Skyla and Acne: What Users Say

• blu...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the Skyla in for 6 years: I replaced it once after 3 years. After reading all the horrible reviews of IUDs, I hesitated getting one for a full year. I eventually took the plunge, out of fear of becoming pregnant. Insertion was uncomfortable, but bearable. The majority of the time, I forgot I had the thing in. No cramps, no bleeding, no acne, no weight gain-zero side effects. I know my experience is in the minority, but I wanted to leave this review so others could see that not every person has issues with IUDs. My experience was overwhelmingly positive."

• Gem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2020

For Birth Control "I am VERY pleasantly surprised at my Skyla IUD experience. I'm a small woman (5' 100 lbs) & previously partially expelled a Paragard IUD due to the small size of my uterus. I always wanted to avoid ANY sort of hormonal BC out of fear of side effects. When the Paragard was taken out, I decided to take a chance on Skyla (smallest IUD size, lowest hormone dosage). My next form of BC was going to be FAM, that's how much I wanted to avoid hormones. Well, after insertion (which felt awful, but that's not surprising), I've been GREAT. I felt virtually no cramps post-insertion. I've had zero hair loss, acne, or mood swings whatsoever (and trust me, I've been paying close attention). My first period post-Skyla was normal but with ~2 weeks of light brown spotting afterwards. I'm guessing this will diminish with time since the uterine lining will continue to thin. A recent ultrasound confirmed everything looks great. If things stay the way they are, I'd happily get another Skyla in 3 years. Yay!"

• Cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2020

For Birth Control "Best decision I’ve ever made! Please don’t let the horror stories scare you from trying the Skyla IUD. I let the negative reviews get into my head, and it caused me to put off getting my IUD for two years. Finally, 5 months ago, I got the Skyla inserted. The insertion didn’t hurt at all! Just a slight cramp that lasted maybe 5 seconds. I went home and used a heating pad, but never cramped. My first period was light, right off the bat. I still get monthly periods. However, they are so light I can get away with just wearing a panty liner. I love the freedom my IUD gives me. Not having to take a pill every day is wonderful. It’s sooo much better than a pill. I was in the rare percent of women who lost a lot of hair while using the pill (TriNessa). The IUD never caused any hair loss or weight gain. The first month I got a few more zits than normal, but now my skin is clear again. It’s worth a try, and remember you can always remove it."

• Kia...
• January 25, 2021

For Birth Control "I suffer from endometriosis, ovarian cysts, heavy cramps/periods for about the past 8 years. The Skyla IUD the first year for me made me have brown discharge, BV, and yeast infections. The string felt like hard, sharp plastic, and it did, in fact, cut my partner during intercourse!! I had horrible acne and weight gain. The second year, as my body still adjusted, my periods did become lighter, the strings were still very much like a fishing line, and my ovarian cyst pain was bad. Third year, it started to no longer agree with my body, and all symptoms returned. I had to get it removed three months before its expiration date. I am so glad I had it removed. Here's another interesting thing, Skyla is a bright pink color when inserted, and when it comes out, mine was white... So now, have I absorbed harmful dyes into my body? Why make it a pretty color?... I think more research needs to be done on IUDs. More power to you and the women it works for. As for myself-NEVER AGAIN!"

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

For Birth Control "At first, it was fine on Skyla, but then I began having acne (to be expected, but it was bad) and it worsened my anxiety. I ended up with high blood pressure (no history of this) and chronic high anxiety. My doctors thought the IUD couldn't cause these symptoms, but once it was removed, my anxiety lessened and my BP returned to normal. Can't tell me it's not related! It worked great for birth control, but I ended up getting it removed because I could not stand the side effects. I'm sure some people do fine with it, but this is my personal experience. Would NOT do it again."

• Mit...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I switched to the Skyla after having a horrifying experience with the Paraguard (don't recommend it if you have a small uterus or haven't had kids like myself). I had the Skyla inserted, and my experience has been great so far, this IUD doesn't release much hormones and is smaller than the others. I'm very sensitive to hormones, and I haven't had many adverse effects. I highly recommend this! Light periods, minimal cramping, no acne (I also don't have acne), no weight changes."

• Eri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I really wanted to like the Skyla, but I had a horrible experience. Getting an IUD was one of the worst decisions I’ve ever made. My best friend loves her Skyla, has no side effects, and got another placed after 3 years, so take my comments with a grain of salt. First, insertion was the worst pain I’ve ever felt (and I’ve fractured my back in 2 places). I threw up immediately after. Second, this gave me cystic acne. I had panic attacks before leaving my house because I was so disgusted with my face. Third, I had ovarian cysts and severe cramps. The kind of cramps that make you black out upon standing up and throw up. Fourth, I could hardly stand to have sex. If my boyfriend hit the IUD, the pain was paralyzing. One pro is its efficacy. Knowing that I was virtually protected from pregnancy was empowering. It did not inherently decrease my libido, but the fear of pain and low self-esteem due to my skin made me too anxious to have sex. I did not gain weight."

• col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I tried pill after pill for 6 years, hated them all, whether it was bad skin or mood swings. Decided that I wanted to go as hormone-free as possible. As a 21-year-old, my doctor said that Skyla tended to have the best reviews from women my age. After reading all of the reviews, I was spooked, so I took a painkiller before. The doctor did not give me anything for anxiety or the pain. I ended up passing out twice during the insertion, and the next two days afterward were agonizing cramps. Thankful I had my boyfriend to take care of me. The rest of the first week was occasional sharp cramping. 6 weeks in, couldn't be happier! Appetite is smaller, skin is clearer, zero mood swings, high sex drive, normal periods. Well worth the initial pain."

• jun...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Skyla for 3 years and only had it removed because it was about to expire. I replaced it with Kyleena because it lasts for 5 years. In the past, I had tried both estrogen/progestin birth control pills as well as the mini pill (progestin only) and reacted horribly (bloating, mood swings, etc.), so I was really nervous about Skyla. I am very small (5’1”, 96 lbs) and sensitive to hormones, and with Skyla, I had few to no side effects. Overall, my experience was amazing! I actually lost weight (more so due to diet changes and a lot of running), and while I did have acne for months 3-6, that passed and now my skin is clear! Honestly, the only long-term side effect was menstrual cramping, which was tolerable. I have been with my SO for 2 years and we have never used additional protection, and there has never been a time when I have had to deal with pregnancy-scare jitters. Overall 10/10, don’t let the negative reviews scare you, Skyla offers freedom and spontaneity and is totally worth it!:)"

• Cri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2021

For Birth Control "I started using Skyla 4 years ago after I took out my Nexplanon (which really didn't agree with me), and it’s been the best birth control for my body. Everyone’s body reacts differently, but this is a good option for women who haven’t had children. Insertion is painful, but Tylenol before and after helps. I don’t notice any symptoms other than really short periods and mild cramps. No acne or mood swings. Definitely recommend."

• Tay...
• January 11, 2016

For Birth Control "18 yrs old. Getting the IUD inserted was EXTREMELY painful but worth it. The 1st month or so was nothing but pain, but it was from spotting and cramps from getting used to something foreign in your body. Day 4 was the most painful, but I LOVE my IUD! I don't have scares, and I don't worry about taking a pill every day, and I don't worry about getting pregnant. This is the best choice I've made for my birth control. I've lost weight, acne cleared up, and most importantly, I'm not moody all the time! :) My boyfriend says he can feel it rarely during intercourse, but it doesn't hurt nor bother him. I've been on this since November, and I'm extremely happy I made this choice. Take ibuprofen before and after, and rest with a heating pad. Hope this review helps!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I was on Skyla for about 2 years and had an okay experience. The pros: insertion and removal were quick and easy, just a pinch. I had some cramping following both, but in both cases it didn't last longer than a day. Not having to worry about taking the pill. This was the entire reason I got on. It was nice not to worry about it. The cons: irregular bleeding. Some months I had the heaviest flow, which would last 10 days, and others I had light spotting for 2 days. It was very frustrating to be inconsistent. Also, body acne. I started breaking out on my back, shoulders, chest, and neck, all places I had never had before. Anxiousness during sex, I know the doctor says it can't be moved, but I felt pain/fear when a partner went too deep. Hope I helped!"

• Spo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2020

For Birth Control "Overall, I love it! It's super effective in preventing pregnancy, and I don't have to worry about taking a pill or having my partner buy condoms. Most times I forget it's even there! However, the first couple of months were awful - I experienced a few acne flare-ups, had incredibly heavy and long periods (with oftentimes a strong scent), and I was always bloated. And don't even get me started on the sharp cramps. In between periods, I had brown discharge (normal, I know, but still very annoying). So the side effects were not pretty, I'll be honest about that. But now all is well, acne is pretty much gone, discharge is rare, and no more aches and pains in my pelvis and lower abdomen. I just wish doctors were more upfront about the side effects - I know it's effective birth control, but at least give us the full range of what to expect so we don't lose sleep and worry about it."

• Kay...
• March 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Skyla for 9 months, and this is my second review on this site. The first five months were constant cramps and spotting. The spotting has stopped, but cramps randomly come and are intense. I get my period every 2-3 months. I've gained a little weight and have some acne on my back (before I had neither of these), but Skyla works considering I am not pregnant. Other than the side effects I've had, it really is great, and you don't have to worry about taking any pills. With others, I had major weight gain, face acne, and migraines. I definitely recommend. Stick it out through the spotting and cramps, and you'll realize it's so worth it!"

• 27a...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 30, 2018

For Birth Control "I’m 27, got Skyla in February of 2017, so I’ve had Skyla in for over a year. The beginning 6 months were rough! Crazy insane cramps and bloating! Now periods last 2 days or so, and cramps aren’t so bad. BUT the side effects... So before Skyla, I weighed 125 lbs. Today, I weighed in at 135 lbs. I've always worked out, no red meats, and small portion-sized food! Nothing has changed... but somehow, I just keep putting on weight! Oh, I've also noticed my acne increased! It’s taken much longer for the acne on my face to go away, it appears, than blemishes, and I'm stuck with it for months. I got Skyla because I just got married and was not ready for kids! But this battle of weight and acne is really depressing. I’m trying to make the decision of removing it ahead of time. Needless to say, this IUD does do its job, but the side effects are starting to be more long-term than anything. Super torn."

• ari...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 16, 2016

For Birth Control "Absolutely horrid. Had this for over 2 years and could not take it anymore. Hair loss, weight gain, acne, depression, mood swings, dry skin, bloating, no sex drive. The list goes on. After going on Skyla, I got horrible stretch marks all over my butt, thighs, boobs, and hips. I am 20 years old, 5'10" and weigh 136 pounds. WTF! I want to cry just thinking about birth control. I will never take birth control again. Look into charting and temperature reading. Been off Skyla for a little over a month now and I already feel better, have lost some weight/bloating, hair stopped falling out. Maybe it works for some women, but it's not even worth the risk in my opinion."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2023

For Birth Control "3 mo. since I got my Skyla. I was terrified from negative reviews, but knew it was worth the risk for me. I have had a VERY GOOD experience. Insertion was not fun & hurt bad I’ll admit, but I didn’t cry!! Just cussed lol. That was 15 sec. of sharp pain and then the rest of the day just felt like period cramps. I would have occasional random cramps for the first month. And my first periods were weird and long, with a lot of spotting. I am now on my 4th period since insertion, and I bled lightly for ONE day. I have had no hormonal side effects like weight gain, acne, or depression. I have one issue & that is my cervix has been kinda sore. My partner is well endowed, and certain positions when he goes too deep my cervix will cramp. My doc says there’s probably a bit of inflammation still & that should go away with time. Other than that, I would recommend to anyone, and it’s so nice with no pill or baby worries!"

• Lac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2018

For Birth Control "Don’t do it. I can’t believe I let the doctor talk me into getting Skyla; I originally went in for the copper, but she talked me out of it because I’m 17 and I haven’t had any kids. It has the same hormones as the Nexplanon, basically: progestin. When I had the arm implant a year ago, I had it for 7 months and attempted suicide, had hair loss, and my acne returned (even after being on Accutane for 6 months), and I gained 15 pounds. I took a break from birth control and switched to Skyla, and it is the dumbest decision I have ever made. It’s only been a month, and I’m always crying as I can feel the depression already sneaking its way back. Whenever I comb my hair or run my fingers through, I get about a dozen strands coming out, and my acne is once again horrific. If you are already on Skyla and going through this, you are not alone."

• del...
• May 16, 2017

For Birth Control "I am writing this review for the sake of all women who are iffy on this product. I was apprehensive to Skyla ONLY because of what I read online. Despite my doctor assuring me this was the best option for me, I still was not 100% on Skyla. I am one month post-insertion, and I am so happy I decided to go with Skyla. I am 19 years old, and I have struggled with birth control since it was present in my life. I cannot be on the combined pill due to the migraines with aura (visual changes) I get, and I struggle with acne, so the POP pill is not for me. I decided to go with Skyla, and I'm very pleased. Insertion (for me) was a bad cramp that lasted no more than 5 seconds. Spotting/cramps continued for about a month after, but now I'm good."

• Hor...
• July 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I got Skyla inserted about 6 months ago, and although I psyched myself out, it was absolutely painless. When the OB-GYN said she was finished, I asked if that was it, because the only thing I felt was pressure, and maybe a 1 in pain. What I hated most about it was that I spotted for about 4-5 months, and being someone that never spots, it got a little irritating. Since starting Skyla, I have gotten some random breakouts, especially on my chin, and I'm not sure if it's from the BC or if it's just natural because I would sporadically break out before, and although it's a bit more prevalent. Other than that, I feel like the hormones are having their way with me, but again, I'm not sure what % Skyla contributes to that and what % is just me."

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 14, 2016

For Birth Control "Got put in a year ago (9/2015), and a year later, it is still great! Getting in did hurt, but I had an ovarian cyst a couple of months ago, and it wasn't as bad as that (also never had children). More like a pressure, then it was pretty bad cramps for the next 24/48 hours (I threw up, but again, not worse than the cyst), so after that, fine. I've gotten my period like 3 times since? I'll get some cramps but no period. Also, re: acne, I've noticed my face is more sensitive to acne than it used to be, but if I drink more water, wear less makeup, etc., it's fine."

• MAR...
• August 26, 2019

For Birth Control "Well, I’ve had this product for over a month now. The insertion wasn’t so bad as I thought it would be. I took some ibuprofen an hour before, and it was uncomfortable, like a bad period cramp. I was a bit dizzy afterward, but that was it. I did get some cramping for the first 2 days, but I took some ibuprofen, and that was it. I did get it like a day before my period, so it did kickstart it as soon as I got it inserted, but this period lasted longer, about 12 days, or then I was spotting off and on. I did have sex with it, but I don’t think I’m pregnant. The week of my expected period, I got cramping, and then I started spotting lightly for about 2 days, and now I’m having darker red blood still, a steady flow, but it’s light, I don’t have to wear really heavy pads. I’ve had a couple of breakouts, but nothing that my skin routine can’t fix. I’ve actually lost 2 pounds ever since I got it. Other than that, I don’t have any problems as of now. Would recommend."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 5, 2017

For Birth Control "The insertion process hurt so bad. I’ve never had a kid, but when they clinch my uterus, I think it feels something like that. That first day I had cramping, which you have to expect because it’s a foreign object in your body. The first month with a period hurt, the cramps were a little more intense. But as birth control goes, this birth control hasn’t failed me. No change in weight or acne, and my boyfriend has finished inside of me, and I’m not pregnant. This birth control is great, I recommend it to everybody. With my insurance, I only paid 20%, which for me was $200 and something."

• Tcm...
• July 15, 2016

For Birth Control "I have written on here twice before in the beginning of when I first got it inserted. If I could go back and not do it, I would. I've had the Skyla for 6 months now, and I am miserable. I have severe cystic acne everywhere (even though I never have), crazy bad cramps, insane mood swings, and weight gain. I'm 23, no kids, nothing. I've tried the pill, and I hoped this would work, but I am getting it out. Don't do it, your relationships and health aren't worth it, and it's a painful process."

• Bel...
• November 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on Skyla for about 3 months now. I wrote a review earlier within the first week I had Skyla inserted, describing how it all went. Now I get very light cramps every once in a while. I also get my 'period' regularly because of my two female roommates, when they get theirs, I get mine. But it's not a real period, just light spotting for about 2 to 4 days. I've also lost weight on Skyla (the pills made me gain weight and drove me crazy). Now I'm back to normal, but the only downside is I've been breaking out, bad, on my jaw area especially. Never had acne before until now, very frustrating. Trying to come up with a solution to the acne, if all goes well, I really won't have anything else to complain about Skyla. I'm 20, by the way."