Nexplanon and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 4)
Reviews for Nexplanon
- Sup...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- June 19, 2016
For Birth Control "OMG! I have had such a horrible experience with this stick. I had it inserted in September 2015. I was okay for two weeks, and then had a period of bleeding for four months. That stopped in January, after that, I started to feel dizzy, had brain fog, and the headaches are horrible. Sex drive non-existent. My anxiety and depression levels are so high. I have no energy and feel so tired all the time. I cry all the time. I have turned psychotic with this thing. I feel irritated and do not want to go anywhere or see anyone, and my memory has been terrible, and I am only 39. I never knew that a birth control method could do this. I am getting this out tomorrow, and hopefully will start to feel better. Do not recommend this form of bc. Good luck, girls!!!"
- Nic...
- September 13, 2019
For Birth Control "I had a great experience with Nexplanon and would recommend it to anyone. I see lots of reviews talking about weight gain, sex drive decrease, mood swings, etc. I feel as if I actually experienced the opposite afterwards. I get my period briefly every 2 months, no periods, and no spotting. I forget that it’s even there! I guess everyone’s body is different, and there’s no way of knowing how you will react, but I love it!"
Frequently asked questions
- What are my birth control options and how effective are they?
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- sel...
- May 4, 2017
For Birth Control "So I got the Nexplanon inserted in April 2016. It's May 2017... so a little more than a year. Over the first 6 months, I was really happy about it. I didn't have a period, no worries about getting pregnant. It all seemed really good. These past 6 months, however, I have been bleeding off and on every two weeks. Sometimes I would even cramp like on a regular period. I have noticed mood changes but didn't think anything of it until I felt like I couldn't get out of this state of sadness. Now I'm starting to think it's the Nexplanon because there's no reason for me to feel this way. Also, my sex drive feels down, which is really unfortunate for my partner and me. It just depends on the person, but this is starting to make me reconsider switching."
- Nek...
- September 27, 2017
For Birth Control "I have used this method of birth control because I tried the pill and it made me nauseous, and the IUD was too much pain to insert. I used this for 2 years, 5 months before removal. I just came to the point where I was tired of the side effects. Not knowing when my period would come or it coming for 30 days at a time was the least of the problems I faced. The real side effects that caused me to grow tired of this method were the fact that I had an extremely low sex drive. Mind you, I'm married and only 28 years old. So having sex is a big deal for my husband as he is also 28. I felt tired every day, no energy to do anything. Besides all of that, I developed a really bad attitude towards everything. I would just get really angry over little things."
- Lau...
- May 23, 2019
For Birth Control "I have had Nexplanon since 2014, as it was pretty new, and I always forgot to take the pill. I was around 16 at the time, so the side effects were unnoticeable to me as I was still growing. I got it replaced in 2017, and from there, it’s been a living nightmare. I am extremely irritable ALL THE TIME, and I cry ALL THE TIME. I have 0 sex drive. I am in a committed relationship, and I do not have any want or need for sex, as I truthfully could care less about it, and in turn has put a strain on my relationship. I have been depressed and more anxious than ever before, and the only thing I can think of causing this is the birth control. Now, mind you, I did NOT get pregnant for 5 years even while having unprotected sex most of the time, which honestly has been the only reason this thing is still in my arm. I am currently sitting in the doctor's office about to get it removed. I highly say don’t use this birth control unless you’re cool with the side effects."
- Not...
- January 25, 2016
For Birth Control "I have been on Nexplanon for 2 years now, and I want it out!!! I have an appointment next week. I have gained about 40-50 lbs in the last 2 years!!!! I am not happy with myself. I have no sex drive. Monthly, although I don't have a period, I still get cravings and feel bloated. I also get bad acne once a month, which I never had before! My moods have been all over the place the last 2 years. I am ready to get back to feeling like myself."
- God...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 9, 2019
For Birth Control "The only reason I gave this birth control 3 stars is because it really does prevent pregnancy. However, it's not worth the possible side effects. Although everyone is different, my symptoms have been anxiety, intense horrible mood swings, no sex drive at all, constant vaginal issues, dryness, decrease in vaginal sensitivity, constantly irritated, yelling at my kids and annoyed for no reason. No patience whatsoever, vision changes, water retention, and weight gain in the upper body! Can't wait to get it taken out in a few days, never again!"
- Ble...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- August 5, 2019
For Birth Control "Pros: • Prevented pregnancy. Cons: • LOW sex drive. • LONG periods. • More cramps & clotting than normal. • Weight gain (60 lbs +). • Extreme fatigue. • Depression. • Hair loss. • Mood swings."
- zeb...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- July 25, 2019
For Birth Control "Like 90% of the reviews, Nexplanon was great at first. Almost painless, some bruising but nothing crazy. No period for 6 months, which was great. Before I got the implant in May 2017, I had already lost 2 stone since February. I changed nothing about my diet but started gaining a lot of weight. In total, I've gained 3 stone despite eating the healthiest diet out of everyone I know. Other issues I have now that I'd never dealt with before I got Nexplanon: cystic acne, constant UTIs, severe anxiety/mood swings, zero sex drive, and the heaviest, longest, and most painful periods I could ever imagine. They last for at least 2 weeks, and I have 2-3 weeks in between each cycle. If you have any issues with progesterone, make sure you try something else before you consider this. It wasn't until my doctor put my symptoms together that she realized this was the culprit, getting this removed next week, and I can't wait."
- Doc...
- November 1, 2015
For Birth Control "Had it since March of '14 after having my son. Slowly but surely made me miserable. Didn't have a period the whole time. But my super bitchy mood swings, low sex drive, acne, backaches, and weight gain made this birth control not worth it. However, it does work great for preventing pregnancy... because you are too moody for sex!"
- No ...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 28, 2017
For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon for 2 weeks. The first week was fine. The second week, I lost my appetite, sex drive, 10 pounds, and experienced mood swings and sadness. I knew before getting it that it takes 3 months to adjust, but when I decided to get it, I didn't know how much it would affect my mood, and I was not willing to make myself go through 3 months of these symptoms. I've been depressed before, and I felt like I was heading in that direction. I went to Planned Parenthood and had them take it out. I certainly was not on it long enough to give a detailed review of the product, but I was on it long enough to know that my body was unhappy with my decision to get it. I'm happy I got it removed. I recommend trying it, but listen to your body."
- afi...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- April 25, 2016
For Birth Control "I've had the Nexplanon for a little over a year. Before that, I was on Depo for about 4 1/2 years. Because of the Depo, I wasn't having any periods, so I didn't experience any bleeding on Nexplanon. But I definitely had a decreased sex drive, I didn't even let my boyfriend touch me because it just seemed off-putting. My weight also ballooned. I gained 60 lbs in the matter of a few months (I am not exaggerating). For the purpose of stopping pregnancy, it definitely works, but I'm moody, depressed, fat, and just plain unhappy with everything. I'm calling my doctor today to have it removed."
- tak...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- April 28, 2015
For Birth Control "I've had the Nexplanon implant for about a year and a half. The first few months were great! But then I gained almost 40 lbs, even though I hadn't changed my diet or exercise routine. No matter what I do, I can't shed the weight. My sex drive is completely gone, I've become more depressed, and when I do get my period, they last for a month or longer! I'm getting this taken out as soon as I can."
- 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."
- Tam...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- December 13, 2018
For Birth Control "I got the birth control Nexplanon back in April 2016 after I had my son, and now it's December 2018. When I first got it, I liked it, but I just didn't like how long my cycles lasted. I already had a bit of anxiety before I got it, but now I believe it has gotten worse because I'm more anxious, I can never get enough sleep, I don't like being around people, I overthink all the time, I'm not into sex like I used to be, I'm overweight, my mood swings are horrible. I could wake up happy, but then later on I could cry about nothing. I feel alone when I'm not. I only like the fact this birth control doesn't get me pregnant, but other than that, I'm ready to get it taken out. It's different strokes for different folks, though, it's something I would not recommend."
- Che...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- June 22, 2016
For Birth Control "So I had the Nexplanon in for 7 months now. I'm considering taking it out only because of the bleeding, fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, depression, weight loss, low sex drive, vaginal dryness, vaginal odor, forgetfulness, etc. I went from 129 pounds to 123 pounds in 7 months. The bleeding was crazy for the last 6 months. I used to have a lot of spotting, but that stopped after the 5th or 4th month. Before using Nexplanon, my period was 3 days long, but from the 1st to the 6th month, it became 2 weeks long. Now that I'm 7 months in, it has become a week long. I have a high tolerance, so I don't let most of these side effects bother me, so that is probably why I haven't taken the Nexplanon out. I'm scared to try other birth control methods."
- CJL...
- August 21, 2016
For Birth Control "I've tried two other birth control methods before Nexplanon, which didn't work for me. I've been on Nexplanon now for six months. Insertion: The insertion process was easy, quick, and painless, although I was left with a sizable bruise that I had to explain away to acquaintances and coworkers. Period: I got the injection on day two of my period and haven't had a period or any spotting since, which is awesome. Even better? No cramps! Acne: I have mild acne and haven't seen a change for better or worse. Libido: My libido decreased when I first got on Nexplanon, but it's now back up to its original level, unlike when I was on pills. I had an increase in headaches for the first month, but now there are no other side effects to report."
- Ble...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- October 16, 2019
For Birth Control "Nexplanon started out fine, other than killing my libido. I have had it for two years and have had mixed feelings about the medication. About 10 minutes ago, I scheduled an appointment to get it taken out. I am currently on my 20th day of my period. That's right! 20 days of bleeding! This is not the first time my period has gone long. Around the one-year mark of having this implanted into my arm, I started getting a 14-16 day period with about a 2-day break sometime in the middle. Not only does it make you bleed non-stop and have zero libido, it also makes you hungry all of the time and emotional. This has been a horrible experience, and I would not wish it upon anyone."
- Lil...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- December 30, 2019
For Birth Control "Pros of the Nexplanon implant so far: my period has stopped completely, my skin cleared up, and little to no bloating. Cons of the Nexplanon implant: I feel insane. The mood swings are horrible. It’s beginning to impact my life in such a negative way. I am depressed all the time. It has also taken away my libido. I’m at a point where I want to crawl out of my own skin, so I made an appointment yesterday to go back on the Xulane patch (I only went off it because of the sticky residue it leaves behind on the skin)."
- Tab...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- January 24, 2020
For Birth Control "I am 28 and have had Nexplanon for 4 years, and let me just say that I have never experienced such a decrease in my sex drive (no really, I can count on one hand how much sex I had last year). It also made me gain weight (about 10-15 lbs a year). Switched over to Paragard, we'll see how it plays out..."
- Tif...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- October 26, 2015
For Birth Control "I had the Nexplanon implant inserted in November of 2012, and had it recently taken out and a new one put back in. I have nothing but great things to say about it! I haven't gained weight, lost sex drive, or had a drastic change in moods/emotions. I can certainly say it affects everyone differently, just like every other birth control, but it's definitely worth a shot!"
- 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."
- 011...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- October 24, 2019
For Birth Control "Worst birth control I have ever had. For those of you looking for a simple method, please turn the other way. After getting the Nexplanon, my sex drive was little to none, and even when I was in the mood, I could never be 'fully there.' My emotional and mental health severely deteriorated, and it began affecting my job and my personal life. I nearly lost my relationship due to the fact that I could not control my emotions and my anger. I would never wish any of this upon anyone. I also spotted continuously throughout the 1st year, nearly every other week and sometimes every day (gross brown and stringy). I couldn't stand it anymore, and I finally managed to force my gynecologist to remove it - they will literally try to convince you not to remove it or tell you appointments are months out."
- Sha...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- June 8, 2023
For Birth Control "I had 3 of these implants. The first was amazing, no side effects, no period. The second time it was the same but had it removed after 1.5 years to start a family. After my son was born, I had a new one put back in 6 months later. I thought I was losing my mind! The depression, no appetite, extreme weight loss, and fatigue, zero sex drive, and unbelievable anger. I had no idea what was happening to me until, by chance, I heard someone talk of the same symptoms, and their GP matched it to the implant, causing hormone imbalance. I had been to my GP begging for help, and although sympathetic, blood tests said there was nothing strange. Hearing about this other girl, I arranged an appointment with our family planning/sexual health clinic to discuss and felt someone was listening to me. The nurse said it was more than likely the implant was causing issues and removed it there and then. After having 2 great experiences and 1 so awful, I was really, really shocked with how it affected me after pregnancy. Be aware x."
See also:
More about Nexplanon (etonogestrel)
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For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon implanted 12/14/15, it's now 3/30/16, so 3.5 months. My app to get it out is in 2 days. I hate it. At first, I bled nonstop for 7 weeks-literally half the time I've had it. Then, when the bleeding finally went away (after a separate prescription of hormones), I started gaining weight. I've gained 10-15 lbs (I stopped weighing myself, it was too depressing). I haven't changed my eating habits and even started working out regularly, which I've never had to do, and still my weight climbed. In addition, my skin has been horrible. I haven't had acne since high school, but now I break out all over my face, chest, and back. My mood is awful and I have zero sex drive-it's BC because it makes you never want to have sex. Terrible experience!"