Etonogestrel and Acne: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Kka...
• March 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon about a year and a half ago, and I cannot wait until I get it removed. I get frequent migraines, I am having problems fighting depression and major anxiety. I have acne all over my face, my shoulders, my back, and it's even started on my stomach area. I have my period for about 3 weeks every month, and it's not just spotting; it is extremely heavy, and I have cramps constantly. My sleeping habits are way out of whack; it's either I want to sleep all day or not at all. My appetite has skyrocketed, and I feel like I can never get enough to eat, and yet I've lost a TON of weight since getting it. I have absolutely no sex drive whatsoever. I would never in a million years recommend this to anyone. I hope this gave some insight."

• ebb...
• January 25, 2010

For Birth Control "Where do I start? I'm 22 years old, and I had Implanon inserted in the middle of July 2009. Insertion was painless, but side effects are unbearable. I've gained 50 lbs and counting, constant bleeding ever since I got it; severe anxiety/depression and mood swings. No sex drive, increased vaginal discharge, acne... did I mention I've been bleeding for 6 months! I want to switch to Yaz, but I smoke."

• p19...
• June 26, 2019

For Birth Control "If you’re reading this because you’re trying to decide if you want this birth control - READ THROUGH ALL THE REVIEWS. I heard horror stories on Facebook and through friends about it traveling through their bodies and getting lost. Let me tell you, it’s very effective when preventing pregnancy. When I got it, no bruising and no pain. The first year, I loved it!! I had so many great things to say. Right around the mark of my first year, all the symptoms came at once. My sex drive - a 0. My acne started to break out, my boobs constantly hurt. Now the #1 complaint - WEIGHT GAIN. I was 115 pounds, size 0. I gained 35-40 pounds. I am now 153 pounds and a size 7-8. I’ve had it out a year this month, and the weight still lingers. My face became swollen and fat with fluid retention, and my mom constantly told me I looked toxic. Please read the reviews, I would never want somebody to go through what I did. I’m about to try the Kyleena IUD, wish me luck."

• Cas...
• December 31, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the Nexplanon for 3 years now. No weight gain. Acne is just as bad. My periods last weeks to months. And I bleed huge blood clots. (Sorry, TMI, but I thought I had a miscarriage once because of it.) I am an emotional wreck. Like it makes me cry over the littlest things. I overreact, and my depression and anxiety are horrible. It has done its job not to get me pregnant, but I hate it so much. And waking up with a headache every day is killing me."

• Bar...
• July 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I got birth control for the first time in my life!! After doing a lot of research and asking friends around, hearing horrific feedback, I was very skeptical. But being in a serious relationship and having unprotected sex left me no choice. I'm allergic to latex, so condoms were not an option... Long story short, I got Implanon back in March, and monitored my eating habits. I did notice in the first month I had 2 or 3 breakouts that left dark spots, which are gone with the use of acne medicine. Nothing severe, no weight gain, or any other side effects. A little difference in mood in the beginning, and every month I get light spotting during my period cycle. Overall, this birth control has been very effective, even though my boyfriend released sperm inside....!!!!"

• Tab...
• October 27, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the Nexplanon put in about three weeks ago. At first, I had tender breasts and acne. I was like I can deal with that, but the dizziness and room spinning is insane! I feel sick to my stomach. It is awful. It is so bad I have missed work. I’m having it removed tomorrow. Hopefully, I’m able to drive myself to the doctor."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2014

For Birth Control "Absolutely love it. No period, no mood changes, no bleeding, no nothing but a little bit more acne, but could be from stress right now because I've been dealing with a lot. But my body got used to it within a month."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2014

For Birth Control "I got the implant at the beginning of June, and it's now October. After I got it, I had a period that lasted three days, stopped for two days, and came back for another three. Since then, I haven't had a period or spotted at all. At first, I felt like I had no sex drive at all, which I didn't know was a side effect, but now my sex drive is back. The only side effect I have really noticed is I get more acne, but I'd rather have acne than a baby!"

• 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."

• 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."

• She...
• March 10, 2017

For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon inserted in Dec 2015, and it's still there. They numbed the area before inserting it. The area was sore for a couple of days after having it inserted, but the pain wasn't too terrible. The bruise was ugly and large, but after it healed, I'm left with a tiny little scar at the point of insertion that's barely noticeable. My super painful period cramps stopped because I haven't had a period since I've had Nexplanon. I didn't experience mood swings or bad skin. I feel more even-keeled with my emotions since being on it, no PMS. All in all, a fantastic experience so far as opposed to my prior Mirena IUD birth control that became lodged into the side of my cervix and had to be surgically removed. I recommend Nexplanon!"

• COn...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 6, 2021

For Birth Control "I have been on Nexplanon for 5 years. Getting it removed in a week. My twin sister started taking it and had immediate effects on her mood. Turns out I had the same reaction but never related it to the birth control. I had severe anxiety and depression not too long after it was put in. I highly suggest that you do not use this. I also have bad acne. Not sure if it is related, but looking at the other comments, it probably doesn't help. I cannot wait to get it removed."

• Hda...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the implant a bit ago, and have had ZERO negative side effects besides the awesome no more menstrual cycle! The reviews of endless spotting, weight gain, and acne have not been true for me at all. I put off getting the implant a long time from fear stemming from bad reviews, so I decided to throw my good experience in the hat for perspective! I'm one of the 1:3 who it stopped my period quickly after having it put in. The bruise on my arm was there for about a week, and my very mild hormonal acne cleared up about two weeks into having it. Most importantly, it has helped even out my energy throughout the month. I am a 24-year-old graduate student with a history of ovarian cysts and adult onset mild acne."

• Anonymous
• March 13, 2017

For Birth Control "Do not recommend at all. I got the Nexplanon when I was 18, and I'm almost 21 now. While it is great BC for keeping you unpregnant, I have not one ounce of motivation to get out of bed and do anything. I am always so tired. The acne is insane, and I have spots all over my shoulders, chest, and face that look like a rash and are extremely noticeable (especially fresh out of the shower or when hot), and the weight gain is crazy. I was about 110 pounds when I got on it, and I always had an extremely high metabolism, but after being on Nexplanon, I have a constant hunger that I cannot fill, and I am up to 140 pounds. I am very easily angered and moody, and overall, it is not worth it when it comes to being happy in your own skin. Getting it removed this week."

• New...
• June 17, 2013

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon since late October of 2012. At first, it seemed great, not having to worry about taking a pill every day at the same time. Mainly, that's the reason why I chose Nexplanon in the first place. But over the many months now, I've experienced lots of negative things about it from my perspective. 1) Huge weight gain, like 20-30 lbs. 2) Lots of headaches. 3) X2 the acne. 4) More stress. 5) My emotions are much more sensitive than they ever were. I cry a lot more now; sometimes I have no idea as to why I'm even crying in the first place. Just too much estrogen to handle after being in my arm for so long now. 6) My periods are very irregular now. Sometimes I'll spot, sometimes I'll bleed for just a day."

• 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."

• ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I had this inserted in February 2015. Two weeks later, my period began. There has not been a single day where I haven't bled. (It is now June 2015.) I've never really had an issue with acne, I'm now breaking out constantly. Constantly irritated aren't even the words. I always feel on edge and ready to punch someone. My sex drive is nonexistent. Sure, this thing works great at preventing me from becoming pregnant. Because I bleed profusely every day of my life, and sex doesn't even cross my mind. Before this, my periods were normal flow, maybe a few days long. I cannot even afford to keep buying all these feminine products. My doctor keeps trying to get me to wait it out, but I want it removed ASAP."

• Ale...
• March 13, 2014

For Birth Control "I love Nexplanon. I have had it since April 2012, and it is amazing! I rarely get my period, but if I do, it is very light, not even enough bleeding for tampons. I know some people's main concern is being able to feel it. If I'm not trying to, I don't even notice it there! Also, I have not gained any weight, and my acne is no worse than it was before. Definitely an option for those of us who have trouble taking a pill every day or making an appointment every three months!"

• Lad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2014

For Birth Control "I tried Nexplanon in 2012 after my second miscarriage. I didn't have a period until November, it was inserted in August, and they were so heavy it also caused slight lactation. Not like leaky or anything, just if I squeezed. Got it out in December because my periods were unbearable. My daughter was born in March 2014. In May 2014, I got it put back in to see if I reacted the same. Two weeks in, I had a super light two-week period and haven't had anything since: weight loss but no gain, a tiny bit of acne. Not sure if I'm moody due to the Nexplanon or my bipolar, but I honestly love it. I want sex all the time and my husband loves the fact I don't have to worry about missing a dose. I love it too. I highly recommend at least trying it."

• 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."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 13, 2022

For Birth Control "Nexplanon is a very effective form of birth control, and it was so nice not having to remember to take a pill every day. BUT... it came with awful side effects! The first year was just okay for me. It gave me terrible acne and periods that would last about 15 days. It also made me super hungry, and it was harder for me to maintain my weight, but it was tolerable. EXACTLY one year after getting it placed, the horrible anxiety and intrusive thoughts started. It was completely debilitating. The pill did this to me as well, but not nearly as severe. I was diagnosed with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder at a young age, but it has always been very minor and tolerable unless I'm on birth control. Because of my pre-existing conditions, I suppose I could be more 'at risk' for a negative reaction to hormonal birth control, but I have seen plenty of reviews stating similar side effects to mine, and these women said they had no previous history of any anxiety disorder. Not worth it!"

• Anonymous
• September 7, 2009

For Birth Control "The only reason I give this a one is because it is effective. However, I have constant headaches, acne, mood swings, weight gain (over 40 lbs!), and the most important thing is absolutely no sex drive!"

• lee...
• January 3, 2014

For Birth Control "Insertion was virtually painless. I've had it for almost 5 months, and I hardly notice it. No weight gain or loss (I was really hoping to gain weight from it since I'm very skinny). I'd assume the people complaining of weight gain probably produce a lot of estrogen in general - but I'm not a doctor, so don't take my word for it. No mood swings, no headaches. I still get my period somewhat regularly, however, it's longer by a week or two but lighter. I hardly notice it, my period symptoms have also lightened up a bit (less pimples, less cramps, less attitude). I would recommend this to anyone."

• Bri...
• March 4, 2014

For Birth Control "I got my Nexplanon in October 2013. My first period was normal, 7 days very light. My second period was about 3 days real light. And my third was a week light as well, then, 2 weeks after, I spotted for a week. Symptoms I have noticed are acne, I've never had such oily hair and skin before, and also some weight gain. I love Nexplanon because I always forgot my pill. I would recommend every girl to get it."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 13, 2020

For Birth Control "I had the Nexplanon implant in December 2018, and it’s now February 2020, so just over a year. In these months, I’ve had so many problems. Acne/spots all over my body, whereas before Nexplanon, I was quite lucky and sometimes went months without ever having one spot. My periods stopped completely. I gained around 2 stone (even going to the gym didn’t seem to help), and I have an increased appetite. My moods are horrendous, I’m constantly angry. My sex drive has diminished to nothing, and when I do try to have sex, I am very dry. It’s also painful, and I have gained a cervical ectropion (not sure if it’s linked, but seems plausible) since having it in. I also get sharp pains at the insert site from time to time. The only positive I have for Nexplanon is that I haven’t been caught pregnant, so I suppose it’s doing its job in that sense. I wouldn’t recommend it if you struggle with mental health beforehand."