Kyleena and Acne: What Users Say (Page 2)

• KBa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 7, 2018

For Birth Control "I wanted to wait and post my review later on to see how it works in the future, but I refuse to let all the recent negative reviews on Kyleena stop anyone else's decision to get it. I got Kyleena put in over a month ago, the pain was sharp but totally bearable and lasted maybe 10 seconds. The cramps after were very bad, but they went away after a couple of days. I took 4 Aleve and an evening primrose pill to soften my cervix before I went. Coming from someone with depression and GAD, everything with me is perfectly normal, I actually feel better after getting the IUD! It takes an average of 6 months to one year for your body to settle down and get used to it, please give it time! I had hormonal acne, but so far my face has been clear. Cramps are gone already. I used to get frequent migraines, and I haven't had any. I am a teenager and have had positive outcomes, some people need to give it longer to settle in. I mean, it is a foreign object in your uterus. You have to give your body a chance."

• Em1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had a child, so I didn't think insertion would be too bad. WOW-I was wrong. I didn't take ibuprofen but did have misoprostol to open my cervix. The pain was terrible for me, but insertion only took about 2 minutes. Afterward, I had cramping almost every day, constant bleeding or spotting, backache, bloating, and my face broke out. My advice is to wait it out, girls! It's been two months for me now, and I forget it's there. My period this month was a few moments of cramping and one day of spotting with some usual moodiness. I used to have very heavy periods before Kyleena, so I'm happy I made the choice to get an IUD. Also, not worrying about getting pregnant for 5 years makes the bit of pain so worth it! If you're on here looking for answers like I was two months ago, you're not alone. Give it time!"

• Anonymous
• November 26, 2020

"Get this thing out of me! I was told I would potentially have some spotting following the insertion of Kyleena... well, that spotting ended up lasting 4 months. Since then, it’s a crapshoot as to whether I’ll get my period or not. They’re irregular and impossible to track. I have never been prone to acne, but I now have relentless acne on my chin, and no matter how well I take care of my face, it keeps coming back. Also, I have never experienced any concerns regarding my mental health. Following my IUD insertion, I now find myself horribly irritable, on edge, emotional, anxiety-ridden (unwarranted panic attacks included), the list goes on. Again, these are all highly uncharacteristic of my personality, my nature, and are unrelated to COVID as they appeared prior to 2020. Finally, the last and the absolute worst. I get a persistent morning sickness sensation??? Sometimes it lasts throughout the day (disclaimer: I am not and have not been pregnant). Like painful/uncomfortable waves of nausea. All in all, 0/10."

• Dan...
• June 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m one of those who decided to get the copper IUD in, regardless of never having kids. The whole year I had it in, I had the worst pain from periods and more blood flow, which was expected. But I also spotted the whole year when I wasn’t on my actual period. So, I decided to take a break and just accept my doom. Hate the pill, IUDs are horrible (I thought), and I haven’t heard anything good about the others. Well, I decided to see a new gyno, and he suggested Kyleena. I was very hesitant. Best thing I ever did! The insertion was a breeze compared to the copper IUD, and my period I would only have one bad day with cramps, which was bearable and normal. Blood flow is minimal. I didn’t experience acne or weight gain, but I have never struggled with acne my whole life, so that might be why. I got my IUD on 4/1/20, and it is now 6/4/20. My period has pretty much stopped by June, I only have spotting. We will see how it continues, but so far, I love it!"

• syd...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I have now had my IUD for about a year and a half, and while it is not perfect, it's been a great improvement. I had super terrible periods: extremely heavy, terrible cramps, hormonal migraines. Because I have migraines with aura, I'm a bit limited on which BC I can take, so my Dr. and I decided on Kyleena. The insertion itself was fine (I took ibuprofen before, like recommended), but I had pretty bad cramps for a week after, nothing that some pain relievers and a heating pad couldn't handle, though. Now, my periods are longer (about a week and a half compared to 5-6 days), but so, so much lighter. I really just spot on and off for a week and a half (compared to before, where I was so heavy, I was anemic). I still have cramps, which can get pretty bad, but they don't last as long. Zero issues with weight gain or acne. And the actual birth control protection is great, never have to worry about it. Overall, I highly recommend!"

• But...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2020

For Birth Control "Got Kyleena inserted at the end of October 2019. The insertion wasn't too bad, some cramping but nothing major. I bled for a month straight after. I'm now coming up on my 3rd month, have some occasional spotting, and I get my period every month, lasting about a week. So far, I've only had some cramping, bloating, and nausea when it is coming to that time of the month. But that's normal for me. I did have hormonal acne before the IUD, it hasn't made it any worse. I do suggest, though, for anybody who is breaking out on the IUD or has hormonal acne in general, I have been taking some supplements that have cleared my skin 90%: 1) Alani Nu Balance 2) Zinc 3) B5 4) Probiotic 5) Ashwagandha (helps with stress & depression) 6) Iron (if you have anemia or heavy periods). Hope this helps."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 6, 2019

For Birth Control "Insertion felt like a little pressure and pinch. I have a high pain tolerance, so it didn’t feel like much. Light bleeding after. Then everything was okay up until my first real period on it. I had the most miserable cramps. Every single day. I’m talking contractions for cramps that would last the whole day. It was so bad that I could not get out of bed. This lasted for 3 months straight. I also had a heavy period for those 3 months as well. I talked to my gyno, and she said I have to give 6 months for my body to get used to it. Here I am 8 months in; I’ve gained 20 lbs, losing chunks of hair, have horrible acne covering my back, neck, and chin. I have depression. On top of a week prior to my period starting, I experience contraction-like cramps. I have a period for 10 days and spot for a few days after, and then I’m good for a week, then I’m back on my period again. Having this IUD is a nuisance more than a benefit."

• Abb...
• December 20, 2019

For Birth Control "The insertion was equivalent to two really big cramps that make you stop what you're doing and hunch over, but it wasn't unbearable. I cramped for the next day, along with the next 3 weeks. I also spotted for 3 weeks, but only needed a panty liner. I've been through 3 periods on this now and they last about 8 days, are fairly heavy, and I now get horrible cramps, as opposed to my 4-day light periods before this. Around the 2-month mark, my acne got awful, and my hormones turned me into a monster, and not just around the time of my period. I'm not an angry person normally, but this made me snappy, irritable, and angry, that would quickly turn into crying. My spotting came back and is now heavy enough to have to wear a tampon. Also, my panic attacks, which have been gone for years, returned. It also increased my anxiety dramatically. My sex drive also took a big hit. Going to continue it for a few more months, but it's not looking great. I hate to say that I wouldn't recommend this to anyone."

• Keb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 8, 2023

For Birth Control "I have had Kyleena since 12/17/2020. During the insertion, my gynecologist was really nice, but when I tell you it was the worst pain I experienced. I am not lying. The whole way home, I could barely move because of the pain. Then once I got home, I didn’t move and slept for basically two days because of the pain. Now, over 2 years later, I have noticed how my body has changed. I gained a lot of weight, with no change to my diet. I have literally no energy for anything. My sex drive is non-existent when I genuinely used to enjoy it. Now, I could go weeks without it and not even care, which has affected my relationship some. I honestly just feel like my whole body is out of whack. Like my hormones have affected everything. I am breaking out worse than I did during my sophomore year in high school. I tried everything to fix it, but it’s hormonal, so nothing is fixing it. I am moody and always tired. And oh my, the cramps I get randomly are awful."

• Anonymous
• July 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm just going to start this off by saying everyone and every BODY is different. If you're considering getting an IUD for birth control, or have bad cramps, whatever the reason, don't psych yourself out because a few people had or are having a bad experience. Certain things aren't for everyone, and that is OK! I had it inserted a month ago, the procedure was painful. I took 2 Advil an hour before, and it didn't help. I would recommend getting the freezing spray if you can, it lasted a total of 10 seconds. I got it inserted on lunch and went back to work right after. The cramps lasted a few hours, I did get it inserted on my period. So far, I have no issues. I did get a few pimples, they go away after a few days. My period almost no longer exists, no weight gain, and no mood changes. I was on Alesse, and I feel much happier in my headspace with the IUD compared to the pill. I hope this helps someone who is curious or scared like I was beforehand. You won't know if it's for you until you try."

• ktg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Kyleena for around a year and a half, and there are a few things you should know: 1) Insertion for me was NOT bad. It felt like a pinch-just be sure to take ibuprofen before your appointment (I took 4). NOTE: I am not a virgin. If you are, I can’t promise how you’ll react. It’s a little weird having someone be all up in your private area. So come mentally prepared! 2) If you are acne-prone, sadly your skin might get worse. I wish I could tell you that the Kyleena had no effect on my skin, but it did. Make sure to keep up a healthy diet, skincare routine, and exercise regime! This has helped me a lot. This side effect shouldn’t deter you! 3) Gaining weight? Nope! I lost 30 pounds during the time I've been on this form of BC. You can maintain/lose weight for sure. 4) Periods eventually became alarmingly light to the point I thought I was pregnant. However, it’s very good at preventing pregnancy-Kyleena has yet to fail me :)."

• Dan...
• April 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I got Kyleena inserted in January of 2017. I was told to take 600 mg of ibuprofen before and wasn't asked to be on my period for insertion. The procedure was a piece of cake and took no more than 10 minutes. The pain was only slight cramping for a few seconds while inserting. The first few days I had cramps, which is typical, but they were bearable. I had light spotting for about a month after, which was annoying, but that has now stopped. So far, I've only had one period, and it was super light and lasted two days, which is not typical for me. I usually have a heavy period (super tampon) for a week. So far, I'm loving this basically nonexistent period, no acne, improved sex life, and overall I feel happier compared to the pill I was previously taking."

• JKH...
• July 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I bled and cramped for a solid month. Then the headaches, acne, and breast tenderness started. I've gained 10 lbs in four months with this thing. The inches are all going to my waist. And now to add to the cramping, I have extreme bloating. It's so bad it distracts me from my job because it's painful to sit. I've not been on a hormonal birth control in five years, so there's no other explanation for these changes. I'm getting it removed."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had Kyleena for almost two years now. I keep telling myself my body just needs to adjust and that all the problems will go away, but after reading some of these reviews, I really should’ve listened to what my body has been telling me. Since I’ve had Kyleena, I’ve been constantly spotting. Like, allllllll the time. I get sharp pains in my sides and back, and it’s been going on for quite some time. I keep hoping that my body will adjust because Kyleena does do its job, but the acne, the spotting all day, and after sex, the pains? Definitely not worth it. I’ll be contacting my OB to have this removed ASAP. All this time I thought it was just me."

• Bum...
• August 19, 2020

"I had Kyleena inserted in 2017, had it removed this year. Insertion was painful, but I knew it would be going in. First year was great. Painful cramps, but zero period. Did have acne flare-ups, which are unusual for me, but nothing crazy. Over the last 18 months, everything changed. Horrible, awful cramping, terrible bloating to the point where I literally was asked if I was pregnant - I am an extremely active person, currently training for a marathon, and even with training, running upwards of 20 miles a week, I was gaining weight. I developed mood swings - I am not a crier, but I could barely make it through a Hallmark commercial. And, oh god, libido was gone. Had it removed Monday, and already the bloating is completely gone, dropped 4 pounds, and my face is clear as can be. Was Kyleena effective? Yes. Was it convenient? Yes. But for me, not at all worth the plethora of symptoms I experienced. I've transitioned back onto the pill and am much happier for it."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 6, 2021

For Birth Control "Been on the Kyleena for 1.5 years now, and I absolutely don't want to have it anymore. Insertion was okay, it hurt bad for about a week or so, but was happy I had it as it is low maintenance. Although it caused so many mood swings that were unbearable. Still have my period, and they are irregular. Occasional acne will appear as usual before my period. The thing I can’t deal with the most is the mood change though. If you have a history of depression or anything mood-altering, then don’t try this unless you are prepared to feel depressed for the duration of it."

• Mom...
• October 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I just wanted to share my experience with Kyleena. I had it placed around the last week of September, and I’ve scheduled an appointment to have it removed Monday 8/21. I wouldn’t say I’ve had this birth control long enough to see any positive results, and I hate to leave only negative, so I will say that placement was only slightly uncomfortable for me. Somehow, I got lucky and was on my period during placement. Now, I’ve developed awful acne and not simple acne. This is boils. All over my back, my neck, and some places on my face. I’ve never been one to have headaches, and now they’re daily. I also have developed dizziness and a “fog” brain. My breasts hurt on and off, my boyfriend said the string was sharp, so I checked myself, and yes! I’ve developed night sweats! And not to mention my anxiety, depression, and anger issues are out of this world. I snap so easily!! Thank goodness I’m having it removed in two days."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2021

For Birth Control "The only good thing about Kyleena is that it prevents pregnancy. The insertion is bad, but that was to be expected. A week or two into having the IUD, I did not notice any side effects, but after about a month, I started to have very noticeable side effects. I had the worst cramps of my life (literally to the point where I thought I might have to go to the ER) and also horrible recurring back pains. I told my nurse on-call at my gyno about my symptoms, and she claimed it was normal to experience this following the insertion, so I just stuck it out. Not only did the horrible cramps and back pain never subside, but I also ended up getting the worst acne of my life. Additionally, I think Kyleena has affected my mood: I have many more mood swings and am a lot more depressed. Some of my friends also have Kyleena but have never experienced this, so I guess everyone is different; I just wanted to share the side effects I experienced. I am getting it removed tomorrow... thank god :))"

• Nov...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 6, 2021

For Birth Control "DO YOUR RESEARCH! I have had Kyleena for 2 years now, and I'm having it removed in a week. I should have known my acne would become worse since I already had troubles with hormonal acne before, and I'm super sensitive to hormones because I've been on the pill before and had to go off because of the weight gain, which then I shed the weight I gained in a month. So with the Kyleena, the weight gain has been worse, I gained 14 lbs since I've been on it, and it's been affecting my overall confidence. Also, I have zero motivation to have sex now, and my anxiety has gotten worse to the point I can't function normally some days. Please do your research before getting this put inside your body!"

• KNK...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 30, 2020

For Birth Control "The only thing I like about Kyleena is how low maintenance it is. My insertion went about as smooth as possible, with no cramping afterwards at all! With that being said, the part of the insertion where it is pushed up through your cervix was the most intense pain I've ever felt, even though it lasted 1/5th of a second. Unfortunately, for me, it wasn't worth it. I have had the IUD in for almost two years because I wanted to give it a good shot and really let my body get used to it before swearing it off, but the side effects are unbearable for me. Within a month of the IUD insertion, I started getting horrible migraines, really painful ovulation, bleeding during ovulation, severe PMS, severe cramps during my period, acne, weight gain. I had a blood test to rule out any other causes, it seems the IUD just didn't react well with me. I will say, though, that it made my periods a lot lighter or less painful."

• sjh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 19, 2021

For Birth Control "I have had the Kyleena IUD for 10 months now, and I really don't like it, and I want it out. It was the WORST pain getting it in, and I passed out after getting it in and had to stay in the hospital for an hour afterward. I was bleeding for 2 and a half months straight after getting it in. I have put on 15 kg since the start of the year, and it has made my headaches worse and my hormonal acne worse! I am so self-conscious about how I look now, it is almost impossible to lose weight. I have been exercising and watching what I eat for 3 months, and I have gone up 2 sizes in pants!!! Like, what is that about? I’m so unhappy, and I really think I’d be better off just not having sex at all compared to this rubbish."

• Ele...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 30, 2020

For Birth Control "Kyleena is the second IUD I have tried. I first tried Mirena around 17, which made my period longer by 1 day, so I removed it. Fast forward 3 years, I had a pregnancy scare and decided to try Kyleena. I’ve had it almost 2 years, and my period is now 10 days long every month. My mom recommended IUDs to me because it made her period disappear, but I guess I’m unlucky. A doctor actually told me she doesn’t believe my period has become longer because of the IUD, that it was going to happen anyway...guess I’ll never know. I also get pretty bad cramps the day before my period comes and the first 2 days of my period, which didn’t happen before, and I’ve noticed my acne has gotten a lot worse."

• rob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2020

For Birth Control "*Easy insertion due to natural ovulation, cervix softener, Valium, and Ibu. *Bleeding for 4 months almost nonstop. 95% spotting. Daily. Increased after any sexual activity. *Experienced a decidual cast in the 3rd week. *Breast tenderness, swelling, PAIN when leaning into something or doing a self-exam. All the time. *At least 2 'periods' a month (just darker/heavier, but short). *Cramps - random. *Mood - Depression okay, anxiety up. Feel spacey a lot. Feel ADHD meds don't quite do their job anymore. *Weight - retain fluid, have to take a fluid pill around 'period' days and randomly. Always hungry, even on stimulant. Have begun gaining in month 4. *Acne - prone to hormonal, but NONE. *Genital - Labial cysts are frequent, maybe due to pads constantly used. Always itchy because my skin hates pads, but can't use anything else for various reasons. Currently a yeast infection. *Emotions - cry randomly and once a month sob at the most ridiculous things. Not a crier. Not quite a fan."

• van...
• September 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the Kyleena birth control about 3 months ago. It has been nothing but a nightmare. I spotted almost every day the first 6 weeks. I have gained about 9 pounds and have gotten little spots of acne all over my face. And I usually have very clear skin. Since the start, I have had very bad constant cramps, but now the past week, I have been in excruciating pain. To the point that it feels like I may faint. I have an appointment tomorrow to hopefully get this thing out. On top of all of this, I get nauseous a lot and feel like throwing up. I have felt so awful and off the past 3 months. This birth control is NOT worth it. For me, it has been a complete waste of time and I absolutely hate it. Spare yourself the excruciating pain, moodiness, cramping, acne, and weight gain. No pros to this."

• Ini...
• June 13, 2019

For Birth Control "This is an update on my Kyleena that I have had now for 1 year. So far, I LOVE it! No symptoms for me, except shorter periods, much shorter, like two days max, with bleeding that doesn’t even require a pad because it’s just when I wipe. No acne, no weight gain, no mood swings or any of that, just a great birth control that has so far prevented pregnancy! I highly recommend this, and the insertion process wasn’t painful at all!"