Etonogestrel and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 3)

• M A...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm 20, and I got Nexplanon 8 months ago. The first 6 months, I bled constantly (although it was light, it was still a huge pain in the ass), but I stuck it out because my GP said it would take 4-6 months for my body to fully adjust. I've gained about 30 lbs. I have terrible mood swings, I get angry very easily, and I also have a very low sex drive, so my relationship is suffering. Since the initial 4-6 month period, I've had terrible acne, which I've never suffered from before, and I've had discharge and regular spotting. At least it has been effective, since the weight gain, low sex drive, and acne have pretty much made me never want to have sex again, but I cannot wait to get it taken out of my arm... although I hear that's the worst bit!!"

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

For Birth Control "It either works for you, or it doesn't. It seems like you get mostly all the side effects or just spotting. I have been on Nex for about a month and a half, and I started spotting about 10 days ago. It is pretty annoying because I got it for birth control. Now I don't even have sex. I cry a lot now, and I'm always hungry, although I haven't gained any weight. I'm waiting for my period to end! So many panty liners!"

• lym...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2014

For Birth Control "I know it protects me from having babies, but the first month I was spotting every day. Now, in my fourth month, it's the same, spotting every single day. No change in my libido, nor is my hair falling, nor have acne. I just hate that I'm bleeding, even though my doctor said there might be none. I was expecting more out of this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2014

For Birth Control "I got my Nexplanon approximately 6 weeks ago and have had no side effects so far! I had a nasty bruise from where the implant was inserted for about a week, but now there is no pain where the rod is, and I can easily feel it under the skin. I was on my period when I got the Nexplanon inserted, but have not had a period since. No spotting or anything! Also have not noticed any particular weight gain or moodiness so far. I would definitely recommend this."

• Si1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon placed a month ago, and so far it's been good. The procedure was quick and painless, lasted about 2 minutes, and I was done. It's not at all noticeable in the arm it's placed, and as far as side effects, I've experienced the light spotting that started a week ago to date, but it only requires a thin panty liner. During the first two weeks, I was very moody and emotional with no libido, but that has gone, and my body feels its regular normalcy. Once the spotting finally goes, I'll be able to say it's great (hate the spotting), but rather spot than be pregnant, and not having to remember to take a pill or suffer weight gain is a plus with Nexplanon. I've actually lost weight while on it, so all in all, I'm loving this contraceptive choice."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 24, 2017

For Birth Control "I used Nexplanon for about 10 months and got it removed. While on this method, I had bleeding for months straight with little breaks. I tried to wait it out to see if my body would eventually adjust, but my period never got itself to be on a cycle. It got to the point where it wasn't worth it because even when I did have sex, I had bleeding/spotting, so it took away my sexual confidence. It definitely was effective and did its job, but the side effects were getting in the way of my life as well as my wallet, as I was always at the store buying tampons and pads (and we know how expensive this can be). I decided to get the implant removed, which was a bit of a difficult experience as well. Nexplanon is effective but still needs improvement."

• Anonymous
• May 15, 2020

For Birth Control "I've had mine for 3 years. The first year was good, no spotting, no nothing. I had my regular periods, everything was peachy. My 2nd year, eh, I spot almost every day, so that kind of upset me, and my periods last longer, a total of 7+ days."

• Aud...
• May 2, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been on Nexplanon for about a year and a half now. I decided to go with this form of BC because I am so forgetful that the pill was just not an option for me. This has honestly been one of the most frustrating experiences I have ever had. When I first got it inserted in my arm, I noticed I had my period practically every day, and this went on for about 3 months until I went back to my gynecologist and she said it was completely normal and that it should stop. Well, it hasn't at all. Every day I have spotting, and it's gotten to the point where I have to wear a tampon every day. Every time I have sex, there is always blood everywhere. And it's hard explaining why I am always on my period to my partner, and it's made me self-conscious."

• Vic...
• December 21, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had it in for 8 months now and only get my light spotting when stressed. I love the convenience of no pill and one hormone. I have gained 5 pounds (I'm less active) and have a lower sex drive, but it's not that bad. I just find myself too tired to do anything."

• Cla...
• December 21, 2015

For Birth Control "My experience with the birth control rod. It's really great. I've had it in for a year now. I get occasional aches in my arm and spotting every once in a while, but not enough to wear a tampon. I will keep having this implant until I am ready to have kids. I love this birth control."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2014

For Birth Control "Been on it for about 4 months now, so maybe things haven't stabilized. I'll say that it's effective, I haven't gotten pregnant. The first month was great, no side effects at all. Immediately after the first month, however, I started spotting enough to need to wear a panty liner all day, and I've been constantly spotting since. No periods, just constant spotting. It's annoying, but I guess it could be worse. No other side effects that I've noticed."

• tn1...
• March 3, 2014

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon inserted 5 months ago, and for the first 3 months, I was spotting nonstop, and after that, I would lightly spot once a month for 2 days, which I assume is probably my period. In the beginning, I had a horrible time with the nonstop bleeding and the crazy mood swings, but I stuck through it, and now everything is clear blue skies! Definitely a great option to consider if you're forgetful and can't remember to take a pill every day."

• Anonymous
• March 1, 2020

For Birth Control "I'm on my second Nexplanon, placed in last year. I developed thinning hair, severe breast tenderness with PMSing. My periods were far and few between, spotting and occasionally a period for 2 days, or I won't bleed at all for 2/3 months. My skin got a lot drier from being greasy and developed dandruff and a halt in my hair growth and fallout at the top of my head/widening hair part. My mood with depression and anxiety increased. I developed lower back pain and acne in places I never broke out before. This was all gradual with being on Nexplanon for almost 4 years. I was thinking it was work/stress related. I'm getting my second one removed and going cold turkey on birth control. Don't recommend. Listen to your body."

• Bar...
• July 3, 2016

For Birth Control "I got birth control for the first time in my life!! After doing a lot of research and asking friends around, hearing horrific feedback, I was very skeptical. But being in a serious relationship and having unprotected sex left me no choice. I'm allergic to latex, so condoms were not an option... Long story short, I got Implanon back in March, and monitored my eating habits. I did notice in the first month I had 2 or 3 breakouts that left dark spots, which are gone with the use of acne medicine. Nothing severe, no weight gain, or any other side effects. A little difference in mood in the beginning, and every month I get light spotting during my period cycle. Overall, this birth control has been very effective, even though my boyfriend released sperm inside....!!!!"

• Fin...
• January 12, 2019

For Birth Control "One-year experience. DEPRESSION - I've never had it in my life and didn't expect it. Severe depression and suicidal thoughts. Every day was a struggle, and I assumed there were other reasons or situations that were causing the depression. My anger would explode in ways I didn't think were possible. I already have a decent level of natural anger, so this increased it to the point where I felt I could have been physically dangerous to someone. I had thoughts of extreme anger and intrusive thoughts. Very disturbing. The morning after I had it removed, it felt like an anvil was lifted off my chest and a cloud was removed from my head. It's only been a few days now, but I can tell that my hormones are leveling out. My anger has lowered back down to pre-Nexplanon levels, and the consistent depression has left me. I would take my mental health over a 3-year BC plan, any day. On the positive side - no pregnancies, no weight gain, and light spotting every so often."

• Spa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 13, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Nexplanon implant for 9 months now. I stop bleeding for like 5 days out of the month. The rest of the time I’m bleeding. Not always bad, sometimes just spotting, but still. It’s like it never ends. My depression had gotten so bad I had to be put in therapy. I never felt this bad before the implant. I never dealt with anxiety before I got it either. I did go to my doctor, and they told me symptoms would slow down after 6 months. It’s been 9 now, and I feel like they’re just getting worse. Not getting pregnant is a perk, but it’s just not worth damaging my mental health any longer."

• Anonymous
• May 12, 2014

For Birth Control "As far as birth control, it definitely does the job. Unfortunately, I have never had acne until I had it inserted, and it's horrible. I have been steadily gaining weight ever since, 15 lbs and counting in the last 10 months. Headaches and nausea make me think I am pregnant. Not to mention, I am extremely emotional, and my 'period' is irregular, much lighter, but I probably spot 20 days out of the month. I have only had it for 10 months."

• Lis...
• May 20, 2014

For Birth Control "I went directly from the pill to Nexplanon and never bled once. I have not had a period in nearly three years. I used to get awful monthly PMS migraines, and I do not anymore. Every once in a while, I will get some very light spotting, but that's it. I haven't gained a ton of weight, my skin does break out a bit more, though. Overall, I am very happy with it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 30, 2019

For Birth Control "Wouldn’t recommend. I got the implant in March 2019, and I think I have had 4 weeks of no bleeding, but the rest of the time I have been spotting and bleeding non-stop! My anxiety is through the roof 24/7, I feel on edge. I never used to be like this before I got the implant. And now I just feel like my life is a mess."

• 113...
• July 26, 2019

For Birth Control "I have had Nexplanon for about 7 months now, and I remember the first day I got it; I had a random panic attack that was uncontrollable. I have had a period every month or so and some spotting in between. I’ve only gained about 7 pounds since, but probably because of my laziness of being at home for the summer. But the worst has been my moods. I cry over nothing and can’t stop. I have had to be sent home from work on 3 occasions for having outbursts during my shift. I have not had acne since I was 16 (I am 19 now), and I am having random breakouts only on one side of my face that won’t go away no matter what my dermatologist gives me. On the birth control side, so far, so good; I have had unprotected sex every other day for the past 7 months, and my boyfriend usually finishes inside me (sorry TMI), but I’m not pregnant, so all in all, worth it to me. Even though I feel like my depression and anxiety have increased, I feel like I’ll give it a shot and see how I feel in the next couple of months."

• LSU...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 14, 2017

For Birth Control "I love it! My biggest concern before getting it was that it would be painful to insert because that's what I'd heard, but it actually wasn't at all. The doctor numbed the area, which stung a little bit, but after that, I literally felt nothing; he was done before I even realized he'd started. The most uncomfortable part was the tight wrap that has to stay on overnight. The next day, I barely felt it. The 2nd day after, it wasn't even sensitive anymore. As far as side effects go, I find it interesting that people complain about spotting. With any progesterone birth control, there is a probability of spotting. I had random spotting with the patch and the pill. At least with this one, I don't have to remember to take or replace anything."

• Nom...
• June 17, 2017

For Birth Control "I'm currently 21, and I've had Nexplanon for just over 2 years now (since June 15, 2015) and have had absolutely no problems with it. Possibly the best decision I've ever made. Obviously, all BC affects everyone differently, but for me, I've experienced no mood swings, I haven't had a proper period or cramping in 2 years now (I've had maybe 4 or 5 occurrences of extremely light spotting in 2 years - lasting no more than a day each - and even that was mainly just slightly pink discharge). I haven't noticed any weight gain from it (but I was gaining weight regardless because I started university and lived off take-outs). I'll be getting it replaced a few months before it's due just to be sure. I love it, though."

• gab...
• November 2, 2014

For Birth Control "It has been great! I have had mine in a little over 3 months now, and I have not had ache, headaches, or periods. However, I have had mood swings, and every once in a while, a little spotting whenever I wipe. Nothing crazy, that's something I can handle. I love it."

• Kar...
• December 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I definitely would not recommend this for anyone. I got mine put in 2 months ago, and it was fine in the beginning until I started my period. Ever since then, I have been bleeding/spotting randomly. It's awkward during sex and ruins my clothes. Also, the depression side effect is real. I've been more down about almost everything since I got it. I plan on getting it removed as soon as possible. Like I said, I would NOT recommend this for anyone!!"

• 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!"