Etonogestrel and Spotting: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Nit...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 30, 2024

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Nexplanon implant for about a year now because I couldn’t keep up with the pill. Everyone’s body is different, but for me, when I first got it, I didn’t have a period for about 4 months. Before the implant, my cycle would last about 4 days with heavy bleeding, with the implant, my cycle lasts about a week but it’s only spotting. I didn’t develop mood swings, I’m just a lot more sleepy. So mostly, I’ve had a good experience with it."

• 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."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2020

For Birth Control "I got BC in November 2019; it is now January 13, 2020. It’s hardly been three months, and I’ve made an appointment to get it out. When I first got the Nexplanon, I immediately experienced spotting. But it’s so light I can barely tell, and while spotting for me seems like it never goes away. With Nexplanon, no problem with pain, period, acne, or even clotting, and best of all, no pregnancy. However, this thing is NOT worth the emotional draining. I’m normally a bubbly, positive person, but with this thing in my arm, I’m depressed, overly emotional, constantly on the defensive, and I just feel so out of body. My emotional behavior is not fair to the loved ones around me who have been trying their best to support me. I do experience nausea and sometimes even acid reflux, which I never had before this. I do suffer from anxiety and depression, and as most of you read this, BC does NOT sit well with those two at ALL. I have good insurance, in and out, copay of $15. Not for me; hopes for you.♥"

• 25...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I love, love, love this form of birth control. I'd been on the pill before and always forgot to take it... not really effective if you don't take it, ha. During the first 3 months, I had not had a period, but I was a bit more emotional, it didn't really interfere with my life, but my mood swings were noticeable to me. After those first 3 months, my mood went back to normal, but I started spotting really lightly for 2 months. It wasn't enough spotting for a tampon, but it was enough for a panty liner if that puts it into perspective for you. It took me about 8-10 months to get a period again, and now they're really regular. I haven't gained any weight, my skin is clearer than ever, and I am definitely not pregnant. This stuff is GOLD."

• Ban...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 6, 2021

For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon for 3 years, the second one I had for 5 years. I just had one inserted 2 weeks ago. I love my Nexplanon, and many friends love theirs too. No extreme weight gain/loss. I tend to eat moderate and healthy meals fairly consistently. My first Nexplanon, I had the never-ending period, which eventually became extremely light spotting. Then nothing. HOWEVER, in the clinical trials, women who were overweight had a tendency to have constant bleeding. I am not overweight, however, when I weigh more than my recommended weight for my height, my periods return, but they are light and last only 2 to 3 days. So if you are concerned about this, make sure you pay attention to the normal fluctuations of your weight. Sex drive is normal, no mood swings. No estrogen = no problem for me. Also, take your calcium and folic acid if you are not getting enough in your diet, as any hormonal birth control affects how your body absorbs these."

• ing...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 12, 2017

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon for 7 months. I'm rating it an 8 because I have only one complaint: mood swings. I'm a pretty sensitive person, but on Nexplanon, I've experienced (about once a month) a very serious sadness, almost like depression, when nothing at all was wrong. Previous to this, I was taking the pill (Apri), and I experienced some mood swings, but nothing compared to this. On the positive side, I love everything else about Nexplanon! I don't have to worry about taking a pill every day or picking up a prescription on time, insertion was quick and easy (Planned Parenthood), and I did have spotting a few months ago (for 10 days, then 12 days), but other than that, my period has disappeared, which is nice. It's not for everyone, but I recommend!"

• 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."

• Gab...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 24, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had the Nexplanon for two years, and I love it. I started with my period only every other month. For some time, I did have two months in which I had a period and almost two weeks of spotting. It stopped, and then I got it again a week later. But that only happened once. I don't feel any mood swings other than what I would have before, so it's just my normal self. I did gain weight, but it was about a year later, and I doubt it was due to the birth control because I can lose it when I want. I love this birth control, it has worked great for me, and I do recommend it. It is safe and easy."

• Cro...
• November 1, 2016

For Birth Control "I got the implant at my postpartum check-up. The procedure was painless. I breastfed my son until he was fifteen months old and had no period after my bleeding from the birth subsided. He is now eighteen months old, and I have been having a 'period' that is weirdly heavy or at least spotting for a month and a half now. I was concerned until I read here that this seems to be happening with the majority of women. I'm going to make an appointment to get it removed. I seem to be mentally/emotionally out of sorts as well. The time period suggests that my state of mind might be related to the implant as well. It's hard to get pregnant if you never have sex (because you're constantly bleeding like a slaughtered pig and are emotionally unstable)."

• 1Cl...
• January 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I was terrified by all the bad reviews I read on here before getting this type of birth control, but after having Nexplanon in for 3 months, I absolutely love it! I haven't gained weight, I don't have any hormonal side effects, or anything like that. The only side effect I've gotten from it is that I don't get my period anymore. So if you still want to get your period every month, it probably won't happen. I do have VERY light spotting maybe twice a month, and that's it. But it's so light that you technically can't even notice it. Overall, I'm really glad with how it turned out. This is the first birth control I've used, and so far it's really good. I'm 19 and weigh 125 pounds."

• Meg...
• August 25, 2016

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon for three years, and it did the job well. Didn't get pregnant and had barely any side effects. Since getting the Nexplanon... never again. After a few months, constant bleeding lasting more than a month at times. Irregular bleeding and spotting. Constant headaches affecting work and stopping me from getting enough sleep. The GP advised I keep taking paracetamol... not helpful. I didn't get acne but never have suffered with it. However, the mood swings are out of control, and I can feel myself getting angry over nothing at times. I have had episodes of depression and crying, and I am usually a very happy person. This implant messes with the body."

• Mad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 16, 2019

For Birth Control "It does its job, it is birth control after all, but the side effects are insane. After I got it put in, I was hit with a wave of negative emotions. I felt like I wasn't myself, it was that different of a feeling compared to what I’m used to. I just felt super gross, I’m not sure how to explain it. After this, I got so much spotting it turned into a literal period-just all the time! It didn’t stop for nearly 8 months. I would have a slight break for a while, then a cluster period. Not only crazy bleeding, but so many back pains and mood swings. It feels like I’m having PMS 24/7, I’m super angsty nonstop. I feel bad for my boyfriend, honestly. I’m getting it taken out in a month after my copper IUD comes in."

• 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!"

• AC1...
• May 8, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on Nexplanon for almost three months now (it was inserted Valentine's Day weekend) and I love it. I have experienced some side effects, however. I have noticed an increase in acne, but thankfully I found a new face wash that seems to keep it at bay. My hair gets slightly oilier (but I only wash it every 2-3 days anyway). I have also had some spotting. Nothing too extreme, I can get away with a single pantiliner for the day. The spotting has been on and off for the past months. It will come for a few weeks and then leave for a few weeks. No weight gain, no funny cravings, no mood swings. FYI I'm 23 years old, 120 lbs, and I exercise 5-6 days a week. Best of luck!"

• 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."

• T M...
• April 23, 2017

For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon placed in January (3 months ago). The first two weeks, I bled extremely heavy. So heavy I would bleed through a tampon and a pad within two hours. Which my doctor said was very normal for this BC. I have been on almost every BC, and there are positive and negative things about this one. I truly forgot about it being in my arm, but the nonstop bleeding for me was the worst thing. I would bleed like a normal period for 7-10 days, heavy (which I have never, in 27 years of life, had a heavy period). Then I would spot for a few days, stop for two days, and start bleeding heavy again. I also noticed if I tried to have sex in the small window of no bleeding, I would start bleeding right after intercourse."

• Mim...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 29, 2018

For Birth Control "I had the Implanon inserted about 7 months ago. Since I had it inserted, I have been struggling with severe migraines, mood swings, acne, intermittent spotting that never really stops and can start at any time, lack of sex drive, and I have gained 12 lbs. I have not changed my eating habits, and I exercise frequently. After reading the reviews, I have now realized what is causing all these issues. I will have it removed and post another update once done. Thank you all for the reviews."

• Jo2...
• December 28, 2016

For Birth Control "I've had this BC for almost 2 years! And needless to say, I've been on my period ever since I got it. If it's not a heavy flow, it's spotting. I either have to wear tampons or panty liners every day! Planning on getting it removed asap!"

• PMJ...
• January 18, 2016

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon in August 2015. It is the first birth control I have ever had. After having it for a week, I experienced spotting for about a month. I have absolutely no sex drive, which sucks. I have the worst mood swings. I am grumpy all the time. I've gained maybe 5-10 lbs. My breasts are extremely tender all the time and have gotten bigger, unfortunately (I prefer small boobs). I am considering getting it taken out. I'd recommend this only because it does prevent pregnancy, but the side effects are terrible."

• Ell...
• September 11, 2014

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon for over a month now, insertion didn't hurt at all, just a little uncomfortable for the first 3 days. After that, you forget it's there. I didn't bruise at all after insertion. I'm not having any side effects so far. The only downside I have experienced is light bleeding/spotting when my period came. I've been bleeding for about 3 weeks now. This is normal, but hoping it stops soon."

• 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!"

• You...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2019

For Birth Control "If you have an irregular period, don't get this! I got the 3-year plan, and it's only been 2 years, but I feel like I've been bleeding/spotting for waaaaay too long! As far as not getting pregnant, A+! But hey, it's probably because my boyfriend doesn't want to do it if I'm bleeding."

• mys...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2014

For Birth Control "Spotting for two weeks, then a period for a week, followed by a couple of days of spotting, then two weeks later it starts all over again. I was told to wait six months before I have it taken out. They told me my period could go away completely, my body just has to get used to it. My sex life is suffering!"

• Ano...
• November 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I only give this a two because technically it is 'effective' because I haven't gotten pregnant. However, I absolutely hate it!!! I have had it about 6 months and I've had my period/spotting almost the entire time. It really interferes with my sex life. I got it because my friend has it and likes it, but I would not recommend this to anyone. I'm getting it taken out ASAP."

• Thi...
• September 25, 2017

For Birth Control "This birth control has been hell for me. I've been on the shot, and I had to stop after 2 years because it drove me crazy and I started having bone issues. So I decided to get on Implanon after my daughter. I thought things were going okay, but it is not, and I really need this thing out of me ASAP. Since having this thing in my arm, I've had non-stop spotting and periods all month, no energy, mood swings, depression, dizziness on a daily basis, and I've been having tingling in my arm and legs, but especially in the arm that the implant is in. I've also experienced weight gain and sharp pains where the implant is inserted. I touch and feel it on a daily basis, and it is still in the spot the doctor put it in. I think I'll just go without birth control."