Etonogestrel and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I just wanted to share my experience on both Implanon/Nexplanon. I have been on both for a combined 5 1/2 years. I got Implanon inserted in July 09 after having my son and got it removed 4 years later and got the Nexplanon put in. Being on the Implanon was not that bad, I didn't have a period with it until 5 months before I had it removed. I didn't have weight gain, but it did cause me to not have a sex drive. I was moody, depressed, mad, and emotional, but it was bearable. Overall, I like it and it is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Well, my experience with Nexplanon was much more different, it was horrible and I wanted it out 5 months in, but thought I would give it a chance up until I just had it removed on 12/30/2014."

• Bad...
• September 6, 2017

For Birth Control "Had 3 Implanon implants and currently have Nexplanon in. I loved the Implanon, no real side effects, regular periods, and I managed to lose 4 st whilst on them. But the Nexplanon is another matter: brain fog, hair thinning, anxiety, depression, non-existent sex drive. I can't even bear for my husband to touch me, sore boobs to the point that it makes me cry. Now weight gain, since I had it put in May 16, I have gained 2.5 stone. I have an active job and eat healthily, no matter what I do, my weight keeps jumping up at 7 lb at a time, and I cannot shift it. I cannot wait to get it out. Please, ladies, do not have this implant!!!"

• amb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on Nexplanon for four months now, I got it implanted in early October. I have been bleeding every day since November 19th, it is now the first of February. I have lost all of my sex drive, which used to be very high. I have gained twenty pounds, as I have lost motivation to do almost anything. It changed my skin tremendously. I used to only have a few pimples around my cycle, but now I am almost always breaking out. Pimples used to be isolated to my chin, but they are now all over my face, neck, shoulders, and chest area. I used to be a great sleeper, I cannot remember the last time I had a full night's rest with ease. I am now heavily considering getting it removed ASAP."

• lil...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 5, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had the implant for nearly two years, and while it has done its job and kept me free of pregnancy, I've menstruated every couple of days from this thing. I menstruate at least three times a month, full cycles, not 'spotting.' My doctor told me it would even out after six months, but clearly, that didn't happen. The few times I had a week or so where I was free of blood, my next period was super heavy and lasted well over a week. It totally killed my sex drive on top of making me bleed like a stuck pig. I kept it this long out of laziness, and the idea of an IUD makes me queasy. Tomorrow it's coming out, and the IUD is going in. Queasiness aside, I'm spending a goddamn fortune on tampons and pads."

• man...
• August 6, 2013

For Birth Control "I give this a 5 because it does prevent pregnancy, yet so did my pill. Switched because I wanted something I didn't have to remember to take. Been on this for a year now, the first 5 months were alright. But the last 7 months I've noticed my period is heavy and gets me lightheaded. I have more migraines, which I never experienced before Implanon. Sex drive is way down, bad mood swings, and constantly tired. Before Implanon, I was extremely healthy, now I feel like crap almost every day. Getting removed once insurance starts up."

• xne...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2019

For Birth Control "If you are looking for an effective birth control, this is it. However, the side effects are horrendous. I got Nexplanon in Oct 2018. Since getting it, I have been very depressed. It has gotten to the point where I have no desire to get out of bed and go to work or school. On my off days, I'd rather just stay in my bed and sleep. I have also gained 25 lbs since getting this birth control. My sex drive has gone down and has put a strain on my relationship due to my mood swings, low sex drive, and having no desire to do anything at all. I'm looking to take this garbage out ASAP! I cannot take it anymore."

• 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."

• Evi...
• October 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I am halfway through my second implant! I cannot lie. I love it. The first two months were hell, but you have to let your body get used to the fact you have a hormone replacement. You cannot expect it to be a quick changeover. My skin has stayed the same. Weight pretty similar, a little heavy, but that is due to my eating! I will say I do have a low sex drive, but unfortunately, I think that's just me! I have read some people really slating the implant, but by their own admission, they have only tried it for a week or so? You can't expect it to be a dream at the beginning, you are changing your body's way of working. I recommend giving it at least six months. I went through the long period, but now I haven't had a period in four years! Hope this helps."

• AGP...
• May 22, 2021

For Birth Control "I opted for this implant after I had my second child. I was taken off the pill a few months prior to my pregnancy due to ovarian cysts, so, after little lady's birth, I didn't want to go down that route again, so this seemed like a good idea. At first, it was alright. Light bleeding, not many more symptoms. Then I didn't have a period for just over a month, then I got my period and bled for about 6 weeks straight. Three weeks afterwards, I started my cycle again. In addition, I have had headaches off and on, as well as feeling like I'm sitting in the room but I'm far away from everyone around me. I think I've been intimate with my husband once in the 5 months I've had the implant. I lost all sexual desire. I am irritated with him all the time, especially for little things that we both used to find humorous. While this medication has been effective as a contraceptive, I would personally not recommend the roller coaster."

• Sha...
• September 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I like that I'm not bleeding anymore... But in all honesty, this birth control sucks. I asked the doctor if Nexplanon would affect my anxiety and depression. I was told it wouldn't, which was obviously a load of rubbish. I've been doing research after research, trying to figure out why I feel even worse than I ever have. Finally, I found this forum, which confirmed my worries. Nexplanon has caused me depression, I've had panic attacks after panic attacks - one so bad it put me into a mild seizure. It has affected my anxiety even more than my depression. One day I feel fine, the next day I spend all day trying to calm myself down. Migraines have been unbearable. I have no sex drive. And it's been affecting my entire life. I have nobody to talk to because of my crazy mood swings. My relationship is extremely rocky. I didn't gain weight, but I lost it, which is worse for me. I actually had a nice body, now I can't even look at myself without feeling disgust. Thank you all for your experiences. I'm definitely getting this thing removed."

• don...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 13, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had my birth control in for almost 2 and a half years now and finally made an appointment to get it out next week. I was in denial that the zero sex drive, long-lasting periods, mood swings, depression, and 45-pound weight gain was because of that. Don't get me wrong, it does its job. Bc for me, I had no urge to have sex so there was no way for me to get pregnant. Hoping to see a turnaround in my life after the removal and hopeful to patch my relationships affected by my raging hormones."

• Kw8...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I'm an absolute wreck on this! I cannot stop crying. I lose it over the smallest things and make it into a huge problem. Another huge problem for me is that I've lost my libido since being on Nexplanon, which puts a strain on my relationship. Feeling very anxious too. Booking an appointment to have mine removed. I never put all this down to my implant until speaking to others."

• 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!"

• Meg...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 20, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Implanon inserted in June 2015 and currently still have the implant. I have experienced so many body changes that it urged me to look up the side effects. I found all of these posts and can't believe it! It all makes sense now! I have gained almost 10 lbs, have less of a sex drive, feel like a crazy person, my hair stopped growing, and worst of all, I have my period randomly with spotting all the time! It's hard to have sex or want to have sex when you're bloated and spotting 3 weeks out of the month! I am over this! I'm getting this out ASAP! Thank you, ladies!"

• Miz...
• August 6, 2010

For Birth Control "I got it in Jan 2008. No period for 3 months, then I bled for 2 months straight. After that, 2 periods a month for about 5 days each... EXHAUSTING! Tired, sad, depressed, no sex drive, weight gain, anger, aggressiveness, sweet tooth, but the worst - THE HORRIBLE mood swings! The best thing about it, it didn't hurt when it went in, minimal tenderness after insertion, and I did not get pregnant! I seriously feel like I am going through the change of life at 28 years. I am having it removed in days. No clue as to how to prevent future birth control, but NO MORE HORMONES! Probably won't be an issue, hubby hates the new evil me!"

• 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."

• jdm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 27, 2019

For Birth Control "I finally got this after months of debating and reading reviews. I noticed headaches right away. 7 months later, my headaches are extreme, as are my mood swings, no real sex drive, I've gained at least 10 lbs. I've always been a very happy person and good-natured person. Now, on this, I've never been so angry and sad. One awesome thing was my period stopped almost immediately, luckily, I didn't get the constant bleeding like so many others. I've been so exhausted and hungry all the time. Lightheaded, dizzy, and headaches are so bad I was ready to take it out myself. I finally got it out today, and I could never recommend. Hopefully, I will feel better soon."

• def...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 28, 2017

For Birth Control "I have had this implant for 1 year and 2 months now, and it's the best type of birth control I have tried yet. I had a 9-day period a month after getting the implant in and had spotting for about 4 days a few months after that. Since then, I haven't had any type of period or spotting, and it is very convenient. My doctor said that women who are on the smaller side tend to work well with this medicine (I'm 5'1" and 100 pounds), and in my case, he was right. I haven't experienced any weight gain or skin problems. The only thing I have noticed is my sex drive is lower than it used to be, but that could be due to my anxiety. Not all women have positive experiences with this, but I absolutely think it is worth a try."

• Len...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 7, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon 6 weeks after I had my daughter. I've had it about seven months now, and I absolutely love it. I know every woman responds differently, but I have had zero problems. I was breastfeeding when I got it, but I haven't been for two months now, and still no period. I'm not sure if I will end up having a period or not (it could take a few months after BF). I am actually thinner than I was pre-pregnancy, the best sex drive I've ever had, and no mood issues. I get a zit every now and again, but that's probably unrelated to the BC. Also, I previously took a few different kinds of birth control pills and always ended up with a low sex drive and depression."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 4, 2019

For Birth Control "UPDATE from anonymous March 20th post: It's been 1 week since my removal of Nexplanon, and I feel like the happiest person on earth! I even had more side effects right before removal: my weight gain of 10 lbs became 15 lbs! It also made my digestive system extremely bad! It took 3-4 days for my food to digest! It was causing me to be bloated every single day for 2 weeks straight just before removal. It was also weird that it took away my depression for a whole year of having this, but just before removal, my depression came back twice as hard. I also had NO SEX DRIVE for a whole year! I didn’t want my bf touching me ever! It was driving both of us crazy! Now everything is back to normal! I lost about 5 lbs so far, and I feel like I’m myself again. Now I can live a happy life! I’m never trying this again!"

• 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."

• Bum...
• June 23, 2021

"I've had my Nexplanon since October. Since then, I have been horribly depressed, I'm constantly worried about everything, and my sex drive is completely gone. I don't even like the slightest bit of affection from my other half because I'm scared he'll want it to lead to sex. I didn't know what was wrong with me. I thought I was going crazy. We've talked about it a few times, and we realized this all didn't start until after the implant. We started doing some research, and I'm so glad we came across these threads. I'm having it removed tomorrow. I just only pray that it's the birth control causing this, so my life can go back to normal. After reading a lot of these comments, though, I'm hopeful that it will!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 13, 2013

For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon put in sometime last May. After 2 kids and 24 years, this was my first birth control, I figured it would be most convenient because I am horrible with taking pills. For the first 2 weeks, it was fine, but then after that, I bled for 90 days straight. I didn't feel any side effects until after that 90 days. I started feeling anxious all the time, and I don't want to get out of bed some days or even do any of my normal daily activities. I have been married for 5 years, and having sex with my husband was never a 'duty', but on this birth control, I am never up to it. It's horrible. Although not having a period ever now is nice, having all the other side effects are not worth it, so I am having this implant removed next week."

• Mic...
• April 14, 2009

For Birth Control "I got my first Implanon in March 2006 and just had my second done in March 2009. This birth control is my freedom. I've read that some women have had bad side effects, but reading those seems so foreign to me. I did have random light spotting every three or four months (sometimes even longer) that would last from 3 days to 7 days. I never buy tampons anymore. I feel carefree and never notice the implant. I'm a typically moody person that is quickly set off, so I don't put the blame on the Implanon. I have noticed that after having the second one put in, my sex drive has gone down. I find this quite frustrating because I really do enjoy being intimate with my partner."

• Tae...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 15, 2017

For Birth Control "I had my child April 27th, 2016. I had my Nexplanon placed at my 6-week checkup. So I've had my Nexplanon in for over a year. From the time it was placed to this day, I have been bleeding every day! I have horrible acne, migraines, mood swings, weight gain, and NO sex drive. This thing is ruining my marriage! I thought the Nexplanon was going to be amazing, not having to remember a pill every day, but in 2 days, I'm having it removed!"