Implanon and Spotting: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• June 25, 2010

For Birth Control "I'm posting after reading all the negative side effects of Implanon. I had Implanon inserted over a month ago and have not had any terrible side effects. I had light spotting the second week. I noticed food cravings but it is nothing unbearable. Before starting Implanon, I had begun weight watchers and an exercise routine. I've been sticking with it and have continued to lose weight while on Implanon. The insertion process was not a big deal either, the lidocaine pinched, but after that, the only feeling was pressure during insertion. Slight bruising and tenderness after, but only for a few days. I hope this post reaches out to someone because I almost backed out last minute due to all of the negative posts on this product."

• Eri...
• March 21, 2010

For Birth Control "I LOVE my Implanon. Insertion was quick and pain-free. The bruising only lasted a week or two. I had one week of very, very light spotting, and a few headaches. Tylenol fixed the headaches. I haven't had that problem in a month or so. I breastfeed and did not notice any change in my supply. No weight gain or appetite side effects, either. In fact, I am starting to lose my baby weight now. I would definitely get this birth control again!!! I will have it removed and replaced with another Implanon when this one runs out. Remember, almost all of the reviews are negative because the only people that want to write about it are the ones who don't like it. There's lots of people who love it, too."

• bub...
• February 10, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on this for about 2 years, I barely get any periods, mostly just spotting. No weight gain, you don't have to think about it but every other three years, and it just goes in your arm. I think it's the best birth control out there for now. I think it is perfect for me, but everyone's body will react differently."

• Lad...
• October 6, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the arm implant in March 2017, and it's been nothing but a nightmare. I have gained so much weight, I started to retain water, and I have been spotting for the last month. My sex drive is usually insane, but with the birth control, I lost my sex drive, and my skin took a toll. I don't recommend this birth control."

• Bus...
• April 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had the Implanon for nearly a year now, and I love it so much. If I could be appointed the official ambassador of this thing, I would! The insertion was quick, simple, and painless. I had a small bruise, which was easily covered and went away quickly. I have a tiny scar the size of a pen tip now. During the first 3-4 months, my period was a bit erratic. It would last about 6-7 days, and it would sometimes come once a month, sometimes more or less. It was much lighter than my natural periods. I took naproxen, which would stop the bleeding most of the time. However, after about six months, my period has basically stopped. Occasionally, I have an hour or so of spotting, and rarely I might have a few days in a row. One liner a day is always enough for the bleeding now. I have no period pain for the first time in my life. I haven't experienced any weight gain, and my acne is no worse than when I was on the pill. You can't beat the ease of this thing. In Australia, it cost about $50 (including insertion by a doctor) for three years of protection. I often go weeks without thinking about contraception. I don't even have to worry about pregnancy, knowing this is the most effective contraception available. I nearly didn't get my Implanon because of what I read online. But I'm so glad I did. Remember that for each negative review, there are probably many people who are happy with the Implanon, but they just forgot to write a review because they are so busy out enjoying life!"

• Anonymous
• July 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had Implanon for 2 and a half years now. I can't wait to get it out, and I will never get it again. The main reason is I have gained a LOT of weight with this, and also I feel it is the cause of my acne/mood swings. My periods have now stopped completely, besides the odd month of spotting. Spotting that may last about 2 weeks, then stop for one week, then come back for another week. It definitely does a great job as acting as a contraceptive. Handy for people who don't want to take the pill every day."

• Meg...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had the rod for 12 years in total. 4 lots of 3 years. Finally getting the rod out now to give my body a rest and get ready for babies in the future. Previous to the rod, I had extremely bad period pain and heavy bleeding, to the point I would have to call in sick and lay in bed all day. With the rod, my periods sort of stopped or only came every 4 months. When it did come, it was extremely light, more like spotting. Never had any issues but always knew when it was time to get it changed because I would start to get bad periods and lots of bleeding. Once I got a new bar in, that would all stop. Would recommend, but obviously it does not suit all people."

• Cla...
• December 21, 2015

For Birth Control "My experience with the birth control rod. It's really great. I've had it in for a year now. I get occasional aches in my arm and spotting every once in a while, but not enough to wear a tampon. I will keep having this implant until I am ready to have kids. I love this birth control."

• Vic...
• December 21, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had it in for 8 months now and only get my light spotting when stressed. I love the convenience of no pill and one hormone. I have gained 5 pounds (I'm less active) and have a lower sex drive, but it's not that bad. I just find myself too tired to do anything."

• Bar...
• July 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I got birth control for the first time in my life!! After doing a lot of research and asking friends around, hearing horrific feedback, I was very skeptical. But being in a serious relationship and having unprotected sex left me no choice. I'm allergic to latex, so condoms were not an option... Long story short, I got Implanon back in March, and monitored my eating habits. I did notice in the first month I had 2 or 3 breakouts that left dark spots, which are gone with the use of acne medicine. Nothing severe, no weight gain, or any other side effects. A little difference in mood in the beginning, and every month I get light spotting during my period cycle. Overall, this birth control has been very effective, even though my boyfriend released sperm inside....!!!!"

• Meg...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Implanon inserted in June 2015 and currently still have the implant. I have experienced so many body changes that it urged me to look up the side effects. I found all of these posts and can't believe it! It all makes sense now! I have gained almost 10 lbs, have less of a sex drive, feel like a crazy person, my hair stopped growing, and worst of all, I have my period randomly with spotting all the time! It's hard to have sex or want to have sex when you're bloated and spotting 3 weeks out of the month! I am over this! I'm getting this out ASAP! Thank you, ladies!"

• Mic...
• April 14, 2009

For Birth Control "I got my first Implanon in March 2006 and just had my second done in March 2009. This birth control is my freedom. I've read that some women have had bad side effects, but reading those seems so foreign to me. I did have random light spotting every three or four months (sometimes even longer) that would last from 3 days to 7 days. I never buy tampons anymore. I feel carefree and never notice the implant. I'm a typically moody person that is quickly set off, so I don't put the blame on the Implanon. I have noticed that after having the second one put in, my sex drive has gone down. I find this quite frustrating because I really do enjoy being intimate with my partner."

• ano...
• August 24, 2010

For Birth Control "I had it since March 2009. I was breastfeeding, and it was great. Until I stopped breastfeeding in June 2010. Since then, I have been on my period. Super bad bleeding with the worst cramps ever or spotting still with cramps. NO SEX drive at all. I'm mad all the time at someone for doing anything. Always feeling sad. Feeling that I'm sick all the time, and my tummy hurts. I'm always sleepy. I HAD great skin, now not so much. I'm getting it out as soon as possible. No more for me."

• Mim...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 29, 2018

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon inserted about 7 months ago. Since I had it inserted, I have been struggling with severe migraines, mood swings, acne, intermittent spotting that never really stops and can start at any time, lack of sex drive, and I have gained 12 lbs. I have not changed my eating habits, and I exercise frequently. After reading the reviews, I have now realized what is causing all these issues. I will have it removed and post another update once done. Thank you all for the reviews."

• Jo2...
• December 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had this BC for almost 2 years! And needless to say, I've been on my period ever since I got it. If it's not a heavy flow, it's spotting. I either have to wear tampons or panty liners every day! Planning on getting it removed asap!"

• Thi...
• September 25, 2017

For Birth Control "This birth control has been hell for me. I've been on the shot, and I had to stop after 2 years because it drove me crazy and I started having bone issues. So I decided to get on Implanon after my daughter. I thought things were going okay, but it is not, and I really need this thing out of me ASAP. Since having this thing in my arm, I've had non-stop spotting and periods all month, no energy, mood swings, depression, dizziness on a daily basis, and I've been having tingling in my arm and legs, but especially in the arm that the implant is in. I've also experienced weight gain and sharp pains where the implant is inserted. I touch and feel it on a daily basis, and it is still in the spot the doctor put it in. I think I'll just go without birth control."

• Cad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I first had the Implanon implanted when I was 17. I don't know if I just got lucky, but it was like a miracle for me. My boobs grew, skin cleared up. I do occasionally get a bit of spotting, but never had a full-blown period or any cramps. My mood does swing quite rapidly, but it's worth it. I have since had it replaced with another Implanon late last year, and again, not a single problem with it. I tend to be forgetful and my personal life is forever getting more chaotic, so it is good to not have to worry about remembering to take a pill every day, and it lasts three years. 10/10, would use again."

• Ano...
• November 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I only give this a two because technically it is 'effective' because I haven't gotten pregnant. However, I absolutely hate it!!! I have had it about 6 months and I've had my period/spotting almost the entire time. It really interferes with my sex life. I got it because my friend has it and likes it, but I would not recommend this to anyone. I'm getting it taken out ASAP."

• jew...
• December 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had Implanon in for two years. It has been an amazing 'birth control.' I do not take very many precautions, and I have never had a pregnancy scare. I did not gain weight while being on this, I actually lost weight. The only negative effect this has had on me is my menstrual cycle. I am constantly on my period (spotting). I go several months spotting with an occasional couple of days off. I absolutely hate this effect the Implanon has on me, but it may work out better for others. Most definitely most effective as far as birth control."

• Ted...
• February 2, 2015

For Birth Control "At first, I thought this was the best thing ever. For the first year and a half, I had rare spotting, but I gained about 15 pounds. I attributed my weight gain to my diet, but after the year and a half, the bleeding became more frequent, and I changed my diet and exercised. I'm having it taken out early (about 6 months) because I am experiencing almost constant bleeding. It's unbearable. I have gained nearly 35 pounds in two and a half years, and it's impossible to lose weight. I just keep gaining and spotting all the time. Everybody is different, but I would caution anyone planning on getting this form of birth control."

• baf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2013

For Birth Control "I've had Implanon since January 29th of this year. I switched from the shot to this, and I absolutely LOVE it. The shot made me gain about 50 pounds (109-155) in 1 year of use. Since I have been on Implanon, I have lost 25 pounds! The only complaint I have with it is spotting. It is very light, off and on, not as annoying as a regular period. I hope it will stop soon. I definitely recommend Implanon!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 4, 2013

For Birth Control "I've had problems with my periods forever. Oral contraceptives were not working for me. So, I talked with my physician about Implanon and was astounded with how painless the process was! It worked like a dream! Coming from someone who used to have cramps so severe and bleeding so extensive, this was heaven, until... the 'spotting' happened (over 7 months later). I had heavy bleeding for weeks. Yes, weeks. It would stop, and I would give it another chance. After the 3rd time this 'spotting' happened, I had enough. I had it removed. If it works for you, I am so glad."

• Sar...
• August 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had my implant for about 1 month. I'm 22, I've never had kids nor have I been on birth control before. The reason I got on was because I got into a serious relationship, and well, we both aren't ready for children yet. My main concerns were the weight gain, breaking out, the spotting, and the sex drive. I was weighing 140 lbs when I got it and now weigh 135. My skin has actually been looking better than usual, and the spotting I have had is very little. And the sex drive has not changed. The only negative thing I could say is that I do feel emotional and want to cry a lot more than ever. But besides that, it's great!"

• Lay...
• April 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I got the Implanon inserted about a month ago. Three weeks after insertion, I started spotting and have been for about two to three weeks. It's very light and it is annoying, but I'm hoping it settles down within the next month or so. So far, I have had no weight gain. I had really bad mood swings for the first three to four weeks, I was crying almost every night. That has seemed to settle down, though. So far, I'd rate it a 7 out of 10. We'll see what my rate it after another month or two."

• Nub...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the implant for about 2 months now (got it at the start of May). During my experience with Implanon, it hasn't been that bad. I had very light spotting for the first couple of weeks, then it stopped so far. I get mood swings of epic proportions, but other than that, it's all kosher. My boyfriend and I don't use other contraceptives, and no babies so far. I have not gotten the bad acne, weight gain (I'm actually losing weight!), or super heavy bleeding, so I call it a success. I recommend!"