Liletta and Acne: What Users Say

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 18, 2020

For Birth Control "Liletta gave me cystic acne, reoccurring infections, pelvic pain, and out-of-control bleeding. After a year and 6 months, I removed it, and I am already feeling relieved, and it’s only been 24 hours. Every woman is different, so I can’t say that my experience will be yours, but I wouldn’t recommend it to my worst enemy."

• Jay...
• November 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had Liletta going on to a year, and it was the absolute biggest mistake I’ve ever made. As far as it “not getting me pregnant,” sure, it’s done its job, but the side effects are the absolute worst. I’ve never had acne in my life, and now I do. My periods seem to last forever. I never not have my period. I’m always spotting, it never fully goes away. MOST IMPORTANTLY, my mental health. I have experienced crucial mood swings, depression, and anxiety. I do not feel like myself AT ALL. One day I’m good, the next day I’m all over the place. One minute I’m fine, the next moment I’m crying or angry or upset over absolutely nothing. It feels like my body has been invaded, and I have zero control over how I feel. The mood swings are crucial, as well as the random depression and anxiety. I’d rather use condoms for the rest of my life than to feel how I feel."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the Liletta IUD 3 months ago, and at first, it was awful. Cramps were awful upon insertion and almost unbearable for about a month afterward. I never bled at all, but the cramps were constant. Since then, I couldn't have been happier. I have lost weight (not necessarily related, but didn't gain any weight). I have seen a dramatic increase in sex drive. I have been on different birth control pills in the past that made me very depressed, so I was worried the IUD might have this effect. My mood has been great! The only negative thing is that I do have more acne now, but nothing that is too extreme and needs more than over-the-counter medicine. My period has also almost completely stopped, and it's only been 3 months, which is great!!"

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2020

For Birth Control "My OB-GYN convinced me to get this instead of getting my tubes tied after I had my third baby. She also has this IUD and highly recommended it to me. I have had it now for five weeks. I had the insertion done at ten weeks after delivering. I honestly felt nothing, I spot for two to three days every week. I got my period for one week so far. My periods used to be very heavy, now I just wear a pantyliner. As far as weight gain, I can’t comment because I just had a baby in July. Also, I am not breaking out, only on my chin from wearing a mask. Sex drive is good too! I really hope this helps!"

• BLS...
• January 19, 2020

For Birth Control "on this for irregular periods/ovarian cysts/birth control. I have not stopped bleeding since insertion and feel like I'm in a constant state of PMS. I have regular cramping and noticeable pressure in my lower abdomen. I am almost constantly bloated. I eat 90% paleo, limit alcohol, and work out regularly. The rest of my body is in great shape, but since the IUD insertion, my mid-section is ever-expanding! I am unable to fit into anything unless it has spandex. I have been experiencing headaches, which I am not normally prone to, and I feel more anxious than normal. My skin has also taken a downward turn. I have never been acne-prone, and my face looks like I am going through puberty. And most importantly, my mood sucks! I find myself to be uncontrollably irritable. It's almost like watching another person because I can see myself being angry or down in the dumps, and I can't pinpoint why and struggle to shake myself out of it. I have never had depression, but I think the medication is taking its toll on my normally upbeat nature. I am done."

• Ber...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I've had my Liletta since I was 18, and I've had it going on a year and three months now, and it's pretty great. Getting it in was slightly traumatic, but in reality, it was just a huge period cramp, basically. Yes, it hurts, duh, but only for a minute, so just tell yourself not to worry, it'll be over in a second. Or take a deep breath, and it'll be over. Afterwards, I cramped for about a week, and I waited to have sex again until I was comfortable. Minus some minor cramping after sex, I love it. I got put on birth control pills a month ahead of getting Liletta, so the doctor could schedule my period, and the pills broke my skin out and made me nauseous. With Liletta, my skin is clear, and I haven't gained any weight. I'm only extra moody around the time I'd usually have my period. I've only had one period in the past year+, and I've only spotted less than a handful of times. Plus, I'm not pregnant! Don't let bad reviews talk you out of it, everyone's experience is different."

• EmJ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I thankfully did not have any of the extreme side effects of weight gain, constant bleeding, or severe acne. I actually did not bleed at all after the initial insertion (which ended up making me more paranoid than I anticipated). However, I had constant nausea to the point where there was not a single day where I was able to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner because I always felt so sick. The worst part, though, is that my mental health completely deteriorated. I constantly felt anxious and depressed and did not feel like myself at all. I had two full-blown anxiety attacks on my honeymoon and started seeing a therapist until I realized it was potentially linked to my IUD. I had my IUD removed about a month and a half ago and went back to hormonal pills, and everything about me has completely gone back to normal. Each person is different, but I personally would never use this again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I got Liletta at the beginning of January. The insertion hurt pretty bad, and the day after was pretty bad too. After that, I didn't have periods, and I loved it at first. No acne, my moods even seemed to improve. By February, I noticed I gained 10 lbs, and I had been eating very healthy and working out. Previously to getting Liletta, I had been losing weight and was continuing exactly what I had done before. By the end of February, I was having bad cramps and acne. My skin was awful. Every day, there were new spots on my face. My cramps hurt so bad I had to call into work one day. The final straw was the depression that hit me. All of a sudden, I didn't care about anything and had no motivation. My thoughts were so dark. I got it removed in April."

• Lei...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had Liletta for about 1 year. This week, I’m finally getting it removed! NEGATIVES: 1. WEIGHT GAIN! Before I got this IUD, I had lost 60 lbs. I finally felt the best about myself that I ever had. BUT after getting this IUD-despite zero changes in my diet/exercise-I’ve gained almost 50 lbs. 2. ACNE! I have never had acne... until I got Liletta. I’ve now developed cystic acne all over my cheeks and in random spots on my face. 3. MOOD! I’ve always been super joyful and generally very happy-until I got this IUD. I cried randomly every other day the first 6 months that I had this IUD. Now, I get irritated VERY easily, and my anxiety has reached an all-time high. I can’t express how much this IUD has harmed my mental health. 4. PERIODS! I never used to get cramps, but now I get very painful ones all the time. Also, my periods used to only last 3 days, but now they last 7+ days. The only POSITIVE that I can think of is that I didn’t get pregnant!"

• KJK...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2016

For Birth Control "Well, it has now been about 18 days since insertion, and the spotting comes and goes as it pleases, and I'm cranky some days. Some days I don't bleed at all, other days it's bright red spotting, other days it's like a brown color spotting. Getting frustrated with the spotting, but my Dr. says it's normal, and I'm having more acne than normal. So that's the not so great. Here's the great: my sex drive has gone up a lot, lol, and I have lost about 5 lbs. And my migraines have cut down over half of what I normally get. I don't know if it's the Liletta or not, but it's nice not to have migraines every day (been dealing with them for 10 years). So there's an update on my Liletta experience. I'll post another update in a month or so, hopefully with better news, lol..."

• Lai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had Liletta for almost two years. I had twins, and the thought of having another child was unnerving. My doctor convinced me to get an IUD and said Liletta was the best option. I bled for six months straight, have blurred vision, horrible weight gain which won’t budge despite diet changes and 2.5-3 mile runs every day, bacterial infections, acne all over my chin/jawline plus my shoulders and back, horrible mood swings, and back pain so bad I can’t even get out of bed some days. My doctor kept insisting I keep it in, and against better judgment I listened. But after two years, I will be getting it removed in two days, and I’m praying everything changes for the better."

• Cc3...
• February 24, 2019

For Birth Control "Acne non-stop, mood swings that are ruining my life. I don't even know who I am anymore. I've gained 40 pounds in less than 7 months. I barely eat and I'm very active. Always have been about the same size, but I'm now bigger than I was 8 months pregnant with a baby on my hip. Lots of anxiety. I can't figure it out. Going to have it removed ASAP. I'm scared. But other than that, not pregnancies and eventually stopped having periods altogether."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 21, 2019

For Birth Control "Cons 1. My mood is horrible, I've been so angry and volatile that I have been in fights. 2. I gained 40 pounds. I weighed 145 lb and now I rest at 186 lb. I have drastically changed my diet and exercise to be very healthy. I count calories, work out every day, eat healthy food. I can't lose it. 3. I have a period every 2 weeks. Light, but it lasts 5-7 days sometimes. I am barely ever NOT bleeding. 4. Today I began bleeding VERY heavily, very suddenly. No reason for it. (This is why I started researching and the reason I found this thread). 5. My acne is not the worst it's ever been, but it is the most consistent. I have a routine I use every day, I have medicated acne cream, and I still get deep and painful cystic acne every day. Pros 1. I'm not pregnant? 2. My boobs are big. I want to get it removed, but due to my insurance not being active and the fact that it's $200 out of pocket to get it removed, I guess I'll live with it until my new insurance kicks in."

• AWo...
• May 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I have only had the Liletta for about 3 weeks. Insertion was extremely painful. I thought it was only supposed to hurt during insertion, not after as well. I felt bloated for the first 3 days. However, I went and did yoga, ran on the treadmill, and hiked the very next day after insertion. No problem. I only spotted lightly for 3 days (not enough to even wear an actual pad). I have experienced vaginal dryness during intercourse, which was NEVER a problem. I did some reading, and apparently this is a common side effect. No mood swings, no weight gain, no depression. Just a little bit of acne on my chin/jawline, but nothing extreme. However, knowing that I have the most effective form of birth control (after tubal ligation and abstinence) gives me such a huge relief that I will handle the dryness issue. I love this IUD thus far. Will update a few months from now after I have experienced a few cycles on it."

• Mag...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 11, 2020

For Birth Control "I've had Liletta for 3 years now. I've had no major complications at all. My mood does have an array of emotions, but that's just how I am. My skin sometimes does break out, yes, but it's never serious. My secret is hair, skin, and nails gummies, loaded with keratin and vitamins E. You can find them at your local dollar store. On my face, chest, and shoulders, but it's never been too serious. I recently went to see my gynecologist, and she told me I was good for another 2 years, maybe longer. I said okay, but I've had spotting recently, which I haven't had since August of 2017, 6 months after insertion. Also, I've had some fatigue recently. I work 2 jobs currently, and I didn't feel like that when I worked 16 hours a day, 6 days a week, during the summer season. I do experience cramping every so often, which again I haven't had since August of 2017. Last but not least, weight gain. I've gained around 10 lbs in the last 4 months, but I work about 40 hours a week now. As to why, I don't know."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 24, previously taking oral contraceptives for 9 years. I'm giving this 5 because it is effective in the most basic sense. I no longer worry about getting pregnant or taking pills, and my periods are regular and very light. However, I am one year in and planning to get it removed because of the side effects. First, the insertion was incredibly painful for me, followed by excruciating cramps. The first 6 months were radical mood swings, acne, weight gain, and cramping that gradually stabilized. I'm a year in now, though, and I'm finding it hard to work off the weight. I'm still very emotional, my skin is bad (possibly unrelated, but my eczema has come back), low sex drive. I gave it a chance, but I'd rather take pills/use condoms and be happy."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2019

For Birth Control "This hormonal birth control, Liletta, gave me the worst breakout ever. I read about acne side effects before putting this IUD, but since I never had acne before, I was thinking maybe it won’t happen to me - but I was wrong. Talked to my doctor about my new acne, and she prescribed me some acne medications, but they didn’t work at all. I was bleeding for 3 months straight, had it taken out last week, and my acne is disappearing like instantly. Don’t recommend this IUD."

• May...
• January 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I got my Liletta put in July 2016. The insertion was painful, 8/10. The most painful part is when they clamp your uterus, I can still remember that pain now. I never had any pregnancies. I was crampy and had some oozing/spotting the rest of the day. I pretty much napped the whole day after that. The next day everything was fine. The following month I had a very light period. After that, I haven't had a true period since, I mean I get all the symptoms of a period without the blood. My sex drive actually increased with being on it. No weight gain or breakouts. So far it is amazing, and I love it."

• Ema...
• February 25, 2020

For Birth Control "I had Liletta inserted in the beginning of September (5ish months ago). The insertion was painful, and I almost passed out. I had severe abdominal cramps the rest of the day and night. The next day, they improved, and then I barely had any cramping pain by the third day. About 3 weeks later, I had my period, which ended up lasting for 29 days straight, but since then, I have not had any period. Also, 3 weeks after insertion, I started losing a lot of hair, maybe hormonal from suddenly stopping the combo pills and switching to an IUD. I am still shedding a lot and have dandruff now, which I never had before. I developed bad cystic acne for about 2 months, which has now improved, but my skin is not as clear as it used to be. Also, do not let them cut the string really short, as it can be uncomfortable for a partner who is well-endowed since it pokes them. My partner preferred it longer because it didn't poke as much (the string was cut on my follow-up appointment 1 month after insertion)."

• Kit...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 15, 2019

For Birth Control "It’s been absolutely great. I had the Liletta placed almost 3 years ago and am now being told it’s good for 5 years! I spotted monthly for a while and then stopped having a monthly period altogether after about 4 or 5 months, recently began spotting on a mostly regular cycle (28 days or so), but no big deal. I will say that I do have acne, after not ever really dealing with that-even as a teenager-but it’s not anything that I can’t manage. Placement was no big deal, full disclosure, I have had one child before."

• Bex...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "The Liletta insertion was okay, it took about six to eight weeks for my uterus to get used to it. There was mild bleeding and spotting during those few weeks, but aside from that, it's been great. I'm breaking out a little more, and my hair is growing darker, but those are mild inconveniences compared to the nightmare that was my heavy period."

• But...
• December 27, 2016

For Birth Control "Absolutely horrible. My hair is falling out, bloated all of the time. I had to start a pill to stop the constant bleeding, short temper, major depression. I have little control over my emotions now, cramping, acne. I've been losing bits of bloody skin, weight gain, and my anxiety has gotten 10 times worse. I'd never recommend this to anyone. I almost cried when the nurse told me that she couldn't get me in until next week. I don't know if I can handle this any longer, and I've only had it in for two months."

• Kk1...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had Liletta for over a year and have had zero complaints. I no longer get a period (they went away around month 11). I have no pain or discomfort from it, though I did the first 4-5 days after insertion. It has prevented me from pregnancy, it has not made me gain weight or have any other negative effects. My breasts aren't tender because of the hormones, no mood swings, no acne. None of the common complaints of the pill, this is 1,000,000 times better than the Depo-Provera shot, which I HATED. Don't ever get the shot done, trust me, it's god-awful. Liletta definitely beats the pill, too. I will be getting this reinserted after my next pregnancy."

• Aan...
• September 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had the Liletta in for almost two months. I had clear skin before. Never in my life have I had such horrible acne. My skin is constantly oily. The texture of my skin is almost sticky and is not smooth at all. I have a mixture of blackheads and whiteheads every day. I consider myself to have high self-esteem in general, but now I avoid the mirror and don't like people looking at me. If this acne doesn't go away in the next couple of months, I'm going to have the IUD removed. My gynecologist said the progesterone is local and doesn't have similar effects as the pill, but that's clearly not the case. Other cons include daily breast tenderness, decreased sex drive, and weight gain. If you can be disciplined, use condoms, not hormones."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 21, 2022

For Birth Control "I just want to start by saying that I completely understand that everybody is different. And my body did not like this IUD. I have had this IUD in for almost exactly one year, and after about 4 months of having it in, I noticed I was now getting cystic acne, I had gained 15 pounds, my depression and anxiety have been out of control, and I am extremely fatigued all of the time. I literally thought I was going crazy on this medication, so I booked an appointment to get it taken out, which is happening in two weeks! I cannot wait until this thing is out of me and I can go back to feeling like a normal person again."