Etonogestrel and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Tam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 3, 2015

For Birth Control "I first got the implant when it was called Implanon from 02/2012-02/2015. That experience was great. Hardly any periods. Did gain weight, but I didn't really care because I have horrible, long, painful periods. Anyway, I got it replaced, and my OB-GYN told me that Nexplanon was the new name and 'a little different.' My periods came back and with a vengeance. I have constant weeks of excruciating cramping with maybe 2-day breaks in between. It drives my boyfriend insane, of course. I'm debating on taking it out, but it has kept me from getting pregnant. Literally the ONLY perk."

• Bab...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I got it in October of 2012. I am getting it out in about two weeks. Being on this birth control was the best for me. It stopped my period until last week. I am so getting it again, and I don't have cramps or any bloating when I get my period, also not heavy."

• Aan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 10, 2019

For Birth Control "When I first got the Nexplanon, I was very emotional, had major headaches, and horrible acne like never before. I went through a deep depression with non-stop outbursts. Although it did help my painful periods, I constantly bled non-stop for about 7 months. The good thing is I don’t have periods anymore, but I still spot every now and then. I’ve now had it for almost 2 years and am thinking about removing it because I’ve gained 30 pounds even with working out and trying to cut down on eating too much. I also have cramps out of nowhere every blue moon, but the headaches and fatigue have been going on ever since. I probably wouldn’t recommend this to anyone."

• 319...
• July 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I have only been on it for a month, and I have already gained 10 pounds. I've been the same weight for the past three years, and this is the only thing I am doing differently. I am always spotting, and if I'm not spotting, it's because I am having a 10-day period with the worst cramps known to man. I have never had acne ever, and now I'm breaking out like crazy. With the weight gain, constant spotting/period, and acne, it's safe to say I'm super moody, self-conscious, and going nuts because of it. I'm getting it removed tomorrow morning."

• Ama...
• February 20, 2017

For Birth Control "I've been on Nexplanon for about 5 years now, I'm 20. Yes, I had this method of contraception at the age of 15. I can say I am still bittersweet with this birth control. My sex drive is almost non-existent, and my mood has hit an all-time low. I never experienced any weight issues, but the fact that it exaggerated my anxiety and depression, I never want to eat or get up and be a part of the world. I've never been pregnant, so I guess it does its job, however, when my body does send the message to me that I'm not pregnant (my period), I'm bleeding for 2 weeks, sometimes more. I used to have 4-day periods and would never experience cramps. Now I feel like my uterus is being pulled out of my vagina day in and day out, and that's before the bleeding."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2021

For Birth Control "I had the implant removed after 5 months. I have bled constantly for the last 4 months, with on-and-off heavy bleeding every single day, painful cramps, and passing clots on and off. I had the implant put in to try to treat my very heavy periods and severe anemia. I started to feel really exhausted in the last few weeks and decided to have it removed. The doctor mentioned the bleeding has a good chance of settling down at the 6-month mark, but I didn't see that happening for me. I was just so exhausted, and it defeated the purpose for me."

• Ali...
• August 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had Nexplanon since December 2013, and I've put on 90 pounds. I have had terrible mood swings, more severe anxiety, depression, sleep problems, migraines, super sweaty, abdominal swelling, and far worse cramps than without, and my breasts actually grew even bigger, which is actually not good. And to top it off, I'm almost constantly on my period. It sucks. I'm not pregnant, and that's great, but bleeding constantly isn't my ideal. I'd rather not have sex than use this birth control!"

• Sha...
• January 10, 2016

For Birth Control "I have had this birth control for a year and a half, and I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I ever made. When I first got it, my arm bruised really badly, which was expected. I had problems with acne in the beginning, but for my first time ever using hormonal birth control, and having really acne-prone skin, that was expected. I also did gain a little weight (like 5 pounds), but it was probably due to a stressful lifestyle and not-so-healthy eating choices. And the best thing, I haven't gotten my period since before I got this. Every now and then, I get slight cramping like I am going to get my period, but I never actually get it, just slight spotting every 6 months or so for about a day, but that is it."

• K-m...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I got my first Nexplanon right after my son was born; that was over 17 years ago now. Over the years, I have had very little bleeding, although I do get the symptoms of a period (mild cramps, tender breasts, and overemotional at times). I'm due for a new implant in a couple of weeks, but I'm considering not taking anything to see how my body reacts and regulates itself. I've noticed recently that it's much harder to keep weight off, and my moods have been up and down this past couple of years. But I think this may be due to my age and change in lifestyle rather than the Nexplanon. I'd suggest giving it a year to properly settle in, and if after that you don't like it, try something else. It's seen me well over the years ;-)"

• aug...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 12, 2014

For Birth Control "I had Implanon inserted in May of 2012. Once it was inserted, I continued to have a period for 6 months non-stop, which caused some other issues. Once that stopped, I had periods for two weeks, and then would be off for two weeks, and then back on. This went on for a year. Now they come and go as they please. One thing that I've had a hard time dealing with, though, is the weight gain. I gained 10 lbs in just one year, and during this second year, I have gained 5 more lbs. I have never in my life had an issue with weight (gaining or losing), but this has been it for me. It has also given me extremely painful periods. It HAS done its job in preventing pregnancy, though! Which I am pleased with!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 2, 2017

For Birth Control "My periods have been horrible, extremely bloody, 2 weeks at a time, heavy flow. Was told it was normal, also keep getting cysts. Extreme cramps, sick all the time. Tired all the time, had it for 3 years, getting it out next week. Had to fight with them that I want it gone. Want something else, also was told doctors are removing it because of issues, should be taken out ASAP. But they won't believe me. This has happened with Yaz, most places still sold it, provided it till it was forcefully taken off the market. Get yours out ASAP. It's made my health so much worse, periods horrible, and mood swings. Weight gain is the only thing I haven't seen too much. I am 25 and weighing 123 is normal for me, I guess. But doctors lie, don't tell you everything."

• kim...
• March 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I would never recommend this birth control. I was very moody on this. I literally always cried about everything. My anxiety got 10 times worse, and I always had my period - literally for 22 days and then didn't for 5 days and then got it again for 18 days, and this would happen every month ... My boobs always hurt, and I was always very tired. My cramps got worse. I had the worst experience with this birth control."

• Paa...
• November 22, 2019

For Birth Control "I know that birth control works differently for everyone, but goodness, Nexplanon is such a nightmare for me. I'm currently 18, and before the implant, I had normal and regular periods and never really had cramps. After starting this, my period became very irregular and sometimes lasted for almost a month (one time lasting for a month and a half, stopping for a week, then starting again for another half a month). It also gave me severe cramps to the point I would sit on the floor in a ball crying. I went to the hospital once because my back was in so much pain from the cramps it hurt to even stand or walk. It also caused pretty bad mood swings. To me, it felt like the mood swings made me super depressed for periods of time and anxious about the fact that I might start having a meltdown in the middle of class. I'm giving this a 3/10 specifically because it was 'effective', it was just not a good option for me, and I'm currently just trying to stick it out till the end."

• Anonymous
• March 29, 2013

For Birth Control "I got it inserted about 3 months ago. So far, I love it! Insertion was quick and easy, not painful, but left an ugly bruise for about a week. I felt bloated for about 2 weeks after insertion, but that eventually went away. My next menstrual cycle lasted almost 2 weeks, but I have not had a period since! I do get the symptoms of being on my cycle, such as cramping and bloating, backaches, but no bleeding. I was worried about other reviews about it making them an emotional wreck, causing depression, etc. I already deal with stress, anxiety, and depression and am currently on medication for it, but it has not gotten any worse with the Nexplanon. My experience has been good so far and I would definitely recommend."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had this since mid-March, and I absolutely hate it. I'm going to get it removed this week. The side effects are horrible. I have extreme nausea every day (especially when I get up in the morning) and randomly multiple times throughout the day. It's hard for me to go to school and do normal things because I feel so sick. I've been spotting/had my period for the last 3 months, and I don't think it's stopping anytime soon. I've recently started to get back and stomach cramps every day also, which is horrible! Who wants to bleed for months straight and have bad cramps?! Definitely keeps you from getting pregnant, considering you can't have sex because of constant bleeding. I would never suggest this to anyone!"

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had problems with constant bleeding for years. I have tried every birth control option, including pills, the shot, the patch, you name it, I tried it. Nothing stopped the bleeding. Went to six different doctors looking for answers, no one could tell me why this was happening. I decided to get the implant put in a week ago. Twenty-four hours after it was put in, the bleeding stopped. No cramps, no bleeding, no worrying about it. BEST birth control option for me."

• Luc...
• August 6, 2016

For Birth Control "Pros: - No more acne, just the occasional zit - No weight gain (12 stone when got it, now 10 st 5 lb) - 7 months of unprotected sex and not pregnant - Sometimes forget it's there Cons: - Constant painful and heavy periods only controlled by more hormones in the form of the combined pill, which caused more problems - Tender breasts - Cysts in breasts (developed after 5 months) - Stomach pain - Migraines - Often get pain at insertion site even after 7 months - Depressed mood, unpredictable mood swings, and bouts of rage and crying spells - No energy - Thinner hair - Insomnia Verdict: Fed up and having it removed either by a professional or by myself."

• Jaz...
• January 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I started off with Implanon, I loved it, and it was great. When it timed out, the doctors switched my Implanon out with Nexplanon, assuring me it was an even better form of Implanon. What I can tell you is that the Nexplanon is highly effective, no pregnancy scares here. But what I can tell you is I've had some of the worst cramps of my life on this. Sometimes it's regular cramps, and sometimes it's so severe I throw up. I have stuck it out for over a year with Nexplanon, but after no explanations for the pain, I am ready to have it removed. The three years on Implanon were good, but Nexplanon is not so much. And don't get me started on the day-to-day feeling of just being sick all the time. I hope this post helps some of you."

• Jaz...
• January 11, 2017

For Birth Control "I started off with Implanon, I loved it, and it was great. When it timed out, the doctors switched my Implanon out with Nexplanon, assuring me it was an even better form of Implanon. What I can tell you is that the Nexplanon is highly effective, no pregnancy scares here. But what I can tell you is I've had some of the worst cramps of my life on this. Sometimes it's regular cramps, and sometimes it's so severe I throw up. I have stuck it out for over a year with Nexplanon, but after no explanations for the pain, I am ready to have it removed. The three years on Implanon were good, but Nexplanon is not so much. And don't get me started on the day-to-day feeling of just being sick all the time. I hope this post helps some of you."

• Mas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2019

For Birth Control "Had this a few years ago and needed to remove it within 6 months of insertion. I was on the pill for about 4 years before with no problems. Insertion of Nexplanon was easy. Within a month or two, I was full on depressed-not able to leave my bed, sleeping a majority of the day and night, hopeless. One reason for this was the induced IBS. I NEVER had intestinal problems before this. Sorry for the explicitness, but I couldn’t go anywhere without 3-second access to a bathroom. Diarrhea for weeks on end. TERRIBLE cramps and indigestion pains to the point that I thought I would pass out (10/10 pain scale). As soon as I got it removed, my intestinal issues mostly subsided. Still dealing with it, but not even remotely close to the problems I had on Nexplanon. I’ll also mention that it shifted from the insertion site. The nurse who removed it had to dig around my arm and through scar tissue for over 20 minutes to find it. If I could go back, I never would have gotten it."

• Don...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 17, 2019

For Birth Control "The first 3 months were fine, except for constant hunger, which comes with weight gain, obviously. Around the 3-month mark, I started to bleed, which didn’t worry me because they say that you can spot for a few months, however, I’ve been bleeding for 5 months, fluctuating from spotting to sometimes 5 ultra tampons a day. As soon as I think the bleeding is slowing, it comes back extremely heavy: cramps, headaches, depression, 12-pound weight gain, no sex drive at all, which has taken a toll on my relationship. I have no desire to have sex, and I mean at all! I will definitely be taking it out ASAP!"

• A74...
• December 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I had the Nexplanon for a year and four months, it was highly effective contraception. However, the side effects were terrible. 1. Mood swings 2. Depression (I've suffered with depression before, and the drug just aggravated my depression more) 3. Headaches 4. Breast tenderness 5. Anxiety/panic attacks (which I've never had a problem with before until now) 6. Difficulty breathing (had a pulmonary test and a cardiologist look at my heart, and they said all was fine) 7. Chest pain/palpitations 8. Paranoia 9. HORRIBLE cramps (I've never had really bad cramps until I got the Nexplanon put in) 10. No periods for a couple of months, just spotting, no period but horrible cramps 11. Backache 12. Hungry all the time 13. No sex drive."

• Mar...
• June 6, 2017

For Birth Control "Where do I start? No sex drive, horrible attitude towards EVERYTHING, anxious, horrible cramps. I was on the pill for almost a year, I felt fine, but I wasn't always on time about taking it, so I switched over to the Implanon. For 10 months, I got my period non-stop. For some weeks, it would be a light period, but still a period. Then for another month or so, I would get heavy, heavy periods with cramps that made it so hard to get up from bed. Which I had never experienced!!! It was so hard for me to want to have sex. I don't recommend this AT ALL, and to top it off, my doctor didn't want me to get off it, saying they could just give me ANOTHER HORMONAL PILL to stop the bleeding. HECK NO!!"

• Soy...
• July 19, 2017

For Birth Control "I had my arm implant on May 07, 2015, a month after giving birth. The first year and a half, it was all good: no bleeding or spotting, no periods. But then in November of 2016, I started spotting, and it was on and off for weeks. Then in January 2017, I was bleeding like the whole month. Then one week it stopped, and when I would start having sex, it started again, the bleeding, and it's been like this ever since. Now I have cramps almost every day. My mood swings are so bad, I can be happy and then angry for no reason. I have been to my OB-GYN, she put me on some pills, estradiol I believe it's called, but it did not help with the bleeding. I'm going to have it removed, I just have to make my appointment. Oh, and did I mention that my sex life sucks? I never want to have sex."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 3, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had issues with trying different birth controls for years, and I was scared to try this one because I've heard some pretty scary things. I've now had Nexplanon for about a year, and it is THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE. I got a period my first month for about 10 days, but I was also on some fad diet, so I'm not sure if that played into it. I haven't had a period ever since, and it is the most wonderful thing ever. No period cramps or spotting, and I'm able to have sex without worry. Getting it in was incredibly easy as well, they numb your arm, which is the only little pinch you feel, and then it's in for 3 years! My arm didn't bruise half as much as some pictures you see on the internet, and it wasn't painful at all!!"