Skip to main content

Nexplanon and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 3)

Reviews for Nexplanon

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • not...
  • February 17, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm scrolling through the reviews of this birth control, and I feel as if everyone is really magnifying the weight gain. I personally have lost 30 pounds from starting it a year and a half ago. The weight gain comes from cravings, the same type you have when you're on your period. If you are aware of these cravings and don't consistently overeat, you won't gain weight. My doctor told me that from the get-go, and I think it made me more conscious of the fact. I have had sporadic bleeding, but nothing a light tampon couldn't handle. It was a minor setback, but less of a setback than getting pregnant. Also, if the doctor couldn't find it for removal, it was put in wrong. I can literally feel mine under my skin when I touch it."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • Scr...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 28, 2023

For Birth Control "I gained 23 pounds in less than 3 or 4 months. I developed a complex ovarian cyst that burst and sent me to the ER. I am experiencing cystic acne galore, horrible mood swings, and loss of energy. Do not recommend."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report
  • sjs...
  • December 21, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had it for about 4 months now. I had it put in at my 6-week checkup after having my son. I was losing a lot of weight before I had it. Then my weight loss just stopped. I've gained so much. My sex life is non-existent. I'm constantly feeling depressed. And I have no period, I prefer to have it."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Cha...
  • June 16, 2015

For Birth Control "This birth control has had me bleeding since December 2014. It is now June 2015. I hate this so much. My doctor didn't even tell me this was going to happen. I went back, and she said if it doesn't stop in 6 months, then I need to get it out. It has been 6 months of nonstop bleeding, and now I have to get it removed. It would have been nice to have been aware of this before getting it put in. Some people bleed for a couple of weeks or maybe a month, and others for as long as it's in them. I do not like this birth control at all. It has made me break out, gain weight, eat so much more, and I've gone through about 7 jumbo boxes of tampons."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • S C...
  • May 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I am 21, and had Nexplanon put in 7 months ago. This is the first time I've ever been on birth control. I have gained a little bit of weight, and my breasts have gotten bigger. Sometimes I am hungry all the time for days, other times I am nauseous every time I eat. I get irritated easily and more often. But the worst is the bleeding. I bled for 3 months straight after I got it. It stopped for a week and a half, then bled for 3 weeks, stopped for a week, bled for two months, stopped for about a month, and now I have been bleeding for more than 2 weeks. It's never been spotting, it's a full-on period all the time. As convenient and effective as it is, I cannot handle the constant heavy bleeding. I am considering getting it removed."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • TCI...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 18, 2016

For Birth Control "Nexplanon = the worst mistake of my life. I had it inserted in July 2014, removed in April 2015, and I'm still dealing with the side effects today - I'm now being treated for painful cysts and debilitating cramps, and I'm convinced this drug caused them. Side effects included: prolonged/heavy periods (lasting 3-4 weeks), anemia (due to periods), recurrent yeast infections (due to periods), painful vaginal fissures (due to yeast infections), lack of sex drive, constant bloating, rapid weight gain, increased appetite, acne, irritability, extreme mood swings, anxiety, and depression (honestly, who wouldn't be depressed). If you are at all sensitive to hormonal birth control, I do not recommend this drug."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
21 Report
  • Mar...
  • June 7, 2016

For Birth Control "Everyone has different reactions to all different birth controls. I have been on the pill, and I gained weight and got depressed. Since being on Nexplanon, I have lost weight, have had no periods, and have been pregnancy-free. Instead of reading reviews, people should try things for themselves. Nexplanon has let me live the life I have wanted to. I never have to worry about taking a pill every day, and I don't have to worry about my period. This has been perfect for me."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • cor...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon inserted a little over 3 months ago, and I just scheduled an appointment to have it removed. They say you should give it a full 3 months for it to fully adjust to your body and to see how you will react. My side effects started out slow but progressively got worse and more noticeable. My whole life, I've had perfectly clear skin, and now I have cystic acne all over my chin that will not go away. I've gained 10 lbs since having it inserted, with no change to my diet or activity levels. I constantly feel depressed and have very low energy, and for the past 2 months, sex has been extremely painful. The cons greatly outweigh the pros, in my opinion, when it comes to Nexplanon, and that is why I would strongly recommend not getting it!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • ely...
  • November 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon inserted in Feb 2015. At first, I didn't have any problems with it. I was spotting unexpectedly, but I didn't really find that a huge issue. Now we are in November: 9 months later, and I hate my life. I am always upset, angry, depressed, bitchy, unhappy, etc. Everything bothers me. I have put on some weight, but I'm not sure if it's the lack of exercise or the birth control. I am always tired. I have a toddler, which can explain the exhaustion, but even if I get a good night's sleep, I am always sleepy and tired and don't want to do anything. The worst side effect thus far has been my sex drive. It's on the floor. It's ruining my relationship and my life. This Nexplanon is a devil from the grips of Dante's Inferno."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report
  • Cri...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon in Nov 2013. It is definitely the most effective and easiest form of birth control I have experienced. The first 3 months I had some spotting and breakthrough bleeding. Then after 3 months I quit having periods. I have to admit that part is nice! However, I have gained about 25 pounds, averaging 10 pounds per year. I work out on weekends, eat healthy and do what I can to control it, but it seems to have minimal impact. I have always been thin. I'm 5'9.5 and had been approximately 130-135 for the past 8 years. Now I'm between 155-160. Also, the weight I have put on makes me look pregnant. I have been more mellow, and my sex drive has drastically lowered."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 20, 2014

For Birth Control "I had my Nexplanon put in February of 2013. I had normal periods from Feb-April and then nothing until July. Then it lasted about 10 days, which is long for me. I didn't have a period or any spotting at all until now in March 2014. It's been about a week now, so I'm curious to see how long it will last. I've gained about 5-8 pounds, but it could be other environmental factors. My acne has flared up during this period, but I've never had great skin, and it's not worse than normal. I like Nexplanon quite a bit, the rod never bothers me, and it's very convenient to not have to take a pill."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
23 Report
  • Jen...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I had my Nexplanon inserted in December 2014. So, I'm about a year and a half in. I have had mood swings, excruciating headaches, depression, and weight gain of 30 pounds! I would not recommend this to anyone!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 31, 2016

For Birth Control "I really don't know why this had a lot of bad reviews because I love this birth control! Getting it out in your arm isn't even bad because they numb it. I bruised badly around the area for a week or two. I got my period once, and then it stopped. I didn't have any irregular bleeding and did not gain weight, if anything, I lost weight. This is a great birth control if you aren't well at taking pills at the same time every day. No worries for 3 years!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
16 Report
  • 12y...
  • March 16, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been using Nexplanon for 12 years with no breaks, and I'm about to receive my 5th implant. As you can probably tell from my continued commitment, I find that the pros of the implant strongly outweigh the cons. Firstly, there are side effects (like most medication). I did receive a little weight gain, I can be a little moody sometimes, and my breasts and tummy get very tender once a month, but although I have the hormonal effect of a monthly period, I very rarely (once every 3 months) receive very light bleeding/spotting. What's most important to me is that I have never had a child or been pregnant, which is the purpose of the contraception. Everyone will react differently. You know what is best for your body."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
15 Report
  • Lex...
  • May 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I was nervous about getting the Nexplanon due to the reviews on this site. I was worried about mental illness, weight gain, and acne. About a year ago, I spoke with my doctor and decided to give it a try. The process was painless, a small needle prick, but I did have some extreme bruising during the healing process. At first, I gained a little weight and had some acne, but I got into working out and washing my face more, and both subsided. I never once had mood swings or depression symptoms. Everyone reacts differently to each medication and method. Take into account everyone’s experiences, but make sure to speak with your doctor. I am very grateful I had the conversation with her and got the implant, one of the best decisions I have made."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • Rob...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 6, 2018

For Birth Control "Well, I have had this implant since March, and it is now August. I am very impressed with this product. I did pills, shots, IUDs (don’t recommend at all), and none of those worked for me. I never remembered to take my pill (thank God I was single). Shots were too much of a hassle with the bone thing, and the IUD nearly fused with my uterus, causing me incredible amounts of pain. I have yet to run into any problems emotionally, and the constant bleeding only lasted a month until my body got used to it. My periods were horrible, but now they are only 3 days long and very light, with hardly any cramping at all! There are a lot of people who gain weight with this BC, but I have a good workout regimen, so I’m good. Not to mention, I think most people who try a product and it works well won’t make the effort to comment on it because they have nothing negative to say. Don’t let scary stories keep you from trying what looks best for you."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
14 Report
  • Sed...
  • August 31, 2015

For Birth Control "Nexplanon was the worst decision I ever made. I got it in October, bled for 6 months straight. Got it taken out in April. Killed my sex drive. Gained 20 pounds, which I can't get rid of. I was extremely emotional and depressed. I wouldn't recommend this for anyone. It was the worst thing I've ever done to myself."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
17 Report
  • Amb...
  • August 19, 2020

For Birth Control "So I had gotten the Nexplanon in 2013 after my first child and had it in for 5 years, never got pregnant even though it was supposed to be removed at 3 years. Only problem I had was mood swings and no period. Just occasionally, every 6 months or so, I would have one. Soon as I got it removed, I got pregnant the next day. After my second child, I decided I wanted it again. Worst mistake of my life. In 2019, I got it put in because I was having severe pain from cysts, so I knew getting birth control would definitely help. Well, I haven't had a problem with that. Now I have severe mood swings, gained 50 pounds, tried everything to lose it and nothing. Severe UTI I've been battling for 4 months now that won't go away. Bacterial vaginosis, and I don't even have sex anymore as my sex drive went completely out the window. I get the sweats, I'm so fatigued, I get major headaches. I thought it was worth it, and now after years of everyone telling me I need it taken out and don't go back to it because of how off I am: the depression and anxiety."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
11 Report
  • Agu...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my Nexplanon in after my 1st son was born. Never had a problem with it. Didn't gain weight, didn't get a period for the whole 3 years I was on it. Now that my second son was born in Jan 2015, I got it again in March 2015. Once again, I loved it. Not a period in sight yet. This is the best for me because I don't have to remember to take a pill every day. No oops babies here."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • kcz...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 28, 2014

For Birth Control "Got it on 4/11/14. 1st 2 weeks couldn't keep anything down. Doctor tested and gave anti-nausea pills, which worked. Period started the 3rd week and seemed normal. Every time boyfriend and I get intimate, I start bleeding again. I have gained 35 lbs the last 3 months and have not changed my eating habits or lifestyle. I am nauseated ALL the time and sick ALL the time. Find myself running to the bathroom a few nights a week. Feel pregnant. More irritable. Boyfriend and I have discussed things, and we both are not happy with the way it's making me feel sick all the time. Getting this thing removed next Tuesday morning!"

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • Tro...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 11, 2014

For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon implanted in November of 2013. The site was initially lumpy and swollen, but now I don't feel it. For birth control, it is amazing, but that's where my benefits end. I have been bleeding every day for the past five months. I am extremely moody and have experienced a slight weight gain. It affects my sex life, and I will be removing it if the bleeding doesn't stop in two months."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Cla...
  • October 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I got my Nexplanon inserted about 5 months ago. I stayed on my birth control pill for a month after to help my body adjust, and everything was going fine. I had 2 normal periods and, up until about a month ago, everything was running smoothly. My mom and boyfriend have noticed a big change in my attitude, noting that I'm becoming more 'bitchy.' Can't say I disagree with this, as I can tell I get more annoyed and on edge about literally everything. Not only have I been having attitude issues, but my acne is out of control right now. I've been on my period for 4 weeks now, and my acne continues to get worse. I believe I've also gained about 10 pounds since I got the birth control and am having a hard time losing it. Planning on getting it removed."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
16 Report
  • M A...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 20, and I got Nexplanon 8 months ago. The first 6 months, I bled constantly (although it was light, it was still a huge pain in the ass), but I stuck it out because my GP said it would take 4-6 months for my body to fully adjust. I've gained about 30 lbs. I have terrible mood swings, I get angry very easily, and I also have a very low sex drive, so my relationship is suffering. Since the initial 4-6 month period, I've had terrible acne, which I've never suffered from before, and I've had discharge and regular spotting. At least it has been effective, since the weight gain, low sex drive, and acne have pretty much made me never want to have sex again, but I cannot wait to get it taken out of my arm... although I hear that's the worst bit!!"

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
15 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon inserted June 30, 2014. A week or two after insertion, I had bleeding for 10-15 days, it stopped for about a month and a half, and now I'm spotting every time I'm ready to become intimate with my boyfriend or just random times. I have gained weight, and I have felt some nausea. Yes, it's very effective against pregnancy because you are constantly either spotting or bleeding unexpectedly. It's annoying, I'm getting it removed very soon. There's nothing fun about bleeding all the time. I appreciate a 4-5 day cycle now."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • Dag...
  • July 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had Implanon and then Nexplanon back to back. I had the first one 6 weeks after having my son back in 2011. With Implanon, I bled constantly for the whole 3 years. I’d have 3 weeks on, 1 week off on my “period,” and gained like 30 lbs. I got the Nexplanon inserted in Dec 2015. Within 3-4 months, I had gained 30-35 lbs. I kept it in because I was dead set on not getting pregnant, and after all, it works great on that. Over the next couple of years, I didn’t have not one period, which was great. But along with that came the 0 sex drive, headaches, acne, and continued weight gain. Overall, I’ve gained 65 lbs while on Nexplanon. No diet changes whatsoever. I finally got it removed 2 days ago, and my body is in turmoil. I’m having the worst anxiety I’ve ever experienced, and I honestly can’t wait for my hormones to even themselves out. Overall, Nexplanon does what it’s meant to do, but each person needs to decide for themselves if the side effects are worth it."

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
11 Report

See also:

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
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.