Nexplanon and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 5)
Reviews for Nexplanon
- A74...
- December 14, 2015
For Birth Control "I had the Nexplanon for a year and four months, it was highly effective contraception. However, the side effects were terrible. 1. Mood swings 2. Depression (I've suffered with depression before, and the drug just aggravated my depression more) 3. Headaches 4. Breast tenderness 5. Anxiety/panic attacks (which I've never had a problem with before until now) 6. Difficulty breathing (had a pulmonary test and a cardiologist look at my heart, and they said all was fine) 7. Chest pain/palpitations 8. Paranoia 9. HORRIBLE cramps (I've never had really bad cramps until I got the Nexplanon put in) 10. No periods for a couple of months, just spotting, no period but horrible cramps 11. Backache 12. Hungry all the time 13. No sex drive."
- Soy...
- July 19, 2017
For Birth Control "I had my arm implant on May 07, 2015, a month after giving birth. The first year and a half, it was all good: no bleeding or spotting, no periods. But then in November of 2016, I started spotting, and it was on and off for weeks. Then in January 2017, I was bleeding like the whole month. Then one week it stopped, and when I would start having sex, it started again, the bleeding, and it's been like this ever since. Now I have cramps almost every day. My mood swings are so bad, I can be happy and then angry for no reason. I have been to my OB-GYN, she put me on some pills, estradiol I believe it's called, but it did not help with the bleeding. I'm going to have it removed, I just have to make my appointment. Oh, and did I mention that my sex life sucks? I never want to have sex."
Frequently asked questions
- What are my birth control options and how effective are they?
- What is the difference between Nexplanon and Implanon?
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- June 3, 2017
For Birth Control "I have had issues with trying different birth controls for years, and I was scared to try this one because I've heard some pretty scary things. I've now had Nexplanon for about a year, and it is THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE. I got a period my first month for about 10 days, but I was also on some fad diet, so I'm not sure if that played into it. I haven't had a period ever since, and it is the most wonderful thing ever. No period cramps or spotting, and I'm able to have sex without worry. Getting it in was incredibly easy as well, they numb your arm, which is the only little pinch you feel, and then it's in for 3 years! My arm didn't bruise half as much as some pictures you see on the internet, and it wasn't painful at all!!"
- Jus...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- July 11, 2017
For Birth Control "As birth control, it worked great because it made me feel protected all the time, and I'm awful at taking pills every day, but side effect-wise, it sucked. I bled for the entire 7 months I had it in my arm (except for 4 days out of the entire 7 months). I also cramped like a madman (the number one reason I started taking birth control years ago). It made me extremely emotional, and that's what made me take it out despite the other side effects. It was literally driving me crazy to the point where my family asked if maybe I should think about getting it taken out. I had a past of severe anxiety, and it made it even worse, unfortunately. Good thing everyone's body chemistry is different, hopefully, it will help someone else."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- 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."
- Car...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 23, 2019
For Birth Control "I chose to get Nexplanon to help with my terrible periods. My hormones have been off lately. I was getting hot flashes, and my cramps were unbearable. I thought that if my periods went away, it would be great, also not having to worry about getting pregnant. I've only been on Nexplanon for a little over two months. I've had nothing but issues from the start. The Nexplanon area was bruised and sore for weeks. Couldn't sleep on that side of my body, and if I used that arm, I would get a tingling pain feeling in it. My periods have lasted for three weeks each. It starts off light, then it's like a waterfall. I've gained weight, I'm moody, and extremely depressed. Little things set me off, and I've become super emotional. I've never been one to cry, but I can't count the times I have since I've been on this birth control. My sex drive is completely gone. I'm giving it a few more months, but I will most likely get it taken out. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone."
- Ght...
- March 21, 2016
For Birth Control "I got my Nexplanon inserted November 2015 while I was on my period on the 5th day. Ever since then (4 months later) I've bled constantly. My doctor tried giving me the pill to balance out my hormones, but no luck at all. I constantly have cramps and headaches, and sometimes heat flashes. I want it out so bad, but removal costs $150 :("
- Olg...
- January 12, 2017
For Birth Control "Terrible! The first year was okay, I gained weight, though, but I didn't have periods. But the second year is a nightmare! Irregular bleedings, pain, cramps, and mood swings. Painful pimples appeared every time I had bleedings. Now I can't wait to remove it. I hope that I will recover. Never recommend to anyone!"
- Bub...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- December 30, 2019
For Birth Control "Before I even got Nexplanon, I did my research, and it seemed like a pretty good birth control, and it does last 3 years. I already had 2 sons back to back, 1 & 2, so I decided I would get it. I scheduled an appointment, got it free because of my insurance anyway. It took like 30 minutes to insert. They clean the area, then give medicine to numb it. It burns and tingles. They will tell you that after that, they do the insertion, which takes two people. It’s numb, you can still kinda feel it. Then after they check to feel it, they bandage you up, you can’t take it off for 24 hours. I got it in May 2019, it’s Dec 30, 2019, it will be time to get it removed in May 2022. My periods last for two weeks, cramping sometimes, also, I get severe headaches, not all the time, and I seem to eat a lot now. My period seems like it may stop completely. I like my implant. It doesn’t move or bother me, but sometimes depending on how I move my arm, it is still tender. Will I get another inserted? I’m not sure, but it’s good, I have no other problems."
- Nex...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- August 22, 2016
For Birth Control "When I began Nexplanon in Oct. 2015, I was 10 months into breastfeeding my daughter (my second child). Nexplanon was the best fit for my busy life. I had absolutely NO problems with it while I was breastfeeding. No acne, no bleeding, no weight gain, no mood swings, no pregnancy scares... PERFECT! That is until I weaned my daughter in April 2016. As I dried up, I had INTENSE uterine pain for 2-3 weeks. I have continually bled since I weaned her. I have the worst mood swings, acne, tiredness, and lack of sex drive. I wouldn't recommend this to ANYONE who isn't breastfeeding! My relationship has suffered greatly, and my emotional instability has made parenting a challenge with two toddlers! Getting Nexplanon removed this week and never looking back!"
- Nic...
- January 15, 2017
For Birth Control "I got the birth control in May of 2015. My acne has been more horrible than ever before, and my mood swings have gotten worse than ever. I would be perfectly fine, then I turn to being angry and sad. For the last 6 months, I've been having heavy periods with spotting all the time and horrible cramps. I also gained weight like crazy. When I got it, I was 92 lbs, and now it's January 2017, I weigh 175, and it seems impossible to lose the weight."
- rea...
- October 29, 2014
For Birth Control "This is the best birth control. I got off my period before I got the Nexplanon, since then, small spotting. Every now and then, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. I haven't had any cramps. With the Depo shot, I had a period for 2 months and gained 40 pounds. Horrible, I know. But I have actually lost weight, no cramps, no heavy flow. I'm so happy with this choice, this is the best thing I have done!"
- maz...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 21, 2015
For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon implanted a little over a month and a half ago, and I am loving it. After insertion, it bruised and hurt like anything, but that was over in about 3 days. Then, 2 weeks after I got it inserted, I got my first period (I was supposed to have my regular period 2 days after insertion), and it was okay. It went just like my regular period, lasting 4 days, but I didn't have any cramping or major breakouts during this time like usual. The only thing that was different was I spotted for 6 days after that. I haven't gained any weight, no acne, no cravings, no mood swings, nothing at all. I'm a 19-year-old who weighs 145 lbs."
- Chr...
- December 3, 2019
For Birth Control "So my experience with Nexplanon was/is an absolute nightmare! Before getting it, I had very irregular and heavy periods. I would have a period for 3 days or even sometimes a week every 3-6 months. When getting this birth control, it did leave a big bruise, which is warned beforehand, but afterwards my period was nonstop and had severe bleeding, it literally looked like every time I wiped somebody stabbed me. The cramps were/are horrible, it made my immune system even worse (I already have a bad immune system), but out of the 6-7 months of constant nonstop bleeding made me deathly sick. Luckily things have been better, I have no period, but my mood swings are horrible, cramps are horrible, sometimes I spot, but it’s super rare. My immune system is bad, and I haven’t gotten pregnant either. This birth control is an absolute roller coaster ride with bad but good sides, so if you feel like you can handle it, then be my guest."
- Uuu...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- November 3, 2019
For Birth Control "Remember that most people who write reviews have had a negative experience. I’ve had Nexplanon for over a year now. I’m physically healthy and have no mental conditions. This birth control made me more emotional the first month or so, but that went away fairly quickly. I have regular unprotected sex with my boyfriend and no scares. Sometimes I have random itching at the insertion site, but no acne, weight changes, or change in libido. The only thing that sucks is the irregular bleeding. The first two months, I had no bleeding at all, but now the bleeding lasts up to two weeks and can get heavy. Cramps are not as bad, though. I was put on a low dose of estrogen to help, and it does help but doesn’t stop the bleeding, just shortens it a little. My friend is one of the lucky ones who gets no bleeding from Nexplanon whatsoever. So just do your research and be aware you’ll probably bleed on this birth control, especially if you’ve bled taking the mini pill. If you have pre-existing mental conditions, be very careful."
- Ham...
- November 3, 2014
For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon inserted 8/13. Insertion wasn't bad, the thought of it was worse than the actual procedure. Little to no bruising, the healing process was quick and painless. The first few months, I only had spotting here and there a couple of times during the month. Then no spotting or periods, no cramps, or any other of my usual symptoms. But right at a year, I started having monthly, slightly heavier periods, which then progressed into two periods a month. One is worse than the other: heavy, cramps, and overall fatigue. I still spot randomly, mainly during/after sex. Overall, I love the effectiveness and ease of Nexplanon, I don't see myself changing any time soon, but I will talk to my doctor about the periods."
- Rai...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- September 11, 2015
For Birth Control "I've had my birth control in since January 2015, and I absolutely love it! I used to have very, very long periods. Long as in 3-4 months, and it was heavy. Heavy to the point that blood transfusions and iron infusions were normal for me. As soon as the birth control was inserted, my period stopped immediately. A couple of days later, it came back on for two days and stopped. I will say that about 2 months in, when my period was due to come on, it didn't show. Instead, I had the worst freaking cramps ever! It literally felt like contractions! My OB warned me about possibly having horrible pain within the first and second month. I've probably had 2 cycles, and that only lasted 3 days, and it only spotted. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this birth control."
- Cob...
- September 14, 2017
For Birth Control "I have been on Nexplanon for a little over 3 years. When I first had it inserted, I didn't have my period for 2 months. By the 3rd month, I had very faint spotted bleeding. I did get very nauseated and had headaches. By the 4th month, I had a really heavy flow that lasted 2 weeks straight, after those two weeks, it lightened up over 3 days to nothing. From there, I was fine, no cramps, no bleeding for 3 months. By then, it would be marked as my 7th month since the implant. I bled for a solid 12 days, and they felt like the worst cramps ever. I literally just stayed in bed for the first 7 days, and about 3 weeks before bleeding, I experienced period cramps. Since then, my period has been consistent. It came every 3 months and lasted a little over a week."
- Ban...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- January 29, 2021
For Birth Control "The Nexplanon has been a terrible year experience for me! Yes, it prevented me from getting pregnant; however, the side effects caused me to feel it was not worth using. My first period on the Nexplanon lasted over 6 weeks with a steady flow. Since then, I’ve gotten my period every two weeks, and it lasts 2 to 3 weeks each time. Also, I’ve gained 35 pounds in 7 months. I’ve used oral contraceptives for 6 years before making the switch, and I have never had drastic weight gain. I’ve been a steady weight for 8 years. Another problem I’ve had is it causes me to get terrible cramps on my period. I’ve never experienced intense cramping until I’ve been on the Nexplanon. I highly recommend not going with the Nexplanon."
- Anonymous
- September 5, 2017
For Birth Control "I had a Nexplanon implant in Oct 2015. My period completely stopped until January of 2017, when I experienced cramping and spotting. Since then, I got my period back, but it has been extremely irregular. I'll bleed for a week, then off again, then on again. Most recently, I was on my period for an entire month, and now I haven't had it for 4 weeks. On the other hand, it has been very effective. I would get Nexplanon again."
- Jee...
- August 21, 2019
For Birth Control "The first week and a half of having Nexplanon was great, but then I started to get brown spotting. I knew that it was normal to expect spotting. But afterward, I had a VERY heavy period that lasted for weeks. I was bloated, having mood swings, constantly depressed, and having a big appetite. I felt gross. Obviously, Nexplanon is to prevent a chance of pregnancy, and it does its job alright by putting you on a continuous heavy period. You don’t even want to have sexual intercourse because you're bleeding so much, have multiple clots, don’t feel attractive, and your cramps are terrible. Before I had the birth control, my periods were regular and only lasted 4-5 days. I didn’t even have bad cramps until now. I looked up reviews on Nexplanon to see if other women were experiencing the same thing. There are women that actually have been on their period 2+ years! I do not recommend Nexplanon unless you want to be in continuous pain and constantly bleeding."
- Kai...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- July 11, 2017
For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon inserted in November 2014. My fella and I have never used standard protection, and we've never gotten pregnant in nearly 3 years. So, good there. However, this birth control is horrible. I am healthy, I eat right and work out consistently for years. I've gained 30 pounds since Nov 14. I've upped all of my workouts to 3-4 hours, 4+ times/wk with zero change. I've never had such extreme bouts of depression in my life. If not for yoga, meditation, and my sweetheart of a fella, I'd lose my mind. I've spent a ton on pregnancy tests due to the whacked-out side effects, including randomly missed periods. My periods are horrible: cramps, random cycle lengths, never 28 days apart, and random spotting. The side effects are horrible."
- Lkf...
- December 21, 2015
For Birth Control "I've had this for 4 months, getting it removed next week. Nonstop bleeding and cramps for the last 4 months. On top of that, I've had pain in my arm where it is because I do a lot of lifting at work. It's been so miserable, I'm so thankful to be getting it out soon. I wish I would've taken the reviews more seriously, considering there's more bad than good."
- Anonymous
- October 12, 2013
For Birth Control "I've been on Nexplanon for 3 months now and have not had any of the negative experiences that other reviewers have had! I have not had any oily skin or acne breakouts, mood swings, hair loss, or weight gain. I got it right after my period started in July, and I haven't had another period since then. I am just now having some slight brown discharge and cramping, but it isn't too concerning, and I assume it will stop in the next few days. Overall, I've been pleased with it. And like other reviewers have said, it does itch like hell for the first few days after insertion, but eventually, you forget it's even there."
See also:
Provera
Provera is used for abnormal uterine bleeding, amenorrhea, birth control, endometrial cancer ...
Depo Provera
Depo-Provera is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is also used to reduce pain cause by ...
Botox
Botox is used cosmetically to reduce facial lines and wrinkles and for medical purposes for ...
Slynd
Slynd (drospirenone) is a birth control pill used for the prevention of pregnancy. Includes Slynd ...
Yaz
Yaz (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) is used as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. Includes ...
Mirena
Mirena (levonorgestrel) is a plastic intrauterine device placed in the uterus and is used to ...
Sprintec
Sprintec is used for abnormal uterine bleeding, birth control, endometriosis, gonadotropin ...
Lo Loestrin Fe
Lo Loestrin Fe (ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate) birth control tablets are used to ...
Levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel is used for birth control, emergency contraception, heavy menstrual bleeding
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.More about Nexplanon (etonogestrel)
- Nexplanon consumer information
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (4,870)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- Drug class: contraceptives
- Breastfeeding
- En español
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."