Implanon and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 1Ki...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 23, 2016

For Birth Control "I have never had a worse experience on a birth control before, but don't get me wrong, for some people this works! But for me, my moods were totally insane, completely up and down, and I could not control my emotions. I felt constantly depressed, and my sex drive basically disappeared. On top of that, I gained 15 pounds and could not lose it. I was the heaviest I've ever been on this birth control. I really can't stress enough how much it affected me mentally, though, it was intense, and everyone around me had to go through my terrible mood swings and anger too. I personally could not recommend this to anyone because of the side effects I endured. I got the implant out 7 months later and lost the weight I had gained and started feeling better."

• ANR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I actually have the implant on at the moment, but I am more than ready to remove it. I've had it for 4 months. A friend recommended it to me, it sounded great. Worst choice. I've had horrible mood swings. I'm just not my normal self. I get sad for no reason. I feel sad and so unhappy. Well, my sex drive is gone! So yes, it prevents pregnancy. It's caused me so much emotional damage, not only to me but in my relationship. Made an appointment to remove it. I can honestly say I hate it. I don't know what I will try next, but I'm ready to be done with this method."

• CJa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 9, 2019

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon inserted 3 years ago. The first 6 months was okay, thereafter, I started getting terrible headaches. Breast tenderness where I could hardly lift my arms. Constant periods... having literally 3 days a month period free. For the last 6 months, I have been waking up with night sweats. I started at 72 kg and now weigh 58 kg. No appetite. No sex drive. Worst decision I have ever made regarding contraception. I can't stand feeling like crap anymore. I am taking it out on Saturday."

• hai...
• January 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on the Implanon for the three allowed years now. My periods are completely random and have zero sex drive. No weight gain besides my own body's growth has come from the pill. Overall, it is a decent and easy form of birth control and very effective. I will be having it removed today but not replaced, plan on switching to a different form."

• Cly...
• July 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I got this after my son was born! Boy, that was the worst idea ever! I've always weighed around 120. After having my son, I was 130 at my 6-week checkup, and then at my next appointment, 2 months later, I weighed 157. I have tried everything to lose weight, and nothing works! I used to love sex, and this has killed my sex drive completely, like I never feel like having sex ever. I bleed for at least 3 weeks out of the month. When I get this taken out, I'll never use this again!"

• Dia...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had Implanon for almost 2 years now, and it's not that bad, really. I've gained 40 pounds, and even though I exercise daily, my acne got worse, sadly. When I started, I had my period for a month straight, now it's normal for the most part. I get it for 7 days instead of 3 days. My sex drive isn't really that high either, which I don't mind, but not my boyfriend. Overall, I just like the idea of how I don't have to remember to take it or anything."

• Cou...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on Implanon for 6 years. Before getting it, I tried every other birth control excluding an IUD. This has been the best one I have been on. I do not have periods, except when I start a new diet and exercise and start to lose weight. Then I get one, and I have pretty bad cramping but really light bleeding. I have not gained any weight that can't be explained by my own fault. The only things I would say are bad side effects for me are that I have no sex drive at all, and I also have a lot of dryness when I do try to have sex. Those are my only two complaints. I love not having to remember to take a pill every day, and I love that it lasts three years. I'll be getting my third implant later this month."

• Anonymous
• September 30, 2013

For Birth Control "I've had this birth control for 2 years now and want it out so bad! I'm super moody, and my sex drive has gone way down. My boyfriend for 5 years has noticed me not really into it anymore. I got the Implanon when I was 17, and now I'm almost 20. I was very active, so my doctor told me to not worry about a period, it shouldn't come back until I get it out. Wrong! I have been bleeding since the day I got it in. I will get a few months with no period, then maybe spotting for like 4 days. Sometimes I'll bleed for one day. The worst is the long heavy periods. Every 2-3 months, I'll get a period for about 20-25 days. Right now, I'm bleeding, and it's my 22nd day of nonstop. It works for not getting you pregnant though."

• Sar...
• June 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had three implants in total now and just had my last one removed after having it for a year. I had two with no problems apart from acne. The last I had after I had my first child, and it was the worst thing ever. I'd lost all the baby weight, then had the implant inserted and gained three stone back in about four months. Nothing would shift it. It completely changed my appetite, gave me horrible acne and dandruff, and reduced my sex drive to nothing. I had it removed seven days ago, and it was the best decision ever. In just seven days, I've lost seven pounds by doing nothing, dandruff has nearly gone, and my skin has nearly all cleared up. I loved the Implanon implant before having my baby, but after, it just seemed to cause so many side effects, it wasn't worth it."

• Che...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 13, 2018

For Birth Control "I got my first Implanon at age 16 years old to help with heavy periods. It was my first and only birth control. The day after I got it, my entire arm was numb and swollen. I live in a rural area, and by the time I got to the hospital (2.5 hours), the swelling was gone, so I kept it in. My period was heavy and constant for two months before it vanished, with only the occasional spotting every few months. It worked well besides some depression and anxiety, weight gain, and complete loss of sex drive. I put on 20 kilos with no changes to my diet or exercise regime. At 19 years old, I had the bar replaced. The same symptoms occurred within the first months except that I lost 15 kg. Over the last 2 years since this bar was inserted, I have dealt with unbearable depression and anxiety, and it continues to rise. My sex drive is still non-existent. I was lucky enough to not experience hair loss or acne. Wouldn't recommend this to my friends unless they're serious about keeping their mental health on track."

• All...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I highly suggest against this birth control. I was on the pill but was annoyed at taking them every day, so I switched to Implanon. Worst idea ever. I gained over 30 pounds in 5 months, have no sex drive, extreme abdominal pains, periods for months (months) straight, very moody, and lethargic all the time. I tried going to the gym for a while, but the weight kept gaining (without any diet change). I went from 120 lbs to now 150 lbs. Not OK! Oh, I forgot about acne. Yeah, a ton of it that will not go away no matter what you do. Do yourself a favor and do not get this birth control. I finally get it out on Monday and I'm switching back to the pill!"

• Lal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2016

For Birth Control "Got Implanon in December and had it removed a couple of weeks ago. I'm back on the pill, and my hormones are still fluctuating, so I'm waiting until I'm normal again. HORRIBLE side effects. Do not recommend!! I had it in for about 5 months and got my period twice on it (more like spotting for a week). It gave me insane acne on my face and back, terrible breast pain and swelling, the most extreme mood swings, increased my depression and anxiety x1000, gave me headaches at first, and completely wiped out my sex drive. Had pretty much every side effect except weight gain and never-ending spotting. Removal was horrible, it took 2 incisions to remove the stick from hell!!! PROS: never had to maintain birth control (like pills, NuvaRing) and not pregnant."

• Hil...
• January 4, 2013

For Birth Control "I had Depo Provera for 3 years, which I did love and never had a period. After a while, I started to lose my sex drive. My friend recommended Implanon, so I decided to try it out. The numbing shot was the worst part, and it was only a cold sensation. While inserting the device, the doctor commented, 'Your skin is tight, you may feel pressure.' I did not feel a THING! The next day, it was a little tender but not bad, did have some itching, but that is normal for anything healing, had a small bruise a few days, very light bleeding for about a week, still have no period, and increased sex drive. There is now a small scar, but it is nothing noticeable. I will definitely be getting another reinserted once this one's 3 years is up. I have had it since Oct '12."

• Ind...
• September 27, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on the Implanon for 3 years, it was fantastic. I didn't bleed at all. Did not fall pregnant, and it was very cheap to get inserted and removed, saving me money on pads, tampons, and condoms. But I did have a lack of sex drive. Since having it removed, it took 6 weeks to get my period, and my sex drive has increased drastically."

• Nic...
• May 10, 2016

For Birth Control "Seemed to work fine for the first 3 years, however, the 2nd time around mood swings are horrendous, weight gain of approx. 2 stone no matter how much exercise/diets I never shed a pound, total loss of sex drive, and heavy irregular bleeding - getting it removed now."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 12, 2013

For Birth Control "I had my Implanon inserted in May 2012. My first few months were up and down, I had my period every other week. But after a few months, it stopped completely. I've had no weight gain, no headaches, no period. I recommend it to everyone. But lately, I've become extremely exhausted, and I have no sex drive whatsoever."

• Pil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2016

For Birth Control "I had this removed yesterday morning, and within 24 hours, my sex drive kicked back in again. Funny that. This thing works effectively as birth control because you probably won't want your partner to touch you. Yep, here are 10 things I won't miss by having a stick owned by one of the world's largest pharmaceutical corporations in my arm: 1. Headaches. 2. Bleeding. Every. Day. 3. No normal period. See point 2. 4. No sex drive. 5. Weight gain. 6. Mood swings that made me feel insane. 7. Sensitivity to the stupidest things. 8. Lower bone density and higher risk of osteoporosis. See 2007 study. 9. Uncharted, unknown long-term effects. 10. Having a stick that might break through my skin when grabbed accidentally. Satisfaction: never again."

• KA7...
• September 27, 2017

For Birth Control "I had an Implanon put in when I was 17. I am now 26, and every 3 years I have had a new one placed in. Each experience has been different. First time - had my period every day for 6 months, but it was more the ending of a period. I assume my body was adjusting. Second time - my periods come in all over the place. I would get it for 2 days and then not have it for 4 months and then come again for 1 day. My present Implanon - this one has been so different. I didn't get one period for about 2 years, and now I have been getting it nearly every 2 weeks for a couple of days. I get so nervous as I don't know why it's doing it. Downside, about 4 years ago, I lost my sex drive and find it really hard to get motivated. Does anyone know tips to help!!"

• Mj-...
• September 20, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been using the Implanon for almost 4 years. When I first got it, it was great! I hardly ever got my period. I would get one period every 8 months or so for about 4 weeks, which I can't complain. Once I got it replaced last year after my 3 years expired, it all changed. I gained at least 15 lbs, I go to the gym regularly, and it's nearly impossible for me to lose weight. I get my period every 4-5 weeks, and it lasts 3 weeks every time. I'm always moody, tired, and have no sex drive. I enjoy this birth control only because it has prevented pregnancy, but I am starting to hate the side effects my body is experiencing."

• Mar...
• June 6, 2017

For Birth Control "Where do I start? No sex drive, horrible attitude towards EVERYTHING, anxious, horrible cramps. I was on the pill for almost a year, I felt fine, but I wasn't always on time about taking it, so I switched over to the Implanon. For 10 months, I got my period non-stop. For some weeks, it would be a light period, but still a period. Then for another month or so, I would get heavy, heavy periods with cramps that made it so hard to get up from bed. Which I had never experienced!!! It was so hard for me to want to have sex. I don't recommend this AT ALL, and to top it off, my doctor didn't want me to get off it, saying they could just give me ANOTHER HORMONAL PILL to stop the bleeding. HECK NO!!"

• Lil...
• June 15, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on Implanon for nearly two and a half years now. I had been on the Depo before that for about five years. My biggest concern was not getting my period because that was the whole reason I was originally put on birth control. I essentially cannot function when I get my period, and with the Implanon, I have not gotten it once. I gained a lot of weight on the Depo, but once on Implanon, I lost 20 lbs. Although I was exercising regularly as well. The only negative side effect I've experienced is a lowered sex drive. Other than that, I love this birth control. I think people just need to realize that different bodies respond differently to medications."

• Ham...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 11, 2014

For Birth Control "I was 21 when I got Implanon inserted. I wanted an easy-to-remember contraceptive that was not placed in my uterus, that kind of freaks me out. Simple, straightforward insertion, few days of bruising. I had it inserted after my baby turned 8 weeks. I hadn't had my period yet, and after the insertion, continued to not have periods for a whole year (up to today), no mood swings, no acne, a really great birth control! However, I have a non-existent sex drive, and it's really rocking my marriage. After a lot of contemplation and concluding that it's the birth control and not likely the breastfeeding causing this lack of libido (possibly motherhood too), I am removing it next week and going back on pills. Good luck to my sex life!"

• DMo...
• October 27, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the Implanon since July 2015, and although I LOVE not having periods, I have gained some weight. I'm not sure if the implant has a huge impact on my weight, I started working out, so if I see more gain than loss, I plan to remove it. My eating habit is smaller, which is good (I eat very small portions now), thanks to the implant. I also lost some of my sex drive, and I hope working out helps bring it back. My boyfriend loves it but dislikes the lack of sex drive."

• Bri...
• March 31, 2017

For Birth Control "I would NEVER recommend this birth control to anyone. I had it for a year straight! With the feeling of being pregnant. Boobs constantly hurt, always cramping, migraines, exhausted every day, mood swings, and zero sex drive. I would have rather been pregnant. So not worth it. Much rather remember a pill every day!"

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I got my Implanon inserted in June 2016, it was not a big deal, as my doctor was skillful. Afterward, it looked like a rather large bruise for ten or so days, but healed neat. It stayed sore for some weeks. I had a hellish first 4 months adjusting: heavier, super-long periods followed by incessant spotting. Hair thinning and loss while body hair increased, acne, too much weight loss, and feeling frequently moody, panicking, or nauseous. Sex drive disappeared. Fed up and miserable, I saw my doc and was advised to wait another few months to see if it settled. It did. My periods have stopped now, and skin and hair are much better (though not completely the same as before). So relieved it's better and that I gave it a bit more time."