Implanon and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Jes...
• July 26, 2015

For Birth Control "I got the Implanon 4 years ago, (didn't want to get pregnant) as I was allergic to the pill, and was very clumsy with taking it. I thought the rod was an amazing option. The beginning was crazy with periods all over the place, and extending for long periods. That was for the first 6 months; however, after that, my periods disappeared for the rest of the journey on the rod (2.5 years). I got my first one out this year in June, and had another one placed in. The pros are no periods and not having to worry about getting pregnant. The cons: depression, loss of libido, weight gain, loss of self, and in saying that I mean I changed (my personality was bubbly and happy) to sad, moody, angry! Different! I know the rod screwed with my hormones."

• Anonymous
• May 10, 2010

For Birth Control "I had Implanon inserted in September of 2009. So far, I have been very happy. I had frequent periods (every 2-3 weeks for only a couple of days) for the first 3 months. Since then, I haven't had my period and not even symptoms of it. That part has definitely been great. I did feel it made me pretty moody for the first 2-3 months, but it has tapered off. I haven't experienced any weight gain, as some have reported. I have a pretty high activity level (running about 20 miles per week) and have been eating as I normally do. The most major side effect I have is a decrease in sex drive, which is a pretty big downside, but considering I haven't experienced other side effects, I rate this form of birth control highly."

• B-c...
• January 26, 2010

For Birth Control "I am 23, and I have two children. I received the Implanon after the birth of my daughter. After reading some of these reviews, I am relieved to see I am not the only one with some of these problems. My period comes on for about 6-7 days, stops for about 1 or 2, and then starts spotting again. It seems like it lasts forever. Then the next month, it comes about the same time. My period has to be on half of the month or more. I can't stand it!!! (When I was on Depo, I had no period). I have also noticed headaches very often, lack of sex drive, and lower back pain. I also have lost none of my baby weight, which I had lost after my son. I have had it for about a year, almost 2, so I have about a year to go. I want it out."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 20, 2013

For Birth Control "This is horrible, going on my 3rd year. I was talked into getting this by my doctor after I had my daughter. I can say I haven't gotten pregnant not only because I'm not sexual when bleeding, which is ALL the time, but because my sex drive is almost nonexistent. I'm 21, I should still be a little crazy, but nope, it's as if it's a chore to do it. And weight gain, ugh! I hate you. I was pretty small, a size 3, and since I've had this in, I've gone from a size 3 to a 9!!!! I'm so unhappy with this and can't wait to take it out!!! Horrible."

• Lak...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 27, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had the Implanon for 2 years now, and I can say I like it, but also there are things I don't like about it. I got my Implanon inserted in 2015 and didn't have any problems with it until about 6 months into it. After that, I've had periods 2 times a month-every month-that have lasted for about 5 days, sometimes even lasted a week. The second thing I don't like about it is I have no sex drive whatsoever. Another thing I don't like is my hair falls out, and I can't seem to stop gaining weight, and I'm tired a lot. I also got diagnosed with panic disorders."

• Gwe...
• December 20, 2016

For Birth Control "Welp! 5 years later and I didn't get pregnant, so that's an A+, but the largest side effect has been my plummeted sex drive. About 6 months after having it implanted, the idea of sex was so... bleh. My poor husband has really taken a blow to his ego in the last few years. Our sex life has certainly taken a hit. So much so that he has been researching vasectomies now that I need a new BC implanted. Other than that, it worked out."

• Anonymous
• July 22, 2015

For Birth Control "So I had to change my birth control. I have been on the Depo for 5 years, and I told it would be healthy to switch since after time it begins to break down your bone density. So I researched many birth controls and came across Implanon. I did a lot of research, and reading other women's reviews had me very scared because of the terrible side effects. When I first went to get the Implanon, I was denied because I had sex within a 10-day period, so take note, no SEX lol. I went from no period with the Depo to a period about 6 days a month. My periods were not heavy at all. I have not experienced any mood swings, nor low sex drive. I have had the Implanon since March 2015. I would recommend it to anyone. But do take note, everyone's body reacts differently."

• Bub...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 15, 2016

For Birth Control "So, after having the implant for 8 years. Yes, that's right, I've been crazy enough to have this 3 times. Was fine at first. Then I started getting depressed, gained 7 stone throughout the years I have had it (on and off by dieting), depressed, unmotivated, tearful, low sex drive, acne. I've got severe acne scarring on my back, face, and chest and even feeling suicidal at times and constant, heavy, painful periods. The only reason I have had it as long as I have is because I heard horror stories about other forms, and I am forgetful, so the pill is not suitable. I've decided to pluck up the courage to get the IUD and finally say goodbye. THANK GOD! Can finally get my life back hopefully!"

• rac...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 6, 2012

For Birth Control "I've had the Implanon for 7 months now. I've wanted it out since the first month but listened to my OB when she said I just needed to let my body adjust to it. Well, I've been in 3 times since then, and every time they have some excuse as to why they can't take it out. It has made me so sad and depressed. I am moody, no libido, and sleep at least 12 hours a day. I just want my old self back."

• pha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had this Implanon rod in my arm for about 5 years. The first 3 years were wonderful, I had no periods. I did have low sex drive and some mood swings, but nothing like now. For the past year and a half, I've had the most horrible experience with this birth control. Back in May of 2015, I had my period for 3 weeks, so heavy that I needed blood transfusions. My blood counts never went back up, so now I have to get blood infusions. I've had to have a mammogram because they thought I might have had breast cancer. Thank God that was negative. I have the worst mood swings, I cry for no reason. My hair is thinning, massive weight gain. This is the worst thing I could have done to my body."

• lee...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I got this as my first birth control experience at the age of 17. When I first got it, I didn't realize that all of the side effects I was having were caused by this. I gained some weight. I was moody and had zero sex drive. I also had irregular periods, which I never had before. I would bleed for a couple of days after every sexual encounter. I won't lie, I had a promiscuous year during year 3 of having this. I didn't have a single pregnancy scare. But after the first year of having Implanon, my side effects subsided. I love it. I am so glad that I have it. I had it replaced last summer and saw a few side effects from it. Just irregular periods again. But it is so worth it. A year of side effects is nothing compared to being a mom."

• Awy...
• December 19, 2015

For Birth Control "Okay, for me, the implant didn't work out so well. Bleeding, big one was depression, loss of sex drive, and I just wasn't myself. I was on a few different drugs to stop side effects, and each came with their own side effects, so I had to get the implant out. However, I do say this: it is one of the best forms of birth control; definitely give it a try. If it works for you, then things will be great. If it doesn't, then that's okay; don't try to force it. Just try something else. Try not to let it get too far before you try something else so it isn't the worst experience of your life. Just remember, don't force it. If it doesn't work, that's okay; there are many other forms of birth control, and you can find the one that is right for you."

• 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!"

• mcb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2017

For Birth Control "The only good thing about this implant was that it prevented pregnancy, but what's the point of that when I don't even have the desire for sex? I was so confused because things in my life were going so well, I was going to therapy and improving my mental health. However, throughout the 6 months on it, my mental health declined as well as my sex drive, and I started to get very anxious and thinking everyone was out to get me. I felt like an alien when I talked to people, I distanced myself from everyone. I had it out two days ago, and I can already feel that I'm feeling better. I can't tell if this is in my mind or the hormone starting to leave, but my sex drive has definitely started to improve. There's a lot more I want to say, but there's no space."

• Mis...
• July 26, 2013

For Birth Control "I've had my Implanon since October of 2011. I spotted for a few days right after I had it inserted, but then I didn't get my period for well over a year! I've only had my period once since then, and I'm happy with that. On the other hand, I have noticed various mood changes and a little depression. The worst part is my sex drive has gone down so much. My husband doesn't believe me when I say it's the hormones (I almost didn't believe myself at one point), but after reading all these reviews, I'm sure it is. It's a great method of birth control but definitely affects everyone differently, so far as not getting pregnant, it works."

• Kus...
• September 20, 2010

For Birth Control "I had Implanon inserted in December 2009. The insertion was fine, and I had very little pain or bruising. It has now been in my arm for nine months, and I am having to deal with the following: acne, increased appetite, loss of sex drive, and horrible mood swings, and I generally feel very low in myself. I am due to have it taken out today and hope that I can return to the woman I was."

• 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."

• Bro...
• May 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I don't know if any males have commented here, but I need advice. My wife had this implant about 18 months ago, since then, she has become very angry and really hard to live with. We have been married nearly 20 years, but now it looks like it is all over: mood swings and no sex drive. I have tried to ask her to have it removed, but she rips my head off at that. I had a vasectomy which didn't work, but I will have it again so she can remove the implant. Any help would be good because I don't want our marriage to end."

• Mil...
• September 16, 2020

For Birth Control "Have been using Implanon for around 10 years. Before, between, and since my 2 kids. On to my 5th rod. I had cycles every 1-2 weeks, and the rod helped, no periods the first couple, then I was getting a lot of spotting, so was on the mini pill also, which worked for years. After my second child, I’m getting periods again, and the mini pill didn’t help. Got a new rod which helped for a few months, but now bleeding again, but I feel my body just needs a break, and hormones changing after the kids and age maybe. No other contraceptives have ever worked for me, my body just wants to bleed no matter what, so this has been the best of the lot, and I’ve never noticed any bad side effects before. The only one I noticed was slightly more body odor, which has seemed to settle, but reading these reviews has got me wondering, I have zero sex drive, was blaming mom life but maybe because of the Implanon? Personally, this has definitely been the best option compared to others up until this latest stint."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 20, 2017

For Birth Control "I had my implant for 3 years. The good points: hardly any periods - no pain. Bad points: my skin was a little bad but not terrible. Gained weight by nearly 2 stone. Felt lazy and no motivation. Terrible mood swings. No sex drive. I stayed on the implant as it was the easiest option for protection. I have just had the implant taken out and can't wait to feel back to the norm."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• December 12, 2011

For Birth Control "I got Implanon in October 2011, and I felt the cons outweighed the pros. My symptoms included: vaginal bleeding (all the time), hair loss! As someone else mentioned, my hair also broke off in the middle - my mother has also noticed it, depression/very emotional sometimes for no reason, anxiety, no sex drive, slight acne, felt down in the dumps/sad, no motivation, fatigue, dermatitis of the skin on my hands. I was in a relationship that I am in no longer. The only good thing about the implant is it's very effective (no pregnancy). I got the Implanon taken out 2.5 months later, recently in December 2011 (4 days ago). My dermatitis has gone away, and hopefully I'll feel like myself again. Please, those who want to try it, be aware of these symptoms. I was 1 of the unlucky ones."

• Bri...
• March 9, 2015

For Birth Control "I have to rate this a 5/10 because on one hand, it is REALLY effective. My husband and I use no form of backup contraceptives (i.e., condoms) and have not fallen pregnant. I also rarely have periods, and when I do, they are fairly light. However, on the other hand, I have been on the implant for 1 year and 8 months, and have gained SO much weight. I have gained upwards of 30 pounds, and I have been trying to figure out why. My eating/fitness habits have not changed one bit since I got the Implanon inserted, so it is quite obviously due to the Implanon, which seems to be a common complaint. I also have ZERO sex drive, bad mood swings, and periods of extreme lethargy. I am often too tired to do anything. I have an appointment for removal next week."

• Anonymous
• July 28, 2010

For Birth Control "Very irregular periods, I can't remember the last time I was not on it. It has been almost a year. Bad mood swings, no sex drive, acne everywhere, lots of abnormal discharge, headaches, lower back pain, tired all the time. The arm I got the implant in always hurts, whether it's cold outside or not. It is always sore, also weight gain, mood swings pretty bad over little things, emotional all the time. I have had nothing but a bad experience."