Nexplanon and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Lee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 20, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Nexplanon implant for almost a year now after I switched off from the Depo Provera shot. The first several months, I was fine. No bleeding, cramps, or mood swings. But just recently, I started spotting, and I noticed my anxiety has gotten worse with it, and I can hardly sleep at night. It’s to the point where I feel like I need to go to the emergency room every day now. My chest feels like it’s vibrating, my hands sometimes get numb, I get these weird pulsating feelings all around my head. I went to the doctor and they all tell me it’s just anxiety, which I already know, and they just prescribe me pills that do absolutely nothing. I’m at the point where I want to cut this implant out of me. Hopefully when I get it out, I’ll feel back to normal again."

• Eli...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 7, 2021

For Birth Control "Horrible! I got the Nexplanon 2 weeks after having my daughter in April 2020, and it is now April 2021, and since giving birth, I have not stopped bleeding. In a year, I have maybe not been bleeding a total of 3 weeks. And in between bleeding, there has not been a let-up in the cramping, bloating, and extreme fatigue. I have gained weight since giving birth (I do not overeat or eat extremely unhealthy), and I am a pretty active person. I have also broken out worse than a teen, and I’m 30 years old. I am constantly either very irritable or just numb, I have zero libido, I have anxiety, and just overall unhappy! I do not recommend this to ANYONE. I have an appointment today to talk to my doctor about removal."

• Kka...
• March 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon about a year and a half ago, and I cannot wait until I get it removed. I get frequent migraines, I am having problems fighting depression and major anxiety. I have acne all over my face, my shoulders, my back, and it's even started on my stomach area. I have my period for about 3 weeks every month, and it's not just spotting; it is extremely heavy, and I have cramps constantly. My sleeping habits are way out of whack; it's either I want to sleep all day or not at all. My appetite has skyrocketed, and I feel like I can never get enough to eat, and yet I've lost a TON of weight since getting it. I have absolutely no sex drive whatsoever. I would never in a million years recommend this to anyone. I hope this gave some insight."

• Jes...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 23, 2022

For Birth Control "I had a horrible experience with Nexplanon. Potential side effects were not disclosed to me, and when I brought them up to my Nurse Practitioner later, she completely downplayed them and refused to take the implant out of my arm. On this birth control, I had 2 month-long periods with only a couple of weeks in between. The periods were intense - significant bleeding, bloating, cramping through the whole duration of the period. I felt anxious, nauseous, dizzy, and tired on this BC method. I was told the symptoms become more mild over time, but after almost a year, this still did not happen. The first time I requested this be taken out of my arm, I was convinced to give it more time. The second time I went to the NP, I did not take no for an answer and was extremely adamant about needing this out of my arm. Please, ladies, do your own research because the medical establishment does not have your best interest in mind when it comes to this."

• Kay...
• January 12, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon put in July 2017, and just got it taken out January 2020. I should have just kept it in. I've since switched to the pill, and I've been taking it for two weeks. I'm bleeding, and my cramps are literally crippling. I've been miserable for three days. For the first three weeks after I got the Nexplanon, I was bleeding extremely heavy and had horrible cramps, headaches, dry mouth, and mood swings. Then it all went away. Over the last almost three years, I've bled four times, and each was extremely light and only lasted for three to four days. I didn't spot at all, and my mood was manageable. I was actually able to regulate my mood without my antidepressants and have since stopped those entirely. All in all, I recommend the Nexplanon to anyone that will listen. It's easy, worry-free, and I really enjoyed the way that I felt (after the first few weeks). The inserting/removal process was easy and took 20 minutes. I went to work right after."

• Jas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I have had Nexplanon inserted in August 2019 after an unexpected pregnancy. The insertion site was sore and a bit bruised, but healing time was just a few days. I was very apprehensive about trying a new birth control because the daily pills and monthly shots didn’t work for me. The first month was great, and I thought it would stay that way. No spotting, no cramps, no mood swings, then the next month came and the bleeding and cramping started! It was nonstop too. I suggest getting period panties because they are eco-friendly and also economical, so you don’t need to hassle with pads or tampons. I also bought a heating pad for the cramps and just hoped for the best. It's January 2020 now, and the bleeding has stopped, so just stay hopeful and prepare yourself."

• Jac...
• January 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve had Nexplanon for almost 2 years and am getting it removed. Great birth control! But periods were constant! If I wasn’t bleeding, there was heavy discharge. Horrible cramps, period more often, constant discharge, etc. I began having heart palpitations. Took my breath away, made me throw up, loss of vision for a few seconds, and became very dizzy, even passed out at the top of a flight of stairs, causing me to fall. I got cut one day and passed out. My family took me to the ER and found out it was a combination of heart palpitations and iron deficiency. I realized one of the causes of iron deficiency is a heavy menstrual cycle. It all started the same year I got Nexplanon. Heavy period = iron deficiency = heart palpitations = horrible symptoms. I’ve felt horrible for 2 years because I got a birth control implant! I wouldn’t recommend it. I’m switching to an IUD and hopefully will feel like my old self again. For anyone thinking about Nexplanon, please do your research!"

• She...
• March 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon inserted in Dec 2015, and it's still there. They numbed the area before inserting it. The area was sore for a couple of days after having it inserted, but the pain wasn't too terrible. The bruise was ugly and large, but after it healed, I'm left with a tiny little scar at the point of insertion that's barely noticeable. My super painful period cramps stopped because I haven't had a period since I've had Nexplanon. I didn't experience mood swings or bad skin. I feel more even-keeled with my emotions since being on it, no PMS. All in all, a fantastic experience so far as opposed to my prior Mirena IUD birth control that became lodged into the side of my cervix and had to be surgically removed. I recommend Nexplanon!"

• 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."

• Del...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 29, 2016

For Birth Control "I had this inserted Oct. 2014. My last period was Dec 2014. Maybe until May of 2015, I would cramp and my breasts would get tender like I was going to start my period; however, I never did. Now, I have no period and really no problems. I would totally recommend. When it expires, I will replace it."

• KKa...
• February 12, 2020

For Birth Control "The first 7 months everything was fine, no bleeding or spotting. Then I started to have abdominal pain. I complained, but the doctors said it was normal to have slight cramping sometimes. Then the cramps started to become so severe. It felt like labor cramps at times. I was in and out of my OB-GYN offices and the hospital for the pain. Finally, I had an ultrasound done, and my uterine lining had become so thick. They scheduled an appointment to go in and clean it out. But before they could do that procedure, I made them remove it. That was on a Friday, the next day, the cramps had already eased up. That following Wednesday, I was at work and felt like I was in labor. On my way home, I felt a big gush as if my water had broken. Come to find out it wasn't water, it was blood. It was all of my backed-up uterine lining from not getting my period for a year. It was the worst experience of my life. It was almost exactly a year to date when I had it removed too."

• 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."

• Jes...
• April 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I currently have Nexplanon. I've had it for over a year now, and I'm not a big fan of it. I like how I don't have to remember to take a pill, but I absolutely hate the prolonged periods... I'll have a period for 2-3 weeks straight, stop for 2-4 days, and start back up again. The doctor said it would take a year for my body to regulate, but it's actually worse because the current period I'm on has lasted almost a month! And I have bad cramping with it. The whole point of birth control is to be able to be intimate with my S/O, and I can't when I'm constantly bleeding. Plus, it's caused me to be short-tempered and has made my sex drive go down a lot. Thinking of having it removed and trying something else."

• 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."

• Mrs...
• January 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Nexplanon for 3 months now. Two weeks after the insertion, instead of a period, I spotted for 2 weeks and had mild cramps, but nothing too bad. After the spotting was over, it has been a blessing. I worry less about pregnancy, and so far, no period, no weight gain, no acne. Don't knock it till you try it."

• k12...
• March 18, 2016

For Birth Control "For me, I'm happy with having the Nexplanon. There are a lot of negative reviews about it, but it affects everyone differently! I haven't had a period since I've had it, and it's almost been a year. I do get random cramps from time to time, but that's because I also have ovarian cysts, which this can cause, but I've had them way before I decided to get on it. I haven't gotten pregnant while on this, so that's a plus. But I have had a smooth ride with this birth control so far! No weight gain, no period, barely any cramps. But this does change the lining of your uterus to have a lot more mucus, and that does sort of spot out from time to time. It's not horrible, but definitely a little weird. Like I said, though, it affects everyone differently!"

• lul...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 6, 2020

For Birth Control "So I’ve been on Nexplanon for just over 2 years, and I’m now thinking of getting it removed. The first year and a half were amazing, I didn’t bleed, no mood swings, and I basically forgot I had it altogether, so it was definitely worth it. However, over the last 6 months, I have had insane mood swings, and as an already anxious person, it’s been really awful. I spoke to my GP and got put on the pill alongside my implant nonstop for 3 months, which seemed to help while I was on it. As soon as I had my first period after this, it was ridiculously painful, and my mood swings were out of control. I’d hoped the pill would stabilize everything, but it was only temporary, so for my mental health, I’m getting it removed. Even though the last 6 months haven’t been great, I really recommend Nexplanon, it was fab for quite a while, and if the pill isn’t a great fit for you, this is the way to go. I’m thinking I’ll get mine replaced early as it has been so good."

• Ivo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 10, 2016

For Birth Control "My first experience was in April of 2011 with the implant Implanon. The first few months were the hardest. I was depressed for about six months and had severe mood swings. I refused to take any medications such as antidepressants and relied on my friends and family for support. The first year I only got my period twice. The second year just one time, and my third year I didn't get one. I randomly get cramps but no period. I have also randomly experienced headaches, backaches, sore nipples, brownish discharge, and nausea. I am sexually active with my husband. We do not use protection (condoms), and let me tell you, it is VERY effective! I am going on my second year with Nexplanon with a total of five years with this particular birth control."

• iri...
• March 2, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Nexplanon for a year. I have not had a period during that time. I occasionally get cramps, but that's it. Overall, it was a miracle for me. I used to suffer from ovarian cysts and heavy periods. It also supported my road warrior lifestyle, which was difficult with the pill."

• Jor...
• April 18, 2016

For Birth Control "The only good thing about Nexplanon is the convenience. This birth control gave me horrible acne on my jaw, my back, and my chest. I have never struggled with back acne, but after being on this birth control, I now have scars on my back from the acne being so bad. My jaw acne is horrible. The only relief I will find is taking the implant out, which is happening very soon. I have struggled with cramps constantly and finally got a HORRIBLE period that lasted for two weeks after the first year. I have horrible mood swings and anxiety on this. I have gained 18 pounds, and I've never had a problem with weight. I don't recommend this at all. I am so happy to be going back to pills."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I thought it was great the first two and a half years. No period at all, which worried me at first (I spent a lot of money on pregnancy tests), but I never got pregnant. I did have a lot of headaches, and I kind of felt pregnant sometimes (sore breasts, cramping, fatigue, nausea). The last six months was hell, though. Had an ectopic pregnancy, which was caught early. Four months later, I got pregnant again and had a miscarriage. I wasn't aware that I was pregnant, though, I took a test, and it was negative right before I miscarried. I got it out and had a new one put in. The first three months I spotted nonstop, and I've had horrible anxiety problems and depression. I had sinus problems for an entire month. I'm definitely getting it out now."

• Nat...
• March 4, 2019

For Birth Control "In a week, I will complete 2 years with Nexplanon. I have to say I thought I was delusional with the side effects I have had. I got my implant March 11, 2017. In the beginning, I was spotting for a month, and after, I barely got periods, and if I didn’t, I’d get your usual 5-7 day bleeding, very average till I reached a year and two months. I started bleeding for 3-4 weeks at a time with days in between. The cramps are painful. My periods are extremely heavy throughout the whole time. In addition, I have gained over 25 pounds since I got it inserted. My anxiety has been intense, but I not once thought it would be my implant. Now, reading these reviews, I see I’m not alone. I am calling my gyn ASAP to get this HORRIBLE thing out of my body! Initially, I was not going to comment, but these reviews helped me to learn I needed a second, third, & fourth person to tell me they felt what I have been feeling, and now I hope I can do the same for someone else. I DO NOT RECOMMEND EVER!"

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2017

For Birth Control "So far, I have been on this birth control about 2 months. Noticing strong mood swings to the point I'm verbally abusing my kids by using swear words constantly. I have no patience at all. Broke down crying tonight, trying to figure out what was wrong with me and why I was so on edge and impatient with my babies. Then I remembered the implant, and maybe it's causing me to have extreme mood swings. Also, slight cramping that never really goes away. I've been eating like a pig, and my teenage acne days are upon me again. This is my first time ever using birth control. Really sucks, I was thinking birth control would be a walk in the park, but so far it's causing me to become a mad woman."

• Cra...
• March 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I highly recommend this BC. Not only is it a super convenient option for those of us that can't seem to take a pill at the same time every day, it has also helped regulate my cycle. Pills make me nauseous. I don't like needles, so depo is not gonna happen. I tried an IUD and loved it for the fact that I only got a period every 3 mo, and it was super light, but it shifted somehow, and I had a bad experience in the removal process. I got my third Nexplanon implant yesterday and swear by them. Stopped after my first to have another child and have been doing well for the 6 years. No crazy bleeding patterns, helped monumentally with my moodiness and cramping. This thing is the best. Totally worth the fact that my arm hurts for a day after insertion."

• Noh...
• February 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon inserted in my arm in March 2015, two days after my period ended, and I love it. I haven't gotten my period since then, I don't bloat, no headaches, and no cramps. I haven't gained weight with this implant either. Everybody is different, so don't base your judgment of this on one bad review or one good review. It takes 10 seconds to insert and remove, so try it, and if it doesn't work well with your body, remove it. I personally love it, and it lasts 3 years."