Acne is a common skin condition believed to be caused or worsened by the use of an IUD. 

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, 15 percent of women suffer from female adult acne. 

If the claims that IUD causes acne are true, many of the women suffering from acne might need to reconsider their contraceptive options. 

However, there is another side to this generalized notion, as many women also observe improvement in acne after the use of an IUD. 

So, what is the relationship between IUD and acne? 

Find out the answer to this dilemma about IUD acne in this article. 

Does IUD cause acne

IUDs can cause acne, but several factors can play a determining role in a breakout. 

Type of IUD

Firstly, the choice of IUD can also affect the result. 

Copper IUDs may not cause acne because they are free from synthetic hormones. 

The only evidence known for acne breakout through IUDs is through hormonal ones. 

They release the synthetic hormone Progestin, which can disrupt the hormonal balance of the body. 

So, it can cause or worsen an acne breakout.

Progestin can also affect androgenic activity, which increases the male sex hormone-like Testosterone.

This can increase the function of sebaceous glands, resulting in excessive oil production, blocked pores, and acne. 

Such side effects can get better in a few months as the body adjusts to the changes. 

Fact:
IUDs are 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. If used within 5 days of unprotected sex, they are also a reliable emergency contraceptive. 

History of another contraceptive

A hidden factor that can make you think that an IUD has caused acne is the contraceptive used earlier. 

You might not get acne from an IUD, but due to stopping the birth control used before this. 

A 2020 study found that when a woman switched from Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) to other contraceptives like hormonal IUD, the risk of having acne was higher than the new users with no contraceptive history. 

Does IUD help with acne

IUD alone cannot be effective in treating or reducing acne. 

However, many women report that they noticed an improvement in acne after getting an IUD. 

So how does this happen? 

Despite no evidence suggesting that an IUD can improve acne, some women can notice improvement if they switch from a hormonal birth control method to a copper IUD. 

Contraceptives like the pill or implants can cause acne as a side effect, which can get even worse in women with hormonal issues. 

So, switching to a copper IUD (Paragard), which is a non-hormonal method, can reduce or manage acne over time. 

Acne after removing IUD

Acne can also occur when an IUD is removed. 

This may happen as the Progesterone levels drop as the synthetic hormone is cut off.

Over time, this hormonal imbalance may be resolved. 

If you observe that the breakout is severe or the acne does not go away in some time, seek medical attention. 

IUD acne treatment and prevention

If an acne breakout occurs from an IUD or other related factors, some simple steps and medications can help. 

Medications

Spironolactone and combined birth control pills can be used to treat adult acne in women. 

Spironolactone is a medication recommended for cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, which can be an effective acne treatment. 

Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs), also called combined birth control pills, can also manage acne by balancing the hormonal fluctuations. 

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Moreover, it can serve as an alternative birth control option for women who have acne issues from using an IUD. 

The last medication to use if all treatment options fail to treat acne is Isotretinoin. 

It is used to treat painful acne cysts, scars, and nodules. 

However, before coming to any conclusion, asking a healthcare professional for the best advice is recommended.

Warning:
Isotretinoin can cause birth defects, miscarriage, and stillbirth. If you got your IUD removed due to acne or other reasons and now you are seeking acne treatment, it is essential to get a pregnancy test before using Isotretinoin. Always consult a doctor before using this medication. 

Skincare

A skincare routine for IUD acne can be beneficial. 

Ensuring cleaning the skin with a cleanser to get rid of dirt can help manage acne. 

Including products with Salicylic acid can control sebum and unclog the pores. 

Likewise, Retinol can also benefit by exfoliating to remove dirt and unclogging the pores. 

Using a toner for healthy pH levels and a gel-based moisturizer to avoid blocking the pores also reduces the severity of acne. 

Diet

Balanced diet
Foods containing balanced diet

A perfect diet plan can manage many issues out of which acne is one. 

A low-glycemic diet that includes foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, steel-cut oats, and beans can help to reduce acne. 

When to look for another birth control option

The IUD-caused acne should go away in a few months when the body adapts to the changes.

If not, a doctor may prescribe the above-mentioned medicines or give tips to manage acne. 

When nothing works, or the acne breakout continues to worsen after months, you need to consider another option. 

Always stay in touch with your doctor about the symptoms you notice to decide when you need to get rid of the IUD. 

Conclusion

IUDs are an effective birth control option, but hormonal ones may cause acne in a few cases. 

These occur due to hormonal imbalances and usually go away once the body adapts to changes. 

If not, one may be prescribed COCs, Isotretinoin, or Spironolactone for reducing acne. 

Other helpful tips are a good skincare routine and a low glycemic diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. 

If the problem persists, either using a copper IUD or opting for another contraceptive is suitable. 

Remember that not all women experience these side effects, and there are other factors, like a history of COC use as contraceptives, which can cause acne.

Some women may even observe reduced acne after switching from hormonal implants or pills to copper IUDs, as it is free from hormonal side effects. 

Before coming to any conclusion, you must consult a doctor to discuss the possibilities and ensure safety. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acne go away after IUD removal?

If acne occurs from the hormonal imbalance caused by the IUD, it will go away after removal. However, if other factors are involved, like stopping the use of combined oral contraceptives (COC) before switching to IUD, then possibly the acne breakout is a side effect of stopping COC use. 

Which hormonal IUD causes less acne?

There is no evidence to support that any hormonal IUD causes more or less acne. So, if you are prone to hormonal imbalance and acne breakout, a hormone-free IUD (copper IUD) can be the right choice. For a personalized opinion, consulting a doctor is the right choice. 

How common is acne with IUD?

Acne is a commonly reported side effect of using hormonal IUDs. It might happen due to the hormonal imbalance caused temporarily, which may get better in a few months. However, other factors like stopping the use of birth control pills before using hormonal IUDs can be a hidden cause of breakout. 

Can an IUD cause acne breakouts?

Acne is a common side effect reported after the use of a hormonal IUD. The reason is the hormonal imbalance due to synthetic Progestin, which the IUD releases. Once the body adapts to the changes, the acne usually goes away.

Citations:
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