Comparing Kyleena vs Nexplanon

For Birth Control So I got the Kyleena inserted in June 2017, and have had it for about a year. I was never good at taking a pill everyday and I am terrified of needles, so this seemed like the best choice. I spot once a month but never have a “real” period. I cramp if I’m in a squished sitting position for a long time like white water rafting or long car rides. The only downside is the severe mood swings, lack of sex drive, and the excessive weight gain. I’ve gained 25 lbs!!! I work out 4-5 times a week, which I started in April 2018, and have focused on what I am eating a little better with no luck in losing anything! Trying to decide if I should get it removed or keep it in.

For Birth Control During insertion, the speculum/measuring definitely felt like a mild cramp but the actual insertion of the IUD was about a 6/10 on the pain scale (did not take painkillers). For the rest of the day I felt moderate to severe cramps and bloating. I was also spotting. The spotting continued for about three to four weeks - improving in colour and amount week by week. The cramping stopped after maybe 3 - 4 days, improving drastically each day. I am on my 3rd month of the Kyleena now and everything has been great. I experience some bleeding sometimes during sex with my partner and he can feel the strings of the Kyleena (though he says that it does not hurt him). Make sure to check if the strings are still in place at least once a month. My periods are gradually getting lighter and the flow is so much better than it used to be (as someone who used to have quite severe periods). Cramps are very manageable and are usually only evident on Day 2 of my period.

For Birth Control I've had the nexplanon for 5 months and have had no bleeding, no spotting, my sex drive is normal BUT I've had debilitating post partum depression/anxiety. I had anxiety and depression before nexplanon but nothing like this. It could be just hormones trying to regulate after pregnancy but I'm beginning to wonder if the nexplanon has anything to do with it since it seems to be getting worse with time, not better.

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.