Etonogestrel and Bleeding: What Users Say

• Blo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 4, 2020

For Birth Control "Don't get Nexplanon put in. It's pretty effective at not getting me pregnant because I'm not having sex, as I'm on my period constantly. I've always had 7-day long periods, and now I'm bleeding heavily for months at a time. I only go a month and a half tops without my period, and then BAM. I'm bleeding for another 2 months. I am on my period more than I am not on my period. The money that I have spent on feminine products, I don't even want to talk about it. I thought it would regulate itself after a year or so, but my periods just kept getting longer. I feel at this point I'm immortal. No living creature can sit there and bleed for months on end and still be alive. I could feed a small vampire clan, and they would never even have to bite me."

• Ste...
• March 29, 2021

For Birth Control "It’s been less than four months since I got Nexplanon inserted, and I want to get it taken out. It’s done its job in preventing pregnancy, however, it has negatively impacted me both physically and mentally. I have been bleeding nonstop since I got it put in, and this has resulted in a lot of inconvenience in my life as I am always bleeding. Having already been used to tampons, my fear of getting a bacterial infection or toxic shock syndrome has increased to the point that I switched back to pads. I can’t continue like this. The first month, I was having terrible mood swings and pushing my boyfriend away. It went away for a little bit, but I have started feeling uncontrollably sad, worthless, and unhappy again. I don’t think keeping it in any longer is worth it, to be honest. It’s sad, but I’m writing this right after I finished crying for the night because I feel so sad. If you suffer from some form of anxiety and depression already, your mental state may be further negatively impacted."

• jus...
• August 4, 2009

For Birth Control "I honestly LOVE Implanon! I am a worrywart and not worrying with the monthly pregnancy scare has been fabulous. I have mood swings (but I've always been hormonal). I almost chickened out after reading online reviews, but I'm glad I didn't. No weight gain. No acne. Slight bleeding. Highly recommended by me."

• tir...
• September 27, 2010

For Birth Control "I have had the Implanon since June 8th, 2010. It was great at first, but after 4 weeks, I started bleeding and have been for nearly 3 months. It was light, and now it's bright red, and at times like a period with clotting. But it hasn't killed my sex drive or caused me to gain any weight. Just has caused constant bleeding. Has anyone else experienced this?"

• Amo...
• January 24, 2015

For Birth Control "My experience with Nexplanon was horrible and would like to share my experience, although everyone is different and what doesn't work for me might work for you or vice versa. I had the Nexplanon placed 3 months after giving birth. Before that I was happy, high sex drive (always have had high sex drive), regular periods, and overall very long life. After Nexplanon, I had non-stop bleeding, severe headaches, severe dizziness, severe lightheadedness, extreme fatigue, and severe mood swings. I felt like I was going downhill because I felt sick all the time and extreme sadness and depression. I had it removed because I no longer felt like myself and felt like I was making bad memories on what should be my most precious moments with my family."

• Sha...
• June 4, 2020

For Birth Control "PLEASE READ: Many of my friends recommended Nexplanon to me. I thought this was a wonderful idea, as I was very inconsistent on the pill (I was inconsistent). I am nearly three months into having Nexplanon, and I want to rip it out. The irregular bleeding is very light, and not an issue. Instead, it's the emotional stress. I am usually a happy-go-lucky person, and I am now so beyond depressed, can't fall asleep at night because I am profusely crying. I try to sleep throughout the day because of how sad I am, I just want to shut my mind off. My eyes are so puffy from crying. I felt borderline suicidal. I have had to start seeing a therapist, have NEVER felt this awful, depressed, guilty, paranoid, and sad in my entire life. I have no motivation. I can't get out of bed. I have even completely lost my appetite, and I throw up my food. I AM NOT EXAGGERATING. And nobody warned me about these side effects. I would never recommend this to anyone. I plan on getting it out ASAP."

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I currently have the Nexplanon bar in my left arm and am finding it horrible physically, mentally, and emotionally. The first month I woke every night at 4 a.m. dripping in sweat (in winter) and experienced hot flushes every day randomly. I’ve bled every day for the last 2 months and in the last 2 weeks have broken out in pimples. I feel completely disconnected to myself as a woman, my usual cycle has been replaced by constant irregular bleeding that leaves me irritable and moody. I’m finding myself questioning every thought/feeling/reaction because I no longer know when my hormones/cycle are affecting my moods, which is taking its toll on my mental health. My anxiety has never been worse. I have zero sex drive or desire to be touched, which is taking a huge toll on my relationship. I feel there’s a complete lack of caution from GPs when prescribing this product. I’m having it removed ASAP."

• Dod...
• June 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I have had the Nexplanon implant nearly 3 years after having my son. Initially, I noticed that I started experiencing headaches, period pains but without the periods, and I thought I could bear this. I liked the idea of not having any periods for the whole 2 years, but as soon as I started to bleed, I noticed it was irregular. I didn't like this at all and sometimes noticed some blood clots. I remember at one point I had to go to the hospital for breathlessness, tiredness, and had never experienced this before. I have noticed I continue to get chest pains, and I have had muscle aches all over my body almost every day. I have also had panic attacks too. I have also gained weight, and I don't easily do. It's due to be removed in 2 months, but I am scared to get it removed because of fear of contracting Covid-19. Lately, I have become bloated, have pain in my left lower abdomen, and my breasts are sore. I have no idea how I can get this removed without risking my health. I want it out!"

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2023

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon 3 months postpartum because I had heard horror stories of IUDs, and I'm terrible at taking the pill every day. My cousin had just got hers and said she liked it, so I went with it. Worst. Idea. Ever. The injection site was painful and bruised for 2 weeks. I could barely move my arm, and the implant gets caught on the underwire in my bra with certain movements. I've had constant bleeding for weeks on end, and I used to hardly have periods before. 3 days tops. The worst of it, though, is the anger, rage, aggression, depression, and anxiety I feel now. I thought I was going crazy. I snap at the smallest things. I can rationalize in my head that I'm being ridiculous but physically can't fight the feelings, chest pains, and aggression over things. It's getting removed tomorrow. It's not worth it. I can't live like this anymore."

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

For Birth Control "I love this birth control. I've been on the patch, the shot, and the pill. All had the same issue, when it was time for my period, they would last 2-3 weeks. Horrible. I decided to get Nexplanon. I've been on it for 10 months now. It is amazing. The doctor said there was a chance I would bleed through a little at the beginning. That wasn't the case for me. I haven't had a period since the day I got the Nexplanon put in. My face is so clear and perfect now. I did gain a little weight, I'm sure the Nexplanon had a little to do with it, or could it be all those cookies I've been eating at night? Haha. I love this birth control. If you're doubting it, don't. I doubted it for 2 years, and I'm kicking myself for waiting so long."

• Lys...
• February 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon since 11/5/14, and the whole first week, I had extreme nausea. Then I bled for 3 weeks, was okay for about a month, and now I'm back to nonstop bleeding, extreme nausea, very anxious, crying all the time, acne, and I'm just overall very unhappy and no longer myself. Having it removed next Monday, but I'm not sure I can wait."

• Suc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 12, 2014

For Birth Control "It's been a year since the implant, and my periods are constant. For the last two months, I've been bleeding nonstop. It is a very effective birth control method since there is no sex involved anyway because of the constant bleeding! I was hoping it would go away, but no such luck."

• Bea...
• February 22, 2009

For Birth Control "I have had the Implanon implant for about a month now, and not long after I got it, I have read reviews that really scared me because a lot of people had bad side effects such as non-stop bleeding and mood swings, etc. About 2 weeks after I got the implant, I had a period for about 4 days, and then I was spotting for a week after that, and then it stopped, and so far I haven't had anything. I love the fact that I don't have to take a pill every day, and when I was on the pill, I forgot to take it a lot. Luckily, I didn't get pregnant. I love this thing and recommend it to anyone who asks. Hopefully, everything stays the way it is, but so far so good. The insertion was painless, so if you want good birth control, Implanon is the way to go."

• Joj...
• March 29, 2021

For Birth Control "Don't do it. This thing should come with a health warning. I have had the implant for 6 months and have bled every day since I got it, not even light bleeding that you could live with, heavy bleeding. My mood has changed, I am normally a very positive, easy-going person. Since having this inserted, I spend most of my days crying, getting angry-I am not an angry person-and feeling suicidal, and that is scary. It has got to the point where my two kids are even asking, 'Are you okay today, mummy? Why are you crying, mummy?' I have spent days just sitting, crying, or extremely anxious. I have contacted medical services to get it removed and have been put on a waiting list. Also, I have put on over 20 lbs, considering that I haven’t been overeating, and no matter what I do, weight does not shift. My advice would be to stay clear, the implant is purely awful and just not worth it."

• Cla...
• July 22, 2009

For Birth Control "I had Implanon inserted in December 08. I have only great things to say about it! About a month after it was inserted, I had slight breakthrough bleeding for about seven days. Other than that, I haven't had any bleeding and have felt fine. No mood swings (that I am aware of). I feel great and it works great!"

• Kdu...
• October 27, 2009

For Birth Control "It's been almost a year since I got it, and I haven't gone a full week without bleeding. I have gained 15 lbs in 7 months, very depressed, moody, bad cramps, headaches, muscle aches, weakness, digestive problems. The list goes on. I thought it was all in my head, so I'm glad I found these reviews because I am now going to get it removed!"

• xoD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2014

For Birth Control "Got it in the beginning of the year. Everything was good for about a month. Then I started bleeding constantly. Haven't had a break from bleeding for about 2 months now. Spent almost as much money for pads/tampons as I did for the out-of-pocket money for the implant. Hot and cold flashes are terrible. Still have period cramps. Only thing it's done good for is preventing pregnancy, and it hasn't made me gain weight. Definitely getting it taken out, though, just so the bleeding will stop and everything will go back to normal."

• klo...
• March 20, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my Nexplanon 11/21/14, and my nonstop bleeding started in January and hasn't stopped since. First, it was heavy for one week, then light, then heavy for two weeks, now it's just spotting, and I think it's about to go off, but I can never be sure... just ready for it to go off because I'm tired of buying pads."

• Dee...
• December 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve never written a review for any medication, but I felt the need to warn other women about this birth control. I got my implant in Oct 2020, and Dec 15, I’m getting it removed. It’s been an absolute nightmare. It doesn’t come with cramps, but it’s sometimes extremely heavy and other times very light. At this point, I have no idea when it’s coming, as it literally comes every 2 or 3 days, sometimes lasting for 2 weeks. The longest one was about 16 days, which was extremely heavy. I have also been feeling depressed. I get panic attacks from the sun going down because my mood drastically declines when it gets dark. I have never experienced any of these symptoms and don’t have a history of any kind of mental health illnesses. I am afraid to be home alone due to the intrusive thoughts I’ve been having, and everyone around me has noticed I haven’t been myself. Please take caution and research this method thoroughly before getting it implanted. Wish you all health and happiness."

• Dee...
• December 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve never written a review for any medication, but I felt the need to warn other women about this birth control. I got my implant in Oct 2020, and Dec 15, I’m getting it removed. It’s been an absolute nightmare. It doesn’t come with cramps, but it’s sometimes extremely heavy and other times very light. At this point, I have no idea when it’s coming, as it literally comes every 2 or 3 days, sometimes lasting for 2 weeks. The longest one was about 16 days, which was extremely heavy. I have also been feeling depressed. I get panic attacks from the sun going down because my mood drastically declines when it gets dark. I have never experienced any of these symptoms and don’t have a history of any kind of mental health illnesses. I am afraid to be home alone due to the intrusive thoughts I’ve been having, and everyone around me has noticed I haven’t been myself. Please take caution and research this method thoroughly before getting it implanted. Wish you all health and happiness."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2014

For Birth Control "I got this in July. I started my regular period when I got it inserted, and my period escalated to soaking through a pad every 10 minutes. I took birth control pills to fix this. I bled for 2 months straight like a normal period. Now I always am spotting, some days heavy flow. I usually always feel crampy now. I gained 10 pounds within two weeks of having this, all in my stomach. I always have migraines. I get more pimples and am always tired. I randomly get sad and angry for no reason. Also, my sex drive has been slowly but surely diminishing. I am keeping it only because it's keeping me baby-free."

• Cat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 3, 2020

For Birth Control "After using the Nexplanon for almost a year (October 2019 - September 2020), I can say that overall I did not have many side effect symptoms other than bleeding for weeks at a time. It was frustrating to wake up every morning and see that I was still bleeding. Not only that, but the time between my periods was only 2-3 weeks. I never had a normal period on the Nexplanon and my friend who also had the implant felt the same, she bled for a year straight while my cycle would be 24 days at the least. It was very irregular within those days as well, some days would be heavy, some would be light, some days I would be bloated and have cramps, and some I would have headaches and back pain. It was all very unpredictable. After having my period for 36 days straight twice in a row, I decided my frustration was unbearable. I had to take out my Nexplanon. Though it was a very effective form of birth control, I could not take the periods any longer."

• Per...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 7, 2020

For Birth Control "Do not put your bodies through this, ladies. It might sound good, but it made me bleed nonstop for 4 months long. It’s horrible. I gained 20 lbs. It increased my appetite. I just feel hungry all the time and never satisfied. I have had it for 10 months. Can’t wait to have it removed and have my natural cycles back. The side effects are not worth it. I also felt depressed all the time on Nexplanon, and it gives me random hot flushes and headaches. I’ve noticed I break out in acne since having it."

• BBa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I am 21 years old and have had Nexplanon for about 6 months now, and I HATE IT. I need to get it out of me ASAP! I've been bleeding for 5 months straight, and on top of that, I've turned into one crazy woman. I've become so, so, so depressed, I cry almost every day. It's crazy how that little thing in your arm can change you entirely. I feel like I've lost myself. Do not get this birth control!!"

• Ali...
• January 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I got Implanon on August 6th, 2013. Soon after, I noticed non-stop bleeding and mood swings. I cried very often and also ended a relationship. I went through depression, anxiety, and had serious headaches. I haven't quit bleeding for more than a week since I've been on it. I don't recommend it to anyone under 18."