Nexplanon and Acne: What Users Say

• Meg...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 19, 2021

For Birth Control "I’ve been on birth control for as long as I could remember. I’ve tried the pill, the depo shot, and the patches. I got Nexplanon inserted three years ago mainly because I didn’t want to remember having to take a pill or set up a doctor's appointment for the injection. The first year was fine, but after that, my whole life turned upside down. I didn’t relate it to the birth control, but I’ve had severe depression and anxiety, which I’ve never experienced in my life until Nexplanon. This needs to be taken off the market. I’m a very mean person on it, and I get my period for weeks at a time. I’m always crying and being irrational, not to mention the horrible acne this thing puts out. Worst experience of my entire life. I can’t even begin to explain the emotional rollercoaster this type of birth control has put me through."

• Anonymous
• November 13, 2014

For Birth Control "Probably one of the worst decisions I have made in my adult life. I have always had great skin, and on this medication, it exploded with both random dryness and severe acne. My emotions were a roller coaster (more than just normal girl stuff). My sex drive plummeted. Constant spotting. Yeah, it prevented me from getting pregnant, probably because I was always on my period. All in all, bad experience."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2020

For Birth Control "I currently have the Nexplanon bar in my left arm and am finding it horrible physically, mentally, and emotionally. The first month I woke every night at 4 a.m. dripping in sweat (in winter) and experienced hot flushes every day randomly. I’ve bled every day for the last 2 months and in the last 2 weeks have broken out in pimples. I feel completely disconnected to myself as a woman, my usual cycle has been replaced by constant irregular bleeding that leaves me irritable and moody. I’m finding myself questioning every thought/feeling/reaction because I no longer know when my hormones/cycle are affecting my moods, which is taking its toll on my mental health. My anxiety has never been worse. I have zero sex drive or desire to be touched, which is taking a huge toll on my relationship. I feel there’s a complete lack of caution from GPs when prescribing this product. I’m having it removed ASAP."

• EB2...
• April 16, 2013

For Birth Control "I never write on these things, but there are so many horror stories I felt like I needed to. I had my Nexplanon inserted on February 5, 2013. So far, it has been great! It went in on the 4th day of my period, light to begin with... my period stopped completely the next day. And I haven't had one since! The insertion was extremely easy, but I did have a nasty bruise for about 2-3 weeks. Now it's fine. I did have a little body acne too but I think that was because I totally stopped birth control for a few months, before this my body wasn't used to it. I researched this and was terrified because I thought I was going to gain 80 lbs and bleed for weeks straight but it has been nothing but easy!"

• Lys...
• February 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon since 11/5/14, and the whole first week, I had extreme nausea. Then I bled for 3 weeks, was okay for about a month, and now I'm back to nonstop bleeding, extreme nausea, very anxious, crying all the time, acne, and I'm just overall very unhappy and no longer myself. Having it removed next Monday, but I'm not sure I can wait."

• 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."

• 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."

• Per...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 7, 2020

For Birth Control "Do not put your bodies through this, ladies. It might sound good, but it made me bleed nonstop for 4 months long. It’s horrible. I gained 20 lbs. It increased my appetite. I just feel hungry all the time and never satisfied. I have had it for 10 months. Can’t wait to have it removed and have my natural cycles back. The side effects are not worth it. I also felt depressed all the time on Nexplanon, and it gives me random hot flushes and headaches. I’ve noticed I break out in acne since having it."

• Jad...
• April 6, 2021

For Birth Control "I’m a teen, and after I had my baby, doctors pressured me to get on Nexplanon and told me it would stop my periods, so I got the implant on January 7th, 2021. In the beginning, everything was fine. About a week after getting the implant, I started my period, and the longest it has stopped for has been 5 days. It’s now April 6, 2021. I’ve been suffering with depression, BPD, and anxiety, but ever since getting on this implant, it has skyrocketed. I’m always depressed, I get anxious all the time. I’ve been having the worst thoughts, hate my body image, and my overall mental health is the worst it’s ever been. I would never recommend this to anybody. I feel like I’m living in a nightmare. Constant mood swings, always mad, horrible acne, suicidal thoughts. I'd rather be pregnant again than to use this. Doctors should really express to people with a history of bad mental health that it will make a horrible impact on your mental health. I’m getting this removed within the next week."

• 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."

• Js8...
• December 15, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on Nexplanon since January 2013. When it was put in my arm, it didn't really hurt, kind of just pressure. I bruised for about a week, but then it went away. Honestly, 99 percent of the time I don't even remember that I have it, it doesn't hurt in my arm or anything. I have no side effects, except that my acne got a little worse, but that could just be because I'm 20 and still young. It had worked for me 100% of the time. I have not gotten pregnant, and I have not had a period since it was inserted."

• Jil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2016

For Birth Control "First off, THIS BIRTH CONTROL AFFECTS EVERYONE DIFFERENTLY! I originally went to this site after I booked my appointment for insertion just to get a feel for what I was in for. I only saw horribly negative things. My own experience has been fine. Everything that you expect to happen on birth control does. My emotions got the best of me, but they leveled out. I had spurts of acne, but having the correct soap for your face makes all the difference. My period has been off, lots of spotting, but it's really nothing that isn't manageable. My sex drive is better than ever. And I haven't gained any weight. The insertion process is quick and painless. I'm also not pregnant! Seriously, try it for yourself, every body is different."

• Anonymous
• March 14, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had Nexplanon since January 9th, and so it's been a little over 2 months since I've gotten it inserted. I was nervous about getting it inserted, but the whole process is a breeze, so if you are considering it, don't worry about that! For 2 months, I bled almost every day, but it wasn't bad. As time went on, it was less and less. I've read other reviews where they said they bleed every day and was horrified about that happening to me, but it was hardly noticeable. Sex-wise, I haven't gotten pregnant, and this is the only form of protection my boyfriend and I use. Also, I didn't get any acne, but for the first month, I would get nauseous easily after doing cardio or even after having 1 alcoholic beverage. But that has gotten a lot better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 19, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been on Nexplanon for about a year now. I bled constantly the first 9 months, along with acne and horrible cramps. Hot flashes as well. Now my period just doesn't come at all, yet I still get the horrible cramps often. I have no sex drive, and I feel like my hair/face is always greasy. I haven't gained any weight, which is the only plus."

• Kay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 21, 2023

For Birth Control "Do NOT get it!!! I got the Nexplanon inserted a year ago, and I'm getting it removed next week. It has been the worst experience, both physically and especially mentally. I gained 10 pounds and am constantly bloated, and I am someone who is a very healthy eater and regularly exercises. My skin also plummeted, and I now have painful acne. I am also bleeding CONSTANTLY!! I'll go for 3 weeks bleeding and 1 week not bleeding. Finally, my mental health has completely spiraled!! I have constant mood swings and waves of anger that have been completely ruining what are supposed to be special moments. I have zero control over my emotions and reactions, as if my brain and body are separate! I'll be telling myself I'm angry and crying over nothing, but I physically cannot get out of the terrible mood I am now somehow in. I am not myself anymore, and you are not alone if you feel this way with Nexplanon. I cannot wait to get this mood-controlling parasite of an implant out!!"

• Mon...
• January 7, 2013

For Birth Control "I got the Nexplanon about 3 months ago. I'm gonna break down my list of issues. I have been bleeding/spotting ever since then, total change in my hair texture (bad), acne which I have always had clear skin, always feeling down, weight gain, weak, and no energy whatsoever. I have done everything but the Depo Provera shot. I guess I just gotta take my chances. Wish I didn't have to take it out, but I can't deal with ALL the side effects. Hope this helps anyone."

• syr...
• December 1, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Nexplanon for 4 months and taking it out. I get headaches every day, I'm on medium to light periods the whole month (always bloated), and I'm losing a lot of hair, not the average amount of hair loss after a pregnancy... also regular acne breakouts which I didn't have. Everyone is different."

• nex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2016

For Birth Control "First off: Please, please, please have your estrogen and progesterone levels checked before starting Nexplanon. It will save you so much time and trouble. If you have low levels of progesterone (like me), this will work miracles for you. However, if you already have high levels of progesterone, this might make you irritable, give you acne, cause weight gain, etc. (these are symptoms of having high progesterone levels). I've always had migraines with aura, so my birth control selection was limited to progesterone-only along with non-hormonal options. I haven't had a migraine since starting this, my adult acne has cleared up, my depression has lessened, and I haven't had any spotting or periods! But seriously, ladies, get those hormones checked!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 2, 2020

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon over four years ago. I am now on my second round and really don't like it. Everyone's body is different, and it's very effective, I promise. My boyfriend and I never use condoms or pull out, and ya girl isn't pregnant, so it works - don't be scared. However, now my side effects are awful, and I feel like it's hard to lose weight. I broke out really bad, bloated all the time, low energy, mood swings, and my libido dropped (boo). I am over hormonal stuff, so I am switching to a copper IUD. I'm over the hormone."

• Aub...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2015

For Birth Control "I recently had the implant put in and would like to share my first thoughts; I plan to do an update in 3-6 months. The initial pain of having the implant inserted was mild - I would rate it even less painful than a shot. Your arm will be sore for a few days, and there will be bruising, but nothing to get excited about. It has now been 2 weeks, and I can't even tell that it is there except when I feel for the implant on purpose. My doctor warned of immediate and persistent bleeding/spotting, but I haven't experienced that so far. I've been losing weight for the past few months (on purpose) and haven't noticed a difference since the implant. No major issues with acne. Everybody is different, but don't let the negative reviews scare you!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 26, 2014

For Birth Control "I had spotting for about 2-3 months, and my breasts were ridiculously tender and hurt. But after that, I had no more spotting and haven't had a period since. I also have not gained any weight (actually lost 10 lbs). Have occasional acne, but nothing severe or long-lasting. Overall, worth it to me. However, spotting in the beginning."

• la ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 4, 2014

For Birth Control "As far as effectiveness, I went through 3 years, no babies! Lots of spotting, sometimes long periods, maybe 10 days, no mood swings, no depression! Nothing much really! A few breakouts every now and then, but mine expired, and because my husband and I agreed, we just got a new one in! VERY EFFECTIVE AND I LOVE IT. MY COUSIN ALSO HAS IT, AND SHE LOVES IT MORE THAN I DO because she has NO side effects at all."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 28, 2015

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon since June 2013, and it's been great except for the first seven months. I had an almost nonstop period, but since then, no period-been almost a year and a half, no period. Pretty happy about that. No weight gain, actually lost weight. At first, it did affect my mood, but after a while, I got back to myself. Little to no acne. I plan on getting a new one when I get this one taken out. Best birth control!"

• Man...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 28, 2020

For Birth Control "I have endometriosis, so the Nexplanon for pain management was great. I only had 4 periods in the 3 years I had it. But it caused me to gain 50 pounds despite me being healthier than I’ve ever been. My acne got worse, my depression and anxiety were awful, and I got horrible migraines. I stuck with it because it was the only BC that didn’t make me violently ill every month, but I’m so happy I got it taken out."