Kyleena and Acne: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Kay...
• August 20, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the Kyleena for 3 months. Insertion was not bad at all and just felt like a really bad cramp. I took some ibuprofen beforehand along with a med to dilate my cervix per my doctor's recommendation. I bled for a month after insertion and became severely depressed, anxious, and lethargic. I have a history of being depressed, but this was on another level. Once I stopped bleeding, the depression eased up a little bit, and I have been mildly depressed since. Other side effects I have dealt with are increased acne and weight gain (about 10 pounds). Due to these negative side effects, I decided to have it removed today. The process was painless and only took a few minutes. If you don't have mental health issues, you will probably be fine, but if you do, I would be hesitant about this IUD. Also, some of my side effects could have been worsened by quarantine/coronavirus. What I liked most about the Kyleena was its low maintenance and lighter periods."

• Chr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 13, 2020

For Birth Control "I waited a long time to get an IUD because of all the horror stories online. I was planning to get a copper IUD, but after discussing it with my doctor, I settled on Kyleena. The insertion was quite painful, and I had horrible cramps for several hours afterward, but by the next day, they had calmed down, and since then, it's been great. I felt very, very emotional for a couple of weeks after it was put in, I'm assuming it was my body adjusting to it. However, since then, I've been so happy with it. I no longer get painful periods or ovulation cramps. I occasionally get very, very mild cramps and a little spotting. I've also had a bit of acne, but it has started to calm down. It's a huge relief having reliable birth control and no more extreme pain from periods."

• Sta...
• November 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I am writing this two days before I get Kyleena removed. To echo many others, this was the worst pain of my life to date. My period is gone, and I’m not pregnant, so those are the pros. However, the cons are simply too much to continue. 1) ACNE is the worst. I feel like a 14-year-old and, tbh, I was not looking to revisit that chapter of my life, thank you very much. 2) DEPRESSION has become unbearable. Dark thoughts, anger, numbness, truly insane mood swings. I’ve had sad days before, but this has been the hardest year of my life. My doctor literally prescribed me bipolar medication because my mood swings are so intense. 3) WEIGHT GAIN is real. Whether that’s from the depression/lack of motivation or the IUD is anybody’s guess. 4) PAIN: I know I’m the one housing the demon, but I feel even more horrible because my partner is in pain during intercourse. He said, 'it feels like I’m rubbing my penis on a really hard piece of plastic.' Stay tuned!"

• Col...
• August 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had my Kyleena IUD for a month and a half. I spotted on and off for the first month, but it's done now. I had a minor breakout on my face and neck during the first month as well. But now my skin is as clear as it was on Tri-Lo-Sprintec (generic Ortho-Tri-Cyclen Lo). I've not gotten a period yet. Insertion was not as painful as I expected it to be. I was able to get up and walk around just fine immediately after it was over, and then I went out to lunch. I had some minor cramps for the rest of the day, but some ibuprofen took care of it. I've not had any problems with weight gain or mood. In fact, my mood and energy levels have improved compared to when I was on the pill, I also don't have sore breasts like I did on the pill."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve given Kyleena a month and a half, and I can honestly say I’m dissatisfied and unsure of what to do next given the negative side effects I’ve experienced already. I’ve had cramping halfway through the month, which was literally worse than the process of termination I experienced. The pain from this IUD was so bad, it left me doubling over, and pain actually traveled down to my feet. It didn’t even result in a period either, it’s just been constant spotting, which didn’t stop until a few days ago. I’ve had cystic acne, irritability, and depression, as well as a moderately dull pain/cramping that comes and goes as my mood fluctuates. I’ve decided to have it removed. I’m so saddened that this is all women have to turn to in this day and age for birth control. There are way too many side effects, you’d think there would be something else by now that doesn’t hurt and ruin women’s lives the way our current options do."

• hay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I got this form of birth control in Aug 2019. Before Kyleena, I was on the pill. I wanted something more “secure” and something with low maintenance. Since getting my IUD, my acne has gotten so BAD! I’ve never had acne problems until I got Kyleena. My face used to be so clear!! Insertion was terrible as well. I passed out and had to stay an hour after it was over because I was not able to go home. I plan on getting it removed within the next week due to brain fog, dizziness, and other things. The brain fog is the worst. I feel like I’m just floating. I will do something and forget how I even did it. It’s odd to explain, but trust me, it sucks. In the beginning, it was great and I loved it. My periods stopped completely. I’m not dissing Kyleena, and it can be different for everyone, so definitely give it a shot. I will be switching back to the pill."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2019

For Birth Control "Not sure how I feel about Kyleena. I had light periods at the beginning of November, and nothing since, so no periods or spotting for 7 weeks. When I was on Mirena, I always had light periods. I get constant cramps as if I was going to get my periods, but nothing. But with the Kyleena, my mood has changed, though. I get irritated, I feel depressed, I got zits (which I have never had before), I cry way too often for things I usually wouldn't. I've called my doctor. Something is not right."

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 23, 2018

For Birth Control "Horrible BC method! Most of the reviews on here are only about insertion and have only had Kyleena for a day or so. I had Kyleena for 14 months. I personally didn't have an issue with insertion. A month after Kyleena, I started gaining weight rapidly despite not changing my diet or exercise routine. I started feeling tired all the time, I felt depressed, anxious, and just genuinely not myself. A few months went by and I started losing a TON of hair. Fast forward to 12 months post-insertion. I missed my period, and the next month I started developing SEVERE cystic acne. I have never had acne like that before. I went to the doctor and they kept telling me there was no way it was from Kyleena (eye roll). They checked my blood, did ultrasounds, and all my labs came back consistent with a woman with a PCOS diagnosis. After 2 months of removal, EVERYTHING has improved. Kyleena was the worst decision of my life!"

• Goo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 20, 2020

For Birth Control "Got the Kyleena inserted just over a year ago. Was in pain for a few days post-insertion, but since then, nothing. Haven't had my period in over a year, which is a huge plus. I had perfectly clear skin in high school, but about four months in, started slowly breaking out on my chin and cheeks. At first, it wasn't too bad, but nothing I've been able to find has stopped it. On the positive side, I lost 10 pounds but continue to suffer from acne and acne scarring. Currently trying to solve this issue because other than that, Kyleena has been fabulous."

• Goo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 20, 2020

For Birth Control "Got the Kyleena inserted just over a year ago. Was in pain for a few days post-insertion, but since then, nothing. Haven't had my period in over a year, which is a huge plus. I had perfectly clear skin in high school, but about four months in, started slowly breaking out on my chin and cheeks. At first, it wasn't too bad, but nothing I've been able to find has stopped it. On the positive side, I lost 10 pounds but continue to suffer from acne and acne scarring. Currently trying to solve this issue because other than that, Kyleena has been fabulous."

• Kko...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 13, 2018

For Birth Control "Okay, so I’ve had the Kyleena for over two years now. Insertion was painful but not unbearable. For the first 2 weeks, I bled about the amount of a normal period or less. I suffer from very irregular periods, and I have all of my life (I am now 21). Now, since being on Kyleena, my periods have completely vanished, and I haven’t had a menstrual cycle in over a year now. Sometimes I get occasional cramping. I also gained 20 pounds in about two years, but now I’m slowly starting to lose the weight. As well, I suffered with acne a lot of my life. After insertion, my acne was a lot worse, but finally now it’s pretty much gone. I’ve never gotten pregnant, so it’s working. Also, during the beginning, my hormones affected my mood, but it took about 8-12 months for that to even out. I also experienced mild depression and anxiety, which may or may not have to do with my hormones. It’s been two years now, and everything seems to be normalized for me, besides the minimal cramping. I hope this helps."

• Jbe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 22, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena in 2016 and had it in for about six months before calling it quits due to acne and spotting. I switched to the Paragard copper IUD, which was good at first but then severely increased the heaviness of my period, and my cramps became unbearable. Due to a medication I take, I had to use an IUD (the medication reduced the efficacy of regular birth control). By this time, the Kyleena existed. I have had no issues with the Kyleena. After about 6 months, I started having some light spotting and at times dark brown discharge, but that’s basically it. I am very happy with it."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the Kyleena fitted almost 6 weeks ago. I went under to have it inserted because I had a few other things to be done at the same time. The worst part was recovering from the anesthetic, it made me sick and very tired. I then had cramping for about 5 days afterwards, on and off. Ibuprofen helped it. I bled/spotted for the first week, then it stopped until my next period. I got my period when it was due, it lasted a few days longer than usual (about 8/9 days instead of about 5-6 days), a little bit of cramping, but I didn't need pain relievers for it. The worst side effect I had was acne in the first few weeks following. I now still have a bit, but nothing too worrying. This is an awesome option, I hope it stays like this for me! I was expecting to deal with so much worse for the first few months."

• Bon...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had Kyleena for almost 2 years now, and it’s the best birth control I’ve ever had. No acne, no weight gain, no side effects at all. For the first year, my periods were very light, and after that, I stopped getting periods altogether. Though my boyfriend can sometimes feel the strings during intimacy, they’re very soft and flexible, and he doesn’t even notice them anymore. I very highly recommend Kyleena, it’s been very reliable. Plus, you don’t need to remember to do anything like you would with other birth controls. You get it inserted, which didn’t even really hurt, and you’re covered for multiple years!"

• Anonymous
• July 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I thought I would share my experience since I’ve been on Kyleena for about a year now. I was someone who never got cramps before, so I was very discouraged when I started getting them every month along with my period. The only upside to this BC is the fact I don’t really have a period. It’s super light, and some months I don’t even notice it. Now, a year in, I have really bad acne on my back and chest, I’m always so tired to the point where I don’t even want to get out of bed, and I can sleep 14 hours and still feel tired enough to sleep more. I’ve also been feeling a dark fog or cloud in my mind and feel very irritable and sad all the time. It’s making me super anxious to the point where my appetite is completely gone. I am planning on making an appointment to get it removed because if these side effects are from it, it’s totally not worth it. I just want to get back to the normal hormone levels of my body."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 29, 2021

For Birth Control "I used to be in love with my Kyleena because I didn’t get a period (maybe only 5 times in the past 2.5 years). I had never been on any other birth control prior to being on this and, unlike a lot of reviewers, didn’t experience a lot of pain during insertion (although I’m worried about the pain when it comes out!!!). But after reading these reviews and my own experiences, I desperately want my Kyleena out! I’ve been experiencing pretty awful cystic acne (on and off) that I’ve had to go through rounds of doxycycline, minocycline, and spironolactone for. Besides that, I’ve been experiencing extreme anxiety and panic attacks, which I never dealt with. After reading reviews, I realized that I’m not alone. Before Kyleena, I experienced a few years of awful severe cystic acne and had mood swings but never anxiety attacks. I would not recommend this medication if you have some of these issues too."

• Anonymous
• January 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I've had Kyleena for about 3 months. Insertion wasn't bad, just some cramps for an hour or so. Overall, this has not been worth it for me. I have never had more than one pimple at a time on my face, but after getting Kyleena, my face is covered in zits. The worst of all of it is the mood swings and terrible anxiety. I don't feel like myself at all. I cry about literally everything. I get random bouts of intense anxiety and panic attacks and serious irritability. Getting the IUD taken out next week. Will not go back on hormonal BC after this."

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2019

For Birth Control "This is my second IUD! My first was 3 years ago, and now I’m looking forward to the next 4.5 years with this one. Yes, the procedure is very painful, but it should only take 10 minutes. My boyfriend was in the room with me the second time, and it helped with the anxiety. Since it’s my second IUD, I didn’t have any cramping the second time after insertion! No change in acne on my skin and no weight gain or mood changes. If the pain of the insertion is holding you back, just remember it’s not as bad as childbirth, and then you can forget about birth control for 5 years!!! Over 99% effective!!"

• Anonymous
• October 27, 2019

For Birth Control "Would not recommend. I’ve had the worst experience with Kyleena. Constant headaches, awful acne all over face and neck (I’ve never had acne on my neck before), cramps, mood swings, and fatigue. Insertion was the most painful thing I’ve ever felt. I almost fainted after getting it inserted. Kept it in for the 6 months as I was told side effects would go away by then, but it has been 7 months, and I am still dealing with all of the things listed above. I will be getting this removed as soon as I can, as nothing has changed after the 6-month mark."

• kit...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been on the Kyleena for about 10 months. Insertion was painful but not bad. I bled for about three months after. I used to get few and infrequent pimples, but now my acne has been terrible. I also have experienced mood swings and pretty intense depression. I am thinking about getting it removed as I come up to the 1-year mark because it's honestly not worth feeling terrible. Great that I don't have to worry about becoming pregnant, but I think I'd prefer something else."

• Yul...
• January 30, 2020

For Birth Control "20yo, had Kyleena for 8 months and had it removed two weeks ago. The insertion was extremely painful. FYI, I am very pain tolerant. The first three months I was spotting and had painful cramping. Even after eight months I still had cramps. I had a bit of acne all my life, but after 2 months on Kyleena it got so much worse. However, IF YOU HAVE ACNE AS A SIDE EFFECT - DON'T REMOVE IT. It goes away! Your body needs to adjust, 8 months later my skin looks great! Now, I started experiencing HEART PALPITATIONS, NAUSEA, ABDOMINAL PAIN, SICK all the time to the point that I couldn't eat without thinking I would throw up. This made me so miserable along with my NON-EXISTING SEX DRIVE. I was always very active, but now not only did I not want to have sex, I felt like my sensitivity disappeared. That was pretty much the reason why I removed it. I really wanted it to work, and it's a great alternative to pills, but I didn't see the point of preventing pregnancy if I don't have sex."

• Ext...
• July 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I got the Kyleena IUD inserted 2.5 years ago. The insertion process was extremely painful for me. Four months after insertion, I developed a huge ovarian cyst that sent me to the ER. I got another one two months later that also required going to the ER. Since then, I have developed painful cysts each month, my acne has gotten much worse, and sex has become really painful. A week ago, I went to the doctor to have it removed. My doctor tried for more than 15 minutes before giving up. It was excruciating. The strings had curled up into my uterus and removal was impossible without surgery. Now I have to wait to get a hysteroscopy to finally remove the IUD. Not only is surgery scary, but after insurance, I have to pay $1,340 out of pocket. My experience is worse than most without a doubt. However, 22% of women with Kyleena develop painful ovarian cysts during their experience. My symptoms are not uncommon, so I highly discourage any woman from getting this type of birth control."

• ace...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 24, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Kyleena for about two and a half years and have finally taken it out. The first year was great, with no period and no side effects. Then, about at the one-year mark, my symptoms started and worsened over time. I broke out in deep, painful cystic acne all over my face and body that could not be resolved. I also had severe cramping and had a few ovarian cysts form that I had no prior history of. Finally, in the last year, I spotted heavily every day. For whatever reason, this is not the right form of contraception for me. When it worked, I was a huge fan, but I will not be getting another one."

• hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 14, 2019

For Birth Control "I had a Kyleena inserted in April, mostly for heavy periods caused by fibroids, also for birth control. Let me just tell you - not everyone has those horrible insertion experiences that are described here. I took naproxen a few hours before, as well as lorazepam. I had NO pain. My uterus is even posteriorly located. I have had PAP smears that hurt more than this. It was also over within a few seconds. I did have a drop in blood pressure while in the waiting room after the procedure - I was sweating heavily and felt dizzy, but it passed after I went to the bathroom. As for side effects, my periods are basically GONE, which is AMAZING. I have had a little bit of acne here and there, as well as discharge because of the IUD being a foreign object. Other than that, it has been perfect for me!"

• Sha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 6, 2019

For Birth Control "My experience was awful. Never again! My doctor pressured me into getting the IUD, and when I went to her about the side effects from it, she offered no advice, just shrugged her shoulders. The insertion was so bad I almost passed out from the pain. Then, three months in, my hair started falling out in clumps! It is so bad you can see my scalp from all angles (I am 21 years old!). My acne was awful on my face and back. On top of all of this, I had the worst mood swings; crying one second and laughing the next. I have had it out for three weeks now and hope my hair grows back. I do not recommend this to anyone, especially if it is pushed onto you by your doctor. It is not worth the hassle."