I have never been on any birth control other than using condoms and decided to get an iud, Skyla more towards ladies who haven't had a child. Did lots of research and it is a shame that you only find negative and scary stories online bc no one will take the time to write a good review. I am a woman who does not ever see side effects from any medication, everything always works as it states on ...
I went in to get skyla inserted today. Most painful experience EVER! It was like really bad cramps x1000. After inserting my doctor said I should be fine after 5 minutes. I wasn't. I was in so much pain I was shaking uncontrollably and almost fainted. The nurses said my body just "rejected" it. Needless to say my doctor had to remove it. Worst experience with birth control ever.
Shared reviews and ratings
Most Helpful
Most Recent
Highest Total Rating
High Satisfaction
Low Satisfaction
No data
Stasia1983 | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
2/5/2016
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
Since I got it inserted Apr 2015, I'm more easily aroused, sometimes moody, and experience sensitive breasts for 2-3 weeks around my cycle. Cycles last 1 or 2 days but I smell like I'm on a cycle for 3-5. Now have to use a hot water bottle for cramps when I never had any before. The insertion for me was so painful, I called off work for the next two days. BUT I love my IUD! Cycles are rare and far in between. Libido is up and I love not having to worry about becoming pregnant with my husband.
2
1
Report this post
RayRae | 35-44 | Female | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
1/15/2016
Condition: Other
Overall rating 2.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I DO NOT recommend this product! I'm 35 years old, no children, 6' & fit. I have extremely painful cramps and it was suggested I try Skyla. I've tried birth control pills before, which didn't work. My doctor said some patience experience pain and/or discomfort during the insertion, and recommended I take Ibuprofen an hour prior to the procedure, which did NOTHING. I was also on my period since that was supposed to loosen my cervix. When the doctor measured me, I was so caught off guard by the pain I immediately flinched and tightened up. The Dr. had to tell me to relax so she could finish measuring. After that was over, she said it was time for insertion, which was far worse than the measuring and I had to breath through it and try to take my mind to another place. Once it was over, I was sweating & and felt like crying. The Dr. had to get me a glass of water because I became flush after it was over. The pain was like nothing I've experienced, someone pushing things through your cervix is a strange and painful sensation. My Dr. told me to expect spotting and cramping for the next six months, WTH?! I am now in my 7th month & want this thing OUT. I spotted, non-stop for 5 months. There were times I had to use the smallest OB tampon. After 5 months, the spotting eased. The cramping was every day, some days it was excruciating; I nearly went to the ER to have it removed. I kick myself for not. I had to take 2-4 800mg Ibuprofen, per day. At the 6 month mark, my Dr. has been right; it seemed Skyla was finally working. Except here I am, furious, on my period with PAINFUL cramps. My sister got Mirena the same time I got Skyla and did not experience any pain. I would've never gotten this and let mother nature do its thing b/c I would've experienced LESS cramping & LESS bleeding over the course of 3 years, which is as long as Skyla stays in.Read More Read Less
2
Report this post
AW | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
1/12/2016
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I had my IUD placed about 3 months ago and it was very painful. The pain was cramping but it was much worse then any cramp I've ever had from a period. It hurt for 3 days and spotted but has been great ever since. I'm usually very sensitive to various types birth control so I'm glad this one works!
2
Report this post
Anonymous | 35-44 | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
1/8/2016
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I had my skyla removed today after 1 year and 7 months because of migraines. I am 38 and have a history of migraines that have been exacerbated by my IUD. I have tried medications to decrease my headaches but nothing worked. I loved having my IUD so much and am morning its loss. I did have painful insertion and cramping and spotting for a while but have not had a period in at least a year. The only other side effect that was irritating was vaginal dryness. Nothing that a little lube or foreplay couldn't fix. I think if your just getting started with your IUD you should give it some time. Read More Read Less
1
Report this post
breanaaa | 19-24 | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
12/28/2015
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I had skyla inserted today. I used the prescription pull the night before to soften up my insides. I couldn't imagine what the process would be like if I didn't use the pill. It was about a 5 minute process and my doctor talked me through the whole thing. To me it was very uncomfortable and extremely painful afterward. The minute I left the office I started to cry. The pain was so bad it spread to my legs. I highly recommend getting the day off of work I had to call out due to the pain. 2 hours later still no relief hopefully it will subside soonRead More Read Less
2
Report this post
Anonymous | 35-44 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
12/3/2015
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 1.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
After four months of using this product for BC, I became pregnant. I was shocked and surprised however, excited at the same time. However, the pregnancy turned out to be tubular. That was the worse two weeks of my life.
1
2
Report this post
Anonymous | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
12/2/2015
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I received Sklya 6-9-15, so it's going on 6 months. The insertion was very painful. After about 10min of agony I left the doctor's office. I experienced the worst cramping ever for about 3-4 days. My period seemed to last longer than usual due to the extra days of spotting (about 5 extra days). When it was time for my cycle I had really bad cramps for about 2 days before starting during the first 4 months of having Sklya. On day one I would bleed regular and spot for another week, almost 2. I have been contemplating on removing the IUD due to horrible cramps and the fact that I have gained too much weight in my hips and thighs. My plan is to give it a year with healthy eating and regular exercise and see where that gets me. If nothing changes I will be removing for good. Read More Read Less
1
Report this post
pg | 19-24 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
12/2/2015
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 3.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
24, never been pregnant. Was previously on combination pill using the continuous method before skyla so had only had about 4-5 periods over the last 2 years. I must say the experience with IUD's are customized to the individual. I originally planned to have Mirena inserted. I got a pill to soften the cervix taken 1 hour prior to insertion. Took ibuprofen about 15 min prior to insertion (bad idea, shouldve had it sooner). For me insertion was horrifying. With Mirena, I had my uterus measured witch was normal, but all of the problems started when attempting to insert the tube into my cervix. 3 doctors and a student doctor were involved attempting to crack open my cervix. It was the worst pain I have ever experienced in my life. I was crying and sweating from agony for about 20 min before they gave up and did a last minute switch to Skyla. They also had some difficulty inserting Skyla. (About 3 attempts or 10 more minutes of agony.) But overall Skyla worked when Mirena did not. The doctors told me my process was the worst case they had ever done. I had an immediate vaginal ultrasound after placement due to my complications. It appeared to be inserted ok however due to the intensity of the procedure I laid on the table for an additional 30 min with a heating pad until the pain subsided. Worst process of my life. It continued to hurt the remainder of the day and night with what felt like contractions and pain on lower left side of abdomen. Filled about two pantyliners with light pink and brown specked blood that day. The spotting stopped by the next day. But the pain in my left hip and lower back hasn't. Like bad period cramps taking 800mg Ibuprofen for pain. Read More Read Less
1
Report this post
adrianna8 | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
11/30/2015
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I had the Skyla IUD inserted almost 2 months ago. The insertion itself was VERY uncomfortable; not painful, just very uncomfortable. It lasted about 2-3 minutes in total. After I had some moderate to severe cramping but it subsided over the following 3 days. I had my period for about a week and a half after that. I then again had it a month after around the time it should had come, and it was lighter and did not last as long as my previous periods prior to the IUD. I recommend taking a mild painkiller (Motrin, Aleve, etc.) about an hour before the insertion and then as needed thereafter to help with the cramps. Overall, I would highly recommend Skyla for women who have not been pregnant. It's one of the MOST EFFECTIVE forms of birth control out there. You don't have to remember to take the pill everyday, and it last for 3 years. Only maintenance is the initial check-up about a month after to make sure the IUD is in the right place and everything is well. After that, you just attend your yearly exams as recommended.Read More Read Less
1
Report this post
Mandi89 | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
11/14/2015
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 2.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I had this IUD placed over 4 months ago, and I still struggle day to day with it. I'm constantly taking ibuprofen, 800mg twice a day, because the cramping is SO intense! I can seriously feel it poking me all the time. My doctor told me, the symptoms should subside a few weeks after insertion, I'm still waiting for relief. However, my MD and the US tech also told me my uterus was small than normal, but shouldn't be an issue... Maybe it is. I'm ready for it to be OUT, now! I've been using birth control for 9 years now, and this is the worst form of birth control I've ever experienced. Read More Read Less
2
Report this post
Anonymous | 19-24 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
11/10/2015
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I just got my Skyla inserted today and it was much easier than I thought it would be. First of all, my doctor gave me misoprostol to take the night before and morning of my appointment. That gave me some mild cramping. Got to my appointment, got speculum'd up, she measured my uterus, inserted the IUD. The last two of those parts were like intense cramps that were over in a flash and the whole thing took maybe 2 minutes if that. Spotting now quite a bit. Will update in a few months! :)
Report this post
Acamp95 | 19-24 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
10/28/2015
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 2.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I normally do not share my experiences with products/medications but felt it might be helpful since this particular IUD is new. The insertion process for me was very painful, I have suffered from extreme period cramping since I was fourteen and also ovarian cyst and this was worse than any pain I have ever had from either. Thankfully, the pain has subsided some today. (The IUD was placed yesterday, 10/27/15.) I have had some light bleeding but nothing like a period. Overall I would say that the experience was worse than I expected and However I have never had children so maybe if you've had children the pain will not be as severe. I do not know the long term side effects of this as I have only had it a day but will post again.Read More Read Less
1
Report this post
Poppy | 19-24 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
10/20/2015
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I'm here to end all of the negative comments about the insertion process!! I'm 20 years old, never been pregnant, I've never even had a pap smear. I got my Skyla inserted about an hour ago and after reading many review online, I was feeling very nervous about it. I will give you a play-by-play of the process. First, in my doctors appointment to be prescribed Skyla, my doctor also prescribed me with Misoprostol to be taken the night before the procedure to help dialate the cervix to make the process a little easier on my never-been-pregnant cervix. So today I took 2 Aleve's (220) and 2 Advils (200) an hour before my appointment. I went to my doctor and she first told me how the entire process was going to go before getting started. Once getting started, she first opened and cleaned my vagina a bit (Im on my period). Then she gave me 3 quick shots to numb the opening of my cervix which felt like tiny pricks. Then she measured me (worst part) it felt like cramps but very manageable and I'm not the type of person to get period cramps so that's saying something. She took it very slow and easy. After being measured, she put the Skyla in and I barely felt it that part. Then I was taken to get an ultrasound just to make sure everything was in place and it was. That was it! I did all that worrying for nothing! My doctor did tell me that if I hadn't taken the medication the night before and the pain killers and if she didn't numb me a bit then it would have been a lot worse. So for everyone thinking of getting it, ask your doctor about any pain meds you should take or about whether or not they are going to numb you at all. Currently, I feel a bit of cramping but nothing stopping me from doing anything even exercise. My doctor told me to keep taking pain medicine every six hours for the next 24 hours or so. We'll see what happens Read More Read Less
4
Report this post
katt | 35-44 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
10/17/2015
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I've problems with hormonal birth control before, but after months of research Skyla seemed like my best option since it's a very low hormone done. The insertion was painful, but nothing I couldn't handle. I had pain and cramping for several days after, turns out I developed a large ovarian cyst not long after, but that did go away on its own. I did have a lot of bleeding/spotting for roughly 10 days after. Everything seemed to settle down after that, periods came on time, not much for pain or cramps. I've lived with severe depression and severe migraine headaches for many, many years. Before I got the IUD, I was starting to get a handle on both issues. Now that I've had the IUD for 2 months, my depression has increased, I'm having mood swings, very irritable. Migraines are getting pretty bad. I've had other little things here and there, too. I do have fibromyalgia but everything I'm experiencing cannot be attributed to just that. I'm assuming this all has to do with the IUD, since I know I'm already sensitive to hormonal changes. As much as I love the convenience of Skyla, I'm probably going to have to get it removed. I still recommend it for anyone else. Read More Read Less
3
Report this post
hello | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
10/12/2015
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I got Skyla about 3 months ago, and it has been an up and down experience. I loved how quick an easy the process was. Yes, it was uncomfortable but nothing i could not handle (and i do not like pain). I have has some troubles though, like migraines. I never had migraines before until i got Skyla. I had a change in mood swings but they have leveled out. I think it was my body getting use to the different hormones. I havent had any weight gain. (thank goodness) Overall i have enjoyed skyla, i am just hoping to get the migraines figured out. Read More Read Less
Report this post
Anonymous | 19-24 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
9/25/2015
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I had the Skyla inserted about an hour ago. It wasn't painful but VERY uncomfortable. I didn't take any Advil or ibuprofen, but my OBYGN did give me a few numbing shots. I've never had children so she indicated my cervix was very tight. Even though I've only had it for a few hours, I would recommend it if it's what your looking into birth control wise. It's not as scary as the stories you've probably heard.
Report this post
Victoria | 25-34 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
9/15/2015
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I had Skyla inserted yesterday. My period came early so I did not have it inserted on my period unfortunately. I am 27yrs old and very petite (117lbs, 5'3). I have no children. About an hour prior to the appointment I took 600mg ibuprofen, I did not take any cervix softening meds nor did I have local anesthetic. To be honest I might as well have skipped the ibuprofen, the pain during the procedure and after was so bad. The Insertion was a painful experience, I jumped when he pushed it through my cervix and immediately tensed up which probably made it worse. I had period cramps right away, only they were much more intense. After the procedure my gyn was talking to me while I sat on the table and I began to feel faint from the amount of pain I was in. I had to lay down and must've looked pretty bad because he gave me smelling salt to inhale. He was very nice and told me to stay laying down as long as I needed to. Long story short, I felt so terrible (the pain was actually getting worse, and felt so nauseated I though for sure I would vomit) that I laid in the office for a good twenty minutes, sweaty and shaky and hoping it would all end soon. I had to call my boyfriend to come pick me up because I couldn't get up on my own, let alone drive myself home. It has now been 12 hours and I feel immensely better. I do have light cramping but not as bad as before. I recommend you get it Inserted during your period, it's less painful that way. My gyn told me women who have never had children have a tighter cervix which makes it more painful to insert. I hope my review didn't terrify anyone, but I wanted to share my experience. It seems like most people have had a less painful experience. I'm sure mine was so bad because I did not have it inserted on my period. Read More Read Less
3
Report this post
Anonymous | 19-24 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
8/28/2015
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
So I just had the Skyla inserted less than an hour ago. I wasnt as nervous because my NP told me it would be less painful if I was on my period which I am. I also took 2 Motrin pills as advised. She started by inserting a thing in me to hold my vagina open...it was uncomfortable but not painful. Then she cleaned the area with a cotton swab. The only painful part was when she clamped my cervix which was the next step. It was bearable but I started cramping almost immediately which made the pain worse.Then finally, she inserted the actual Skyla device...and I really didnt feel it. She then cut the strings and let go of my cervix which felt funny and it was all over. By that time, the cramping had stopped. She asked if I was okay and I said yes but I honestly felt just a little light headed. Now, I'm feeling okay. I just feel a little pain on the right side of my abdomen. Other than that, I am good. I cant really say much about the effectiveness and ease of use yet.Read More Read Less
1
Report this post
Anonymous | 19-24 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
8/11/2015
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I am 21 years old, 5'8'' and I weigh 150lbs. I have never had a child, and was told I have a small uterus. I had my Skyla inserted 6/24. I took 3 200mg Ibuprofen 30 mins before my appointment. I went in thinking it was going to be the worst experience ever but tried to remain as calm as possible. IT WAS NOT TERRIBLE. Yes, it was uncomfortable pretty much the whole time, but it was nothing like everyone was making it out to be. I felt mild cramps throughout, and the worst part of it was the clamp, but still, it was only around a 6/10 pain level. I can handle pain, but I still feel like I could throw up if I stub my toe. So don't worry. If I can do it, you can too. I've had it for a few weeks now and I've had to wear a tampon every day since. I've been bleeding every day, but it has been quite light. Light enough that I am still comfortable engaging in sexual activity. I have been having intercourse and it has been completely normal, pain free. Except, a couple days ago I was experiencing some pain throughout intercourse, a crampy/sore feeling and I had to stop. But last night I was completely fine again. Today, I am experiencing some heavier bleeding and some stronger cramps, but luckily I have the day off so I can relax and apply heat. I could definitely go to work if I had to though. I wanted to write and tell about my story because there are so many different viewpoints on Skyla. I got Skyla because I've always been bad at taking the pill. Overall, I am happy with my decision. I don't know when I'll stop routinely bleeding but hopefully it is soon. It hasn't negatively affected my life so right now I'm not that worried. I go back to my OBGYN for a check up in a couple weeks, but I will follow up afterwards. I would definitely recommend Skyla at this point. Read More Read Less
6
Report this post
Myka A | 13-18 | Female | Patient
7/28/2015
Condition: Birth Control
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
I had this placed about 12 hours ago. I was TERRIFIED from the horror stories. I didn't taking any medicine besides a Tylenol extra strength and half of a Xanax because I was so scared. It was almost painless. The worst part was when she had to move my uterus in place because it was tilted and that just felt like a pinch. The only bad part is the cramps afterwards, but I also went to work (where I stand up the entire time) directly after the placement. I'm laying down now and I have no cramps. Do not let the horror stories freak you out because it only feels like pressure. Everyone is different but I only see bad posts so I hope this helps. Also I'm 18 years old and haven't had a child. Read More Read Less
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT USER-GENERATED CONTENT ON WEBMD
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions.