Liletta and Acne: What Users Say (Page 4)
Reviews for Liletta
- Nsm...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 10, 2017
For Birth Control "Had my sonogram check-up today at 2.5 weeks post-insertion. The IUD was exactly where it should be. I told my doctor I had experienced some pretty intense pain/cramping on my right side near what I assumed was my ovary. He told me that was the implant 'getting in place' and was pretty normal. I've never had painful periods, so my experience for what is normal is fairly limited. And although the pain was at times intense and nauseating, it was very quick. The cystic acne I reported on day 3 (see earlier review) has subsided and was explained as androgens flooding my system. Spotting is minimal, and some bloody discharge when I urinate. No pain during sex or high-intensity workouts. So far, the discomfort was worth it. :)"
- Anonymous
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- March 21, 2019
For Birth Control "I had the Liletta IUD for about 7 months. Now I have acne, nonstop weight gain (about 40 pounds), my hair I noticed it falling out nonstop as well (it’s legitimately everywhere in the house). It’s seriously a waste of time and money. I’m having it removed tomorrow, and it’s going to cost me $150 just to remove it. What a freaking nightmare."
Frequently asked questions
- What are the side effects of IUDs?
- What are my birth control options and how effective are they?
- Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla & Liletta - What's the difference?
- Can Plan B make your period late or cause bleeding?
- Bel...
- October 24, 2016
For Birth Control "I got the Liletta inserted in August 2016. I have never had children, so the insertion process was horribly painful. I cramped afterward for about 3 days. My first period with Liletta was unbearable! I went to my doctor because the cramps were so bad I thought something was seriously wrong. It also lasted 2 weeks, which a normal period for me is about 2-4 days. She said with it being my first period with the IUD, it was completely normal. My second period, I had no pain but was still bleeding for about 2 weeks. It starts out as brown spotting for about 4 days and then bright red bleeding for 4 days and back to brown spotting for another 4-6 days. It's been so annoying! Totally interferes with my sex life. I also am experiencing a lot of acne."
- Bin...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- October 16, 2018
For Birth Control "I got the Liletta inserted 11 months ago. No kids. It did hurt when they put it in, but only for a few minutes, and then I had intermittent cramping for a few days, for which I took Aleve and put a heating pad on my tummy. I had intermittent cramping for a few months, mostly before my period, which now lasts half a day (down from 7 days). I have gained 15 pounds, though, even though I exercise every day and eat really healthy. My face also breaks out, like a teenager's face. But I do like not having to worry about getting pregnant."
- Rac...
- November 30, 2016
For Birth Control "I got my Liletta inserted in October 2016. I went for my first month follow-up in mid-November, and it was coming out a bit. My ob-gyn replaced it and told me to come back in another month to check it again. Today, while at the gym, it completely came out! Not sure if my body rejected it or what. The duration of my having the Liletta, I gained weight and kept it on, super difficult to lose it! Not to mention the acne and cramping. I think I'll stick to Tri-Sprintec. Good luck, ladies."
- nan...
- October 3, 2018
For Birth Control "Insertion hurt, but I was fine afterwards with normal cramps for a couple of hours. I've had it for about 3 months now. My skin broke out as I adjusted, and my cycle is still regulating, or else I'm one of the people who will not get it anymore because I'm extremely late (40 days since the last period, not pregnant). The acne is clearing up, but my breasts have been hurting badly for the past week and a half. They're incredibly tender and bigger. I'm hoping this will subside soon. I believe the hormonal changes are also affecting my mood as I adjust, but it's already getting better. I'm going to stick with it for a full year before I'd have it removed. I'm hopeful it will get better because the Skyla I had before this also took me about 9 months to normalize. I got this at Planned Parenthood, and my insurance covered it."
More FAQ
- Can you drink alcohol after taking Plan B?
- How effective is Plan B and how late can you take it?
- How many times can you take Plan B?
- What's the weight limit for Plan B?
- Jeb...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- October 7, 2017
For Birth Control "Everyone has different experiences with Liletta. I got the Liletta replaced after Skyla had fallen out. Insertion for both was the same. Just a pinch and it was over. Not bad at all. For the Liletta, the strings were cut too short. I had a few days of spotting after insertion, but then I was back to normal. The pro is that Liletta was very effective in avoiding pregnancy and it got rid of my period. The con is that I experienced frequent painful headaches, cramping before my periods (which is new to me), painful sex from sharp ovary pain and dryness, low libido, acne, weight gain, and serious bloating. For removal, I had to get my cervix dilated because the strings curled up inside. Two months have passed and now I'm 15 lbs down & symptoms have faded."
- Joy...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- August 30, 2021
For Birth Control "I've had the Liletta IUD for a year and a half. I'm being dramatic, but it feels like it has ruined my sense of self and me overall. They say weight gain is not a part of the side effects, but you'll feel incredibly bloated all the time. Then you'll be too depressed and chronically anxious to work out or do anything. It also, for me, caused rapid mood swings and cravings that I've never experienced. Prior to my IUD, I was 120 lb, now I'm reaching 160 lb, despite staying active and eating healthy. I can't shed the weight. I feel pregnant even though I'm not. Swollen ankles, bloated, moody, chronically anxious ALL the time, and the worst body and facial acne that I've never had to deal with before. It caused these crazy cystic zits, despite me trying everything to keep it at bay. Needless to say, this has been a living nightmare, and I'm throwing a party after I get it removed. It's an official divorce party from the nightmarish IUD."
- Bb3...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 9, 2018
For Birth Control "I have to say this has been the best birth control I have had. A couple of years ago, after I had my first child, I chose to get the copper IUD and had a horrible experience (horrible cramping and heavy bleeding for 4 months), so I was nervous giving an IUD another try. Before the Liletta, I was on a pill for about a year that was causing my acne to flare up, and I was constantly bloated. After the Liletta insertion, within a week, my bloating had disappeared, and within a month, my acne was almost completely gone. The insertion was uncomfortable, but a couple of Advil helped ease the pain. There was spotting for the first two months, but it wasn’t enough to warrant anything other than a panty liner. My breasts were very tender and sore for the first month, but subsided fairly quickly. I have had it in for about 5 months and love it. My periods are super light, and I have had no issues with weight gain or acne. Sex isn’t uncomfortable, and my boyfriend hardly ever feels it."
- Chi...
- January 17, 2017
For Birth Control "I got Liletta inserted January 11. It's now January 17th, and everything is fine. The only thing I've noticed is I'm starting to break out on my face, which is not like me. The insertion itself was not bad. I've never had kids or anything. The only part that really hurt was the measuring of the cervix-an 8/10 pain-but it was only for 2 seconds. Other than that, I got up right away and went right back to work afterwards. Cramps weren't any worse than usual and were only for a day or two, and a little bit of back pain. Read that side effects kick in after a week or two, so I'll keep you guys posted!"
- Lon...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- June 30, 2016
For Birth Control "I typed out a long review, and I guess we've got a word limit, so I will make this short and sweet. I have had Liletta since Oct. 2015. First 3 months = heavy bleeding & acne. Nothing I can't deal with. However, for the past month, I have had N&V, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Only abnormal finding from the doctor is a small ovarian cyst (unlikely to cause my signs and symptoms). I was referred to a GI specialist, but I very strongly believe that my IUD is causing this. I will be sticking to oral contraceptives from now on."
- Mjc...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- November 2, 2021
For Birth Control "I had Liletta inserted almost 3 years ago. Within the last 6 months, I have noticed substantial hair thinning and terrible acne. My sex drive hasn’t changed that I’ve noticed, but I have had pain with sex on and off. It was great until it started affecting my hair and skin."
- Yve...
- September 27, 2016
For Birth Control "I recently got the Liletta inserted (June 2016). I have been feeling very bloated lately, and after I eat I still feel hungry. I have been on an emotional rollercoaster (I control my emotions very well, I calm myself down and usually am a very self-uplifting person), so something is definitely wrong! I have light cramping every day and breast tenderness here and there, just like acne. You know your own body, and you know when something is wrong. I don't know if it's because I recently had a baby (April), maybe it's the IUD and recently giving birth and my body trying to adjust? I don't know, all I know is that this SUCKS!!! I had the Mirena before and didn't have as many problems as this one, and it's supposedly the same thing, just a generic brand."
- JS1...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- February 25, 2018
For Birth Control "I hate this IUD. I had it inserted in June 2017, and aside from the fact that I passed out during insertion (which I can take, that only lasted a few minutes). I bled for 3 months straight in the beginning. And I have had HORRIBLE cystic acne. I’ve tried MANY medications to calm it, and nothing seems to be helping. Vitamin A helped, but then it got worse again. My skin hurts, and after an extremely formal event where I took pictures and SAW MY ACNE FROM 3 FEET AWAY, I will have this removed. I also have itching and burning in my vagina from the IUD and extreme pain during intercourse. I’ve been with the same partner for many years, and we both have tested negative for any STDs, therefore, I believe it to be the IUD as it’s a side effect. The only reason I didn’t give it a 0 is because I haven’t had my period in 4 months and no pregnancy. Don’t get it, I will be removing it."
- Fbr...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- July 7, 2021
For Birth Control "If you follow the direct instructions by your GYN before IUD insertion, it really isn’t that bad having it inserted. I’ve had the IUD for nearly a year, however, here is my list of “things.” Pro: very effective birth control, stops your period, easy insertion if you follow GYN instructions and they are experienced. Cons: I had crazy acne after insertion, haven’t changed a thing about my routine, and I’ve put on 25 lbs that is still just packing on. Due to the uncontrollable weight gain, I’m going to have to have it removed. If it were showing signs of stopping (even with my diet and exercise!), I’d keep it in because it did stop my period, but I’m still just packing it on like I’m eating McDonald’s three times a day or something. It’s so frustrating!"
- Ann...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 11, 2017
For Birth Control "I had PCOS and heavy periods. I got the Liletta placed in August 2017. I have experienced spotting after intercourse and my periods, which only lasts a couple of days. I've had a little acne, and I am down 14 pounds. I hated the insertion - I thought I was going to pass out, and I have had 3 kids by c-section, lots of scar tissue on my uterus, but overall I love it."
- hon...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- July 15, 2019
For Birth Control "Gave this birth control a 3 because I never got pregnant. Period was light, just thick at times and dry. Cramps were excruciating whenever it was time for my period. The pain from the cramps was unbearable, they would hurt so bad they made me dizzy. And the worst part about all of this is the acne. I have what I believe to be severe comedones all over my jawline and cheeks. No matter what remedy I have tried, they will not disappear. I never had this type of acne until the Liletta was put in. It’s been almost 3 years, and the acne wouldn’t go away, so I got it removed. Since I have gotten it removed, I feel relieved and less anxious. I don’t feel as emotional all the time. My acne has slightly reduced, but it still flares up occasionally, but the comedones haven’t disappeared much at all. It’s only been two weeks, but I’m hoping my hormones will go back to normal and this awful acne will go away."
- Dee...
- March 30, 2018
For Birth Control "I had Liletta placed in November 2017 after getting a blood clot with birth control pill. The insertion was really extremely painful for me. I am 39, never had children, and took the dilation pills for this and some acetaminophen prior. It is about three steps for insertion, one being worse than the other, and at the last one, I even screamed a little (completely out of character). The first month was terrible cramping, no period, after that, there was spotting for several weeks and some heavy cramping on and off during those six weeks (very unpleasant). Now I get cramping around the time I get my period (which can happen twice a month). Cramping is much less, although unpleasant, the period is much, much lighter, however, longer it can last ten days. A couple of months ago, I got acne on my back and chest and not on my face, something I relate to the IUD... not fond of the string issue, but it does the job and you do need to remember a daily pill. I am not sure if I would have it done again or maybe would try a different brand."
- Moo...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 25, 2018
For Birth Control "I decided to get an IUD once I decided to go back to grad school. I usually take pain like a champ. Insertion was painful, I had a vagal response and almost passed out on the table. I had some cramping the next few days, but what really got me were the mood swings. I felt angry all the time and had the urge to call my ex and scream at him, which isn't me at all. My gyno told me to give it 6 months. The mood swings have since subsided, but right now I'm struggling with hormonal acne around my chin and back. I'm hoping it gets better, or I plan to have it removed and go back to the pill."
- Yel...
- January 25, 2018
For Birth Control "I've had the Liletta for over a year now, so far, no babies. Insertion was painful for me, and I felt like I was going to poo myself after. I drove home and cramped up some more for a few hours, had spotting a couple of days. I still regularly get a period. Except now, there's this almost metallic smell that begins up to a week before my period starts. It's terrible, and I find it off-putting. My acne has gotten a bit worse, more cystic and around my mouth, jawline, shoulders, and chest."
- Yel...
- January 25, 2018
For Birth Control "I've had the Liletta for over a year now, so far, no babies. Insertion was painful for me, and I felt like I was going to poo myself after. I drove home and cramped up some more for a few hours, had spotting a couple of days. I still regularly get a period. Except now, there's this almost metallic smell that begins up to a week before my period starts. It's terrible, and I find it off-putting. My acne has gotten a bit worse, more cystic and around my mouth, jawline, shoulders, and chest."
- cat...
- April 22, 2019
For Birth Control "For the first 3.5 months of Liletta, my life was hell because of the cramping and pain that I experienced due to the IUD, but I stuck it out to see if it would get better, as doctors and the internet told me it would. The cramping did get less frequent, but a year later, every time I get my period (every 2-3 months), it’s still extremely painful for the first two days, to the point I get a fever and am throwing up. The pain that I experienced due to Liletta was worse than the contractions I had during childbirth. This IUD also gave me the worst skin of my entire life. There hasn’t been a time when I didn't have at least one zit. I have never before had cystic acne before this IUD, but now I am infested with it all over my face, back, and shoulders. Overall, my experience was not great on Liletta, but I still highly recommend it. When I’m not on my period, it is a dream, which is why I have had it for almost 2 years, even with these complications. It’s a great birth control, just not the right one for me."
- Nic...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 2, 2022
For Birth Control "I had this put in 7 weeks ago. I’m 51 and using it for peri-menopause. I’m feeling much better, but the first month was an absolute nightmare. I bled 75% of the time, had terrible cramps, suicidal ideation, and acne so bad I felt 15 again. I’m waiting to see how this pans out. Benzoyl peroxide is working for the acne, I’m no longer crampy or suicidal, but I’m often tired and foggy and wonder if the IUD has my immune system ramped up, which doesn't feel healthy. And sometimes I feel like Wonder Woman. I should have read more about this instead of just taking my doctor’s word that it would fix everything. Maybe it still will, but I wish I’d been better prepared for that first month."
- Mel...
- November 30, 2016
For Birth Control "I received Liletta in June 2016, slight cramping at the beginning, and a period that would last a couple of weeks a month. Extreme bloating, disgusting acne, and weight gain. Then after 4 months, it came out! Had it replaced, it's only been a couple of weeks of constant light cramping, my period is now on, and I think it shifted again and is close to coming out for a second time. I'm not sure what to do if this thing comes out for a second time... smh. Small percent chance of happening? I am not so sure? I'm willing to wait but it's not looking too good."
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"I had the Liletta IUD inserted 1 month ago. I was diagnosed with PCOS and only got my period twice in a year. Horrible hormonal imbalances, and when I was menstruating, I was hemorrhaging for 5 to 6 days straight, nonstop. It was horrendous. I was hopeful the IUD would rid me completely of my sporadic 'periods,' regulate my hormones, and ease all the rest of my PMS and PCOS problems. Now, I've bled more in the 4 weeks since I've had this than in the last 12 months before this. It's costing me more money as I'm bleeding in my clothes and bed sheets. I have to buy a box of tampons every 4 days. My back pain is a 10 out of 10 all day, every day, as are my cramps, bleeding, and breast tenderness. My acne returned. I lost my sex drive, personality, and desire to go anywhere or do anything. Which doesn't matter anyway because I'm in consistent, chronic pain that has 100% affected my daily life and work. This never-ending faucet of blood is also extremely frustrating. If I could pull this thing out myself, I would."