Skyla and Acne: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Rev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2015

For Birth Control "I read several forums before I opted to have an IUD placed. I was a person that had a fear that it would affect my chances of having children in the future. The forums scared the daylights out of me! So here is my experience: I am 27 years old. Never been pregnant, tried other forms of birth control but either didn't like the side effects (weight gain, acne, etc.), or I forgot to take that darn pill daily! So I talked to my OB about this and he recommended Skyla. On the day of the procedure, I had scared myself enough that I was so worried it was going to hurt! Dr. gave me medicine cytosis (sp) to open my cervix to make implantation a little more simple. This procedure was definitely uncomfortable, but it really didn't hurt at all!"

• Han...
• April 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I had an absolutely terrible experience. I had it in for 6 months and had 2 periods a month, debilitating cramps that made me cry from pain, mood issues, suicidal thoughts, terrible acne, and 20 pounds of weight gain, to name a few. I now have self-harm scars from how far this thing pushed me. I really wanted to like Skyla, but it did not work for me. Don't make the same mistake I did, check if you have a progesterone intolerance before you get one of these things in!"

• Jay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 4, 2019

For Birth Control "Getting Skyla inserted (6/30/17) was basically painless. It was quick and easy. Little did I know what I was in for. My periods got heavier and extremely painful. My weight fluctuated horribly, and my skin took a turn for the worse: severe oily skin and acne. I had enough of all of that, so I had it removed (11/15/19). NOW I’m having heavy bleeding with large clots every 2 weeks and debilitating cramping. My energy is gone, and I’ve been extremely emotional."

• Not...
• September 14, 2016

For Birth Control "This was absolutely horrible. Terrible acne, abdominal swellings, and feeling very isolated and depressed. Kept it for 6 weeks. My doctor wanted me to keep it for another 6 weeks, but I couldn't take it anymore. After removal, I felt almost immediate relief and mentally much better."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2023

For Birth Control "I had Skyla put in about 2 months ago. It has been the worst experience I have ever had with birth control. I am constantly cramping and spotting brown blood. I get periodic pain on my right side going down my leg. My first period after I had it inserted was heavy and very painful. I was not able to use tampons because the pain was worse when I used them. I wake up in the middle of the night with cramps so bad they go into my stomach. I have had more breakouts now than I did as a child. And now I have to go get an ultrasound because at my follow-up appointment the physician couldn't see or feel the strings. So there is a chance it has moved. I have had nothing but an awful experience with this birth control. After doing a lot of research and reviewing the birth control I thought this would be good, but it is not. I don't see how this is still on the market."

• Syd...
• December 4, 2015

For Birth Control "I have struggled with birth control since I was 15. I get severe migraines with birth control, and I also would suffer from acne, as well as mood swings. I was really nervous about getting Skyla, but it has been the best birth control experience I have ever had! No migraines! The insertion pain lasted a couple of hours, and I bled for about a week after, really lightly. In the first two weeks, I also had some minor mood swings, but nothing compared to how I felt on the pill. My periods are so light I just need a panty liner for about three days, and then it's over. I have noticed a decrease in my sex drive for about two weeks after, but not anything that I couldn't deal with. The only flaw is that I get random painful cramps that last about 20 mins."

• Kay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 1, 2019

For Birth Control "After being on the pill for over 2 years, I was recommended an IUD by my doctor for birth control. I had the Jaydess coil (13.5 mg levonorgestrel IUD) fitted in December 2016 (I was 18 at the time). The pain was awful straight after insertion and lasted for about 2 days. I have had irregular periods since then and acne on my cheeks and jawline (never had it here before). I also have gained about 2 stone since I got the Jaydess. My diet has stayed the same, although I do not exercise as much as I used to (still 3 times a week). I only realized how bad it was when I looked at other reviews a few weeks ago. I still have it, as I am trying to find another form of birth control that will suit my body. I hope to have it out in the next month, so I will post again if my acne has cleared up after I get it removed or if I lose weight."

• Jen...
• March 20, 2016

For Birth Control "The insertion was excruciating. The entire time I had it, I felt a dull pain localized to my cervix (I couldn't even touch my cervix because it would send a shooting pain up my uterus). It made sex impossible because my partner would feel the strings, I would get sharp shooting pains during penetration, and my natural lubrication was non-existent. I would bleed after sex and have cramps for days afterwards, with sharp localized pain. Three months in, it traveled upwards and I got it removed. I've been bleeding for two weeks now, with huge blood clots and soaking through super tampons in less than two hours. I've been breaking out."

• Ben...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2016

For Birth Control "Inserted Dec 1, 2015. Insertion was extremely painful. My uterus contracted so much that I pushed out the IUD during the first insert. My doctor had to do it 2x. Most people say you only experience a minor pinch. For me, this was very untrue. This is the worst pain I have ever experienced. I bled for about a month after insertion. About month 2 is when things started to become more 'normal.' I have experienced what I think are 2 cycles. I was formerly on the pill, had minor symptoms and only 3 days of bleeding. Although I know my body is still adjusting, my periods are now about a week long! I also experience horrible cramping about 5 days before. The cramps are not long-lasting, rather, very sharp and random. I have been having acne on my face and back. :/"

• Gir...
• July 20, 2019

For Birth Control "Try it. Everyone is different. I gave Skyla 10/10 because it was effective, I did not get pregnant for the 10 months I had it. But it was just not for me. Periods sucked. I had painful bleeding every time I lifted something heavy. Always spotting. I was on my period/spotting half of every month. In my 9 months with Skyla, I gained weight, had anxiety, depression, acne. But it could have been my lifestyle as well. I was also on birth control before Skyla, so that could have been a factor as well."

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 27, 2016

For Birth Control "23 with no children, I've had Skyla for almost a year now. I'm an active duty military spouse, so I paid absolutely nothing for this IUD. I was on the Depo shot for several years and experienced pretty severe weight gain but had no periods, light occasional cramping. Then I switched to the pill for several more years, towards the end, I had regular once-a-month periods with controlled weight and no acne but excruciating breast and head pains, which was the deciding factor to change. My doctor and I opted for Skyla, hoping to eliminate my previous symptoms. So far, I've had absolutely no periods, no spotting, and no cramping. My headaches have improved for the most part. No breast pain yet, but I have experienced acne and weight gain."

• AAT...
• June 2, 2016

For Birth Control "Since I relied so heavily on reviews, I figured I'd share my experience here. I did months of research on IUDs, first wanting a Paragard, then opting for the Skyla because I have metal allergies and didn't want to risk having metal in such a sensitive area. The insertion was NOT BAD. Everyone who claims it is the worst pain they've ever felt must have an extremely low tolerance for pain. It wasn't comfortable or pleasant, but it was quick. The worst part was having my cervix clamped. But I am okay. I am crampy but okay. I'm looking forward to seeing how my body adjusts to it. I am also nervous about the risks-perforation, pelvic infection, bacterial vaginosis, hair loss, weight gain, moodiness, acne, etc. I hope I made the right choice for me."

• Anonymous
• April 24, 2018

For Birth Control "Terrible. Insertion was okay. I ended up keeping it in for 2.5 years because I thought things would get “better.” From the beginning, I got horrible cramping (that hurt so bad I would cry in pain and miss work) and developed terrible acne. I give it 2 stars because I didn’t have a kid... but honestly, I broke up with my boyfriend of 2.5 years after 6 months on the IUD. 6 months later, I quit my job of 3 years. 6 months after that, I had full-blown suicidal depression. Almost a year later, I regret not having it removed in the first 4 months. Ladies, give it 3 months. If you don’t like it, get it out. Don’t be like me."

• Sab...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 20, 2018

For Birth Control "This IUD, sadly, didn't work out for me. I had it taken out 2 days ago. The only reason I give it a 2/10 is because it did prevent pregnancy, which was nice not to have to worry about. However, it wreaked havoc on my body in almost every other aspect. I got terrible acne, random sharp pains in my abdomen, periods that lasted up to 2 weeks, severe mood swings, gained weight, and had absolutely no sex drive. Look, don't get me wrong, I think IUDs are a birth control option worth exploring, but if you are at all sensitive to hormones in birth control like I am, I'd steer far away from this and look into the copper IUD."

• Lyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 31, 2017

For Birth Control "I got my Skyla in June 2017, and now in October 2017, I'm getting it removed. Getting it put in was terrible; I was cursing at my doctor and nurse. The next week after that, I was in extreme pain, cramping and everything. Now I'm having increased acne when I never had acne in my teens. I'm getting horrible cramps out of nowhere; it feels like someone is ripping my hip bones out of my body. I'm getting extreme vertigo with no warning, to the point where I feel like I'm upside down. I'm getting vaginal infections all the time from literally anything: my period, sex, and even clothing is throwing off my pH. On top of that, I am constantly hungry to the point where it's annoying. The only thing I like is I don't have to remember to take a pill."

• chu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 25, 2019

For Birth Control "1 year post-insertion update: 9/10 only because I deal with a bit more acne blemishes than I did when on the pill. Never a full breakout, just occasionally cystic acne. Still never fun, though. Took a few months to adjust, but now bleed probably 3 days in a row once every month or two. Sometimes I go 60 days before I bleed! I cramp a day or two before I bleed, but very minor compared to the cramps I've had when not on hormonal birth control. I need only a pantiliner or regular tampon. The bleeding is so little I don't feel I've had a true 'period' for almost a year! Spontaneous sex is great! No issues with having a 'big O' either. I no longer worry about missing my daily pill. That is a huge relief! I am a 34-year-old busy mom, coach, and teacher. Skyla is perfect for me! I have had no issues with weight gain and exercise 4-5 times per week. Actually, I exercised the day I had it inserted! I highly recommend Skyla!!!"

• JGa...
• April 23, 2018

For Birth Control "I'm about a week away from my 6-month mark with Skyla. The insertion was painful but bearable with 800 mg ibuprofen and really deep breathing. Cramped for a day or two, but the heating pad really helped - felt just like heavy period cramping. My first period after insertion was VERY heavy (I had been on the pill for 10 years, so I had grown used to short, light periods), but the next few periods got lighter and lighter and stayed fairly regular (but now last closer to 7-8 days). I do still get spotting - in fact, my period just ended 4 days ago, and today just started spotting again. I'll get the occasional random cramp, but nothing unbearable. My acne got really bad during the first few months on Skyla, but has now leveled out, and thankfully it's doing its job, as I haven't gotten pregnant! Generally, I like it, the side effects are less aggressive than the pill, and it's nice not having to remember to take one every day. The biggest downside so far has just been the random spotting."

• JNC...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 7, 2019

For Birth Control "I am almost done with my second Skyla IUD. For the last almost 6 years, I have LOVED it. I did have a lot of bleeding in the first month, which is common. I have not gained weight, had unusual mood swings, acne, etc. It is a little expensive, but the second go around I found out you can get a grant from the government to pay for it."

• Dog...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 31, 2017

For Birth Control "My OB suggested Skyla for me after Mononessa threw me into some depression and fatigue around August 2016 (exactly a year, now). Had no issues up until the last couple of months of having it. Sure, the painful acne started up quickly: My face has been a mess of grease no matter how many times I washed it, what soap I used, etc. I was willing to put up with the skin issues if that meant I was covered. But the last couple of periods have lasted nearly two weeks, have had more cramps, the acne is getting much worse and starting to show up on more of my body! I'm not going to pay $50 for skincare meds either. So, I'm not going to look on the bright side anymore and get it removed this week if I can."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 17, 2018

For Birth Control "Got Skyla over summer 2017, and now it is April 2018. Insertion was pretty painful, but I've never been pregnant before. I was also told I have a small uterus. Before, I had a very regular period with maybe a minor pimple a week before and tender breasts. Post-insertion, I had bleeding for about 3 months, a range of heaviness, and minimal cramping. Then my period stopped completely, which was great. It did its job as 'activities' resumed with my partner, and it definitely did its job because I'm not pregnant. But during intercourse, both my partner and I can hear a clicking sound and feel it, I can't feel the string, but if I angle my pelvis correctly, the clicking goes away. Anyone experience this? Also, after a few months of no period, it came back full force. I'm talking breakouts, cramps, bloating, my period lasts about 11 days, and my breasts are so tender I can't even touch them. I'm going in for an ultrasound within the next few weeks to see if it shifted. I don't really know if I'd recommend this to anyone yet."

• Emi...
• March 20, 2018

For Birth Control "I started Skyla after being on Enskyce for about a year and a half with no problems; I just didn't want to take a pill every day. Without birth control, I have fairly heavy periods, chronic migraines, and moderate acne; with Enskyce, I had almost no acne, only migraines around my period, and mild to moderate periods. After a year with Skyla, I had to get it taken out because I became very depressed and anxious, my migraines were only around my period but became 100 times worse, and my skin became terrible with hormonal acne all around my chin and cheeks. My sex drive also decreased a lot, which, combined with my worsened mood, became a hindrance on my relationship with my boyfriend. I would also have random light cramps caused by the IUD even after a year and experienced constant spotting up until the 7th or 8th month. I finally got fed up and had it taken out about a week ago, and I immediately started feeling better overall and have gone back onto Enskyce with no problems so far."

• Cas...
• November 16, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had my Skyla in for 4.5 months. The insertion sucked. It was very painful, which was expected, but the sensation of having your cervix opened and something put in it freaks your body out. I had cold sweats, nausea, and was worried I'd faint. About 30-45 minutes later, I had horrible cramps, which are expected, I made my uterus very angry. Make sure to take ibuprofen before, and have a couple doses available for that day and the next. A heating pad works awesome too. I was on my period when I had it placed, and it lasted for 10 days after, though the last 6 days were mostly brown-colored discharge. Month 1 and 2, I had a couple of ovarian cysts. All of my periods are 1.5 weeks long, and I have bad acne now. But it works to prevent pregnancy."

• MyR...
• January 11, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm 23, I had my SKYLA put in on December 17, 2015. It's been a little less than a month now. The initial insertion was pretty painful but pretty quick. I love that I'm pretty much 100% covered against pregnancy and that I don't have to remember to take a pill. The only downfalls I've noticed are the constant bleeding, I've bled every day since insertion, and I've noticed some acne on my face, back, and chest area. The bleeding is very light (sometimes mucousy), but it's annoying when you'd like to have sex but have to continually turn your partner down. The bleeding is so light that I can't wear a tampon, I can only wear panty liners."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had Skyla for seven months, and so far, I am not pleased at all. The insertion was so painful that I could barely walk the next three days. I bled every single day for four months straight. I still cramp horribly. I've never had acne before, and now my face breaks out all the time. My diet hasn't changed, but I've gained so much weight on it. If I wasn't terrified by the thought of bleeding for another four months and the pain of having it removed, I would gladly ask to have it taken out."

• mim...
• September 25, 2015

For Birth Control "Ok, so I have two kids and decided to get the Skyla. I had it for only 4 months and got it removed this week. I didn't experience any pain at all. But the thing that I didn't like was that I gained 15 lbs, started getting acne, which I've never had a problem with. Every time I would get intimate with my husband, he could feel it. When I had it removed, the doctor told me that it was really low and that's why he could feel it. Everybody is different, so you never know how you will react to it. Oh, and another thing, before I was on Skyla, I would never experience cramps when I was on my period, and with this thing, they were horrible."