Etonogestrel and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 8, 2020

For Birth Control "Getting Nexplanon was the WORST decision I have ever made. Decided to trust the research I did - which was all from the drug company and Planned Parenthood. When I first got it, I was severely bruised for two weeks, my whole arm was swollen and painful, and the whole time I had it, it would poke inside my arm, which was very uncomfortable. I was always scared it had moved. I was so anxious that I had to stop intakeing caffeine. I would cry all the time for no reason, and I was so depressed I wanted to die. I gained like 30 pounds over the course of six months because the places I'd researched said that weight gain was not considered a real side effect. When I finally got this abomination out, it took MONTHS to get back to normal and for my hormones to settle again. This is NOT worth it. I am begging you, please don't get this, and read forums with people's real experiences if you do decide to do so!! Extreme weight gain is a very common side effect! I felt like I lost control. It was horrible."

• Man...
• March 29, 2021

"DON'T DO IT, SIS! I went on Nexplanon about 2 years ago, and these have been my side effects: 1. Unrelenting cystic acne. 2. Extremely long periods - sometimes up to a month. 3. Extreme anxiety and depression - THIS WAS THE WORST - I suddenly felt suicidal. I tried very hard to fight this on my own. I deleted all my social media accounts, limited phone time, was deliberate about music and TV, and spent time with people who I felt were good for me. No matter what, I would cry. Everything would trigger me - books, TV shows, compliments, EVERYTHING. I was always sad, I would look in the mirror and just start crying. Meditation didn't work, my positive affirmations didn't work, going vegan didn't work, avoiding alcohol and coffee didn't work, getting dressed up, or doing things I loved didn't work. The only thing that worked was taking it out. I have had it out for two weeks now. I still have the acne and some of the weight gain, but suddenly I can cope. Don't do it, sis!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 9, 2021

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon in Aug 2018. Honestly, the worst birth control experience I’ve had. I have month-long periods (with only 3 weeks in between cycles), complete with cramping, bloating, and irritability for the entire duration. My anxiety and depression have skyrocketed, along with suicidal thoughts. I get severe migraines now (never had in the past), my sex drive is completely gone, and I’ve been getting horrible acne on my face and back (also didn’t have in the past). I feel constant fatigue. I gained 20 lbs in the first 6 months of having it and can’t seem to lose the weight no matter how hard I try. And on top of all, recently I’ve started getting shooting pain around the site of my implant, and my whole arm feels numb and weak when that happens. I’m getting it removed in 2 weeks because I cannot continue with all of these side effects."

• Not...
• February 3, 2015

For Birth Control "First, I've spotted on and off with this birth control. Over a year of it. Second, I can't lose weight for anything. After diets, exercise, you name it I can't lose weight. I've been the same weight, maybe a few lbs more for a year. Third, I have no desire to be touched or even want to have sex. My sex drive doesn't exist. This all started when I got on this. I'm getting it removed this month. No other birth control has ever done this to me. It's not for me personally."

• 282...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 9, 2020

For Birth Control "The worst experience of my entire life!! I have always struggled with anxiety a little, but I have always been on some kind of contraception since an early age due to acne, and looking back, I don’t think the hormones ever really helped my anxiety. But this time last year, I was so happy, the happiest I had ever been. I then got the implant, and the nightmare of side effects started. • extremely emotional • thrush • extreme acne/oily hair • low libido • EXTREME anxiety • awful intrusive thoughts • weight gain • my arm where the implant is itches constantly. I never write reviews, but I don’t want anyone to feel how I have for the past 10 months."

• sha...
• November 4, 2009

For Birth Control "I got mine put in in January of '08. I got pretty heavy periods for about 6 months after. I haven't used a tampon since, mini pads work just fine. I get it roughly every 8 weeks. Sometimes if it goes too long, I have taken a pregnancy test to make sure - all negative. I really don't like people making negative comments when they had it in less than a week. It's not instantaneous, you have to give your body time to adjust. The Implanon itself doesn't hurt, it hasn't pained me since the first few days. I have had NONE of these symptoms, any weight gain was from unhealthy eating habits. I do not bleed constantly, not stressed, crazy, or depressed."

• Dod...
• June 4, 2020

For Birth Control "I have had the Nexplanon implant nearly 3 years after having my son. Initially, I noticed that I started experiencing headaches, period pains but without the periods, and I thought I could bear this. I liked the idea of not having any periods for the whole 2 years, but as soon as I started to bleed, I noticed it was irregular. I didn't like this at all and sometimes noticed some blood clots. I remember at one point I had to go to the hospital for breathlessness, tiredness, and had never experienced this before. I have noticed I continue to get chest pains, and I have had muscle aches all over my body almost every day. I have also had panic attacks too. I have also gained weight, and I don't easily do. It's due to be removed in 2 months, but I am scared to get it removed because of fear of contracting Covid-19. Lately, I have become bloated, have pain in my left lower abdomen, and my breasts are sore. I have no idea how I can get this removed without risking my health. I want it out!"

• Mic...
• December 29, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on Implanon for a year now. There are some goods and bads to using it. The good things are you don't bleed every month, and you don't have to worry about getting pregnant. The bads are you have less sex desire, feel stressed, increased appetite, and my biggest problem is weight gain. I have gained 20 lbs so far."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I thought this birth control would be the perfect fit for me since I always forgot to take the pill. I had it inserted in October 2014. Since then, I have already gained 20 pounds. Nothing about my life or the way I eat has changed, so I knew it was the Implanon. When it was first put in my arm, it was bruised for a week and very sensitive to touch. I have had very clear skin before using this and my face has begun to break out. I'm only 20, so I'm very insecure to go to the beach this summer with my face and body looking like this. Also, my sex drive has gone down tremendously, which is hurting my relationship. The only plus side is not having a period at all. I would spot here and there in the beginning, but it went away and I do not spot anymore."

• kat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 22, 2014

For Birth Control "I love the Implanon, 100% effective. I get no periods. The only downside is that in the 2 years I've been using it, I gained at least 45 pounds, which sucks because I tried everything to lose the weight, but nothing seems to work for me. I have my appointment for removal on the 31st of December."

• Eva...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2019

For Birth Control "Beware and do extensive research on Implanon before you get it. If you’ve found this forum, I’m proud of you. Doctors and first initial 'Implanon' Google searches do not yield all side effects. After I had the Implanon inserted, I had intense mood swings of immense sadness and unnecessary anger towards loved ones. After 3 months, the mood swings settled down to constant depression and anxiety. It took me 8 months to connect the dots of side effects to Implanon: the 10 kg weight gain, the mental illness, the COMPLETE AND UTTER LOSS OF LIBIDO, and loss of any natural lubrication ('getting wet') on the odd chance that I did want to have sex with my fiancé. This was huge for me and caused a lot of insecurity because my body simply wouldn’t respond to sexual advances, even things that usually always turn me on. I feel numb most days. Last week I went to my GP to get it removed, she said no. She wouldn’t remove it because I’m a 20-year-old. I’m going back in today to demand it be removed."

• Meg...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 9, 2014

For Birth Control "I love this birth control. I've been on the patch, the shot, and the pill. All had the same issue, when it was time for my period, they would last 2-3 weeks. Horrible. I decided to get Nexplanon. I've been on it for 10 months now. It is amazing. The doctor said there was a chance I would bleed through a little at the beginning. That wasn't the case for me. I haven't had a period since the day I got the Nexplanon put in. My face is so clear and perfect now. I did gain a little weight, I'm sure the Nexplanon had a little to do with it, or could it be all those cookies I've been eating at night? Haha. I love this birth control. If you're doubting it, don't. I doubted it for 2 years, and I'm kicking myself for waiting so long."

• Anonymous
• June 5, 2020

For Birth Control "I am one of the lucky ones that has an amazing Nexplanon experience. I've had it in my arm for 2.5 years now, and I haven't had my period at all that entire time. It's super discreet in my arm. I do feel it sometimes if I cross or lay on my arms in a weird way, but any slight discomfort goes away when I shift positions and stop messing around with it. I haven't gotten pregnant, and I've probably put it to the test a time or two by this point. I haven't had any weight gain or other negative side effects, but I usually don't get side effects from medications. I was on the pill for 2 years, and I never noticed any changes either. Overall, my positive experience is 100% worth getting a second one after this. Even if my next implant is a worse experience, I still think it's worth a shot. One pro that I considered while getting it is that I'd much rather have to get something taken out of my arm than out of my cervix if I dislike it, and I stand by that logic."

• Joj...
• March 29, 2021

For Birth Control "Don't do it. This thing should come with a health warning. I have had the implant for 6 months and have bled every day since I got it, not even light bleeding that you could live with, heavy bleeding. My mood has changed, I am normally a very positive, easy-going person. Since having this inserted, I spend most of my days crying, getting angry-I am not an angry person-and feeling suicidal, and that is scary. It has got to the point where my two kids are even asking, 'Are you okay today, mummy? Why are you crying, mummy?' I have spent days just sitting, crying, or extremely anxious. I have contacted medical services to get it removed and have been put on a waiting list. Also, I have put on over 20 lbs, considering that I haven’t been overeating, and no matter what I do, weight does not shift. My advice would be to stay clear, the implant is purely awful and just not worth it."

• Kay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 19, 2021

For Birth Control "I would not recommend. Has pretty much ruined my life. My periods have been going on for weeks, up to months long, along with brown, bloody, and liquidy discharge. I’ve had horrible mental health, including suicidal thoughts, worsened depression, anxiety, and obsessive thoughts. I’ve had mood swings and gained around 5 lbs even on a healthy diet and exercise every day. My 'you know what' has had a horrible smell. I’ve tried everything from medication, figuring out my pH level, wearing cotton panties, to taking showers often, and still, there is a very bad odor, especially from my discharge and period blood. The cramps are debilitating, and I couldn’t even walk. The application area has ached ever since I got it, and I’ve had migraines constantly. If your body is sensitive to extreme hormonal changes, you have depression or any mental illness, or sensitive in general, I would not recommend this. It has been the worst experience of my life, getting it removed soon."

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 10, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve had the Nexplanon for about two years now. The insertion process for me was very comfortable and simple (only a little pinch and then some pressure). My period stopped completely, and I got slight bleeding every once in a while (not even enough to wear anything). Although I have been slowly gaining weight over the past two years. When the implant was inserted, I weighed around 150 pounds, I am now up to 180 with little to no lifestyle changes. My appetite is crazy, and once I start eating, I don’t want to stop. Recently, my back acne has had an extreme flare-up which doesn’t make sense to my normal skin. During the summer, I typically clear up due to the sun, but since I’m on my last year of Nexplanon, my acne is out of control. I rarely get period pains, but on occasion, there are cramps. I want to get it removed, but the coronavirus makes me nervous."

• Kdu...
• October 27, 2009

For Birth Control "It's been almost a year since I got it, and I haven't gone a full week without bleeding. I have gained 15 lbs in 7 months, very depressed, moody, bad cramps, headaches, muscle aches, weakness, digestive problems. The list goes on. I thought it was all in my head, so I'm glad I found these reviews because I am now going to get it removed!"

• bub...
• February 10, 2015

For Birth Control "I have been on this for about 2 years, I barely get any periods, mostly just spotting. No weight gain, you don't have to think about it but every other three years, and it just goes in your arm. I think it's the best birth control out there for now. I think it is perfect for me, but everyone's body will react differently."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2014

For Birth Control "I got this in July. I started my regular period when I got it inserted, and my period escalated to soaking through a pad every 10 minutes. I took birth control pills to fix this. I bled for 2 months straight like a normal period. Now I always am spotting, some days heavy flow. I usually always feel crampy now. I gained 10 pounds within two weeks of having this, all in my stomach. I always have migraines. I get more pimples and am always tired. I randomly get sad and angry for no reason. Also, my sex drive has been slowly but surely diminishing. I am keeping it only because it's keeping me baby-free."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 16, 2020

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon in Jan 2020 after coming off Depo-Provera. I haven't had a period, which is amazing. But... I've gained 50 pounds. I get bad migraines. I'm irritable, and honestly, I think it is time to just get it removed and try a different method. I don't even have a sex drive anymore."

• Lau...
• February 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I absolutely love Nexplanon. I got it inserted in July 2013. Since then, I have had one extremely light period that lasted two days. I have no experience with weight gain. I have always had very little acne, and Nexplanon did not cause my acne to increase. I also haven't experienced any changes in moodiness. I recommend Nexplanon to my friends all the time. I also have a friend that has it, and she really likes it, although she has experienced some weight gain. I am very surprised so many people have had such a terrible experience. If you are considering getting Nexplanon, do not let these horror stories scare you away. Everyone has a different experience, so you'll have to see if it's a good birth control option for you."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2020

For Birth Control "This is my 3rd insertion of the Nexplanon and will be removing it indefinitely as soon as possible. I noticed on the 2nd insertion that my moods were out of whack, I gained a lot of weight, and towards the end of the cycle, I felt myself again. After a month of my 3rd implant, I again feel noticeable moments of sadness and anger for no reason!!!! My husband confirms that it’s an off/on switch with my moods, and he doesn’t understand why. This is not worth it... I will gladly pop out another kid if it means not dealing with this terrible birth control method."

• Jan...
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "DON'T GET NEXPLANON. It has brought me nothing but misery. I’ve experienced tremendous weight gain, acne, depression and anxiety, back and breast pain, headaches, brain fog, and fatigue. It’s been extremely hard trying to find a Planned Parenthood to remove the implant during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve been placed on a 2-week to 1-month waiting list and haven’t been contacted for almost 4 weeks now. I’ve also talked with a friend who has it too, and she’s been having the same side effects. My friend also found in her research that Nexplanon hasn’t been tested on plus-size women. And I’ve also noticed when speaking with other users of this drug that each person’s implant expiration is a couple of years off. Mine is supposed to last for 4 years, my friend's for 7, and I’ve heard 5 or 6 for others, and we all have the exact same implant. Not enough research, super crappy side effects, and too much negligence from providers. Just take the pill."

• Hor...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I have had this for about 2 and a half years now. It has really taken a toll on my life. I’m either feeling sad or mad. I have no sex drive. The weight gain is ridiculous, I gained 20 pounds since being on this birth control. Losing weight is so hard, I can work out and fast, and I only lose a pound. I didn’t have a period for the longest time, and now I randomly have my period or spotting. I can’t even track it properly because it’s a mess. Don’t get me wrong, if you can handle all of this, then this is a product for you. The birth control part of it is great."

• Bou...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 27, 2019

For Birth Control "LISTEN!!! & Listen CAREFULLY!! RUN! Run FAR AWAY! YES! This birth control works differently on everyone. But don’t put your life in jeopardy by chancing it!! This birth control has made my life purely awful! I got it implanted in 2016! It was fine until the 6 months! Regular monthly 4-5 day periods, minimal acne, no weight gain, NOTHING!! Then all of a sudden, I changed into a different person. NEVER in my life even knew how anxiety felt, never recalled having depression. CRAZY ABSURD THOUGHTS! Literally feel like a psychopath! Let's not mention I’ve gained 50 pounds! I feel disgusting! I have mini panic attacks! I’m pure evil to my boyfriend. I don’t even want to leave the house. I have anxiety about EVERY LITTLE THING! Nexplanon was the worst decision of my life! I’m completely done with birth control. I have it removed next month on the 11th, and Lord, I wish that day would hurry up and come!"