Etonogestrel and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 3)

• KKa...
• February 12, 2020

For Birth Control "The first 7 months everything was fine, no bleeding or spotting. Then I started to have abdominal pain. I complained, but the doctors said it was normal to have slight cramping sometimes. Then the cramps started to become so severe. It felt like labor cramps at times. I was in and out of my OB-GYN offices and the hospital for the pain. Finally, I had an ultrasound done, and my uterine lining had become so thick. They scheduled an appointment to go in and clean it out. But before they could do that procedure, I made them remove it. That was on a Friday, the next day, the cramps had already eased up. That following Wednesday, I was at work and felt like I was in labor. On my way home, I felt a big gush as if my water had broken. Come to find out it wasn't water, it was blood. It was all of my backed-up uterine lining from not getting my period for a year. It was the worst experience of my life. It was almost exactly a year to date when I had it removed too."

• Jc9...
• June 7, 2017

For Birth Control "The Nexplanon is plain awful. I'm on my third year, a month from getting it taken out (I've been begging my doc to take it out for a year now and just got OK'd). The first year of it, my period was nuts, either no period or a month-long period, slight weight gain but nothing terrible. Second year, mood swings like crazy, weight gain, and acne. Third year has been the worst. I have no acne, constant mood swings, severe depression despite my life going well, can't stop gaining weight (130 lb before, 185 lb now), bloating, cramps are so bad I've had to miss work. I have acne on my back and face and weird hair growth. I'm growing inch-long black facial hairs on my chin, and I'm a blonde who used to have like no body hair. This birth control has made me suicidal at times."

• Jes...
• April 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I currently have Nexplanon. I've had it for over a year now, and I'm not a big fan of it. I like how I don't have to remember to take a pill, but I absolutely hate the prolonged periods... I'll have a period for 2-3 weeks straight, stop for 2-4 days, and start back up again. The doctor said it would take a year for my body to regulate, but it's actually worse because the current period I'm on has lasted almost a month! And I have bad cramping with it. The whole point of birth control is to be able to be intimate with my S/O, and I can't when I'm constantly bleeding. Plus, it's caused me to be short-tempered and has made my sex drive go down a lot. Thinking of having it removed and trying something else."

• Cou...
• November 13, 2013

For Birth Control "The Implanon worked great for me. Kept my periods regular for about 6 months, then they started slowing down. After the first year, my periods completely stopped! I didn't gain any weight. I get cramps once in a while, but that's about it, and I never once got pregnant on it! I would so recommend this to someone! I love it."

• C3n...
• November 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had no mood swings, no weight gain, no acne. It has certainly prevented pregnancy. However, I have had a full period lasting more than 7 days every other week for the past 6 months. I spend almost half my month bleeding. I don't get cramps, but my periods are heavier than before. It's getting to the point where I'm thinking about getting it taken out."

• Mrs...
• January 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Nexplanon for 3 months now. Two weeks after the insertion, instead of a period, I spotted for 2 weeks and had mild cramps, but nothing too bad. After the spotting was over, it has been a blessing. I worry less about pregnancy, and so far, no period, no weight gain, no acne. Don't knock it till you try it."

• k12...
• March 18, 2016

For Birth Control "For me, I'm happy with having the Nexplanon. There are a lot of negative reviews about it, but it affects everyone differently! I haven't had a period since I've had it, and it's almost been a year. I do get random cramps from time to time, but that's because I also have ovarian cysts, which this can cause, but I've had them way before I decided to get on it. I haven't gotten pregnant while on this, so that's a plus. But I have had a smooth ride with this birth control so far! No weight gain, no period, barely any cramps. But this does change the lining of your uterus to have a lot more mucus, and that does sort of spot out from time to time. It's not horrible, but definitely a little weird. Like I said, though, it affects everyone differently!"

• lul...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 6, 2020

For Birth Control "So I’ve been on Nexplanon for just over 2 years, and I’m now thinking of getting it removed. The first year and a half were amazing, I didn’t bleed, no mood swings, and I basically forgot I had it altogether, so it was definitely worth it. However, over the last 6 months, I have had insane mood swings, and as an already anxious person, it’s been really awful. I spoke to my GP and got put on the pill alongside my implant nonstop for 3 months, which seemed to help while I was on it. As soon as I had my first period after this, it was ridiculously painful, and my mood swings were out of control. I’d hoped the pill would stabilize everything, but it was only temporary, so for my mental health, I’m getting it removed. Even though the last 6 months haven’t been great, I really recommend Nexplanon, it was fab for quite a while, and if the pill isn’t a great fit for you, this is the way to go. I’m thinking I’ll get mine replaced early as it has been so good."

• Sar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 10, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been taking Implanon since January 2012. The first 2 years it was wonderful. No pregnancy, I actually lost weight. I had a monthly 'period' which consisted of minimal cramping and being moody, yet no bleeding. On the 3rd year though, during mid-February, I started having a period. It is now the beginning of April and I have had 4 periods lasting a week each! I cannot deal with having a period after not having one for over 2 years! I love Implanon, but if I'm going to continue having a period every week or two, I might consider something else or replacing it earlier than the 3-year mark if possible."

• Ivo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 10, 2016

For Birth Control "My first experience was in April of 2011 with the implant Implanon. The first few months were the hardest. I was depressed for about six months and had severe mood swings. I refused to take any medications such as antidepressants and relied on my friends and family for support. The first year I only got my period twice. The second year just one time, and my third year I didn't get one. I randomly get cramps but no period. I have also randomly experienced headaches, backaches, sore nipples, brownish discharge, and nausea. I am sexually active with my husband. We do not use protection (condoms), and let me tell you, it is VERY effective! I am going on my second year with Nexplanon with a total of five years with this particular birth control."

• ano...
• August 24, 2010

For Birth Control "I had it since March 2009. I was breastfeeding, and it was great. Until I stopped breastfeeding in June 2010. Since then, I have been on my period. Super bad bleeding with the worst cramps ever or spotting still with cramps. NO SEX drive at all. I'm mad all the time at someone for doing anything. Always feeling sad. Feeling that I'm sick all the time, and my tummy hurts. I'm always sleepy. I HAD great skin, now not so much. I'm getting it out as soon as possible. No more for me."

• iri...
• March 2, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on Nexplanon for a year. I have not had a period during that time. I occasionally get cramps, but that's it. Overall, it was a miracle for me. I used to suffer from ovarian cysts and heavy periods. It also supported my road warrior lifestyle, which was difficult with the pill."

• Jor...
• April 18, 2016

For Birth Control "The only good thing about Nexplanon is the convenience. This birth control gave me horrible acne on my jaw, my back, and my chest. I have never struggled with back acne, but after being on this birth control, I now have scars on my back from the acne being so bad. My jaw acne is horrible. The only relief I will find is taking the implant out, which is happening very soon. I have struggled with cramps constantly and finally got a HORRIBLE period that lasted for two weeks after the first year. I have horrible mood swings and anxiety on this. I have gained 18 pounds, and I've never had a problem with weight. I don't recommend this at all. I am so happy to be going back to pills."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I thought it was great the first two and a half years. No period at all, which worried me at first (I spent a lot of money on pregnancy tests), but I never got pregnant. I did have a lot of headaches, and I kind of felt pregnant sometimes (sore breasts, cramping, fatigue, nausea). The last six months was hell, though. Had an ectopic pregnancy, which was caught early. Four months later, I got pregnant again and had a miscarriage. I wasn't aware that I was pregnant, though, I took a test, and it was negative right before I miscarried. I got it out and had a new one put in. The first three months I spotted nonstop, and I've had horrible anxiety problems and depression. I had sinus problems for an entire month. I'm definitely getting it out now."

• Nat...
• March 4, 2019

For Birth Control "In a week, I will complete 2 years with Nexplanon. I have to say I thought I was delusional with the side effects I have had. I got my implant March 11, 2017. In the beginning, I was spotting for a month, and after, I barely got periods, and if I didn’t, I’d get your usual 5-7 day bleeding, very average till I reached a year and two months. I started bleeding for 3-4 weeks at a time with days in between. The cramps are painful. My periods are extremely heavy throughout the whole time. In addition, I have gained over 25 pounds since I got it inserted. My anxiety has been intense, but I not once thought it would be my implant. Now, reading these reviews, I see I’m not alone. I am calling my gyn ASAP to get this HORRIBLE thing out of my body! Initially, I was not going to comment, but these reviews helped me to learn I needed a second, third, & fourth person to tell me they felt what I have been feeling, and now I hope I can do the same for someone else. I DO NOT RECOMMEND EVER!"

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2017

For Birth Control "So far, I have been on this birth control about 2 months. Noticing strong mood swings to the point I'm verbally abusing my kids by using swear words constantly. I have no patience at all. Broke down crying tonight, trying to figure out what was wrong with me and why I was so on edge and impatient with my babies. Then I remembered the implant, and maybe it's causing me to have extreme mood swings. Also, slight cramping that never really goes away. I've been eating like a pig, and my teenage acne days are upon me again. This is my first time ever using birth control. Really sucks, I was thinking birth control would be a walk in the park, but so far it's causing me to become a mad woman."

• Fly...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 14, 2020

For Birth Control "I have had the Nexplanon since 2011, and I actually like it a lot. Prior to Nexplanon, I had very irregular periods (sometimes 2-3 weeks at a time) and extremely bad cramps, which required me to take prescription pain medication. Now, I have a period maybe 3-4 times a year, extremely light (I can wear a panty liner the entire time) and slight cramping on day 1. I haven't experienced any weight gain. I will say that my emotions are affected by the Nexplanon - when I am sad, I can get extremely sad, cry a lot, and stay in the slumps until I realize it, and not to mention, I can get very upset and go from 1 to 100 in like 10 seconds, as opposed to being on a more even keel prior to Nexplanon. But overall, I really enjoy it, and I have an appointment for my 3rd implant this week. :-)"

• Fly...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 14, 2020

For Birth Control "I have had the Nexplanon since 2011, and I actually like it a lot. Prior to Nexplanon, I had very irregular periods (sometimes 2-3 weeks at a time) and extremely bad cramps, which required me to take prescription pain medication. Now, I have a period maybe 3-4 times a year, extremely light (I can wear a panty liner the entire time) and slight cramping on day 1. I haven't experienced any weight gain. I will say that my emotions are affected by the Nexplanon - when I am sad, I can get extremely sad, cry a lot, and stay in the slumps until I realize it, and not to mention, I can get very upset and go from 1 to 100 in like 10 seconds, as opposed to being on a more even keel prior to Nexplanon. But overall, I really enjoy it, and I have an appointment for my 3rd implant this week. :-)"

• Cra...
• March 29, 2017

For Birth Control "I highly recommend this BC. Not only is it a super convenient option for those of us that can't seem to take a pill at the same time every day, it has also helped regulate my cycle. Pills make me nauseous. I don't like needles, so depo is not gonna happen. I tried an IUD and loved it for the fact that I only got a period every 3 mo, and it was super light, but it shifted somehow, and I had a bad experience in the removal process. I got my third Nexplanon implant yesterday and swear by them. Stopped after my first to have another child and have been doing well for the 6 years. No crazy bleeding patterns, helped monumentally with my moodiness and cramping. This thing is the best. Totally worth the fact that my arm hurts for a day after insertion."

• Noh...
• February 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon inserted in my arm in March 2015, two days after my period ended, and I love it. I haven't gotten my period since then, I don't bloat, no headaches, and no cramps. I haven't gained weight with this implant either. Everybody is different, so don't base your judgment of this on one bad review or one good review. It takes 10 seconds to insert and remove, so try it, and if it doesn't work well with your body, remove it. I personally love it, and it lasts 3 years."

• Aes...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 11, 2018

For Birth Control "For birth control, it works AMAZING at preventing pregnancy, but the garbage it comes with is not worth it. I struggle to remember taking the pill, and this implant seemed much better than IUD insertion. I got it put in, all seems well, and I get my period on time. But the period never goes away, and it's a downward spiral from there. I kid you not, I bled heavily for 7 months straight, nonstop, and suffered greatly because of it. My depression became horrible, chronically fatigued all the time, painful cramps, frequent dizzy spells, and I developed a slight iron deficiency from losing iron from so much bleeding, to the point where I had to go to the ER from almost blacking out. Do not get this product. I was an idiot who ignored the reviews and stories, thinking I’d somehow be different. Don’t make the same mistake I did."

• Tea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 19, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon for two years this month. As soon as I had it inserted, I haven't had a period for two years. No spotting either. No acne and no weight gain. (Of course, I'm a P90X student also). But yesterday my first period in two years started. I sure hope it doesn't last long because this will be the first one I've had. And my cramps are awful this time. And, of course, no period for two years I had to run out and buy tampons right away. But I do recommend it."

• ksk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2017

For Birth Control "8 weeks since getting Nexplanon: My experience has been positive. Insertion pain was minimal and mostly centered around the needle used to inject the medicine that numbs your arm. There was a bit of bruising for a week or so after insertion, but since it has healed, I haven't felt a thing. No acne, no weight gain (well, there is weight gain, but it is from diet!), no mood swings, and NO PREGNANCY. My first period was a bit longer but way less crampy. For me, it has been a dream, and I absolutely love it."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 6, 2014

For Birth Control "I bled for 3 months straight on the Nexplanon. I asked my doctor to remove it several times, and she kept urging me to wait a little while longer. Several weeks later, my bleeding stopped. Two weeks later, it started again with heavy bleeding and cramping. Not liking it."

• ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon in August, so it’s been almost 5 months, and my experience hasn’t been too bad. I got it while I was on my period, it ended early right after I got Nexplanon put in. I didn’t have it for a while, then I started a cycle of bleeding: 28 days, 10 days off, for two months. Didn’t get it at all last month, now I’m on a regular normal schedule of 28 days off, 5 days on. It is super weird, helped with cramps, not pregnant, didn’t gain that much weight, probably like 4 pounds, but I recommend. I get aura migraines, but ever since I’ve had Nexplanon, I haven’t had any. Everybody is different, but I guess I got lucky. Take care!!"