Kyleena and Acne: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Bar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 21, 2019

For Birth Control "So, I had Kyleena inserted one month after my last son was born. I knew I wanted an IUD, and with Kyleena having a low dose of hormones, it seemed like the best option. The first 7 months, it seemed like I was spotting constantly and still getting my regular period once a month. After 7 months, the spotting stopped, but then came the acne. I started breaking out with painful, huge cystic acne and other small bumps all over my face, especially my chin, jawline, and forehead. It was awful. I decided to see a dermatologist and speak with my gyno, both said it was most likely due to my IUD. I got Kyleena removed and immediately felt 1000% better! My mood was better, I wasn’t hungry 24/7, and my face was clear 3-5 days later. It’s not for everyone! But I really wanted it to work for me so bad."

• RKa...
• May 6, 2019

For Birth Control "I am a 21-year-old who has never had kids before, that was on the combination pill for 2 years and then the progesterone-only pill for 2 years. I can only have progesterone birth control, and the progesterone-only pill made me spot ALL the time. I really did not like that, so I wanted to try the IUD out to see if that would stop the spotting and not have to worry about taking a pill. I’m going to be honest, the Kyleena IUD insertion was the worst pain of my life and lasted about an hour afterwards. At the start, I kept thinking to myself this is the stupidest decision ever, why did I do this to myself? Because the pain was unbearable, although it ended up being the best birth control ever. I didn’t bleed after insertion, have only gotten my period once, and I’ve had it in for 4 months and have had no spotting! It’s absolutely amazing, I haven’t had any weight gain, acne, or mood changes! I almost forget I have it in. Best decision!"

• Jan...
• July 24, 2019

For Birth Control "When the IUD is inserted, they have to dilate the cervix. Therefore, you experience cramps like early labor pains. I have a high pain tolerance. The cramping, pressure, and pinch during insertion was beyond awful, it felt like someone was taking a knitting needle and jabbing it quickly inside you. I screamed and almost vomited, but that was not the worst. The worst are the cramps that come after. They crippled me for 2 days. I couldn’t stand or walk. I crawled into my apartment door when I finally made it home. I laid in bed for 2 days with heating pads, Midol, Aleve, you name it. Nothing works. That pain was not worth it, and had I known, I would not have done it. It’s been 3 months. 15 pounds of weight gain despite a heavy gym regimen and diet. None of my clothes fit. I am consistently bloated. I experience period cramps so bad for 15 days of every month, I get waves of chills, goosebumps, pinching pressure, and lightheadedness. The period itself isn’t bad, but it is about 8 days long. Also, increased acne. Getting it removed."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I had Kyleena placed on June 13, 2017. I have a very low pain tolerance, so I was nervous about how it would feel, but placement only lasted maybe five minutes and felt more like a period cramp than anything painful. I was very crampy and even a tad bit nauseous for the rest of the day. The next day was much better, and the cramping was gone by day three. I had some spotting every once in a while and random cramps, but nothing ibuprofen couldn't take care of. I got my period around my normal cycle time and it lasted 8 days, which is double the normal length, and then some spotting for 7 more days. I have noticed a little acne, but I use essential oils on the area and it's gone within a few hours. I go for my 6-week check-up in 6 days."

• Eny...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 20, 2022

For Birth Control "I'm finally gaining the courage to take it out. I've had it for a little over a year now, cervical shock when I had it put in. Passed out in the elevators leaving the appointment. Really rough six months afterwards. Cramping, suddenly I had ovulation pain that I'd never had before, acne, crazy painful breasts... but the reason I'm having it removed is the anxiety. My anxiety has been astronomical since getting this thing. Had my first panic attack after having it placed. Was told by several doctors it shouldn't have that effect, but here we are."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I was really excited to try the IUD since I had been on the pill for 5 years. Insertion was painful and uncomfortable, but I felt fine a day after that. I bled and spotted for 3 months after insertion and now get my period once a month. I had high hopes for it, but I became depressed, started getting frequent headaches, developed acne, and experienced really bad PMS symptoms. I've been on it for 6 months and did not realize this form of contraception has a significantly higher risk of developing depression compared to other types. It contributes to mood swings and symptoms of depression. I am not usually prone to depression or anxiety, and it has been through the roof since I got it. I used to never cry, and now I cry over everything for no reason. This is just my experience, and everybody is different."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2019

For Birth Control "So, I got my IUD Kyleena inserted about 6 months ago. When I first got it, it was the worst experience ever! I could barely walk leaving the doctor, I cried, and I almost passed out. The pain lasted a whole day. After, it slowly started to get better. I started to notice acne. My face had always been clear, and it sucks. I have experienced random hair loss and immense cramping. I still spot for a couple of days, then it goes away. I still have it in, but I am still deciding whether to have it removed or not."

• OhD...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 18, 2019

For Birth Control "Got my Kyleena in May of 2019, it was inserted during surgery to remove uterine polyps (I had extremely heavy, long periods and low iron). I was very apprehensive at first because I've never used any hormonal birth control before and was afraid of acne and weight gain. The first few months were a little dicey, I had spotting every day for 6 weeks straight in addition to one period. However, this was much less than I used to bleed, so I got used to it. The worst part was the INSANE cramps I had, so bad I would cry. My doctor prescribed me some naproxen, and I just took that when it happened, and it got way better. Now, my periods are SO MUCH LIGHTER and shorter too! I still have gnarly cramps, but I'm really happy with my decision because my iron levels are up and I haven't had any of the other side effects I was worried about. I would say this is a positive experience."

• pcd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I had my Kyleena IUD inserted a month ago. My procedure took slightly longer because I had my copper IUD (Liberte) removed first. Like the first time, the insert was very uncomfortable. Be sure to take a Tylenol an hour before the treatment. Afterwards, I had some abdominal cramps and felt very uncomfortable in my bowels. I was still able to go back to work, though. I had previously mentioned to my gyno that I wasn't sure about my copper IUD anymore due to the heavy, heavy periods. But I'm really not fond of IUDs with hormones. And yet, he convinced me to switch to Kyleena, saying that it only releases hormones in the cervix. My period was supposed to be two weeks ago, but ever since the insertion, I've been spotting every single day. Other symptoms include stiffness in the lower back and neck, loss of appetite (especially in the mornings, which almost made me think I was pregnant!), fatigue, nausea, and some acne. I will see how things go in the next 3-6 months."

• Lea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2023

For Birth Control "I was so nervous when I went in to get my IUD after reading all the horror stories about how awful the pain is. Let me start by saying I am 25, have had 2 kids, I was 10 weeks postpartum at the time of insertion, and I have a retroverted uterus. I hardly felt anything getting my IUD inserted, and no pain whatsoever! My OB didn’t numb me or anything, but I did take 800 mg of ibuprofen 1 hour beforehand. I have a history of hormonal acne, but haven’t had any since getting pregnant with my 10-week-old, so fingers crossed it doesn’t come back! I also have irregular periods, so I’m hoping the Kyleena either regulates them or stops them altogether. I’ll update in a few months!"

• Ano...
• October 9, 2019

For Birth Control "No lasting pain since insertion, and I haven’t gotten my period once since getting it (aside from a tiny bit of spotting after sex). Insertion was painful for about 3 minutes. Cramping after insertion was every so often throughout that day and was pretty bad. Gone in 2 days, though. I would recommend it for women who don’t battle with hormonal acne. I switched from the combined pill to Kyleena. For the first 2 months, I didn’t have any major problems with my skin. About 3 months in, I started getting acne worse than I’ve ever had in my life. Pre-pill, I had mostly T-zone acne, then mild breakouts during my period while on the pill, and now it’s all over (particularly bad on my neck, jaw, hairline, and cheeks). I have good skincare habits, am active, eat healthy, and have tried many different topical creams and a round of antibiotics. Because the acne is so different than what I’ve had before, I’m convinced that it is from the Kyleena. I’m going to have it removed."

• Ano...
• December 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I had my IUD inserted in March, and though I have mixed feelings about it, ultimately I think that it’s worth it for me. My doctor recommended an IUD because I have migraines with aura, so taking the pill can be harmful, and because I take other meds that can interfere with the pill’s efficacy. The insertion process was MUCH less painful than I had anticipated; I went to classes right after insertion with minimal pain. I had some pretty severe cramps off and on for the first month or so, and I had spotting every day for about a month until my next period. My only issues are that my acne came back, and my periods are so irregular. I had a few regular periods, a few periods where it was just a few days of light spotting, but right now, I’ve had PMS/period symptoms (cramps and sore breasts) for like 2 weeks with spotting on some days, and it’s kinda freaking me out. Overall, Kyleena has been pretty good to me, but if my health allowed it, I would probably choose the pill over the IUD."

• MCa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 21, 2019

For Birth Control "Follow up 6 months after insertion. I have had my Kyleena IUD for just over 6 months now. At first, I was thrilled with how great Kyleena was, as I had no issue with weight gain or period cramps. While the IUD has made my period much more bearable, the side effects I had were really bad cramps, where I couldn't even go to work. I have noticed that I have acne everywhere - face, butt, back, arms. I have ALWAYS had clear skin and never had acne in my entire life. 6 months into this IUD, it's gotten so bad I had to buy special body wash and face cleanser and have to wash my face twice, if not more, a day, otherwise, I break out. I still give the product an overall rating of 7 because it does what it's supposed to do, but I'm not entirely pleased with that specific side effect."

• Kel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 20, 2019

For Birth Control "Update from a post many months ago. I have now been on Kyleena for 8 months. Positive effects: Not pregnant, I have only had my period twice in 8 months, and they are very light (no menstrual products needed, just pink when I wipe). Negative effects: Acne - I started noticing more acne after about 4 months. It was not cystic, but there are a lot of blackheads, under-the-surface pimples, and some deep pimples. It started getting better after about 6-7 months and now is slowly continuing to improve. Cramps - I did not have cramps during my period before, but now I do. They are not severe, but they are noticeable. I had no weight gain. I have noticed maybe a small improvement in sex drive and enjoyment of sex. No negative mood effects and, if anything, it may have improved anxiety a little. Overall, I am very happy with my Kyleena, and if it weren't for the moderate acne, I would have given a 10/10."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 22, 2021

For Birth Control "Infections, anxiety, acne, and pain in my extremities. Hair loss that has caused awful breakage. Super disappointing, especially since coming off the pill felt amazing. It was great at first, but I’m coming up on a year and thinking about getting it removed this week."

• log...
• June 8, 2021

For Birth Control "I have been on an IUD as my form of birth control for about 5 years now. For my first 4, I had the IUD Skyla, which was without a doubt the best thing ever. It was time for me to get one, and I have been on Kyleena for a year and a half now, and it is the worst experience of my life. Cystic acne all over, hair breakage/chunks falling out to the point I had to get it cut short, and most importantly, the weight gain and difficulty to lose it. Before getting Kyleena, I was one of the most active people you would know. I can barely go to the gym most days because of how uncomfortable I get and bloated. Hardly anything has changed diet-wise, and yet I still gained over 10 pounds. I tried to lose it by going to the gym often and working hard at lifting weights. For sure, I gained muscle, but weight loss? Still a no go. It’s very depressing. No matter how hard I’ve tried-diet, exercise routine, tracking-nothing has helped with a single pound."

• 576...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I got Kyleena in August 2018. I had the Mirena for about 5 months and hated it. I gained weight, mood swings, constant fatigue, and had more acne than usual. I got the Mirena taken out and I got the Kyleena. For the first month, the cramps were bad, constant, but that went away. I don’t get moody anymore or feel tired all the time. My weight is back to normal, and my skin is so much better now. The only thing that sucks is that my periods are about 8-9 days, but I'd rather deal with that than a bunch of horrible side effects. It’s different for everyone, but I really like the Kyleena IUD."

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 29, 2021

For Birth Control "Insertion of Kyleena was the worst pain in my life. Unfortunately, I didn’t do my research before getting this IUD because it was an impulsive decision (I know I’m stupid). Then about a week in, was when horrendous acne started, and during the 2.5 months that I had it in, I had 2 yeast infections! I learned later on from my doctor that the yeast was able to accumulate because it thrives in wet environments (I was spotting for about 1.5 months while on the IUD). I don’t recommend this IUD. But then again, don’t knock it till you try it because everyone’s body is different."

• Anonymous
• April 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had my Kyleena in for about a month now. Prior to that, I had the Mirena for about a year before it fell out of place. I decided to get Kyleena instead of the Mirena because Kyleena has less hormones; less side effects. Although the Mirena isn’t horrible, I did get major acne and gained 20 pounds. So, the Kyleena insertion wasn’t too terrible, it lasted maybe less than 3 minutes. I took two ibuprofen before, so that helped a lot, and I did breathing techniques (I recommend researching breathing techniques!) So far, I’ve experienced MAJOR cramps. It’s very random, some will be throughout the day, some will be just for five minutes or so. I’d feel like I wanted to pass out/throw up. I’ve also been randomly spotting (not consistent) for an entire month. I just had my first period, and it lasted two weeks; usually, my periods are 3-5 days. I hope the spotting and cramps go away! Those are my only major concerns. No acne or weight gain yet."

• BMa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2019

For Birth Control "WORST. EXPERIENCE. Awful insertion pain, and I have VERY high pain tolerance, left me in bed for 2 days. I work on my feet. If I work more than 5 hours, severe cramping. Can’t wear skinny jeans for more than 7 hours. Work time in skinny jeans? 3 hours. 3 months in-weight gain after starting a healthy diet and regular exercise. I’ve had 3 yeast infections in 4 months, which I’ve never had before. Month 2-severe depression, which I’ve never experienced before. Had contraction-like cramping the other day that sent me to the ER. I thought it was coming out, but it was in place. Doc said it’s probably worsening my normal cramping pain, and I need to follow up with a doc to be examined more thoroughly. Sooooo $1,800.00 for 15 lb weight gain, worsening acne, depression, the fact I can’t wear my favorite jeans, and this cramping? Yeah. This sucker is COMING OUT, the mind ease of not being pregnant is not worth it."

• Use...
• July 26, 2019

For Birth Control "Kyleena gave me the worst acne of my life (and I was not on any form of BC beforehand). I have always been prone to breakouts, but I have never had acne this bad. The breakouts are only on my chin and have been persistent since about a month after I got the IUD. I have cried at least once a week because of how bad my acne is. I don't want to talk or hang out with anyone because it is so bad. I had to get it taken out because it was affecting me so much, and I could not manage to wait to see if it would improve with time or a dermatologist's intervention. It was severely affecting my mental health and still is. I have had it out for almost 3 weeks now, and the acne is still there. I am in awe of how there could be such damage to my system in such little time. I am praying that my skin will go back to normal soon. I never do reviews, but I am just putting my experience out there to let people know they are not alone or to hopefully prevent acne-prone people from getting this."

• mar...
• May 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had Kyleena in for a full 9 months. After 4 months of LOVING the Kyleena (bled for one month, then period completely stopped, skin great, no weight gain, normal sex drive), I started to develop severe cystic acne on my cheeks, chin, and mouth. I had acne in high school, but my skin was clear before the IUD. My OBGYN explained that because I had taken birth control pills for 5 years (I’m 21, began at 16), my body’s hormones were trying to level out and were sent into WHACK. To counteract Kyleena’s hormones, they put me on Sprintec birth control pills (so now I’m taking 2 forms of birth control), Spironolactone (med to balance hormones), and Bactrim (antibiotic to stop cystic acne). All this, and still can’t get the acne under control, now 5 months later. I will be going on Accutane or getting it out. People who have been acne-prone in the past — BEWARE! The benefits of the Kyleena are awesome. But not worth the severe acne and loss of confidence for me. Hope it works better for others."

• Sar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 7, 2019

For Birth Control "Got my IUD in Jan, coming off 7 years of using Ortho Tri-Cyclen. The insertion was vile: I jolted and cursed out the doc; next was excruciating cramping: couldn't work, walk, or sleep. At 48 hr, it subsided and I just had light bleeding for 2 weeks. Now, passing the 6-month mark, I still have the following side effects: nearly daily random cramping and bleeding; irregular crampy periods, normally light, but just a week back a massive 2-week period; pain during and after vanilla sex, not even banging against the cervix; my partner getting scratched by the strings, kid you not, I’ve seen the redness and scabs. The strings didn’t soften after 6 mo and can’t be cut any shorter. I have acne all over my face, chest, and back. Ladies with hormonal acne beware; seems like a trend if you're prone! Zillion derm visits later onto retinoids: tret then tazarotene. Acne only got worse. Now taking spironolactone pills TWICE a day *facepalm*, side effects from all those treatments. Getting the IUD out. I really wanted it to work for me."

• Aja...
• June 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Kyleena inserted in Feb 2019. I have been on almost every BC there is, and Kyleena is by far the best BC option if your body is sensitive to hormones. I've tried the shot, NuvaRing, pill, and other IUDs. I had Mirena and Paragard (copper IUD) and had terrible experiences with both. My body rejected the IUDs (several times), whether within a few days of insertion or a month or so later. I've been in the ER due to one of the wings stuck while falling out. It was extremely painful. Fast forward almost 5 years of marriage using only condoms as BC (no kids). Sounds old school, but I had terrible mood swings and my body could never handle hormonal BC. I can say that Kyleena was by far the least painful of all IUDs I've had inserted. The one side effect that I've noticed is the acne. My doctor has put me on spironolactone, Retin-A topical cream, and another benzoyl peroxide cream at night. I have a very bizarre increased sex drive with this birth control. Overall, I love this IUD."

• Dre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 17, 2019

For Birth Control "I got my Kyleena on 07/25/2018, and here it is almost a year, and I absolutely do not like it. The insertion was painful to me, being that I haven't had any children, and for 24 hours after, my functionality was at a minimal. While it has done an exemplary job at preventing pregnancy, I hate my side effects: acne, 12-day periods, unbearable cramps, and the most erratic mood swings. On the bright side, it has not interfered with my sexual activities. I prefer Depo."