Skyla and Acne: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• 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."

• Kar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I had Skyla IUD inserted three years ago. I didn’t feel when it was inserted by my doctor, so I didn't experience any pain. After it was inserted, I did bleed for two weeks. Some side effects after a month of being on the IUD were hair loss for 6 weeks and acne for about a year. I would menstruate every 3 to 4 months. When it came to my sex life, it was uncomfortable for my partner and for me at times. After all the cons, I was happy with it because I was happy with my weight, there was no gain or loss. I was happy and not feeling depressed, moody, or suicidal. I had it removed last week, and I didn't feel any pain when my doctor removed it. I did start bleeding the day after the removal, which I was told by my doctor that it is normal. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give this contraceptive a 9. It was worth the hair loss and acne because I didn't get pregnant, and it kept me focused in college."

• Cri...
• June 26, 2017

For Birth Control "Number one, don't listen to the negativity the smaller groups of bad experiences have. Skyla was never said to be for everyone, which is why I don't understand women that tell you NOT to get it. Your best option is to try it. And to people who have certain health conditions, unless a woman has the same thing as you, don't listen either. Anyway, I have a 7-year-old, and I got Skyla in January, and it's now June. I have had bad acne and cramps and heavy bleeding since I was 11, and Skyla reduced my periods and cramps. It did not do much with my acne, but that's fine. Also, Skyla is uncomfortable to insert (not gonna lie), but I literally was with my OB for 10 minutes and left. It's been okay since. Just try it for yourself."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 14, 2020

For Birth Control "I was very nervous to get any sort of IUD because I’m 23 and have never been pregnant. I went with Skyla because I am pretty sensitive to estrogen-based birth controls, and every pill I tried made my anxiety/depression unbearable. The insertion was overwhelming and painful-worst cramps of my life on ibuprofen 800. The first month or so, I was very bloated and crampy. After that, my body started to adjust. No issues with spotting, my period is a bit longer but much lighter (5-6 days). My anxiety seems back to the way it was before any type of BC, and I’m pretty pleased. The only downside is the cramps, they’re horrible the first day of my period, but I’ll take it over being a crazy anxious person. I also was getting bad acne the first 4 months, but that seems to have subsided. Everyone is different, but definitely need to let your body adjust. Hopefully, this impression stays the same for me for the next 2 years."

• sav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I chose Skyla over the pills because I have a horrible memory and I would forget to take one every night around the same time. Skyla's insertion isn't as bad as I read about it. I was terrified because of what online said about it. The insertion is about 10 seconds long of period cramps on steroids. I took two 800 mg of Advil beforehand, like my gyno suggested. I had cramps the first few days, spotting since I want to say October 3, 2016, to mid-November. My periods have been a day or two long with minimal to barely any blood. Highly recommended. No cramps, no headaches, tiny mood swings, a little acne, but nothing a face wash can't fix. I have had a loss of appetite, though, not sure if it is the Skyla, though."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm currently 21 years old and have had Skyla for a little over a year now. The insertion was unpleasant and painful. The cramps I experienced after were the worst cramps I have ever felt before. Please take a painkiller immediately if you feel any cramping. Every time I experience the cramping, it makes me want to vomit and cry. I have never cramped this bad before having Skyla. I believe this has helped with my acne, but I still break out majorly when it's that time. When that time comes around, I experience the same painful cramping, but only for a couple of days. Another downside is my period lasts for about 2 weeks! There are no signs of my period decreasing or stopping even after a year of insertion. Overall, I regret Skyla."

• Izz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I had my Skyla IUD placed in October of 2014. The procedure was quick, just under 10 minutes. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen before it to offset the cramping. It was 3 cramps, the last one being the worst but nothing I couldn't handle. I used to get horrible periods, 7 days of bleeding and cramping requiring 800 mg of ibuprofen around the clock. The first two months with the Skyla, I experienced cramping and bleeding just about every day. At the end of month 2, the bleeding and cramping subsided. I haven't gained weight, don't feel out of emotional control, and haven't had a period since! I love this. The only reason for a 9/10 is I believe I may have developed slightly more acne. It's hard to tell since I had acne before, though. Still so happy!"

• Esh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I got the Skyla put in October 2014. The procedure hurt like a mother, but after I got home and took a nap, I was fine. Had light to spotty periods for a couple of months. Now I only know when it's that time when I get my normal PMS symptoms. I unfortunately am one of the unlucky percentages that ended up with the acne side effect, which is really irritating. Thought getting off the pill I would lose weight, but at first, it did, but it came back. Nice not taking a pill every day, but will not be renewing this med."

• gor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 25, 2017

For Birth Control "I absolutely love my Skyla. Insertion was pretty uncomfortable, but was completely bearable. I spotted on and off for the first few months, which was annoying, but not a deal breaker. Finally, after about 6 months, my periods have leveled out and are regular again. I get very minimal cramping a few days before, and a light flow that lasts about 6 days. I have had no other negative side effects, and I LOVE not having to remember a pill every day! Plus, every other birth control I've tried has given me horrible mood swings, horribly tender breasts, and acne. I haven't experienced any of those with Skyla. I would highly recommend this and have already sung its praises to all my friends."

• Aut...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 18, 2019

For Birth Control "I was on Skyla for about two years. I actually don’t even remember about my insertion experience, so I’m guessing it wasn’t as painful as other people, or at least I have a high pain tolerance. Anyway, within about a week, I started breaking out on my face and my back!!! Never in my life have I ever had back acne, and for my face, I am blessed with skin that usually doesn’t have a problem breaking out unless I was on my period...until this IUD!!! I have permanent back acne scars now :( What was even annoying was the weight gain...I used to weigh about 120 lbs, 5’1”, Asian...by the time I was ready to take it out because of the severe weight gain, I was at my heaviest weight in my life at 145 lbs!!! And I didn’t change my diet or exercise any differently!!! The only positive for me was the fact that I didn’t get my period at all for the whole time I had it in me. But other than that...I wouldn’t recommend it to any of my friends or family members."

• ams...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 6, 2021

For Birth Control "Worst decision of my life. After a year, Skyla dislodged, but it caused me to have stroke-like headaches that caused temporary blindness, acne, depression, and so many other symptoms. I had to have it removed after a year, and the headaches stopped, but all of the other symptoms remained for 3 years after removal. I also now deal with fibroids, which I attribute to this birth control. I was always extremely predictable, with easy periods, and never struggled with acne and these symptoms before this. I would never recommend this."

• Chu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2018

For Birth Control "Update on my Skyla (inserted 3/21/17): 4 months in, I hardly have a 'period'! When I do, it is very light bleeding. I have noted a slight increase in acne, but nothing horrific. Keep it clean, treated, and under control! Sex is spontaneous, and I never need to worry about a certain time to take my pill! Very little to no cramps. I use pantiliners only or light tampons. I have maintained my 'average' weight, so I have no issues with weight gain. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"

• Ali...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2015

For Birth Control "26 y.o., no pregnancies. I had my Skyla inserted about 1 month ago because I was tired of remembering to take my OCPs. I took 2 ibuprofen the morning of my appointment. Insertion definitely hurt, but to me, it felt no worse than having a PAP done. Very tolerable. And it only took a couple of minutes. No cramping or bleeding the day of or day after. Mild spotting since then, but no period. It's been about a month, and I've noticed a few side effects: occasional terrible cramps & my acne got worse-- however, both of those side effects could potentially have been from me going off of my OCPs and have nothing to do with Skyla, but who knows. Would definitely recommend & Medicaid covered mine-- as they should cover any form of birth control."

• 18n...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been off Skyla for almost 6 months, and my periods are just starting to regulate again, so I know this is a sign of my body starting to regulate again also from not being on this birth control anymore. I am also losing weight since gaining almost 15 lbs in the 3 months I was on Skyla, and my acne is under control again, and I am no longer depressed. I am birth control free and feeling 100%. This birth control did not work for me, but it doesn't mean it can't work for you. Everyone is different!"

• cbk...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 5, 2018

For Birth Control "August 2018 marks 1 year of having the Skyla IUD. I have an appointment later this month to have a check. 4 out of 7 days of the week I have pain. Sometimes it feels as if I had inserted a tampon sideways, and my body is trying to push it out, but it is stuck, causing stabbing pain. Other days I have pain towards my ovaries, which I have a feeling might be cysts (common side effect of IUD). I frequently find myself holding my lady bits because they just hurt. I have moderate depression since insertion. I have had acne still well into my 24-year life and have not noticed any change, good or bad."

• ran...
• October 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I have had Skyla for 2 years. It’s the best decision I have ever made regarding birth control. Many reviews spoke about how horrible the pain is when inserted, which is 100% accurate. However, I experienced this kind of pain from my period, which was way worse than that 60 seconds of pain. If you don’t usually cramp with your periods, then you are in for a rude awakening when the IUD is first inserted. My doctor requires an ultrasound when inserting the IUD to properly place it (unlike some doctors who blindly put it inside you, which is so dangerous!!). I noticed when I stood on my feet more than 10 hours, I would get unbearable pains. I felt like throwing up because they were so bad. However, these pains stopped around 5 months. I've never had mood swings, weight gain, or an increase in acne!! My periods were very light at first, but now I can go months without a period or slightly spot for a week or two. I have no complaints as of today! The benefits definitely outweigh the cons!"

• HBe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 18, 2016

For Birth Control "Continued... Since then, I have had very light periods, usually once every 3 months, with thick, bloody discharge on the first day and light spotting for 1-2 days after for a total of 3 days. I haven't needed a tampon in nearly 3 years! A panty liner is all I need, if at all. I do get PMS monthly, though-cravings, moody, maybe a little breakout, but nothing you wouldn't get with any other birth control. I have tried the pill, patch, and Nuva Ring-which I liked, but it gave me ovarian cysts, so I switched to Skyla. I highly recommend Skyla! While it has never happened to me, if you are bleeding for more than 7 days at any given time while on Skyla, go. See. A. Doctor. Something is wrong! Again, 23, never been pregnant, and love Skyla!"

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 18, 2018

For Birth Control "I've been on Skyla for two years now, and I was in love with this style of birth control up until a week ago when I was visiting my OBGYN. I had mentioned my worry about being on antibiotics for a year and a half to help control my acne. I have never had acne before, let alone cystic acne, until 6 months of the Skyla IUD. That was when she brought up that cystic acne is a side effect for women who have the Skyla insertion. I am beyond eager to have my Skyla removed a year early, tomorrow, so I can hopefully feel confident with my skin again. I do not believe that this happens with everyone, but I wanted to share my story to help those who are looking into this. Besides the acne, the Skyla worked like a charm, my heavy periods turned into very low flow periods, and I never got pregnant! However, not worth it to me to be breaking out this tremendously."

• Cla...
• August 20, 2015

For Birth Control "I had Skyla put in Feb 2015. I am 31, no kiddos, I went to work immediately after getting Skyla put in. I took 2 Aleve, and the pain/severe cramps were gone. I had my first period for 17 days straight. One week, no period. Then 2 more weeks of period. Eventually getting lighter and lighter, but still the full 7 days. Side effects are acne, gained 15 lbs, moody, and no cramping. I have tried everything to work off the added pounds, but nothing is working, despite eating healthy and working out 5 days a week. Not sure if I will be keeping it in the full 3 years, the side effects are just not fun."

• Sam...
• October 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I posted when I first got Skyla (almost 6 months ago, April 27, 2017) and wanted to share my experience. I spotted for a little over 3 months, which wasn't fun since it was summer. Usually, I wore just a panty liner. My periods definitely are a lot longer, close to 10-11 days, but lighter than they used to be. My boyfriend can feel the strings in certain positions but says it just feels like scratching. (He can suck it up since I'm the one who has it inside them.) Other than that, I've had a positive experience. I've been on the pill twice and gained significant weight both times. Haven't gained weight or had acne appear since getting Skyla."

• Not...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 27, 2015

For Birth Control "26 years old with previously regular periods, lasting 5 days. Cramped, but normal. I dealt with cystic acne during my cycle. I had Skyla inserted April 2015, so 6 months now. It was extremely painful. The cramps/pain/bleeding did not stop. It would come on suddenly/severely that it totally had me hit the floor in agony. MRI showed a cyst burst; I never had cysts prior to this. I continued to have horrible cramping/spotting throughout the months and especially during my period. Cystic acne increased to a level I have never experienced before. 6 months later, still horrible acne, period lasts @2 weeks, with bad cramping, 2 weeks in between, and then the period begins again. It is coming out! I waited the 6 months, but this is not acceptable."

• Hay...
• September 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I got Skyla after trying the pill and NuvaRing. The cystic acne and crazy emotions I felt with both had me desperate to try something else. I decided on an IUD so I wouldn’t have to be burdened with remembering birth control every day, and I hoped the hormones would not make me feel like I wasn’t me. My doctor recommended Skyla because I have a small uterus and have not had children. It also has 13 mg of hormones, whereas Mirena has 50+ mg. I can honestly say it has been the best thing. I can’t recommend it enough. The ONLY downside and the reason I gave it 9/10 was because the insertion was the most painful thing I have ever experienced in my life. I threw up after I got it in because the pain made me nauseous. BUT after I took medicine and went home, it just felt like period cramps, and I haven’t had a problem since. To me, 3 years of stress-free birth control is worth a few minutes of pain. I’m getting mine out soon and getting another one put in. Wish me luck!"

• gor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2017

For Birth Control "Getting Skyla inserted was a breeze. From the moment she started insertion to the moment she was done was probably around 90 seconds, with 30 seconds of that having any sort of pain. If you've ever had bad period cramps, you know what it'll feel like. There's about 3 very intense, but bearable, cramps that feel just like a bad period cramp. As long as you breathe through them and stay relaxed, they are no biggie. After she was done, I sat up slowly and felt 100% fine. I drove 2 hours back to school with no issue. For the first 48 hours, I had VERY mild cramping that easily went away with Advil and some spotting. It's been a week, and I feel great. I am experiencing a small breakout, but that could also be due to stress and eating like crap."

• all...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2017

For Birth Control "So I got Skyla inserted today (4/7/17). I'm 24 yrs, 5'7", 120 lbs, been thin all my life, never had a child. I read so many reviews and got so scared about insertion. The day of insertion, I was having major anxiety, so I took half of a Xanax bar (1 mg). It helped SOOOOO much. The less tense you are for insertion, the less painful it is. I would highly recommend asking your doctor for a prescription for anti-anxiety medication, even if it's just one pill for the procedure. The procedure itself lasted at most 5 mins and the pain was less than a minute. It feels like a cramp but more pressure and pinch. Totally doable, you will be fine! I'm hoping Skyla will help with my sex drive. Just worried about gaining weight or acne. I will update again soon."