom to throw up. I also had the other side effect before I left. Since then, I have cramps and spotting regularly. After sex, I have cramping. I wish I wouldn't have gotten it."

• Amb...
• June 6, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm 28, no kids, never pregnant. I've expelled Paragard twice, so I tried Skyla because it is smaller, more flexible, and had fewer hormones than Mirena or Ocella. I had Skyla inserted 3 weeks ago and have yet to stop bleeding - which is getting very frustrating. It's not a full-scale period, but heavy spotting, enough to fill a few panty liners a day or a thin pad. From everything I've seen online and on the Skyla website, prolonged bleeding is common in 59% of women for the first 90 days. Hopefully, this stops soon because I would really love for an IUD to work for me."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Skyla for over a year. I thought it was super painful to have the procedure done, and I had bad cramps and spotting/light periods on and off for about 3 months. The cramps were so painful I was often doubled over and felt like the wind was knocked out of me. After that 3-month period, I was getting my period consistently in the sense that I was just consistently bleeding. I've also felt a sense of anxiety I didn't have prior to Skyla. I stopped getting my period about 7 months after being on Skyla, but recently I've started getting the bad cramps again. So, I went to my doctor, and basically, my body goes through the motions of having a period without bleeding. It's painful, but I am not pregnant."

• 27y...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 9, 2018

For Birth Control "I got Skyla for birth control and also because I was having irregular/long periods (usually 12-14 days of a 28-32 day cycle that varied). In the first months after I got it, I did see an increase in acne (I am already prone to acne, but it did get worse). Throughout, I have had frequent spotting and irregular bleeding. I have had two 'periods' that lasted 23 days with light bleeding/spotting and maybe 1-2 days of heavier bleeding. So basically since I have been on Skyla, more than half of my life I have spotting. It has been very frustrating. I am considering switching to Kyleena or to a different birth control completely because I pretty much always have spotting. I think 8 months is long enough to see that this is not a good fit for me. Has anyone else had similar experiences?"

• Can...
• November 25, 2019

For Birth Control "Had Skyla inserted in Nov of 2016. Overall, I've had a very pleasant experience. I've had a Mirena before, so I knew what to expect with regard to insertion. Just felt some minor poking and prodding - I guess you can say I have a fairly high pain tolerance? I did experience some slight spotting afterward, but that was to be expected. The first 2 years were amazing, and I had no side effects whatsoever, except for lighter periods (but I consider this a pro). For the last year, though, there was a drastic change - I began feeling depressed, was very emotional, very tired and fatigued, and had an increase in bloating. I also saw a decline in my sex drive, periods were irregular (every 2-3 months), and an ovarian cyst formed. I will say that it has been a rough year for me both mentally and physically, so that probably exemplified those side effects. Nonetheless, Skyla did its job, and I would definitely recommend - 3 years of birth control with no major issues or side effects!"

• Soc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 7, 2017

For Birth Control "Again, this is not for everyone. I had it in for about 11 months. For the first 5 months, I bled constantly, after that, it was spotting. However, annoying nonetheless. Insertion was a little painful, but tolerable. The last 4-5 months, that's when everything started to get worse. It was constant spotting, my acne got worse, I gained like 15 pounds, headaches, and fatigue. I am 20, with no kids. I switched to the pill, but I just read reviews on it, and it has really bad reviews, but I'm trying it out."

• Sky...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla one week ago. Insertion was uncomfortable, but I think my nerves got the best of me and made it worse. Like many other people, I read all the horror stories of insertion being incredibly painful. I was shaking the entire time because I was so nervous, and it was just a lot of pressure that was over really quickly. Post-insertion, I have cramps no worse than period cramps and very light spotting, which I expect to be over soon. Don't let all the horror stories scare you. Everyone is different. The IUD is worth it, you are 20% less likely to have an unplanned pregnancy with it than you are with regular birth control pills. Insertion is not fun, but being pregnant is even less fun."

• 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!"

• adr...
• March 25, 2017

For Birth Control "I got Skyla inserted on March 15th, which was the 5th day of my period. It was suggested I get it inserted while on my cycle due to the fact that I've never had children, and during your cycle, your cervix is supposed to open up some. Insertion hurt like hell. I groaned in pain, that was the absolute worst pain I've experienced (I've had my nipples pierced and a foot tattoo, which are pretty painful, but the insertion tops that!). I got so hot afterwards and lightheaded I had to sit there for a minute while the nurse got me water. Haven't had any side effects besides constant spotting, like I haven't stopped bleeding since the insertion. It's March 25th, so I've had additional bleeding for a week and a half, going on two weeks. I HOPE IT STOPS SOON!!"

• Mos...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had Skyla for a little over 2 years. I'm not going to lie, the application SUCKED. I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but your doctor has to force your cervix to dilate, so that obviously isn't going to feel pleasant. I took Advil an hour before my appointment, as well. I had cramping for 2 weeks and I spotted for a little over a month, but not heavily. The worst part for me was the uncontrollable emotions for the first few days while the hormones set in. I would be talking about something happy, and tears would start flowing (I looked insane). I decided to keep my Skyla and give it time because I'm only 20, and I would rather have some light spotting and uneasy emotions than a child. Now, I'm so happy and everything is normal!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Skyla 'installed' 3 years ago and had switched out for a new one yesterday. The first time I cramped and spotted for weeks, but it slowly faded. The removal and new insertion were rather unpleasant, but not as bad as having it placed the first time. I took one dose of Advil yesterday, but that's it. The pain today was minimal, a few twinges here and there, but nothing that required medication. Overall, I am pleased with it. I got it originally because my cramps were so bad they sidelined me for days. Now, I barely notice them, and my flow drastically reduced. No weight gain to speak of and no additional acne. My migraines have increased, but they had been over the last several years, so I'm not sure it's connected."

• mmo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had my Skyla in for only about 3 weeks now. I was not on my period when I got it inserted, and I did not take any painkillers or anything beforehand. The pain during the procedure was painful but tolerable (I have a moderate pain tolerance). It only lasted 2 minutes tops, and I just had severe cramping during those couple of minutes, which caused me to get very hot. I have had cramping since I've gotten it, along with on-and-off spotting. I've noticed that Midol works the best for the cramps. Although I have not had it in very long, I am so far not minding it. I had heard good things about it from friends, so I am giving it a go."

• Do...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2016

For Birth Control "Got Skyla around 4 months ago (pills made me really emotional). Didn't read the horror stories but knew in general what I'm getting myself into. As everyone else, I was told there would be spotting and cramps, but they would stop. Well, for some they do and for me... they didn't. I was able to walk home after insertion, but my husband took me back to my provider after 3 hours of screaming in pain. They sent me back to drink a glass of wine. Spent the month after either taking painkillers or drinking wine in bed because the cramps made me unable to stand or walk. After 4 months, I'm still randomly getting severe cramps that force me to lie down. Could be that I have a small cervix, but I'm considering having my Skyla removed."

• Dom...
• April 23, 2016

For Birth Control "So let me just start out by saying I have had Skyla for 3 years now, and I never got pregnant, so that's a plus. 1. Insertion is painful, but just like a really bad cramp, lasts only a couple of seconds. 2. Post-insertion, I had a lot of spotting for the first 2 weeks, got a little annoying, but stopped. 3. For the past 3 years, I have been having irregular periods. Sometimes I have my period for 2 weeks, sometimes there is no period. I feel very painful cramps during these periods, but if you don't want to get pregnant, what's a couple of cramps? PROS: Very effective birth control, easy, sometimes no periods, no acne (depends on the person, I guess). CONS: Loss of sexual appetite, increase in discharge, weight gain. It's okay."

• 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!"

• Tim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2016

For Birth Control "Insertion took 5 mins total. I took 1 mg of Ativan, 800 ibuprofen, and Tylenol after eating 1 hour before. She first put her fingers up there to check which way my uterus was. No pain. Then she put the tools up there, which feels like a pap. She put some numbing cream on and told me there would be a pinch. I didn't feel any pinch, but I had a slow cramp from my vagina to my hips, back, and abdomen. It wasn't bad at first, but built - it was better with deep breathing. I was sweaty and tired, but it was done, but ok. 1 month in, lots of sharp sudden cramping and intense lower back ache sporadically. It's like 1 min of intense pain and then fine off and on. It's exhausting and lots of spotting. I'm hoping this is all an adjustment period."

• Anonymous
• March 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I just got my Skyla inserted on 3/6/19. I’m not going to lie, the insertion was painful. I have never had kids before, so that’s probably why it was very painful. It felt like 100 needles were stabbing my cervix when it was opened. I was cramping on and off for 5-6 days after, but it was not that bad. My period cramps are more painful. It was inserted on my 2nd day of my period. The next day, it already lightened up my period. I already have lighter periods since I have PCOS. I have returned to normal activity after 6 days of rest. My spotting/period also stopped 7 days after insertion. So far, I am happy that I had it inserted, and I do not have to worry about pregnancy like I used to. Personally, I think if you are considering getting this IUD, make sure you really trust your doctor. If you do not, I would switch, read reviews, and find a new one. I switched about 4 months ago, and my new doctor is a million times better, and I trust them to insert it. I will update as time goes on."

• Lin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I got Skyla inserted 1/25, so it's been almost two months. Pro: I don't have to think about it, and while it does last a while, no mood swing changes (but I do cry occasionally during a sad film now), I don't start random arguments with my bf, bf doesn't feel it. Con: severely decreased sex drive, losing eyelashes (probably even my hair, but hard to say because I have a lot of hair anyway), spotting every SINGLE day (some days more than others), severe cramps when I'm dehydrated."

• Yes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I just had my Skyla inserted about 3 weeks ago. Ever since then, I've been spotting non-stop, and three days ago, I started bleeding super heavy, like if I was peeing myself, and I haven't stopped bleeding since. It feels miserable when, never before the Skyla, my period was this heavy and the horrible feeling of knowing that at any moment I can stain my pants because it's that heavy. Also, lower back pain and mild cramps. I'm scared now of how bad it is. I don't know whether to take the Skyla off or leave it on, hoping it'll (my period) go back to normal. My experience so far hasn't been great at all. I don't really recommend this to anyone, but everyone is different."

• Dut...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla about 4 months ago, and I absolutely love it! I read some reviews about how painful the insertion would be, so I prepared by taking a 300 mg ibuprofen. It was totally okay! It maybe hurts for 5 seconds, but I cannot even call it that painful. It is totally worth it, and don't get too scared by reading all the reviews! My periods are gone! The first two weeks, I had some spotting, but after that, totally nothing. First 2 weeks, some cramps as well. I would totally recommend the Skyla! I feel so much better by having fewer hormones in my body. I didn't get side effects. My skin is as good as before, and I did not gain weight. I am so happy with the Skyla IUD!"

• Mia...
• November 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Skyla inserted in May 2016 (20 years old). I have a high tolerance for pain, but the insertion procedure was extremely painful. I had spotting and heavy cramping for the next couple of days. Eventually, my period lightened, or I would miss it entirely, however, I experienced random, extremely painful sharp pains all the time. These sharp pains would be crippling but only last 2 minutes, tops. Although the length of time was short, it was random and I never knew what would trigger these sharp pains. I’d be in the middle of a conversation and have to hold on to the closest thing to me and focus on my breathing to get through them."