Implanon and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Bri...
• May 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I went from being 117 lbs to 172 lbs in two years. I'm only 5'1", so you can imagine how that weight looked on me. I was on the verge of having a stroke. My heart rate stayed around 112 bpm, and there was just constant stress on my body. No matter how hard I tried to lose the weight, it would just not come off. I finally went to get it removed, and they couldn't even find it to get it out. I was sent to the hospital, where they used an ultrasound machine and basically fished around in my arm for about 20 minutes until it was found. Today, I'm left with severe stretch marks on my thighs, hips, arms, and breasts. Also, two scars on my left arm, where they reopened the insertion scar and one about two inches above that where they ended up finding it."

• Ste...
• May 31, 2017

For Birth Control "The implant is by far the worst contraception I have ever been on, and I wouldn't recommend this at all! I was only on the implant for 7 months, but it was absolute hell. I suffered terrible anxiety and depression, which worsened to me not even wanting to leave the house and waking up daily thinking I'd be better off not here. I had to take tons of time off work due to the above, along with stomach pains, migraines, sleep problems, and the list goes on. I put on so much weight despite rarely eating because of my stomach pains. I'd be here all day if I explained the entirety of my implant experience, but please take this into consideration."

• 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."

• hea...
• October 24, 2013

For Birth Control "I have had the Implanon since February 2012, and I hate it. The first six months were okay, I only had two periods on it, not got pregnant, but I've gained a lot of weight, more than I did when I gave birth. Before birth, I was 156, now I'm 198. I get bad headaches and stomach aches. My back always hurts, and I always feel tired. I get dizzy a lot, and it scares me having our little girl while I'm driving. It has caused me to faint one time at home while my husband was there. I just want my energy back so I can do the things I want to with our little girl, who is almost two. I haven't lost my sex drive, but my husband's job is one week on, one week off, so I guess it's hard to tell. I just want to feel normal and happy again. I'm tired of the mood swings and depression also."

• 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!"

• Coc...
• March 31, 2017

For Birth Control "I've always been skeptical about this method, mainly because the thought of a tube going into my arm freaked me out. But since I have a bad reaction to the pills, I chose this vs. the other methods. I've had it for a little over 6 months, and I've had no problems. I spotted once the first week, and that was it. No mood swings, no binge eating, no weight gain. Well, there was weight gained, but that's because I was lazy, lol. The only downside is, due to having no bleeding, I never know if I'm pregnant or not. So I buy a pregnancy test every 3 months just to be safe. Other than that, I love it."

• Lyz...
• April 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon after my first child. Then took it out, got pregnant with my second, and back in a couple weeks after birth. I love it! Personally, it works great for me. I don't have bad side effects with it, and my husband and I never use other forms of contraception and no scares. My period is still regular. I've gained weight, but I'm also not the healthiest eater, lol. My insurance covered it both for insertion and removal! And I'll definitely keep using it. It's already in your arm, so you don't have to remember specific times like with the pill. Or have rejections like with the IUDs."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2012

For Birth Control "I decided to get the Implanon a couple of months back because, as a college student, I'm very forgetful of little things such as a little pill daily or having to go get a shot every three months, which I hated. The procedure was speedy and non-painful. I received quite the bruise and sore spot, but nothing that was unbearable, I am now left with a little scar. So far, I haven't had a single period, but I've always been irregular. No major mood swings or weight gain. I've actually lost 15 pounds since. The only problem I've encountered so far is being paranoid that someone, or myself, will grab it, or whatever, the wrong way and it'll hurt, but I haven't had that either. I definitely recommend the Implanon!"

• Bru...
• March 17, 2014

For Birth Control "I am 30. My usual period prior to Implanon was like clockwork. I haven't gotten pregnant since the insertion. But I haven't stopped bleeding much! I stop bleeding one week each month. My husband and I have sex during the no-bleed week. So is it the Implanon's effectiveness? Or that my husband and I are rarely having sex due to constant bleeding and my loss of sex drive? Since the insertion, I’m emotional, sensitive, irritable, anxious, and depressed - a constant state of PMS. I have gained weight, 6 kg. The side effects are outweighing it for me, and 11 months on, I’m considering other options. I’m happy I tried it, such a high efficacy rating and no user error. It's worth a try, and if it works for you, great! But beware it might not too."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I used Implanon right after my first child only for about a year, was very fat, got it removed, lost the weight, but no other side effects. After my second child, I got it again. Only this time, I have terrible migraine headaches, mood swings, and weight gain. I have tried losing weight and eating healthy, and I do lose the weight, but it has to be a strict diet and exercise routine, or else my weight will just come right back. I also get my period about 2-3 times a month! For me, this is definitely not worth it. Getting it removed ASAP."

• Mar...
• September 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been reading a lot of bad reviews on the Implanon and thought I'd share my good experience with this contraception. I've had the Implanon 3 times, which means over 9 years, and I have had no issues with it. Sometimes I will get light bleeding for a month or so, which isn't as bad as it seems. I feel great on it, no mood swings and no weight gain caused by having the Implanon in my arm, only due to age and lifestyle choices. Overall, this is a great contraception for me, I would recommend people trying it, and if you feel as though it doesn't work for you, then take it out (quick and easy). The only thing I wonder about is trying to conceive after having it out, but that's something to think about later."

• PFC...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 10, 2014

For Birth Control "I had this put in a little over a year ago. Wanted something long-lasting as I knew I didn't want kids for a while (I was 17), and I can't take pills during Basic Training. No period for a year. A month ago, my breasts started swelling up terribly, I gained about 7 lbs, and I became very moody. (Thought I was pregnant.) This could be because I just graduated and am training for 5 months very soon, but I think the bar is mainly to blame. My period started yesterday-heavily. I haven't had it for 14 months. I think it's still worth it though (my insurance covers it). No real responsibility and time without the period was nice."

• aug...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I had Implanon inserted in May of 2012. Once it was inserted, I continued to have a period for 6 months non-stop, which caused some other issues. Once that stopped, I had periods for two weeks, and then would be off for two weeks, and then back on. This went on for a year. Now they come and go as they please. One thing that I've had a hard time dealing with, though, is the weight gain. I gained 10 lbs in just one year, and during this second year, I have gained 5 more lbs. I have never in my life had an issue with weight (gaining or losing), but this has been it for me. It has also given me extremely painful periods. It HAS done its job in preventing pregnancy, though! Which I am pleased with!"

• cts...
• September 26, 2011

For Birth Control "I have had the Implanon for a year and 3 months now. I noticed as soon as I got it in that I was having rapid weight gain, and it was becoming insane how much weight I had gained. When I first got it in, I weighed 160 lbs. Now, in September 2011, I weigh 210 pounds. I went from a size 8-10 to 14-18. I immediately got stretch marks all over my body and noticed that I was crying a lot and finding myself less energetic. It is a very good form of protection, but if I had to do it all over again, I would definitely go another route."

• 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."

• sni...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 19, 2013

For Birth Control "I had the implant from April 2011 to June 2013. The first year could not have been better, no weight gain, no period whatsoever, no spotting, no moodiness, nothing! It was just so perfect! In March 2012, I instantly gained 15 pounds and had a period that lasted almost 2 weeks. I thought it was water weight and a long period because I hadn't had one in almost a year. My horrible periods became unbearable in May 2013. I would soak through super plus tampons in 2 hours, and this lasted 2 weeks. If it had stayed like it was the first year, I'd still be on it, but everything changed after about a year. So that's why I give this a 5."

• Jes...
• January 17, 2010

For Birth Control "I had Implanon inserted 4 months ago after my son was born. Since then, I have gained 15 additional pounds to the weight I had gained due to pregnancy. I have had a migraine for the past 4 days that not even migraine medicine and sleep can't take away. My acne is terrible since I got this birth control. I have been bleeding non-stop for the past 4 months. My hair is falling out. It is causing major mood swings. It is making me a very angry person, which I am not. Overall, I just feel unhealthy due to the Implanon. Every possible side effect that any Implanon user could experience, I am experiencing."

• H S...
• May 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I got my first Implanon in July 2011 at 17 y/o. The 3 years of being on my first rod was okay. I gained about 15 lbs, started getting a little acne (never had acne before that), and I had a period about twice a year (light, lasted a week). I got my second implant in July 2014. A month later, I started experiencing HORRIBLE acne, mood swings, and more weight gain. I've now gained about 30 lbs since getting my first rod. The only pros are no periods (twice a year) and no pregnancies (my boyfriend had unprotected sex for almost 5 yrs). My acne has calmed down a lot in the past 6 months, but I now have a lot of scarring. It's now almost 2 years into my second rod, and I plan on getting it removed this summer because I can't get the weight off."

• Mus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I was put on Implanon a month ago, and I was told that there might be some weight gain (like 5 pounds) or a chance of depression and irregular periods for a while. Let me tell you something. They're spot on with weight gain, personality changes, and irregular periods. I usually have a heavy flow without cramps. Now, I can't move without feeling like I have Ebola. I'm bleeding profusely. And worst of all, the blood smells 20 times worse than usual. I've gained 10 pounds, bled constantly, and my emotions are going haywire. If anyone says you won't have a period, they're right. Your vagina literally turns into a scene from Sweeney Todd. Feels like it too."

• 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."

• Cat...
• March 10, 2013

For Birth Control "I have been on Implanon for almost two years now, I was put on it after I had my daughter. My experience hasn't been great, my periods the first year started with a long period that I had for a month straight, then no period for a year. But now, going into my second year, I have had a period every other week, and I am currently on a three-week stretch of continued bleeding. I feel exhausted all the time. I have also experienced weight gain, and it's been even harder to lose the weight, which has affected my moods."

• Lov...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had Implanon for almost 3 years and had it removed today. I loved this birth control because it completely got rid of my period and cramps. On the pill, I had awful cramps and would spend days in bed, on Implanon, cramps NEVER bothered me. My only complaint with Implanon was major weight gain. Over the past three years, I've gained quite a bit of weight, and this is the only reason I'm moving back to the pill. If you're worried about weight gain, do not use Implanon."

• 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."

• Ven...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I got this implant in Feb 2015, 2 months after my boy was born, and I'm planning to take it out again ASAP. As soon as I put it in, I had a migraine that lasted 3 days, then it subsided. My joints ache, my energy levels are so low, I can't concentrate on more than 1 task at a time, and no matter how I adjust my diet, the weight keeps piling on. I started at 85 kg, I'm now 115 kg. Oh yes, and the mood... I'm not interested in anything. I feel low all the time. I lost my zest for life. My bf keeps telling me he misses me, and I never understood until now. I bite his head off more and more, it's like when I was pregnant, I couldn't stand him even though he's been an angel from day 1."

• Eka...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 30, 2013

For Birth Control "I had my Implanon placed in Feb 2011. The procedure to place it was quick and painless. Prior to Implanon, I had been on the Depo shot. The insertion was less painful than the shot. I just had the implant removed 10/2013. I noticed severe mood swings right off the bat and went straight back to my doctor to have it removed. We discussed options, and I decided to take a mood stabilizer for the times when I felt extra B*tchy! I spotted for a few days, then had a period once every 3 months. For the next 3 years, I did gain about 60 pounds over 2.5 years. Some of it was my eating and exercise habits, and some of it I believe was Implanon. All in all, it was a good experience, I just will not do it again."