Nexplanon and Acne: What Users Say (Page 4)

• New...
• June 17, 2013

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon since late October of 2012. At first, it seemed great, not having to worry about taking a pill every day at the same time. Mainly, that's the reason why I chose Nexplanon in the first place. But over the many months now, I've experienced lots of negative things about it from my perspective. 1) Huge weight gain, like 20-30 lbs. 2) Lots of headaches. 3) X2 the acne. 4) More stress. 5) My emotions are much more sensitive than they ever were. I cry a lot more now; sometimes I have no idea as to why I'm even crying in the first place. Just too much estrogen to handle after being in my arm for so long now. 6) My periods are very irregular now. Sometimes I'll spot, sometimes I'll bleed for just a day."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 13, 2022

For Birth Control "Nexplanon is a very effective form of birth control, and it was so nice not having to remember to take a pill every day. BUT... it came with awful side effects! The first year was just okay for me. It gave me terrible acne and periods that would last about 15 days. It also made me super hungry, and it was harder for me to maintain my weight, but it was tolerable. EXACTLY one year after getting it placed, the horrible anxiety and intrusive thoughts started. It was completely debilitating. The pill did this to me as well, but not nearly as severe. I was diagnosed with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder at a young age, but it has always been very minor and tolerable unless I'm on birth control. Because of my pre-existing conditions, I suppose I could be more 'at risk' for a negative reaction to hormonal birth control, but I have seen plenty of reviews stating similar side effects to mine, and these women said they had no previous history of any anxiety disorder. Not worth it!"

• Lis...
• May 20, 2014

For Birth Control "I went directly from the pill to Nexplanon and never bled once. I have not had a period in nearly three years. I used to get awful monthly PMS migraines, and I do not anymore. Every once in a while, I will get some very light spotting, but that's it. I haven't gained a ton of weight, my skin does break out a bit more, though. Overall, I am very happy with it."

• lee...
• January 3, 2014

For Birth Control "Insertion was virtually painless. I've had it for almost 5 months, and I hardly notice it. No weight gain or loss (I was really hoping to gain weight from it since I'm very skinny). I'd assume the people complaining of weight gain probably produce a lot of estrogen in general - but I'm not a doctor, so don't take my word for it. No mood swings, no headaches. I still get my period somewhat regularly, however, it's longer by a week or two but lighter. I hardly notice it, my period symptoms have also lightened up a bit (less pimples, less cramps, less attitude). I would recommend this to anyone."

• Ale...
• March 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I love Nexplanon. I have had it since April 2012, and it is amazing! I rarely get my period, but if I do, it is very light, not even enough bleeding for tampons. I know some people's main concern is being able to feel it. If I'm not trying to, I don't even notice it there! Also, I have not gained any weight, and my acne is no worse than it was before. Definitely an option for those of us who have trouble taking a pill every day or making an appointment every three months!"

• 113...
• July 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had Nexplanon for about 7 months now, and I remember the first day I got it; I had a random panic attack that was uncontrollable. I have had a period every month or so and some spotting in between. I’ve only gained about 7 pounds since, but probably because of my laziness of being at home for the summer. But the worst has been my moods. I cry over nothing and can’t stop. I have had to be sent home from work on 3 occasions for having outbursts during my shift. I have not had acne since I was 16 (I am 19 now), and I am having random breakouts only on one side of my face that won’t go away no matter what my dermatologist gives me. On the birth control side, so far, so good; I have had unprotected sex every other day for the past 7 months, and my boyfriend usually finishes inside me (sorry TMI), but I’m not pregnant, so all in all, worth it to me. Even though I feel like my depression and anxiety have increased, I feel like I’ll give it a shot and see how I feel in the next couple of months."

• Mom...
• April 26, 2019

For Birth Control "DO NOT USE! The cost alone is NOT WORTH IT! It cost me my body, my mental health, nearly cost me my husband! This implant will make you gain excessive weight and NOTHING you do will ever take it off, even after removal! Your metabolism will be wrecked for life! I got the implant 6 weeks PP, and I was just 10 lbs away from my pre-baby weight. In TWO MONTHS, I gained weight PAST MY PREGNANCY WEIGHT! I weigh more now than I did NINE MONTHS PREGNANT! I have a strict diet, and I exercise at the gym 3 times a week and even more at home (after healing from birth), and NO WEIGHT HAS COME OFF! Even after removal! In addition to making you hate yourself, it gives you acne, it makes you so angry all the time, it will make your period last 8 weeks or up to A YEAR!! Mine lasted 2 whole months! I can see how this works as a birth control - it makes you so mean and ugly and fat that nobody wants to sleep with you! This was my biggest mistake in life, I regret it with every fiber of my being. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT!"

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2021

For Birth Control "Had Nexplanon for 6 weeks in 2015. Worst decision of my life. 1st week, arm sore at insertion, became painful, and then couldn't use that arm. Shooting pain, couldn't sleep on left side, and strength gone. Awful mood swings, hair thinned, plus 15 lbs in 2 weeks, bled horribly, large clots, always tired, heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and no energy. All new symptoms. Became depersonalized and felt outside of my body looking in. One minute was intense emotions: sadness or rage, then emptiness. Horrible thoughts or blankness... don't wish that on anyone. Went to the ER twice to get checked for extreme bleeding, barely left the house. The tech looked for a sac, couldn't explain my 8-9 weeks pregnant thickened uterine lining. Said it was very strange. My doctor wanted me to keep it longer, but I was falling asleep, even sitting up, worried my 3-year-old and 7-month-old would get hurt, seriously concerned for their safety. Also got some acne. Removal day, I felt better, and in 1 week almost back to normal."

• Sam...
• June 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I absolutely love Nexplanon. I had mine inserted at the end of January 2015, so it's been about 5 months. Yes, at first your period is gonna be all outta whack, but I haven't had a period in about two months, and I love it!!!!! I did have a little mood swings at first, but they subsided. No, I did not gain weight, and no, I did not lose my sex drive. It's even helped clear up some acne! Highly recommend this to any female wanting to stop taking the pill. It's awesome!"

• Bri...
• March 4, 2014

For Birth Control "I got my Nexplanon in October 2013. My first period was normal, 7 days very light. My second period was about 3 days real light. And my third was a week light as well, then, 2 weeks after, I spotted for a week. Symptoms I have noticed are acne, I've never had such oily hair and skin before, and also some weight gain. I love Nexplanon because I always forgot my pill. I would recommend every girl to get it."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 13, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the Nexplanon implant in December 2018, and it’s now February 2020, so just over a year. In these months, I’ve had so many problems. Acne/spots all over my body, whereas before Nexplanon, I was quite lucky and sometimes went months without ever having one spot. My periods stopped completely. I gained around 2 stone (even going to the gym didn’t seem to help), and I have an increased appetite. My moods are horrendous, I’m constantly angry. My sex drive has diminished to nothing, and when I do try to have sex, I am very dry. It’s also painful, and I have gained a cervical ectropion (not sure if it’s linked, but seems plausible) since having it in. I also get sharp pains at the insert site from time to time. The only positive I have for Nexplanon is that I haven’t been caught pregnant, so I suppose it’s doing its job in that sense. I wouldn’t recommend it if you struggle with mental health beforehand."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2017

For Birth Control "I just wanted to add my experience with Nexplanon because there are a lot of negative reviews up here that really worried me when I read them right after I got it inserted. I'm 19, and I got my implant in January 2017, got my period a week or so later for about 4 days, and haven't had it since. At first, this concerned me a little, but it's really just a signal that the hormones are working. I experienced no weight gain and no acne troubles either. I'm not sure if this is relevant, but I feel as though I can attribute my lack of side effects from getting the implant directly off of 2+ years of birth control pills. I did experience minor changes in mood a few weeks after insertion, but I have been feeling completely normal since then."

• Sto...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I had my first implant in November of 2012 and haven't had a period since, and I'm now on my second implant. I had a light, irregular period before, but this has completely eradicated them, and I couldn't be happier. I've had monogamous sexual partners ejaculate inside, and I've never had anything close to a pregnancy scare. This birth control is honestly the best thing that's ever happened to me. Honestly, the numbing shot is worse than the actual incision for inserting/removing and just left a small bruise. I can't tell if it's affected my mood because I am on psych meds for other reasons and was before I started Nexplanon. No weight gain or acne either. This thing is a miracle for me."

• Nat...
• May 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I received the Nexplanon implant on March 29, 2015, and yesterday marked my first full month being on Nexplanon. So far, it has not been a 'terrible' or extreme experience. I did not have intense bruising or swelling when it was put in, it didn't hurt at all, it was much like a bee sting. I have a small dot-like pink scar. I have yet to have my period in the entire month. No spotting, no intense mood swings, just one or two so far, but I can feel them coming on. Some small pimples on my face, but not severe acne. Not much weight gain, although I have lost about 3 pounds. One or two intense headaches, but Advil can fix that. So far, I would suggest Nexplanon to anyone looking for an effective, easy solution. Don't let all the other reviews scare you."

• Jc9...
• June 7, 2017

For Birth Control "The Nexplanon is plain awful. I'm on my third year, a month from getting it taken out (I've been begging my doc to take it out for a year now and just got OK'd). The first year of it, my period was nuts, either no period or a month-long period, slight weight gain but nothing terrible. Second year, mood swings like crazy, weight gain, and acne. Third year has been the worst. I have no acne, constant mood swings, severe depression despite my life going well, can't stop gaining weight (130 lb before, 185 lb now), bloating, cramps are so bad I've had to miss work. I have acne on my back and face and weird hair growth. I'm growing inch-long black facial hairs on my chin, and I'm a blonde who used to have like no body hair. This birth control has made me suicidal at times."

• Anonymous
• April 8, 2015

For Birth Control "My experience has been horrible. I got Nexplanon 6 weeks after giving birth. I had gotten pregnant while I was on the pill, so I wanted to try something different. I've been bleeding for three and a half months straight. Severe acne and mood swings. I've been feeling really depressed for no reason. I've gained 15 pounds I can't seem to lose. And this last month, I have been having horrible flu-like symptoms. It feels like it's taking over my life. I'm getting it out this month."

• Len...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon 6 weeks after I had my daughter. I've had it about seven months now, and I absolutely love it. I know every woman responds differently, but I have had zero problems. I was breastfeeding when I got it, but I haven't been for two months now, and still no period. I'm not sure if I will end up having a period or not (it could take a few months after BF). I am actually thinner than I was pre-pregnancy, the best sex drive I've ever had, and no mood issues. I get a zit every now and again, but that's probably unrelated to the BC. Also, I previously took a few different kinds of birth control pills and always ended up with a low sex drive and depression."

• C3n...
• November 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had no mood swings, no weight gain, no acne. It has certainly prevented pregnancy. However, I have had a full period lasting more than 7 days every other week for the past 6 months. I spend almost half my month bleeding. I don't get cramps, but my periods are heavier than before. It's getting to the point where I'm thinking about getting it taken out."

• OBn...
• September 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon for 2.5 years. By far the most reliable for birth control. It was super low maintenance and convenient, the only problem was the side effects and the removal. I noticed an increase in acne within two months of use. Persistent bleeding was never a problem for me. I got a total of 5 periods, maybe throughout my whole experience, but before each one, my breasts would be sore for 2 weeks or more prior to that. I got more migraines, would randomly get dizzy or nauseated, and I had a lot more anxiety, which led to me getting involved with therapy and hospitalization. I felt like my moods were a rollercoaster. The removal was uncomfortable. They have to poke, prod, and push the rod out, I have a discolored mark that's just lingering from where the rod was (the actual shape of the rod left on my arm, with the hollow feeling crevice just there). Overall, I don’t think it was worth it in the end. It was nice while it lasted."

• Bam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 31, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the Nexplanon in for almost two years now. I'm about to go get it out. The only positive is no periods. Now for the negatives: irritability, mood swings, depression, anxiety, uncontrollable anger, weight gain, acne, oily hair, and hair loss. I'm so unhappy all the time, and I thought it was something going on in my life, but I have nothing to stress about. I'm not pleasant to be around, and I used to be the happiest and most pleasant person I know. I'm getting it removed because I feel like I'm destroying mine and my son's self-esteem. Please don't get the Nexplanon unless you are trying to screw up your life. I will never recommend this birth control to anyone."

• hon...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 7, 2023

For Birth Control "I was worried about getting Nexplanon since so many people reported negative experiences… but typically people don’t leave a review unless it’s negative, so I decided to give it a go. I had mine inserted in August, so I have had it for over 6 months and have never been happier with birth control. I have not had my period at all and have noticed an increase in my mood since switching from the pill to the implant. My only slight complaint is my acne is slightly worse (could just be stress-related though). The insertion process was pretty much painless, and I love that I can see it and feel it in my arm, unlike an IUD. I would highly recommend this form of birth control to anyone."

• dhe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 23, 2016

For Birth Control "Nexplanon was overall good. I got lucky, and my periods stopped right after insertion, which was amazing. However, the implant made my almost-perfect skin significantly break out. As a birth control method, the implant was very effective, but sometimes my arm would randomly hurt around where it was placed."

• Ter...
• June 23, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm sixteen, and I got this put in on May 14th, 2014. For about a week and a half, I had no bleeding, but since May 26th, I've had constant bleeding. My friend who is on Nexplanon said she bled for two months when she first got it and then had one regular period after that. I have a little more acne than usual, but I can deal with it. I haven't gained any weight, in fact, I've lost weight. My long period is really putting a damper on my sex life. Also, it's summertime, and obviously, I'm going to want to swim a lot, yet I have to worry about a period as I do so. Overall, the only side effect that's really getting to me is my period, which is mostly heavy right now. I'm hoping it will go away soon because I'm sick of it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I have nothing but GOOD things to say about this form of birth control. I've had the implant for almost 2 years now. Traditionally, and for most of my life, I've had horrendous cramping and long, heavy cycles - it was the norm for me to not be able to get out of bed for at least one day a month if I didn't end up in the ER (useless). Other types of birth control have helped slightly, but Nexplanon was EASILY the absolute best decision of my life (no exaggeration). Absolutely no side effects that can't be attributed to something else, virtually NO cramps, acceptable amounts of acne (less than most of my life), and often NO periods at all for months at a time! I'm all but a walking poster child!"

• Ele...
• June 18, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon inserted about 9 months ago, Sept. 2013, and was on the pills before, which I didn't like. I bled for about a month lightly before it went away completely. Loved every minute of no periods, and it doesn't affect my sex life at all. In fact, I'm always wanting sex. Can't say anything about acne because I've always had it, and weight gain? I've gained 15 pounds, but I've always eaten a little more than usual, so I'm not 100% sure it's the birth control. Recently, though, I've had some dark brown bleeding, and I'm not sure why. It scared me into thinking I was pregnant. Once this stops and everything seems okay, I would definitely get another one in about 2 years."