Etonogestrel and Bleeding: What Users Say (Page 3)

• blo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2014

For Birth Control "I chose to change from Yaz to Nexplanon because I wanted something new and easy. I had normal cycles until I started the implant. I bled for 30 days, then stopped for about a week. My ovaries hurt, my breasts hurt, I have gained about 15 pounds in 2 months, constant headaches, and absolutely no sex drive. Even cuddling and knowing what he wants next is dreadful. Do not get it. I want this out. Obviously, it does its job with no babies because you bleed too often."

• mja...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 3, 2020

For Birth Control "I have had Nexplanon for almost two years now. I did not have a period that whole time and have not noticed any side effects that I attribute to the birth control. Just within the last couple of weeks, though, my boobs got very sore, and then today I started bleeding some. I'm thinking that maybe it's because the amount of hormone that it is releasing is decreasing? I'm not sure, but I'm gonna wait it out and see. I might just need to get it changed out."

• Anonymous
• December 6, 2010

For Birth Control "I got the Implanon late 2009, now December 2010, I'm debating if I want it removed. I thought this was going to be nice. A friend of mine warned me the worst was yet to come. A few months after getting it put in, I experienced weight gain. I'm still dealing with this unexplainable fatigue, and I've acquired a thyroid issue, as well as the nonstop bleeding, almost no sex drive, and I'm only 21. I don't know how much longer I can deal with feeling a wreck, but I have not been pregnant, and that's the only thing keeping me on this birth control."

• Nik...
• June 3, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had this since March of 2010, and at first, it was great. I had a period maybe every other month, sometimes they would last for a week or a little longer, sometimes they would be shorter. Now, after 2 years, I've been bleeding for about a month, and it is heavy. No pregnancies, but I feel like I am. I've had crazy mood swings, sometimes I'm super hungry, and sometimes I can't eat, and I feel like I'm always tired. Thinking about taking it out."

• Swi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 23, 2023

For Birth Control "After being on Nexplanon for two years, I began experiencing severe anxiety, paranoia, and obsessive thoughts about a year ago. It has been an incredibly difficult experience, and I couldn't understand what was happening to me. I had intense nightmares, a fast heart rate, and uncontrollable panic attacks. Prior to this, I had never experienced any mental health issues, which made it all the more terrifying. Additionally, I experienced constant bleeding and irregular periods, sometimes bleeding for months on end or having a period twice a month. The pain was excruciating and caused me to cry and vomit. Furthermore, I developed multiple cysts. After randomly researching the effects of Nexplanon, I stumbled upon numerous reviews that described precisely what I had gone through. It was a relief to learn that I wasn't alone, and I immediately scheduled an appointment to have the implant removed. I advise against getting this implant, as it's not worth the damage it can cause."

• Ano...
• April 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon inserted 6 weeks after giving birth to my daughter. I was 148 lbs at the time, still losing weight from my pregnancy. I reached an all-time high of 175 lbs on Nexplanon. Extreme bloating. I even wondered myself if I was pregnant. I had severe mood swings, increased anxiety (it honestly became uncontrollable), always hungry, and I overate daily. I felt so tired I didn't enjoy doing anything like I used to. I got to the point where I didn't even feel like myself. I bled all the time: 3 weeks on, 1 week off, and even 6 weeks at a time. I had it for a year before deciding to have it removed, now it's been a week since I had it removed. Please research before choosing this b/c option, it does prevent pregnancy at a price!"

• ypa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 16, 2014

For Birth Control "I gave it a 2 because I never got pregnant on it. After much research, I decided Implanon was my best bet since I wouldn't have insurance anymore. The first couple of months were good until I got a period that never ended. After 2 months of bleeding, I got on birth control pills to regulate my period. I was good for 2 months, then started the bleeding again. I basically had my period for 3-4 weeks, then spotted for 2, and if I was lucky, had 2 weeks period-free. I gained about 20 pounds in the first 3 months, which I could not lose no matter what I did. Mood swings were awful, at one point, I was depressed. My skin got bumpy. Finally, I got insurance to take it out."

• Moo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 22, 2023

For Birth Control "I am not sure how I spent a year with this implant in my arm and did not connect it to the very high anxiety, very low mood, and high heart rate I was experiencing. It was the near-constant bleeding that switched on 8 months in that nearly drove me over the edge with constant dehydration, lethargy, dizziness, and irritability. 5 days after having it out and replaced by the Depo injection, I feel worlds better. Negative mental health and anxiety are not a rare side effect, and the packaging needs to be changed to reflect this. Also, 1 in 5 patients in my registered practice are now reported to have near-constant bleeding with only 1 week off, according to my GP. If more knew that, I bet they wouldn’t consider this option, as it destroys your everyday life and well-being. If this is your experience, get it out and try another method."

• Cap...
• April 22, 2023

For Birth Control "I have tried a few different birth controls, and I like Nexplanon the best. Birth control pills always gave me terrible mood swings and the worst attitude. The NuvaRing made me bleed for 5 months straight, and I am not able to have an IUD placed. The Depo injection was awesome, but my doctor only recommended it for 2 years. Nexplanon got rid of my period for 2 years, but in year 3, it has returned, though more manageable than without. I would use this form of birth control again."

• jay...
• March 7, 2021

For Birth Control "I started getting terrible side effects. Ridiculous mood swings, rage, social anxiety (I'm usually a social butterfly), depression, suicidal thoughts. I got a period/bleeding/spotting for 30 days straight, constantly exhausted, fatigued, lost my sex drive, very constipated and bloated, nausea. Because of the way I was reacting, I at times thought I was pregnant, so add in constant pregnancy scares. Hair was shedding like crazy. I have now fallen out of love with my boyfriend, I am unsure if this relationship will survive. He has been nothing but absolutely supportive and caring, but I've tried to break up with him at least 6 times in the last 2 months. I got the implant out after 3 months and now am on nothing. Everyone is different, trust your body and gut. Nothing says 'effective birth control' better than being super gassy, bloated and constantly cramping from not being able to poop around your new significant other, lol – can't get pregnant if you don't want to have sex, lol."

• Mor...
• December 19, 2015

For Birth Control "Okay, so I got the implant for two reasons: I was terrible at remembering to take birth control, and my menstrual cycle every month used to be awful (heavy bleeding, terrible cramps, vomiting, and headaches). I absolutely love Implanon. My monthly symptoms stopped, and I only bled three times this past year for only a few days. I can't speak highly enough of this! It stopped my mood swings caused by hormones, and this past year has been amazing. I was so worried about getting it because there are some bad reviews of this. I was worried about weight gain, mood swings, and breakouts because I used to have severe acne. I did not experience any of those symptoms."

• I...
• January 24, 2020

For Birth Control "I got the implant January 15th, 2019. The first couple of months were fine, insertion was a breeze, no periods for the first couple of months. Out of nowhere, I started bleeding with maybe a three-day break in between. It would range from spotting to very heavy bleeding. I also have anxiety and depression, my seasonal depression being the worst. My doctor put me on the same antidepressants I’ve used for years, and I started feeling extremely suicidal. I thought it was because we were trying medication for my ADHD for the first time in years. But I’m convinced it’s this dangerously stupid thing in my arm. I have zero sex drive, I feel like I hate everything around me, everything and everyone annoys me or frustrates me, I’m exhausted all the time, zero motivation, very little feelings of my usual bubbly, happy self. I so can’t wait to get this thing out. If I could give a negative amount of stars, I would. This will be taken out no later than the end of February."

• Hyd...
• November 15, 2013

For Birth Control "I got my Implanon in May 2011 after my son was born. I didn't have a period for a month after that like normal. Then the spontaneous bleeding began (like I expected, the doctor told me it would happen), but then 2 months passed, then 3, then 6! With almost constant bleeding, I called my doctor, and she said to give it 6 more months, and at the year mark, my periods would stop altogether. That day came and went, but the problem continued. Along with that, I have had a nonexistent sex drive, severe weight gain, acne, depression, anxiety, hormonal issues, and hair loss, getting it out in 2 hours!"

• des...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2022

For Birth Control "I can't stress enough how hard the last four months have been since the implant insertion. Mood swings, sadness, fear, no sex drive, sex is literally an irritable experience, no sleep, constantly tired, can't make me leave the house, thrush, constant bleeding, over a stone weight gain. I am having it removed tomorrow, I wish I could have ripped it out myself earlier. My life is so miserable that the lively, happy, active person feels like I have been imagining her. I wish someone had told me this earlier. I feel doctors and nurses are aware of these problems and yet still using and offering it. Don't do it, not sure how I will go back to my old weight and life, but God help."

• Dar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had the Nexplanon for about four months. It was annoying for a good month and a half, almost two, from constant bleeding and spotting. But after that, I have not had a period. It's great, only now I sometimes realize it gets itchy, but then the urge to itch goes away. Would definitely recommend to others. If having the bleeding and spotting for long times, I would hang in there. It gets better, just have to wait it out."

• Hea...
• January 2, 2015

For Birth Control "The first few months I loved it! Then I started bleeding for weeks, then it would stop for a few days and come right back. I always have cramps and feel bloated. I have gained 25 lbs! Now I have to be double birth controlled."

• Pea...
• May 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m getting it removed tomorrow. Nearly 5 months of non-stop blood. I was prescribed a birth control pill on top of this to help stop the bleeding, and it stopped it for a while but made my placebo bleeding much worse (can’t take continuous active pills without breakthrough bleeding). I passed a decidual cast in April. It was only 2 weeks that I experienced no bleeding without the pill. I bled lightly the entire time I was on the active pill, and I got off a week ago. This morning, I soaked through a regular tampon in 15 minutes, passed a quarter-sized blood clot, and now I’m sitting on the couch with a tampon and a pad praying that I can go work tonight. I’m only rating it a 2 because I had sex ONCE and didn’t get pregnant. My periods were regular before this, and I can’t wait to either get on the pill alone or go off BC. I’ve completely lost my sex drive... sex without a condom isn’t worth it. PLEASE READ: I read through all of these negative reviews when I got it and thought it wouldn’t happen to me. It did. LISTEN to these women."

• Pea...
• May 31, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m getting it removed tomorrow. Nearly 5 months of non-stop blood. I was prescribed a birth control pill on top of this to help stop the bleeding, and it stopped it for a while but made my placebo bleeding much worse (can’t take continuous active pills without breakthrough bleeding). I passed a decidual cast in April. It was only 2 weeks that I experienced no bleeding without the pill. I bled lightly the entire time I was on the active pill, and I got off a week ago. This morning, I soaked through a regular tampon in 15 minutes, passed a quarter-sized blood clot, and now I’m sitting on the couch with a tampon and a pad praying that I can go work tonight. I’m only rating it a 2 because I had sex ONCE and didn’t get pregnant. My periods were regular before this, and I can’t wait to either get on the pill alone or go off BC. I’ve completely lost my sex drive... sex without a condom isn’t worth it. PLEASE READ: I read through all of these negative reviews when I got it and thought it wouldn’t happen to me. It did. LISTEN to these women."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2012

For Birth Control "I got my Nexplanon inserted on 04/12/2012, which was day 3 of my cycle. Bleeding stopped 2 hours after insertion. I have had some unpredictable bleeding, mostly waking up bleeding, and then by the end of the day, there would be nothing. I have had no other side effects, and since hitting the three-month mark, I haven't had any bleeding. I'm very happy with it. I was worried about my weight being an issue, as I am very overweight, but my OB assured me it would not be a problem."

• Kek...
• February 24, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon for a little over a year now, and I have not stopped bleeding since. I'm not having full periods, but I'm constantly spotting throughout the day. I guess you can say it's an effective birth control due to the bleeding every day, I CAN'T HAVE SEX. The implant does sometimes cause pain at the insertion area and lower back pain. I sometimes experience horrible migraines, and I'm constantly tired and extremely moody."

• Syd...
• April 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I am getting this removed as soon as possible. I have only had it in for a few weeks now, but I just cannot handle what it is doing to me. I am having massive anxiety and depression. It's literally driving me nuts. As I read other women's reviews, I see other side effects such as weight gain and nonstop bleeding, and I know that's something I do not want to experience either."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2022

For Birth Control "I got this implant a few weeks ago, and after 3 days, I experienced a serious mood swing, which then became an underlying depressed mood. For the next few weeks, my anxiety got so bad I could barely eat. My mood swings became absolutely crazy, and I became suicidal. I have had problems with anxiety in the past, but this made it a million times worse. I cry about everything, I am scared to be alone with my thoughts, I can barely recognize myself. I have been so rude to everyone around me and pushed everyone away. It has interfered with my relationships, mainly with my partner. I quickly decided that I did not want to keep it in any longer, and I got it out. I only had it in for around 3 weeks, and I felt its impact on my mental health. I hope that removing it will improve my mental health and I'll be myself soon. I forgot to say that I was constantly bleeding too, why would I want to be permanently bleeding while on birth control? I don't recommend the implant at all."

• Abb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 27, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had Implanon since December 2011. I am getting it replaced in a few days. The first 2 years, I didn't have problems with it. My periods weren't crazy. I think I had it about every 3 months for 3-4 days of normal bleeding. However, for the past few months, I have had it every 2 weeks, like clockwork, with heavy bleeding. My doctor told me it is just because when it runs out, it runs out and my hormones are just out of whack. I have gained weight (10 lbs in 3 years), but I'm not blaming that completely on birth control. I'm in dental school and quite stressed. For those who say they have gained 20-30 lbs on this, there is no way hormones ALONE cause that much weight gain, other factors are in play there."

• App...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 21, 2019

For Birth Control "It is not worth it. Nexplanon has severely inhibited my life. For starters, the periods! I have been on this for about 10 months now. I have been constantly on my period since I got it in with no signs of stopping, only small (like one or two-day) breaks every month or so. I got the birth control so I could have sex, and now I feel like I can’t! The bleeding is so heavy. Loss of sex drive. Seriously. Anxiety and depression to the max. I can’t sleep because I imagine everyone I love dying. I cry when my husband leaves the house because I’m scared he will die in an accident. I get angry over stupid things and start to hate people when I used to pride myself on being kind. My husband begged me to remove the implant because the mood swings and anxiety were so bad. Weight gain. A lot of it. I’ve never struggled with my weight before. Now with the Nexplanon, I have gained 50 pounds with exercise and dieting, and the scale keeps going up no matter what I do - it’s hopeless."

• Dre...
• October 31, 2014

For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon implanted on 9-25-14. I didn't have a period for maybe the first 5 days after. Then I started to bleed very heavily, which lasted for 2 weeks, subsided lightly, then when my partner and I tried intercourse, it came back and now has been on ever since. Getting it taken out next month. I miss sex a lot! Don't recommend it, but everyone is different."