Implanon and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• one...
• August 14, 2014

For Birth Control "I love the Implanon! I have been on it for almost 2 yrs. I get it out in Dec 2015. So far, I like it because I always forget to take the pill or get my shot for Depo. I decided to try it, and I love it. I did gain weight, about 60 lbs, but it's not the birth control. It was stress with home, work, and family. I won't get my period for months, then one day I get it. I would have it for like 2 weeks. I had it with everything like cramps, mood swings, and a heavy flow."

• Abb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 27, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had Implanon since December 2011. I am getting it replaced in a few days. The first 2 years, I didn't have problems with it. My periods weren't crazy. I think I had it about every 3 months for 3-4 days of normal bleeding. However, for the past few months, I have had it every 2 weeks, like clockwork, with heavy bleeding. My doctor told me it is just because when it runs out, it runs out and my hormones are just out of whack. I have gained weight (10 lbs in 3 years), but I'm not blaming that completely on birth control. I'm in dental school and quite stressed. For those who say they have gained 20-30 lbs on this, there is no way hormones ALONE cause that much weight gain, other factors are in play there."

• Tin...
• January 31, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on the Implanon a little over a year now. I have not had any periods besides a little spotting the first couple of months. (Yay for not having to pay for tampons & chocolate!) I love the fact of not having a period and not getting pregnant right now, but there are a few downsides to it. My downsides: I never had acne previously, and I now have it really bad. I gained about 45 lbs, and I have horrible mood swings. It has its good and its bad to it, just be cautious of the side effects."

• AWh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon inserted in June 2011 and had it taken out recently in June 2014 when my three-year mark was up. I'm giving it a six because it did prevent pregnancy in my case. Pros from my experience: no periods and no pregnancies. Cons from my experience: 80 lbs weight gained (I also had some family issues, work, and school. Not blaming it all on the birth control). NO sex drive at all, I was never in the mood, and my feet seemed to get bigger. Other than that, it's a great birth control. It works effectively on other people. Some have no weight gain, and some do. I do recommend this because it does work great for preventing pregnancy!"

• Civ...
• May 2, 2019

For Birth Control "I feel a civic duty to share my experience because this is really the 'Evil Stick.' It all started great! The insertion was easy, had some mild spasms in the arm, and I didn't have my period for 5 months, which is cool! 8 months later, random spotting and had some serious heavy periods lasting more than two weeks! *Warning, this part will be very graphic.* I found myself sitting in the bathtub, I was bleeding out. I sat there for about an hour, and huge blood clots streamed out of me. I was horrified, as I have never seen anything like this in my life! Basically, I had two weeks of heavy periods and two weeks with no period. The period was so heavy I was iron deficient. I gained 25 - 30 pounds and had acne on my face. After 2 years, I am HANGRY! I'm hungry, angry, moody, zero energy. SEX DRIVE IS NONEXISTENT, flooding periods, eruptions of acne, and 30 pounds later...decided to remove the 'Evil Stick' next week! Argh...I regret my life decision."

• Lau...
• January 12, 2013

For Birth Control "Your body will either love or hate the Implanon. I had the Implanon for one and a half years, and for me, it was bad. I gained 5 kg and would go through these cycles - two weeks on, two weeks off - of non-stop bleeding, mood swings that nearly altered my personality, and a huge increase in anxiety. I actually thought I was mentally unwell, and my doctor was so reluctant to take it out, over and over again convincing me to keep it in. But then I insisted on switching to Yaz, which worked beautifully with my body - I am myself again, losing weight was easier (I'm back to my usual weight), and my cycle is back to normal."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had the implant since September 2016, and whilst I acknowledge that it is one of, if not the most reliable methods of contraception, I am shocked at the changes it has imposed on my body. Since insertion, I have gained 2 stone with no changes in my diet or exercise, and my mental health has been particularly bad. It goes without saying that everyone's body responds differently to contraceptives, but this has not worked for me."

• Sec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2019

For Birth Control "Honestly, it's not worth it. Was on it years ago for almost the whole 3 years, went from 65 kg to 96 kg. I just got another back in 2 weeks ago after successfully losing 23 kg. In the time of having it back in, I'm almost 4 kg up ALREADY!! I crave food all day, every day, I literally cannot stop eating. It's all I want to do. I'm constantly tired, have headaches, and feel depressed because of all these symptoms. I'm so upset about my weight gain and so scared it's just going to get worse. I'm having it taken out tomorrow."

• Ann...
• February 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had Implanon since June 10th, 2012. I haven't had my period once, not sure if that's a good thing. I haven't spotted, but I'm not complaining. I have not got any acne. I have, however, gained almost 100 pounds. And I haven't really been able to lose weight while on the implant. And just recently, my sex drive has almost nearly disappeared."

• Anonymous
• January 14, 2010

For Birth Control "I'm one of the 5% that experience all the VERY bad side effects that no one mentioned when I got the implant. I used it for 8 months after the birth of my son. It was removed 6 months ago, and now I'm having to see an endocrinologist due to the continuing hormone imbalance Implanon caused. I lost hair, gained 50 pounds, acne, facial hair, mood swings, fatigue, slept most of the time, no libido, just plain MISERABLE. Not to mention I missed out on enjoying my son's 1st year of life."

• Emi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had the implant for 4 months now. I have my period every month right on time, but it is much lighter and there is no cramping. My doctor let me know that the implant is even safer than getting your tubes tied, and you should not gain any weight from using this birth control. She told me the only thing people complain about is their period because it can come whenever or not at all. I haven't experienced any weight gain or mood swings like I did on the pill. My sex drive is healthy as well. I recommend this birth control!"

• Ste...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been using Implanon for almost 5 years now, and I didn't experience any bad side effects. When I had my first one implanted in my left arm, I did spot lightly for a little while, just a few months. Then I didn't have a period at all or spotting. I love it. When my 3 years was up, I had it removed and replaced in that same arm, and still no bad side effects. No weight gain, or skin changes, or pains, and I honestly forget that it's even there."

• 199...
• July 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm on my second Implanon, and I love it. The first one I got, I didn't have a period for the whole 3 years I had it, some weight gain but nothing extreme. No mood swings or anything like that. I got it put in because my cramps were excruciating and my periods were irregular as ever. As soon as I got the first one out, I got another put in. This one has been different than my first. I have my period every other month, almost sometimes longer than that, and they last about a week but not heavy. Still no babies though! I would absolutely recommend the Implanon! Don't have to worry about taking a pill every day or going in to get a shot. You can't even tell it's in your arm, and it doesn't hurt to get put in."

• 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."

• kas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on this medication now for 4 months, got on it before my first period after childbirth. About 2-3 weeks later, I got a period, lasted a little longer than normal but light. Haven't had a period since. Hopefully it stays this way. The only thing I have trouble with is all the weight gain, it's just stacking on me."

• Lau...
• July 28, 2016

For Birth Control "Before getting this, I religiously read the reviews, and I was terrified. Weight gain, no sex drive, depression were common things I was reading in every thread. However, I have had an amazing experience, and I just want to remind everyone that everyone has different reactions, and keep in mind that it's normal for people to post negative reviews, but people rarely post positive reviews. I went on this from the NuvaRing. I haven't gotten my period since I've had it, which is great! No weight gain (but I do work out and eat decently), and I haven't had feelings of depression. My sex drive isn't as high as it was without any birth control, but it's definitely higher than it was on the NuvaRing."

• Ult...
• August 12, 2014

For Birth Control "Implanon does its job, but I do have really crazy mood swings, and I have gained 10 pounds since I've had it in (even though I work out regularly). I have periods every other month (light flow but the worst cramps). Don't know if I can deal with it anymore. Not really used to the changes."

• Kat...
• April 26, 2016

For Birth Control "I would never recommend Implanon (the rod) as a form of contraception to anybody. I have had mine in almost for the full 3-year term. As I was on the pill and kept forgetting to take it, I needed some form of contraception, so I came across Implanon. It all sounded well and good, but the whole time it's given me nothing but grief. I have put on 10 kg, sometimes I don't have my period for 2 months, then other times it will be every week on and off heavy bleeding. I am so lethargic and never feel like going anywhere or doing anything, and I've also been diagnosed with anxiety since being on this. The headaches are constant! I CANNOT WAIT TO GET IT OUT! WOULDN'T RECOMMEND TO ANYBODY! Especially young girls!"

• Fis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 4, 2017

For Birth Control "When I first started using contraception, I was put on the pill, and it really messed with my emotions, plus, I'd end up forgetting to take it every day, so I tried Implanon. During the first year of insertion, it did cause my periods to become heavier, longer, and less predictable. However, after a few months, they lessened to the point where I no longer had a period anymore (huge bonus). Anyway, I'd highly recommend Implanon as a form of contraception and will continue to use it myself. Hope this helps!"

• Mis...
• August 11, 2010

For Birth Control "I got my Implanon inserted in September 2009, 2 1/2 months after my son was born. Before insertion, I had a sex drive, good skin, lost all my weight from my pregnancy, and wasn't angry or impatient all the time. I didn't have a period until December that lasted 5 days. My next cycle was at the end of January and was heavy until March. I have had a period either every month for 14 days straight or every other week with 7 days of bleeding. I like the idea of no pill, but this has got to stop. My OB has put me on the pill to stop my bleeding, but I have taken the pill every day for the last 5 months. And I still have it every other week. I have bad acne, moodiness, and gained 30 pounds. My marriage is probably suffering because I have no sex drive. It's time to get it out!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 17, 2014

For Birth Control "I had my first Implanon put in in 2009 and am now on my second one and love it! I haven't had my period since two months after the first one was put in. Yes, I've gained some weight, but the cramps and mood swings are gone! I love this method of birth control! I don't have to use condoms with my partners, and I don't have to worry about getting pregnant. My only small complaint is my arm does get sore around the implant and throbs every once in a while."

• Sma...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I had read a lot of bad reviews about Implanon, so I got the patch and had a bad experience with it: weight gain + feeling bloated ALL the time. Knowing I couldn't trust myself with a daily pill, I tried the implant. After 6 months, I've had a great experience so far with some minor setbacks. No weight gain, no acne, best of all no bloating! (I don't really work out much but eat generally healthy.) However, my periods have been sort of crazy - I get a regular (pretty light) period every month, but sometimes it lasts longer than I anticipate. When I was off BC, my periods were like 4 days tops. This month my period lasted for 4 weeks!! It's an annoyance, but not a terrible issue. Every BODY is different - the only way to know is if you try it."

• Ani...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 23, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this birth control for almost 3 years now (August 23rd will be 3 years), and I mean yeah, it does good on preventing you from getting pregnant, but the periods are just not okay. On Implanon, I would normally get my period about every 2/3 months, and when I did, it was HEAVY and lasted for about 2 weeks with seriously painful cramps. It made me gain a lot of weight in the beginning, but these past couple of months, I’ve been losing weight like crazy. I used to always hang out with my friends, but lately, I’ve pushed a lot of people away and have gotten really bad anxiety and don’t feel like myself. I’ve also been having body twitches the past 4 months, and I’ve had 4 periods since the 11th of June, and I don’t feel okay. There’s so much more to say, but the maximum is 1000 words, but please take my word and do not get this. It’s so bad for your body and mental health, I really wish I knew this before getting it."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 18, 2017

For Birth Control "My boyfriend and I used to have sex all the time... Because I didn't want to get knocked up, I got on this thing, and well, it worked, mainly because you lose your sex drive, gain absolutely tons of weight, and can't stand the little things you used to ignore. Sooo yes, you won't get pregnant unless you're single out on the town, and no one has to deal with that."

• 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."