Nexplanon and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Aud...
• May 2, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on Nexplanon for about a year and a half now. I decided to go with this form of BC because I am so forgetful that the pill was just not an option for me. This has honestly been one of the most frustrating experiences I have ever had. When I first got it inserted in my arm, I noticed I had my period practically every day, and this went on for about 3 months until I went back to my gynecologist and she said it was completely normal and that it should stop. Well, it hasn't at all. Every day I have spotting, and it's gotten to the point where I have to wear a tampon every day. Every time I have sex, there is always blood everywhere. And it's hard explaining why I am always on my period to my partner, and it's made me self-conscious."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2014

For Birth Control "Been on it for about 4 months now, so maybe things haven't stabilized. I'll say that it's effective, I haven't gotten pregnant. The first month was great, no side effects at all. Immediately after the first month, however, I started spotting enough to need to wear a panty liner all day, and I've been constantly spotting since. No periods, just constant spotting. It's annoying, but I guess it could be worse. No other side effects that I've noticed."

• tn1...
• March 3, 2014

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon inserted 5 months ago, and for the first 3 months, I was spotting nonstop, and after that, I would lightly spot once a month for 2 days, which I assume is probably my period. In the beginning, I had a horrible time with the nonstop bleeding and the crazy mood swings, but I stuck through it, and now everything is clear blue skies! Definitely a great option to consider if you're forgetful and can't remember to take a pill every day."

• Anonymous
• March 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I'm on my second Nexplanon, placed in last year. I developed thinning hair, severe breast tenderness with PMSing. My periods were far and few between, spotting and occasionally a period for 2 days, or I won't bleed at all for 2/3 months. My skin got a lot drier from being greasy and developed dandruff and a halt in my hair growth and fallout at the top of my head/widening hair part. My mood with depression and anxiety increased. I developed lower back pain and acne in places I never broke out before. This was all gradual with being on Nexplanon for almost 4 years. I was thinking it was work/stress related. I'm getting my second one removed and going cold turkey on birth control. Don't recommend. Listen to your body."

• Fin...
• January 12, 2019

For Birth Control "One-year experience. DEPRESSION - I've never had it in my life and didn't expect it. Severe depression and suicidal thoughts. Every day was a struggle, and I assumed there were other reasons or situations that were causing the depression. My anger would explode in ways I didn't think were possible. I already have a decent level of natural anger, so this increased it to the point where I felt I could have been physically dangerous to someone. I had thoughts of extreme anger and intrusive thoughts. Very disturbing. The morning after I had it removed, it felt like an anvil was lifted off my chest and a cloud was removed from my head. It's only been a few days now, but I can tell that my hormones are leveling out. My anger has lowered back down to pre-Nexplanon levels, and the consistent depression has left me. I would take my mental health over a 3-year BC plan, any day. On the positive side - no pregnancies, no weight gain, and light spotting every so often."

• Spa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Nexplanon implant for 9 months now. I stop bleeding for like 5 days out of the month. The rest of the time I’m bleeding. Not always bad, sometimes just spotting, but still. It’s like it never ends. My depression had gotten so bad I had to be put in therapy. I never felt this bad before the implant. I never dealt with anxiety before I got it either. I did go to my doctor, and they told me symptoms would slow down after 6 months. It’s been 9 now, and I feel like they’re just getting worse. Not getting pregnant is a perk, but it’s just not worth damaging my mental health any longer."

• Anonymous
• May 12, 2014

For Birth Control "As far as birth control, it definitely does the job. Unfortunately, I have never had acne until I had it inserted, and it's horrible. I have been steadily gaining weight ever since, 15 lbs and counting in the last 10 months. Headaches and nausea make me think I am pregnant. Not to mention, I am extremely emotional, and my 'period' is irregular, much lighter, but I probably spot 20 days out of the month. I have only had it for 10 months."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 30, 2019

For Birth Control "Wouldn’t recommend. I got the implant in March 2019, and I think I have had 4 weeks of no bleeding, but the rest of the time I have been spotting and bleeding non-stop! My anxiety is through the roof 24/7, I feel on edge. I never used to be like this before I got the implant. And now I just feel like my life is a mess."

• 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."

• LSU...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I love it! My biggest concern before getting it was that it would be painful to insert because that's what I'd heard, but it actually wasn't at all. The doctor numbed the area, which stung a little bit, but after that, I literally felt nothing; he was done before I even realized he'd started. The most uncomfortable part was the tight wrap that has to stay on overnight. The next day, I barely felt it. The 2nd day after, it wasn't even sensitive anymore. As far as side effects go, I find it interesting that people complain about spotting. With any progesterone birth control, there is a probability of spotting. I had random spotting with the patch and the pill. At least with this one, I don't have to remember to take or replace anything."

• Nom...
• June 17, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm currently 21, and I've had Nexplanon for just over 2 years now (since June 15, 2015) and have had absolutely no problems with it. Possibly the best decision I've ever made. Obviously, all BC affects everyone differently, but for me, I've experienced no mood swings, I haven't had a proper period or cramping in 2 years now (I've had maybe 4 or 5 occurrences of extremely light spotting in 2 years - lasting no more than a day each - and even that was mainly just slightly pink discharge). I haven't noticed any weight gain from it (but I was gaining weight regardless because I started university and lived off take-outs). I'll be getting it replaced a few months before it's due just to be sure. I love it, though."

• gab...
• November 2, 2014

For Birth Control "It has been great! I have had mine in a little over 3 months now, and I have not had ache, headaches, or periods. However, I have had mood swings, and every once in a while, a little spotting whenever I wipe. Nothing crazy, that's something I can handle. I love it."

• Kar...
• December 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I definitely would not recommend this for anyone. I got mine put in 2 months ago, and it was fine in the beginning until I started my period. Ever since then, I have been bleeding/spotting randomly. It's awkward during sex and ruins my clothes. Also, the depression side effect is real. I've been more down about almost everything since I got it. I plan on getting it removed as soon as possible. Like I said, I would NOT recommend this for anyone!!"

• Nit...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 30, 2024

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Nexplanon implant for about a year now because I couldn’t keep up with the pill. Everyone’s body is different, but for me, when I first got it, I didn’t have a period for about 4 months. Before the implant, my cycle would last about 4 days with heavy bleeding, with the implant, my cycle lasts about a week but it’s only spotting. I didn’t develop mood swings, I’m just a lot more sleepy. So mostly, I’ve had a good experience with it."

• def...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had this implant for 1 year and 2 months now, and it's the best type of birth control I have tried yet. I had a 9-day period a month after getting the implant in and had spotting for about 4 days a few months after that. Since then, I haven't had any type of period or spotting, and it is very convenient. My doctor said that women who are on the smaller side tend to work well with this medicine (I'm 5'1" and 100 pounds), and in my case, he was right. I haven't experienced any weight gain or skin problems. The only thing I have noticed is my sex drive is lower than it used to be, but that could be due to my anxiety. Not all women have positive experiences with this, but I absolutely think it is worth a try."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2020

For Birth Control "I got BC in November 2019; it is now January 13, 2020. It’s hardly been three months, and I’ve made an appointment to get it out. When I first got the Nexplanon, I immediately experienced spotting. But it’s so light I can barely tell, and while spotting for me seems like it never goes away. With Nexplanon, no problem with pain, period, acne, or even clotting, and best of all, no pregnancy. However, this thing is NOT worth the emotional draining. I’m normally a bubbly, positive person, but with this thing in my arm, I’m depressed, overly emotional, constantly on the defensive, and I just feel so out of body. My emotional behavior is not fair to the loved ones around me who have been trying their best to support me. I do experience nausea and sometimes even acid reflux, which I never had before this. I do suffer from anxiety and depression, and as most of you read this, BC does NOT sit well with those two at ALL. I have good insurance, in and out, copay of $15. Not for me; hopes for you.♥"

• 25...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I love, love, love this form of birth control. I'd been on the pill before and always forgot to take it... not really effective if you don't take it, ha. During the first 3 months, I had not had a period, but I was a bit more emotional, it didn't really interfere with my life, but my mood swings were noticeable to me. After those first 3 months, my mood went back to normal, but I started spotting really lightly for 2 months. It wasn't enough spotting for a tampon, but it was enough for a panty liner if that puts it into perspective for you. It took me about 8-10 months to get a period again, and now they're really regular. I haven't gained any weight, my skin is clearer than ever, and I am definitely not pregnant. This stuff is GOLD."

• Ban...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 6, 2021

For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon for 3 years, the second one I had for 5 years. I just had one inserted 2 weeks ago. I love my Nexplanon, and many friends love theirs too. No extreme weight gain/loss. I tend to eat moderate and healthy meals fairly consistently. My first Nexplanon, I had the never-ending period, which eventually became extremely light spotting. Then nothing. HOWEVER, in the clinical trials, women who were overweight had a tendency to have constant bleeding. I am not overweight, however, when I weigh more than my recommended weight for my height, my periods return, but they are light and last only 2 to 3 days. So if you are concerned about this, make sure you pay attention to the normal fluctuations of your weight. Sex drive is normal, no mood swings. No estrogen = no problem for me. Also, take your calcium and folic acid if you are not getting enough in your diet, as any hormonal birth control affects how your body absorbs these."

• ing...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 12, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon for 7 months. I'm rating it an 8 because I have only one complaint: mood swings. I'm a pretty sensitive person, but on Nexplanon, I've experienced (about once a month) a very serious sadness, almost like depression, when nothing at all was wrong. Previous to this, I was taking the pill (Apri), and I experienced some mood swings, but nothing compared to this. On the positive side, I love everything else about Nexplanon! I don't have to worry about taking a pill every day or picking up a prescription on time, insertion was quick and easy (Planned Parenthood), and I did have spotting a few months ago (for 10 days, then 12 days), but other than that, my period has disappeared, which is nice. It's not for everyone, but I recommend!"

• Gab...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the Nexplanon for two years, and I love it. I started with my period only every other month. For some time, I did have two months in which I had a period and almost two weeks of spotting. It stopped, and then I got it again a week later. But that only happened once. I don't feel any mood swings other than what I would have before, so it's just my normal self. I did gain weight, but it was about a year later, and I doubt it was due to the birth control because I can lose it when I want. I love this birth control, it has worked great for me, and I do recommend it. It is safe and easy."

• Cro...
• November 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the implant at my postpartum check-up. The procedure was painless. I breastfed my son until he was fifteen months old and had no period after my bleeding from the birth subsided. He is now eighteen months old, and I have been having a 'period' that is weirdly heavy or at least spotting for a month and a half now. I was concerned until I read here that this seems to be happening with the majority of women. I'm going to make an appointment to get it removed. I seem to be mentally/emotionally out of sorts as well. The time period suggests that my state of mind might be related to the implant as well. It's hard to get pregnant if you never have sex (because you're constantly bleeding like a slaughtered pig and are emotionally unstable)."

• 1Cl...
• January 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I was terrified by all the bad reviews I read on here before getting this type of birth control, but after having Nexplanon in for 3 months, I absolutely love it! I haven't gained weight, I don't have any hormonal side effects, or anything like that. The only side effect I've gotten from it is that I don't get my period anymore. So if you still want to get your period every month, it probably won't happen. I do have VERY light spotting maybe twice a month, and that's it. But it's so light that you technically can't even notice it. Overall, I'm really glad with how it turned out. This is the first birth control I've used, and so far it's really good. I'm 19 and weigh 125 pounds."

• Meg...
• August 25, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon for three years, and it did the job well. Didn't get pregnant and had barely any side effects. Since getting the Nexplanon... never again. After a few months, constant bleeding lasting more than a month at times. Irregular bleeding and spotting. Constant headaches affecting work and stopping me from getting enough sleep. The GP advised I keep taking paracetamol... not helpful. I didn't get acne but never have suffered with it. However, the mood swings are out of control, and I can feel myself getting angry over nothing at times. I have had episodes of depression and crying, and I am usually a very happy person. This implant messes with the body."

• Mad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 16, 2019

For Birth Control "It does its job, it is birth control after all, but the side effects are insane. After I got it put in, I was hit with a wave of negative emotions. I felt like I wasn't myself, it was that different of a feeling compared to what I’m used to. I just felt super gross, I’m not sure how to explain it. After this, I got so much spotting it turned into a literal period-just all the time! It didn’t stop for nearly 8 months. I would have a slight break for a while, then a cluster period. Not only crazy bleeding, but so many back pains and mood swings. It feels like I’m having PMS 24/7, I’m super angsty nonstop. I feel bad for my boyfriend, honestly. I’m getting it taken out in a month after my copper IUD comes in."