Implanon and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 247...
• May 3, 2017

For Birth Control "So I've had my period, it has always been hell: cramps like crazy, insane mood swings, and horrible acne. I've tried almost every birth control pill on the market, and all of them have either not been effective in stopping my period or have made my acne worse. Last year, after a scare, I decided it was time for a more permanent solution. Three months in, and I was really loving it. It really made my periods better and bearable. Then it started to go hairy. I started losing hair, my hair became greasy, my skin began flaking and breaking out. This was all pretty upsetting, but if my period would stay gone, then it was worth it. Basically, my period came back and was coming every day! I also put on thirty pounds with no lifestyle changes."

• Rav...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 6, 2012

For Birth Control "I have had Implanon for 7 months now, and I've experienced no problems at all. I couldn't be happier with it! I used to take the pill, but find this much more convenient. It's cheaper for me long-term, there's no chance of me forgetting a pill, and I'll be protected even if I'm sick (while the pill wouldn't be 100% effective then). I didn't experience any mood swings, my weight stayed the same, and I didn't get any period pains. The only thing that changed is that my periods have stopped completely, which I consider a huge bonus. Everyone is different and will react differently, so there's no real way of knowing what side effects you'll have unless you try it. I don't regret taking the risk since it paid off for me big time. I'm thrilled! :)"

• Bab...
• May 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I got the implant in 2014, it's almost been a year. I've gained about 30 lbs, my period comes once every 3 months. I get horrible cramps. And before I get it, I always seem to get a UTI, which is horrible. Since I've had it, I've been really moody with a horrible, bitchy attitude. I want it taken out ASAP!"

• Bec...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 16, 2018

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon for 12 months. During that time, I had, on average, 17-day long periods with maybe 3 days' break before they started again. I experienced severe cramps, migraines, diarrhea, complete loss of sex drive, and gained over 20 kg. I was also diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety. Since having it removed 2 weeks ago, I have lost 5 kg. I feel fantastic and am going to see my doctor about coming off my antidepressants. My relationship has improved because I’m not having ridiculous mood swings, and my sex drive is coming back. My doctor kept assuring me that my Implanon was not causing any of my issues, apparently, he was wrong. I’m so glad I stood my ground and removed it against his recommendation. It was the worst decision of my life having it, and I’m so grateful to have it out."

• kez...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 25, 2015

For Birth Control "Been on Implanon for 5 years for PMS and endometriosis. 5 years of no periods has been fantastic compared to the heavy periods I was having. Just starting to get PMS symptoms back each month - bloating, sick, teary, cravings, cramps. Before, Implanon would last 3 weeks out of 4. Now lasting one week. In the last 5 years, have piled on the weight... Just can't lose it."

• Age...
• July 11, 2015

For Birth Control "First couple of months, I had a longer than usual period. After about 2 months, it completely stopped, although I had light cramps and mood swings throughout the first couple of months, no weight gain. Perks of having the implant, not having to worry about missed pills (although I was never good at taking pill form birth control). No shot and yet still having periods! All around, the implant's been good to me. Would highly recommend it to anyone with an irregular period!!! Haha, good luck, ladies!"

• mel...
• July 1, 2009

For Birth Control "I've been on Implanon since May of 2007, and I absolutely love it. I was on the pill about 5 years back, and I could never remember to take it every day at the same time. I then went to the patch, and while that worked good and was easier to manage, after hearing all of the side effects, I wanted to switch immediately. I went to my doctor and told her there were a few things I was looking for: 1. something that had no real routine to worry about, 2. something that when it was removed, I wouldn't have to wait an extended period of time to conceive, 3. minimal side effects. She recommended Implanon. My only complaint is that the cramps are a little more intense than before I got it. Other than that, I love it!"

• Anonymous
• June 19, 2010

For Birth Control "I got my Implanon in January 2010. I'm now nearing the 6-month mark, and I couldn't be happier. When I first got it inserted, I was extremely moody for at least two weeks, and I got my period every 2 weeks, and then that turned into every 3 weeks, and now it's almost as if it's stopped completely. The past month, I have had 2 half days of spotting and moderate cramps, but that is it. I sometimes get moody, but that's about it! I lost weight, about 5 kg, and I find it has had a big effect on my appetite and my needing to snack. There's been no real effect on my skin, and my hair is in its normal condition. It's doing its job, and I hope that my period just disappears completely!"

• Anonymous
• March 5, 2010

For Birth Control "I have had Implanon exactly 2 years. I loved this birth control for the first year and a half. I had absolutely no period or weight gain. It was an easy and effective birth control. However, last August, I started having my cycle again. The bleeding was the heaviest it's ever been, very clotty, and unexpected. Often, I would have bleeding every other week. The length of the period is long and extremely heavy with cramping! My mood has drastically changed since restarting my cycle. I have depressed feelings and often don't feel like getting out of bed. After starting my cycle back, I experienced weight gain. Went to the gyno yesterday, and since starting back in August, I've gained 30 lbs. No change in my diet, and I'm only 21. I'm getting this birth control out!"

• nyk...
• February 10, 2016

For Birth Control "The worst BC ever. Yes, it's effective, but since I've had enough of it. I've had headaches, body aches, and serious weight gain. Was always 160, now I'm 217, finally getting it taken out after research and reading other reviews. Also, cramping in between periods. Spotting and heavy periods! Worst BC ever."

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2021

For Birth Control "This was my last resort as the pill I was on to manage endometriosis is out of stock Australia wide. I would never recommend this product to anyone with any mental health concerns. I have coped fine for the entire pandemic, and panic attacks/severe anxiety were well in my past until Implanon. A week after insertion, my moods steadily declined. Crying every day, invasive suicidal thoughts, and it built to extreme anxiety and panic attacks daily. I struggled on thinking it would get better, but it didn’t. I had terrible cramping for 30 days and triple the length of my period than usual, with spotting between. Nausea, lethargy, and generally feeling like I was not in my body. Do your research, and if you have any history with depression or anxiety, be very, very cautious with this device. I don’t want anyone to feel the way I did for two months. I had it removed after 8 weeks."

• Rob...
• August 19, 2010

For Birth Control "I am about to get my first Implanon taken out after almost 3 years of having it. The first year and a half I had no period - minimal spotting. For the next six to eight months, I had a period every 1.5 - 2 months and for only 3-5 days with minimal cramping. The last portion of the 3-year cycle, though, it's become more like 1 full, or almost full period every two to three weeks, cramping elevated but still not what it used to be without any birth control. I am considering having another put in if my doctor thinks that a new Implanon would set my body back to the 1.5 years of no periods, that was nice. If she thinks it will continue on where it's at, I will look into another form."

• Rka...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had the implant for 9 months, almost to the day, after switching over from the pill, which I had taken for several years. I took the pill for three months back-to-back as recommended by my doctor when I first had the implant put in and only had a light period (but heavy cramping) in the week I came off the pill. Since then, until now, I haven't had any bleeding, spotting, or cramping. 2 days ago, I started experiencing sharp stabbing cramps and today have spotted a little. I really hope this doesn't continue/that it doesn't develop into bleeding half the month like it has for other people because up until now this has been amazing. If this continues though, I'll probably go to my GP and get it removed."

• ang...
• April 28, 2015

For Birth Control "In September, it will be a year that I have the Implanon. I like the fact that I got my period the first two months, even though it was just spotting. Now I don't get my period, which is great, but I have extreme pain and cramps. Even my jaw is painful, and I'm considering removing it because I never had these problems before. I'm a mother of two and don't want any more babies because I'll be 30 soon. If I could only get my period now and then to avoid these terrible pains."

• dan...
• November 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had my rod in for almost two years now, and I got my period the first two months and nothing since that, and it has been great not having to worry about getting pregnant and not getting my period every month. Although last month, out of nowhere, I started bleeding lightly for a few days, and I went to the GP and he said it's a 25% chance that women that have the rod wouldn't get their period. He wasn't much help with my situation and told me to see how it goes the next couple of months. Since then, I have had some really bad mood swings and period pain but no period. I'll wake up with really bad cramps or lower back pain, and I feel I'm emotionally weak sometimes and cry for literally nothing, it's taken its toll. I think I'll take it out soon!"

• dan...
• November 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had my rod in for almost two years now, and I got my period the first two months and nothing since that, and it has been great not having to worry about getting pregnant and not getting my period every month. Although last month, out of nowhere, I started bleeding lightly for a few days, and I went to the GP and he said it's a 25% chance that women that have the rod wouldn't get their period. He wasn't much help with my situation and told me to see how it goes the next couple of months. Since then, I have had some really bad mood swings and period pain but no period. I'll wake up with really bad cramps or lower back pain, and I feel I'm emotionally weak sometimes and cry for literally nothing, it's taken its toll. I think I'll take it out soon!"

• Poo...
• December 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I have this BC in since 2012 after my second child was born. The symptoms were not that bad, no monthly periods and some weight gain. But when I got it replaced back in October, I have had cramping to where it wakes me up at night because the pain is so great, I am tired all the time, and I have gone from 140 to 196 in a year... I love it and hate it at the same time."

• Sop...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 9, 2017

For Birth Control "My first implant was amazing, with no bleeding or problems really. The only time my hormones were up the spout was when I would have actually been due for a period. My second implant, however, is a totally different ball game. I've had random, heavy, painful periods lasting for 2-3 weeks, and I've also gained nearly 2 stone in weight, which I have tried every possible way to get rid of but can't. I'm having it removed next week and going back to the pill with the advice of my nurse and with the hope I can shift the weight gain. I constantly feel miserable and have no sex drive whatsoever. The pill is less convenient, as you don't even need to think about the implant once it is in, but I can't live feeling how I do!"

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 12, 2017

For Birth Control "Great for not getting pregnant; however, awful for cramping and irregular periods, sometimes lasting for a month. Also, I have had it for a year and have gained 60 lbs. I plan on switching. I am always very emotional on it too. Do not recommend."

• Anonymous
• October 16, 2013

For Birth Control "I've had Implanon for about 4 years now. I just got it reimplanted. If I recall correctly, you do spot the first year or the first two years. I just don't remember spotting as much the third year. Your mood may change a bit. You may get some acne. You also may gain some weight. I don't know how it affects my sex drive. This is what I've experienced. HOWEVER, in comparison to other birth controls, this one is great. The bloating and backache that I got when I was on my period is nothing compared to the small bloating and backache you may get when on this. I get no cramps or fatigue. Depo Provera gave me hot flashes. The NuvaRing kept falling out."

• Swh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had the implant for a little over a year now. I'll have to say it is very reliable for preventing pregnancy. It's much easier than the pill, in my opinion. Honestly, when I first got it, I bled for about 8 months straight. It was lighter, but still a hassle. I was determined to keep it in. After about a year, I stopped bleeding. Now I only get 4-5 light periods every other month. If you're willing to wait it out, I definitely would. It took my body a while to get used to it, and now it's doing great! I barely get headaches and cramps (only a little cramps to indicate my period was coming). No weight gain either! Definitely worth it."

• knp...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I had severe mood swings while on this medication. My periods were heavy, irregular, my cramps were painful. It was truly an awful experience. I had it in for the full three years, and although it did its job of preventing pregnancy, since I've been off it for three months, I have never felt better. I lost the 20 pounds I gained on this medicine."

• Mom...
• July 25, 2010

For Birth Control "I have had Implanon for about two years. I love the fact that I haven't gained any weight, the only problem I do have is the mood swings. I can relate to a lot of the comments that people have left about not feeling yourself and not knowing the source of the horrible anger. My mood swings are making me reconsider this birth control because I feel it's affecting my relationship. I have had times where my period came for 2 1/2 months and really bad cramps. But on the other hand, it's a relief not having to take pills every day or go through the pain of the IUC or IUD."

• Anonymous
• October 4, 2009

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon inserted on July 24, 2009, and had a little bruising, but nothing too serious. Two weeks later, I had a very painful period, where I couldn't get out of bed, literally! My period usually lasts 3-5 days, and on Implanon, it lasted almost 2 weeks. No, it wasn't spotting, it was still bright red blood. But 6 weeks later, I am still spotting! I have changed my eating habits and worked out 6 days a week, and have not been able to drop a pound! I have no sex drive either and have had more acne in the past 2 months than I have ever had in my life."

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2010

For Birth Control "I've had Implanon for about 2 years, and I can't wait to get it out. The things I experienced were very heavy bleeding, cramps, and not just normal cramps, the worst I've ever felt, spotting, pain during intercourse, mood swings, and loss of sex drive. All of these things come and go except the loss of sex drive. Before insertion, I was sex crazy, now it's a hassle just to get ready. I bled for long periods at first, but after a few months it would come and go. I will bleed, then stop for a long period. The reason I rated it a four is because I am not pregnant."