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Nexplanon and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 4)

Reviews for Nexplanon

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Aan...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 10, 2019

For Birth Control "When I first got the Nexplanon, I was very emotional, had major headaches, and horrible acne like never before. I went through a deep depression with non-stop outbursts. Although it did help my painful periods, I constantly bled non-stop for about 7 months. The good thing is I don’t have periods anymore, but I still spot every now and then. I’ve now had it for almost 2 years and am thinking about removing it because I’ve gained 30 pounds even with working out and trying to cut down on eating too much. I also have cramps out of nowhere every blue moon, but the headaches and fatigue have been going on ever since. I probably wouldn’t recommend this to anyone."

3 / 10
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  • 319...
  • July 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I have only been on it for a month, and I have already gained 10 pounds. I've been the same weight for the past three years, and this is the only thing I am doing differently. I am always spotting, and if I'm not spotting, it's because I am having a 10-day period with the worst cramps known to man. I have never had acne ever, and now I'm breaking out like crazy. With the weight gain, constant spotting/period, and acne, it's safe to say I'm super moody, self-conscious, and going nuts because of it. I'm getting it removed tomorrow morning."

3 / 10
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  • Sno...
  • May 8, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm a 22-year-old black female. I have this BC. I had my insertion July 1, 2015, so I'm almost to my 1-year mark. I would give it a 10, but the pain of insertion and the length of my period stop that. I was crying and squirming on the bed because they numbed not a large enough area, and the damn woman was moving it around in my arm. UGH. But my mood is great, except when I PMS or have my own problems, no weight gain or loss. More like weight retention. I've been at 113 for a year. My periods are progressively light, minimal cramping, but just last 9 days >:( but I get one every 45-60 days. After I got it at the end of July, I didn't have a period until the end of September, which was scary. But I'm used to it. No hair loss, acne, etc. I love this!"

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Sha...
  • January 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had this birth control for a year and a half, and I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I ever made. When I first got it, my arm bruised really badly, which was expected. I had problems with acne in the beginning, but for my first time ever using hormonal birth control, and having really acne-prone skin, that was expected. I also did gain a little weight (like 5 pounds), but it was probably due to a stressful lifestyle and not-so-healthy eating choices. And the best thing, I haven't gotten my period since before I got this. Every now and then, I get slight cramping like I am going to get my period, but I never actually get it, just slight spotting every 6 months or so for about a day, but that is it."

10 / 10
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  • Cal...
  • September 13, 2017

For Birth Control "I got this inserted in April. Going on 5 months now. I have had period, after period, after period, and they last about 2 weeks. No sex drive, headaches, acne, mood swings like no other. I'm tired of feeling sick to my stomach day in and day out. How am I supposed to care for my 7-year-old while going through this? All my doctor told me is it's not regulated yet, give it 4-6 months. 4-6 MONTHS? I get cramps, but not the normal period cramping. It's down lower and hurts like hell. I wanted this to work out, but I'm not going to go through this for 3 years."

3 / 10
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  • Man...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 20, 2017

For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon inserted 6 weeks after I had our son in 2015. This has been the first birth control I have ever used, recommended by a friend of mine, and my doctor agreed it was great as well. It is now Fall 2017, and no complaints from me! I have not had a period in nearly two years. Very effective, we have never used any other protection besides this after the recommended wait before we got to boogying again. My son is still our only child so far, if that tells you something (lol). No cramps, spotting, or acne. I did gain weight, but I was a stay-at-home mom for a while when my son was an infant, and I had bad eating habits, so I'm not entirely sure Nexplanon is to blame. I have BCBS insurance that covered the entire cost."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 2, 2017

For Birth Control "My periods have been horrible, extremely bloody, 2 weeks at a time, heavy flow. Was told it was normal, also keep getting cysts. Extreme cramps, sick all the time. Tired all the time, had it for 3 years, getting it out next week. Had to fight with them that I want it gone. Want something else, also was told doctors are removing it because of issues, should be taken out ASAP. But they won't believe me. This has happened with Yaz, most places still sold it, provided it till it was forcefully taken off the market. Get yours out ASAP. It's made my health so much worse, periods horrible, and mood swings. Weight gain is the only thing I haven't seen too much. I am 25 and weighing 123 is normal for me, I guess. But doctors lie, don't tell you everything."

2 / 10
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  • Paa...
  • November 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I know that birth control works differently for everyone, but goodness, Nexplanon is such a nightmare for me. I'm currently 18, and before the implant, I had normal and regular periods and never really had cramps. After starting this, my period became very irregular and sometimes lasted for almost a month (one time lasting for a month and a half, stopping for a week, then starting again for another half a month). It also gave me severe cramps to the point I would sit on the floor in a ball crying. I went to the hospital once because my back was in so much pain from the cramps it hurt to even stand or walk. It also caused pretty bad mood swings. To me, it felt like the mood swings made me super depressed for periods of time and anxious about the fact that I might start having a meltdown in the middle of class. I'm giving this a 3/10 specifically because it was 'effective', it was just not a good option for me, and I'm currently just trying to stick it out till the end."

3 / 10
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  • Man...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 2, 2016

"I got the Nexplanon implant because my periods would come with extreme cramps that put me down for 4-5 days. I would sleep all the time and couldn't help but cry because I was in so much pain. So, my OB suggested a birth control, and I heard really bad things about the Depo shot, so I didn't want that, and I hadn't heard anything bad about the implant. So I went with it rather than the shot. I had the implant for three months. In the time that I had it, I had nothing but horrific migraines, cramping, and I bled for 3 weeks, stopped for 6 days, and now I've been bleeding for 30 days. I've had a headache since 2-1-16. I am an emotional wreck. I cry at the stupidest things and I get upset over nothing. I highly recommend not getting this implant."

1 / 10
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  • Man...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 2, 2016

"I got the Nexplanon implant because my periods would come with extreme cramps that put me down for 4-5 days. I would sleep all the time and couldn't help but cry because I was in so much pain. So, my OB suggested a birth control, and I heard really bad things about the Depo shot, so I didn't want that, and I hadn't heard anything bad about the implant. So I went with it rather than the shot. I had the implant for three months. In the time that I had it, I had nothing but horrific migraines, cramping, and I bled for 3 weeks, stopped for 6 days, and now I've been bleeding for 30 days. I've had a headache since 2-1-16. I am an emotional wreck. I cry at the stupidest things and I get upset over nothing. I highly recommend not getting this implant."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • March 29, 2013

For Birth Control "I got it inserted about 3 months ago. So far, I love it! Insertion was quick and easy, not painful, but left an ugly bruise for about a week. I felt bloated for about 2 weeks after insertion, but that eventually went away. My next menstrual cycle lasted almost 2 weeks, but I have not had a period since! I do get the symptoms of being on my cycle, such as cramping and bloating, backaches, but no bleeding. I was worried about other reviews about it making them an emotional wreck, causing depression, etc. I already deal with stress, anxiety, and depression and am currently on medication for it, but it has not gotten any worse with the Nexplanon. My experience has been good so far and I would definitely recommend."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 20, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had this since mid-March, and I absolutely hate it. I'm going to get it removed this week. The side effects are horrible. I have extreme nausea every day (especially when I get up in the morning) and randomly multiple times throughout the day. It's hard for me to go to school and do normal things because I feel so sick. I've been spotting/had my period for the last 3 months, and I don't think it's stopping anytime soon. I've recently started to get back and stomach cramps every day also, which is horrible! Who wants to bleed for months straight and have bad cramps?! Definitely keeps you from getting pregnant, considering you can't have sex because of constant bleeding. I would never suggest this to anyone!"

2 / 10
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  • Mrs...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had problems with constant bleeding for years. I have tried every birth control option, including pills, the shot, the patch, you name it, I tried it. Nothing stopped the bleeding. Went to six different doctors looking for answers, no one could tell me why this was happening. I decided to get the implant put in a week ago. Twenty-four hours after it was put in, the bleeding stopped. No cramps, no bleeding, no worrying about it. BEST birth control option for me."

10 / 10
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  • Bab...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I got it in October of 2012. I am getting it out in about two weeks. Being on this birth control was the best for me. It stopped my period until last week. I am so getting it again, and I don't have cramps or any bloating when I get my period, also not heavy."

10 / 10
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  • Ama...
  • February 20, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Nexplanon for about 5 years now, I'm 20. Yes, I had this method of contraception at the age of 15. I can say I am still bittersweet with this birth control. My sex drive is almost non-existent, and my mood has hit an all-time low. I never experienced any weight issues, but the fact that it exaggerated my anxiety and depression, I never want to eat or get up and be a part of the world. I've never been pregnant, so I guess it does its job, however, when my body does send the message to me that I'm not pregnant (my period), I'm bleeding for 2 weeks, sometimes more. I used to have 4-day periods and would never experience cramps. Now I feel like my uterus is being pulled out of my vagina day in and day out, and that's before the bleeding."

5 / 10
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  • Ali...
  • August 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had Nexplanon since December 2013, and I've put on 90 pounds. I have had terrible mood swings, more severe anxiety, depression, sleep problems, migraines, super sweaty, abdominal swelling, and far worse cramps than without, and my breasts actually grew even bigger, which is actually not good. And to top it off, I'm almost constantly on my period. It sucks. I'm not pregnant, and that's great, but bleeding constantly isn't my ideal. I'd rather not have sex than use this birth control!"

4 / 10
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  • Jaz...
  • January 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I started off with Implanon, I loved it, and it was great. When it timed out, the doctors switched my Implanon out with Nexplanon, assuring me it was an even better form of Implanon. What I can tell you is that the Nexplanon is highly effective, no pregnancy scares here. But what I can tell you is I've had some of the worst cramps of my life on this. Sometimes it's regular cramps, and sometimes it's so severe I throw up. I have stuck it out for over a year with Nexplanon, but after no explanations for the pain, I am ready to have it removed. The three years on Implanon were good, but Nexplanon is not so much. And don't get me started on the day-to-day feeling of just being sick all the time. I hope this post helps some of you."

3 / 10
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  • Jaz...
  • January 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I started off with Implanon, I loved it, and it was great. When it timed out, the doctors switched my Implanon out with Nexplanon, assuring me it was an even better form of Implanon. What I can tell you is that the Nexplanon is highly effective, no pregnancy scares here. But what I can tell you is I've had some of the worst cramps of my life on this. Sometimes it's regular cramps, and sometimes it's so severe I throw up. I have stuck it out for over a year with Nexplanon, but after no explanations for the pain, I am ready to have it removed. The three years on Implanon were good, but Nexplanon is not so much. And don't get me started on the day-to-day feeling of just being sick all the time. I hope this post helps some of you."

3 / 10
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  • K-m...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • March 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I got my first Nexplanon right after my son was born; that was over 17 years ago now. Over the years, I have had very little bleeding, although I do get the symptoms of a period (mild cramps, tender breasts, and overemotional at times). I'm due for a new implant in a couple of weeks, but I'm considering not taking anything to see how my body reacts and regulates itself. I've noticed recently that it's much harder to keep weight off, and my moods have been up and down this past couple of years. But I think this may be due to my age and change in lifestyle rather than the Nexplanon. I'd suggest giving it a year to properly settle in, and if after that you don't like it, try something else. It's seen me well over the years ;-)"

10 / 10
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  • kim...
  • March 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I would never recommend this birth control. I was very moody on this. I literally always cried about everything. My anxiety got 10 times worse, and I always had my period - literally for 22 days and then didn't for 5 days and then got it again for 18 days, and this would happen every month ... My boobs always hurt, and I was always very tired. My cramps got worse. I had the worst experience with this birth control."

1 / 10
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  • Mas...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 24, 2019

For Birth Control "Had this a few years ago and needed to remove it within 6 months of insertion. I was on the pill for about 4 years before with no problems. Insertion of Nexplanon was easy. Within a month or two, I was full on depressed-not able to leave my bed, sleeping a majority of the day and night, hopeless. One reason for this was the induced IBS. I NEVER had intestinal problems before this. Sorry for the explicitness, but I couldn’t go anywhere without 3-second access to a bathroom. Diarrhea for weeks on end. TERRIBLE cramps and indigestion pains to the point that I thought I would pass out (10/10 pain scale). As soon as I got it removed, my intestinal issues mostly subsided. Still dealing with it, but not even remotely close to the problems I had on Nexplanon. I’ll also mention that it shifted from the insertion site. The nurse who removed it had to dig around my arm and through scar tissue for over 20 minutes to find it. If I could go back, I never would have gotten it."

1 / 10
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  • Don...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 17, 2019

For Birth Control "The first 3 months were fine, except for constant hunger, which comes with weight gain, obviously. Around the 3-month mark, I started to bleed, which didn’t worry me because they say that you can spot for a few months, however, I’ve been bleeding for 5 months, fluctuating from spotting to sometimes 5 ultra tampons a day. As soon as I think the bleeding is slowing, it comes back extremely heavy: cramps, headaches, depression, 12-pound weight gain, no sex drive at all, which has taken a toll on my relationship. I have no desire to have sex, and I mean at all! I will definitely be taking it out ASAP!"

1 / 10
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  • Mar...
  • April 26, 2019

For Birth Control "Ugh, I wanted this to work so badly. First of all, the insertion process was painless, with minimal bruising. I had no worries that this thing was protecting me 100% without any hassle. Then the side effects started. For 2 to 3 months, I had some intermittent spotting, but no big deal! When I hit month 4, I was getting my period every 10 days (not spotting-full-blown period), with pretty harsh cramping. My sex drive decreased. I did notice some water retention as well, but I think what really got me was the breast tenderness. I could barely get a bra on in the morning, it was so painful! All these things combined just sort of sealed the deal for me. Removal was equally painless and quick. I guess I'm just one of the unfortunate group of gals here that had too many negative side effects. I genuinely think it's worth a try-I have plenty of friends that love it! My word of advice though-LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! And do NOT let the doctors bully you into keeping it."

4 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • July 18, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon for about 10 months, and I've bleed all of the 10 months. My face is horribly broken out, my chest and back have a little bit of acne. I get moody, tired, achy, and have bad cramps. It works as I have not gotten pregnant, but I have all these terrible side effects. Sometimes my arm hurts where the rod is."

5 / 10
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  • Luc...
  • August 6, 2016

For Birth Control "Pros: - No more acne, just the occasional zit - No weight gain (12 stone when got it, now 10 st 5 lb) - 7 months of unprotected sex and not pregnant - Sometimes forget it's there Cons: - Constant painful and heavy periods only controlled by more hormones in the form of the combined pill, which caused more problems - Tender breasts - Cysts in breasts (developed after 5 months) - Stomach pain - Migraines - Often get pain at insertion site even after 7 months - Depressed mood, unpredictable mood swings, and bouts of rage and crying spells - No energy - Thinner hair - Insomnia Verdict: Fed up and having it removed either by a professional or by myself."

4 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.