Mirena and Acne: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Sco...
• September 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I decided to get this because I get irregular menstrual cycles that go from no period to Red Wedding (Game of Thrones fans will get this) like cycles. Some days I would have to call out of work. Anyway, all the doctors gave a good hype about this Mirena. I have a high tolerance for pain and had a child - the insertion hurt!!! I've had this evil thing in me since June (almost 4 months) and the bleeding won't stop. I'm buying pads by the bulk and went to my dermatologist due to acne! They make it seem as if 'spotting' is okay, but after two months of constant spotting, you begin to wonder - 'why did I get this'. I also still get my periods, and they last even longer! My moods go from 0-100 like the speed of LIGHT. I'M HAVING IT REMOVED ASAP."

• Ass...
• December 15, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 20 years old and had my daughter about 8 months ago. I've had the Mirena for about 7 months now. Getting it inserted did not hurt at all. At first, I was extremely upset. Hated it. I bled for 4 months. After 2 months, I went in to the doctors because I thought something was wrong. Went in, nothing was wrong. They told me to wait it out a little longer. After about 3 months, the bleeding slowed down. Became spotting. After 4.5 months, I stopped bleeding. I have no complaints. I'm glad I stuck with it. I've had my period once so far, and it was very light. I haven't experienced any acne, mood swings, etc. so far. I'm happy and hope the next 5 years will be a good experience for me."

• Liz...
• April 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I'm 27 years old, have never had children, and was recommended this due to my adverse reactions to other forms of birth control and my naturally heavy, painful periods. The insertion was one of the most painful things I have ever experienced. It was comparable to the pain I had when an ovarian cyst burst. I had to stay back in the doctor's office for 3 hours after insertion due to the faintness and heavy pain it caused me. I had ongoing cramps for a month after insertion. I still get intermittent cramping from the device, but due to my incredibly painful natural cramps, I've not been bothered by this. My periods have reduced to very minimal bleeding. As someone with particularly heavy bleeds, I was very happy with 3 days of light flow. However, I have acne like I've never seen before, I have weird swelling in my lower abdomen that has been impossible to get rid of, and I am quite sure it has lowered my mood and caused weight gain (though those two things I can't conclusively prove)."

• Anonymous
• May 14, 2009

For Birth Control "I've had Mirena for almost ten months. I've had probably a more negative beginning with it than most. It was extremely painful for me, I was in pain for weeks after, and then I got an infection. I had to take two prescriptions because I had vaginosis due to the Mirena insertion that didn't clear up right away. Of course, all of that sounds terrible, but most people do not experience that. Now I am completely fine and recommend Mirena to everyone I know. My acne is stabilized, my periods are almost non-existent, and I'm not pregnant, which is the main reason for the Mirena. I do not use condoms with my fiancé, and I've been completely protected against getting pregnant."

• lol...
• December 17, 2016

For Birth Control "After reading the reviews here and seeing women having the same experience I had on the Mirena, I wanted to share my experience too. PROS: Excellent birth control! My fiancé and I have enjoyed not having to worry about babies and just enjoy each other. Very convenient, set it and forget it birth control. CONS (mind you, this is my personal experience and everyone receives this birth control differently): painful insertion, had cramps the rest of the day. Painful menstrual cramps. Irregular periods. Weight gain. Painful acne that left scarring. I am prone to migraines and actually had them more often on Mirena. Severe fatigue."

• hli...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 6, 2017

For Birth Control "I had Mirena for about 2 years before I decided enough was enough. I was bleeding for the first 2 weeks straight, but after that, I never had any bleeding at all. It wasn't until after 6 months that I had severe acne, anxiety/depression, and had gained 20 lbs when I had not changed my exercise routine or eating habits. I'm an aesthetician, and none of my remedies and practices could get rid of my acne. I had zero history of anxiety or depression. It became so bad I started to disconnect completely from my circle of friends. When I removed it, my doctor immediately put me on the pill again, and the doctor was very annoyed that I had it removed. I immediately started to feel like myself again as soon as she pulled the strings out! Avoid this IUD."

• Sag...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 12, 2020

For Birth Control "I have my Mirena in for just over a year, it was marketed to me as a hassle-free, effective contraception. However, it personally did not work for me, it caused severe period-like cramping. As well as this, it gave me ovarian cysts. I also noticed that it made me gain around 7 kg and made my skin break out. I experienced no bleeding while I had it in, and it was overall cost-effective (insertion/anaesthetic charges aside). I wouldn’t personally recommend it to people. I got mine removed this week, and I feel absolutely amazing, did really how sluggish it made me feel."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 22, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been using Mirena for about a year now, and I've been waiting for the awful symptoms to go away, but they have not. Acne, tired, bloated, nausea, cramping, headaches. I've also gained a lot of weight. I thought the symptoms would go away, but they haven't, so I'm seriously thinking of having it removed. Everyone's body is different, and I am sad it didn't work for me. I'm thinking about just getting a tubal. I already have two little boys, and I'm pretty sure I'm done having kids."

• SDa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2019

For Birth Control "Mirena ruined my life. Covered my face with cystic acne that left me scarred. Put me in such a dark, depressed place. I had it removed after only a month because it was so bad. I was bleeding that entire month."

• Pas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I got it 3 months ago. The insertion was quick but very painful. After it was over, I laid down for ten minutes, and I was ready to go. Some cramping, but nothing an Advil can't fix. I did bleed heavily for the first 2 months during my period and spotting too, and cramping bad. Now, in the 3rd month, I am spotting a little bit and no heavy periods. No weight gain, but I have been breaking out a lot, this is a huge concern because I have always had a clear face. I just purchased some acne creams, I'll see if that helps. Still, getting pimples beats getting pregnant for me. My sex drive has decreased, so my partner has to work a little harder to get me going. Other than that, I will be sticking to Mirena. I am 29, no children."

• ceg...
• September 17, 2019

For Birth Control "Three weeks into having Mirena, I started to experience a significant decline in my sex drive, plus I had mood swings, depression (which I can only describe as a constant feeling of impending doom), anxiety, and acne in places I've never had it before. The spotting was on and off with small blood clots and brown, sticky discharge in between spotting (not romantic at all). I don't know whether this is because of Mirena or not, but I also started to notice a huge decrease in the amount of natural lubrication my body was producing before sex."

• Anonymous
• August 24, 2012

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I'm 48 years old and had the Mirena for 4 years now, it totally stopped my period, and I was very pleased due to heavy bleeding. I have had dizziness, weight gain, and lots of acne, hair loss, etc. I'm getting it removed a year early. It took a toll on my body, but everybody is affected in different ways."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 30, 2019

For Birth Control "Insertion painful but bearable and recovery time was fine. But, Mirena gave me severe acne and pretty bad pelvic, lower back, and uterine pain. During intercourse, it would cause nauseousness because I could feel it moving (even though the website and doctors tell you that’s not possible). I was so confused because all of my friends who had them loved them. Went in for regular and vaginal ultrasounds to test for endometriosis, tested negative. Finally, after 16 months, decided to get it removed. All of the symptoms listed above went away. I’m not saying to never use the Mirena (no horror story here and many people love it), just if you have gotten it in and are unhappy with it, trust your gut, your body is trying to tell you something. Better safe than sorry."

• Cin...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 28, 2018

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had a Mirena inserted 10 years ago by a very competent doctor. Because I had never had kids, it was not the easiest to get in. She put in a cervical block (numbs the cervix) and had to spend 30 min getting it in. It did not hurt at all because of the cervical block, and I had 5 years of easy peasy. A weird cramp every now and then, but periods stopped after a few months, and life was great. But you all have to understand, I had not been on a birth control pill for years. I think some of the acne/depression/weight gain some experience with it is because the BC pill was keeping a lot of that at bay, and suddenly you quit taking the pill, and your hormones go crazy."

• COb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 4, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had the Mirena IUD for 6 months and am pleased with my choice. Upon getting it, I was sore the next day but functional. I had mild side effects for the first 2 months, including spotting, cramps, back acne, and a general blah feeling. The side effects were mild and intermittent. Within 2 months, the side effects never returned. I stopped getting my period, which became less and less each time until I stopped having one after 2 months. My first period on Mirena was heavy and painful, lasting about 5 days. My second lasted 3 days and was mild. My third was light spotting and then nothing since. I have not gained weight, but I haven't lost any either. My weight seems pretty fixed on this IUD. Once the mild side effects were gone, I truly forgot I even had an IUD. Very happy with this choice and glad I stuck it out the first few months. So, no periods, no lasting side effects, no pregnancy, and no need to remember to take a pill... Worth the 2 months it took my body to adjust."

• Sha...
• September 18, 2015

For Birth Control "I had my Mirena placed at the end of May. An hour before my appointment, I took 800 mg of ibuprofen and ate a small breakfast. The pain during the placement wasn't bad, some cramps for maybe a minute (but I also have a child). I was on the last day of my menstrual cycle and barely had any bleeding from Mirena. I went off birth control pills because my mood was horrible, I was always on edge, and since switching, I feel more like myself. My acne has gotten worse, and I just finally saw a dermatologist. I got two creams and spironolactone to help with my hormonal acne. If you've had acne previous to placement, I would recommend seeking treatment from the start instead of suffering to see if it clears as time goes on. Other than that, I feel great!"

• Mic...
• September 26, 2013

For Birth Control "I am on my 2nd Mirena. The first insertion was similar to a pap, very little pain. I had no noticeable side effects, and everything went well. After 5 years, I had my new Mirena placed. The removal was much more painful than the insertion, but well worth it. Definitely take some Motrin ahead of time! I really haven't noticed anything different this time around. I have noticed mild breakouts and more discharge, but other than that it's great. I have not had a period or spotting since February of 2008! I had it placed in October of 2007 initially. Definitely recommend!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 20, 2012

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena inserted after the birth of my second child. I have had the Mirena for 3 1/2 years now, and at first it was fine, very light periods and eventually no periods at all. My husband did complain a few times about the strings during intercourse, but that's about it. However, for about the last year and a half, I have had crazy side effects off and on: weight loss (not complaining about that), anxiety, depression, no sex drive, nausea, sore breasts, bloating, stomach pain, cystic acne. You name it, I've got it. I have two boys (3 and 4), and they stay active, but now I just have no energy. I know everyone reacts differently to birth control, but I honestly believe that these side effects come with time, so just keep an eye on your behavior changes."

• Mar...
• February 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had my Mirena for 15 months - I got it at my one-month appointment after having my daughter. Worst decision I ever made. I have had cramps since, including back cramps every day that feel like I am in early labor all over again. Zero sex drive. Terrible acne, and I am in my mid-30s - every time I try to have sex or other stimulation, I start bleeding and cramping. My doctor wouldn't take it out. I hate it more than anything else and wish I never got one."

• Sar...
• February 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I was talked into the Mirena by my OBGYN at 19, and it ended up being one of the biggest regrets of my life thus far. The insertion was painful but short-lived. A few months into having the IUD, I developed terrible acne, something I’ve never experienced since I had been taking the generic version of Yaz starting at the age of 15. I went back to my OBGYN with complaints, and she convinced me it wasn’t my Mirena to take more medicine (spironolactone) to fight my acne. And within a month, my face was 70% cystic acne. I couldn’t go outside or act like a normal college student because of my severe insecurities. I still have some deep acne scarring three years later. Other side effects I noticed with the implant: on one instance during intercourse, I felt immense pain that I assumed to have been my Mirena shifting. I went from a size B bra to an A with the Mirena. Now back on Yaz, I’m a size B again."

• Taw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I switched from a Paragard to Mirena, and guess what, love it more every day. No cycle, no acne, no worries about protection. Yes, a little discomfort when inserted, but nothing a Tylenol would've cured. Love it."

• Joa...
• September 7, 2019

For Birth Control "Had the Mirena for 8.5 years and overall loved it!! Except I suffered from high anxiety, depression, blurry vision, foggy brain, and overall emotional wreck. Decided to talk to my ob-gyn, who was very understanding and removed it during my visit. I immediately felt a sense of relief, my anxiety decreased, my vision is no longer blurred, I can think clearly, sex is enjoyable. No period yet, which I’m happy about. Mirena was removed 8/6/19. 9/5/19 had a tubal ligation. Went well, I do have 3 lap sites on my abdomen and some swelling/discomfort but no pain. No vaginal bleeding either! I hope that ridding my body of the Mirena hormones will help me lose weight as it also had me retaining extra water and did I mention terrible acne! I have lost water weight and my face cleared up immediately. I have to say I did enjoy having the Mirena other than the horrible side effects I did enjoy not having to worry about birth control or a menstrual, but was it really worth it?? I think not!!"

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2019

For Birth Control "Paid $2000 to have the worst 4 months of my life. Not only did I have continuous and disgusting spotting/bleeding for over 3 months, but I got severe acne covering my face, neck, chest, and my entire back. If you have any history with acne or breakthrough bleeding, I highly recommend looking at other options."

• Bia...
• October 2, 2015

For Birth Control "I have tried the pill, the patch, NuvaRing, the patch and the depo shot. I have to say the IUD has been my favorite! I did like the depo a lot, but I broke out with a lot of acne all over my face. I never had acne as a teenager, so getting it as an adult was torture and humiliating. I had to see a dermatologist and get on Accutane. I then got the IUD in May 2011. I was nervous after reading reviews, but decided I'd give it a shot anyway. Getting it inserted, I didn't realize how badly it hurt...after 30 days, it felt great! I did have to get it trimmed once since my husband did hit it a few times. Other than that, I highly recommend it. Best birth control I've tried by far! Give it a chance :)"

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2012

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena put in about a year ago and have recently had it removed! It almost caused a divorce. I had mood swings, depression, acne, tired but couldn't sleep. I also had ovarian cysts that had me in the emergency room. I felt like I was pregnant. I kept feeling flutters like a baby. I have now seen other women felt that way too. I removed it at home. I just pulled the strings and it popped out. No pain or bleeding. I have had it out for about a week now and feel fabulous!!"