Etonogestrel and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I have tried many birth control methods (the pill, an IUD, NuvaRing, etc.), and I hated every one of them until I got the Nexplanon. I've had it for a couple of months, and I can't even feel the rod inside my arm. I have very minimal side effects (occasional spotting), and I even lost some weight. I also don't feel different, emotionally, which is good. Overall, this is by far the best birth control I have ever tried."

• Anonymous
• February 14, 2015

For Birth Control "Everything is great. I've had it for about two and a half months, no bad side effects. I've gained like four pounds, but it's not the end of the world. I've also had lots of spotting, which is expected, and that should stop since I haven't had Nexplanon for very long. Besides those two things, nothing bad, and I love it."

• Nik...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 17, 2019

For Birth Control "Nexplanon is very effective as a birth control. But the side effects... I’ve had Nexplanon put in my arm for almost three years, and I finally made up my mind to get it removed. And I’ve been experiencing spotting the majority of the time. It messed up my sex life, 'cause I only have limited blood-free days. I can’t enjoy sex either. It makes me very emotional too. I can’t stop myself from being sad and anxious. I think it makes me easily tired. My back and waist are always sore. I wouldn’t recommend this birth control to anyone, since I’m feeling sooooo depressed while I type this comment."

• Mor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2017

For Birth Control "I am 25 and have been on the pill since I was 16 with no breaks. I was on Lo Loestrin 24 FE for over 4 years until I got a job where I was traveling more, with less of a set schedule, in which I was constantly stressing about if I had taken my pill that day or packed my pills. I talked to my gynecologist about other options, and she suggested Nexplanon. It seemed like a great option. I asked her if I would experience any side effects, and she said she thought I would be fine. I set a date to have it put in. I got really freaked out reading reviews on the internet and almost didn't go through with it, but I am SO GLAD I DID! I didn't have any spotting after my normal 3-day period, my mood has been way better, and I have actually lost weight. I love it!"

• ROX...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2014

For Birth Control "I have had a great experience with Nexplanon. I have not experienced any side effects at all. I've actually lost weight since I've been on it. Yes, the arm was bruised for a few days, but that went away fast. It's way better than getting pregnant! I've spotted for a short period of time and did not experience my period the first month. I'm in heaven with it. Painless procedure, didn't feel a thing."

• Ros...
• October 18, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had my Nexplanon for two months now. No weight gain, no mood swings (which is why I switched), no periods. I'm usually extremely sensitive to side effects, and the ONLY thing bad I've encountered is constant spotting... just a little here and there when I wipe. But for not having periods or craziness, I can handle it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I'm on the second year of having Nexplanon. At first, I loved having it because I didn't have to remember to take the pill every day, and my periods stopped altogether. Then, the second year, I started getting random spotting, and now I have been having my period for three months on and off, weeks at a time. I thought it would go away, but it continuously happens, so I'm getting it taken out. It's a highly effective birth control, especially since I get my period every week now. I haven't experienced any weight gain or mood swings at all, though!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• June 19, 2014

For Birth Control "I went from the pill right to Nexplanon. I've had it for over a month. I have felt literally no difference, no weight gain or crazy cravings. I feel like it's actually helped my acne. It was painless. The only thing was it made my piercings hurt because of the hormones, but that went away in about a week. I started slightly spotting today, like a dark brown, nothing a panty liner can't help. I love it. I've had none of the experiences others have in these other stories, but everyone is different. I recommend this form of birth control. I will update again in a few months if things change."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 7, 2020

For Birth Control "Nexplanon is overall a good birth control. My periods became irregular when I first started Nexplanon, but now they are back to normal. I also get brown spotting, but not too often. But it has caused my hair to thin out, and it sheds easily. So much comes out when I comb or brush it. My hairdresser says the same thing has happened to her daughter, who also has Nexplanon. But it’s better than getting pregnant, so I will be getting it again in December because my three years on it are almost up."

• Lad...
• October 6, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the arm implant in March 2017, and it's been nothing but a nightmare. I have gained so much weight, I started to retain water, and I have been spotting for the last month. My sex drive is usually insane, but with the birth control, I lost my sex drive, and my skin took a toll. I don't recommend this birth control."

• JSa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 18, 2020

For Birth Control "Daily spotting started about 5 months after the procedure. Some mood swings, gained some weight (but working from home due to COVID-19), casual bad headache, and acne around my chin (never had acne since 2003)."

• boo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on the Nexplanon for a year and two months now. Last time I got my period was in June for 6 days. No pregnancies. I did spot for a couple of days when I first got it inserted, but other than that no complaints. I don't get spotting, more periods I guess I am one of those lucky ones. I recommend this!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon in August, it's the end of September and I absolutely love it! First, the bad things: My arm bruised pretty badly when I first got it, I'm allergic to adhesive, and my stitches were butterfly stitches (with the tape), and so I had a pretty bad allergic reaction on my arm. That was not due to the Nexplanon itself. I didn't have my period the first two weeks, and then all I had was spotting. The weird thing is it's pretty inconsistent, like sometimes every other day there's spotting. But I really don't mind, no cramps, no acne, no mood swings, I actually lost a little bit of weight without trying to. I just use a panty liner every day, usually there's nothing but just in case. I'm really happy with it."

• ash...
• September 21, 2014

For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon implant at the beginning of August, and in a couple of weeks, I will have had it for 2 months. I actually love this form of birth control because I can't get into the routine of a pill or Depo shot. There have been a few ups and downs, though. For about the first few weeks, I was spotting, and now I have nonexistent periods. My moods were wacky at first. I do have a little more acne than before, but nothing that doesn't disappear within a few days. I'm a lot more tired now. I've experienced loss of appetite. I weighed 127 lbs when I got it, and now I weigh 113 lbs. Other than the occasional crying, I'm completely okay with this implant. My sex drive is strong, and I'm not pregnant."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2018

For Birth Control "I got the implant about three months ago, and I have loved this birth control so far. There's something to be said for the convenience of it, because it's a great feeling to know I'm covered for the next three years. I haven't experienced any of the bad side effects, maybe a little spotting my first two months. I was previously on Depo-Provera, which always had me starving (I gained 30 pounds over the course of two years), but I've actually lost 20 pounds since I started Nexplanon. I would recommend it to anyone who's looking for a one-and-done birth control. Not sure why there are so many negative reviews out there, I've been really impressed by it."

• Bus...
• April 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had the Implanon for nearly a year now, and I love it so much. If I could be appointed the official ambassador of this thing, I would! The insertion was quick, simple, and painless. I had a small bruise, which was easily covered and went away quickly. I have a tiny scar the size of a pen tip now. During the first 3-4 months, my period was a bit erratic. It would last about 6-7 days, and it would sometimes come once a month, sometimes more or less. It was much lighter than my natural periods. I took naproxen, which would stop the bleeding most of the time. However, after about six months, my period has basically stopped. Occasionally, I have an hour or so of spotting, and rarely I might have a few days in a row. One liner a day is always enough for the bleeding now. I have no period pain for the first time in my life. I haven't experienced any weight gain, and my acne is no worse than when I was on the pill. You can't beat the ease of this thing. In Australia, it cost about $50 (including insertion by a doctor) for three years of protection. I often go weeks without thinking about contraception. I don't even have to worry about pregnancy, knowing this is the most effective contraception available. I nearly didn't get my Implanon because of what I read online. But I'm so glad I did. Remember that for each negative review, there are probably many people who are happy with the Implanon, but they just forgot to write a review because they are so busy out enjoying life!"

• tyl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the Nexplanon for about 3 months now, and it is great. No pregnancies, even after direct ejaculation. The only downside is the constant spotting. It's annoying, like I almost never get to have sex. But other than that, great!"

• aba...
• March 1, 2014

For Birth Control "I love Nexplanon. I got it in November of 2013. They made sure to numb my arm, so insertion was painless. My arm was sore for about a day, but no worse than a harsh workout. I did have mood swings in the first few weeks, but nothing out of control. Then I had my period for about 4 weeks, which I'm told is normal. Since then, I've only had a few days of spotting and nothing else. I'm on a nutritionist-guided weight loss plan and have managed to lose 40 lbs. So far, while on Nexplanon, so no problems with weight gain. I get the occasional acne here and there, but again, nothing too bad. Overall, I rate Nexplanon high, and it's so great to no longer have the responsibility of taking a pill every day."

• 12y...
• March 16, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been using Nexplanon for 12 years with no breaks, and I'm about to receive my 5th implant. As you can probably tell from my continued commitment, I find that the pros of the implant strongly outweigh the cons. Firstly, there are side effects (like most medication). I did receive a little weight gain, I can be a little moody sometimes, and my breasts and tummy get very tender once a month, but although I have the hormonal effect of a monthly period, I very rarely (once every 3 months) receive very light bleeding/spotting. What's most important to me is that I have never had a child or been pregnant, which is the purpose of the contraception. Everyone will react differently. You know what is best for your body."

• ely...
• November 23, 2015

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon inserted in Feb 2015. At first, I didn't have any problems with it. I was spotting unexpectedly, but I didn't really find that a huge issue. Now we are in November: 9 months later, and I hate my life. I am always upset, angry, depressed, bitchy, unhappy, etc. Everything bothers me. I have put on some weight, but I'm not sure if it's the lack of exercise or the birth control. I am always tired. I have a toddler, which can explain the exhaustion, but even if I get a good night's sleep, I am always sleepy and tired and don't want to do anything. The worst side effect thus far has been my sex drive. It's on the floor. It's ruining my relationship and my life. This Nexplanon is a devil from the grips of Dante's Inferno."

• Cri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 30, 2015

For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon in Nov 2013. It is definitely the most effective and easiest form of birth control I have experienced. The first 3 months I had some spotting and breakthrough bleeding. Then after 3 months I quit having periods. I have to admit that part is nice! However, I have gained about 25 pounds, averaging 10 pounds per year. I work out on weekends, eat healthy and do what I can to control it, but it seems to have minimal impact. I have always been thin. I'm 5'9.5 and had been approximately 130-135 for the past 8 years. Now I'm between 155-160. Also, the weight I have put on makes me look pregnant. I have been more mellow, and my sex drive has drastically lowered."

• Anonymous
• July 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had Implanon for 2 and a half years now. I can't wait to get it out, and I will never get it again. The main reason is I have gained a LOT of weight with this, and also I feel it is the cause of my acne/mood swings. My periods have now stopped completely, besides the odd month of spotting. Spotting that may last about 2 weeks, then stop for one week, then come back for another week. It definitely does a great job as acting as a contraceptive. Handy for people who don't want to take the pill every day."

• Meg...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 3, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had the rod for 12 years in total. 4 lots of 3 years. Finally getting the rod out now to give my body a rest and get ready for babies in the future. Previous to the rod, I had extremely bad period pain and heavy bleeding, to the point I would have to call in sick and lay in bed all day. With the rod, my periods sort of stopped or only came every 4 months. When it did come, it was extremely light, more like spotting. Never had any issues but always knew when it was time to get it changed because I would start to get bad periods and lots of bleeding. Once I got a new bar in, that would all stop. Would recommend, but obviously it does not suit all people."