Nexplanon and Bleeding: What Users Say

• Blo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 4, 2020

For Birth Control "Don't get Nexplanon put in. It's pretty effective at not getting me pregnant because I'm not having sex, as I'm on my period constantly. I've always had 7-day long periods, and now I'm bleeding heavily for months at a time. I only go a month and a half tops without my period, and then BAM. I'm bleeding for another 2 months. I am on my period more than I am not on my period. The money that I have spent on feminine products, I don't even want to talk about it. I thought it would regulate itself after a year or so, but my periods just kept getting longer. I feel at this point I'm immortal. No living creature can sit there and bleed for months on end and still be alive. I could feed a small vampire clan, and they would never even have to bite me."

• Ste...
• March 29, 2021

For Birth Control "It’s been less than four months since I got Nexplanon inserted, and I want to get it taken out. It’s done its job in preventing pregnancy, however, it has negatively impacted me both physically and mentally. I have been bleeding nonstop since I got it put in, and this has resulted in a lot of inconvenience in my life as I am always bleeding. Having already been used to tampons, my fear of getting a bacterial infection or toxic shock syndrome has increased to the point that I switched back to pads. I can’t continue like this. The first month, I was having terrible mood swings and pushing my boyfriend away. It went away for a little bit, but I have started feeling uncontrollably sad, worthless, and unhappy again. I don’t think keeping it in any longer is worth it, to be honest. It’s sad, but I’m writing this right after I finished crying for the night because I feel so sad. If you suffer from some form of anxiety and depression already, your mental state may be further negatively impacted."

• Amo...
• January 24, 2015

For Birth Control "My experience with Nexplanon was horrible and would like to share my experience, although everyone is different and what doesn't work for me might work for you or vice versa. I had the Nexplanon placed 3 months after giving birth. Before that I was happy, high sex drive (always have had high sex drive), regular periods, and overall very long life. After Nexplanon, I had non-stop bleeding, severe headaches, severe dizziness, severe lightheadedness, extreme fatigue, and severe mood swings. I felt like I was going downhill because I felt sick all the time and extreme sadness and depression. I had it removed because I no longer felt like myself and felt like I was making bad memories on what should be my most precious moments with my family."

• Sha...
• June 4, 2020

For Birth Control "PLEASE READ: Many of my friends recommended Nexplanon to me. I thought this was a wonderful idea, as I was very inconsistent on the pill (I was inconsistent). I am nearly three months into having Nexplanon, and I want to rip it out. The irregular bleeding is very light, and not an issue. Instead, it's the emotional stress. I am usually a happy-go-lucky person, and I am now so beyond depressed, can't fall asleep at night because I am profusely crying. I try to sleep throughout the day because of how sad I am, I just want to shut my mind off. My eyes are so puffy from crying. I felt borderline suicidal. I have had to start seeing a therapist, have NEVER felt this awful, depressed, guilty, paranoid, and sad in my entire life. I have no motivation. I can't get out of bed. I have even completely lost my appetite, and I throw up my food. I AM NOT EXAGGERATING. And nobody warned me about these side effects. I would never recommend this to anyone. I plan on getting it out ASAP."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2023

For Birth Control "I got Nexplanon 3 months postpartum because I had heard horror stories of IUDs, and I'm terrible at taking the pill every day. My cousin had just got hers and said she liked it, so I went with it. Worst. Idea. Ever. The injection site was painful and bruised for 2 weeks. I could barely move my arm, and the implant gets caught on the underwire in my bra with certain movements. I've had constant bleeding for weeks on end, and I used to hardly have periods before. 3 days tops. The worst of it, though, is the anger, rage, aggression, depression, and anxiety I feel now. I thought I was going crazy. I snap at the smallest things. I can rationalize in my head that I'm being ridiculous but physically can't fight the feelings, chest pains, and aggression over things. It's getting removed tomorrow. It's not worth it. I can't live like this anymore."

• 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."

• 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."

• Suc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 12, 2014

For Birth Control "It's been a year since the implant, and my periods are constant. For the last two months, I've been bleeding nonstop. It is a very effective birth control method since there is no sex involved anyway because of the constant bleeding! I was hoping it would go away, but no such luck."

• 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."

• klo...
• March 20, 2015

For Birth Control "I got my Nexplanon 11/21/14, and my nonstop bleeding started in January and hasn't stopped since. First, it was heavy for one week, then light, then heavy for two weeks, now it's just spotting, and I think it's about to go off, but I can never be sure... just ready for it to go off because I'm tired of buying pads."

• Dee...
• December 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve never written a review for any medication, but I felt the need to warn other women about this birth control. I got my implant in Oct 2020, and Dec 15, I’m getting it removed. It’s been an absolute nightmare. It doesn’t come with cramps, but it’s sometimes extremely heavy and other times very light. At this point, I have no idea when it’s coming, as it literally comes every 2 or 3 days, sometimes lasting for 2 weeks. The longest one was about 16 days, which was extremely heavy. I have also been feeling depressed. I get panic attacks from the sun going down because my mood drastically declines when it gets dark. I have never experienced any of these symptoms and don’t have a history of any kind of mental health illnesses. I am afraid to be home alone due to the intrusive thoughts I’ve been having, and everyone around me has noticed I haven’t been myself. Please take caution and research this method thoroughly before getting it implanted. Wish you all health and happiness."

• Dee...
• December 8, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve never written a review for any medication, but I felt the need to warn other women about this birth control. I got my implant in Oct 2020, and Dec 15, I’m getting it removed. It’s been an absolute nightmare. It doesn’t come with cramps, but it’s sometimes extremely heavy and other times very light. At this point, I have no idea when it’s coming, as it literally comes every 2 or 3 days, sometimes lasting for 2 weeks. The longest one was about 16 days, which was extremely heavy. I have also been feeling depressed. I get panic attacks from the sun going down because my mood drastically declines when it gets dark. I have never experienced any of these symptoms and don’t have a history of any kind of mental health illnesses. I am afraid to be home alone due to the intrusive thoughts I’ve been having, and everyone around me has noticed I haven’t been myself. Please take caution and research this method thoroughly before getting it implanted. Wish you all health and happiness."

• 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."

• Cat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 3, 2020

For Birth Control "After using the Nexplanon for almost a year (October 2019 - September 2020), I can say that overall I did not have many side effect symptoms other than bleeding for weeks at a time. It was frustrating to wake up every morning and see that I was still bleeding. Not only that, but the time between my periods was only 2-3 weeks. I never had a normal period on the Nexplanon and my friend who also had the implant felt the same, she bled for a year straight while my cycle would be 24 days at the least. It was very irregular within those days as well, some days would be heavy, some would be light, some days I would be bloated and have cramps, and some I would have headaches and back pain. It was all very unpredictable. After having my period for 36 days straight twice in a row, I decided my frustration was unbearable. I had to take out my Nexplanon. Though it was a very effective form of birth control, I could not take the periods any longer."

• 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."

• BBa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2019

For Birth Control "I am 21 years old and have had Nexplanon for about 6 months now, and I HATE IT. I need to get it out of me ASAP! I've been bleeding for 5 months straight, and on top of that, I've turned into one crazy woman. I've become so, so, so depressed, I cry almost every day. It's crazy how that little thing in your arm can change you entirely. I feel like I've lost myself. Do not get this birth control!!"

• Mad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 6, 2020

For Birth Control "My daughter had the Nexplanon implanted about a year and a half ago, although I told her I thought it was a bad idea. It has not been studied in women under the age of 18. After about the first 2 months, I saw the light in my daughter's eyes go out. She had horrible cramps, breakthrough bleeding lasting weeks, and severe mood swings and depression. On Friday, January 31st, at 8 PM, my daughter was taken to the local ER for suicidal thoughts. After 36 hours of awfulness, she was admitted to a psychiatric care facility and put under suicide watch. The doctor that gave her this implant did NOT educate her on the side effects it can cause, especially the mental side effects. She will be discharged in a few days and has an appointment to have it removed immediately. Do NOT get this form of birth control! Especially if you have ever been diagnosed with any type of ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, etc. I’m grateful she saw that something was not right and sought help before I lost her."

• csm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2014

For Birth Control "I had Nexplanon fitted in February, so have had it for about three months now. At first, I had little desire for sex and had irregular bleeding. Since they have both cleared up, I've actually lost weight and my breasts have grown. I sometimes get a little spotting but never a full-blown period, and overall, I think it's a brilliant method of contraception. It's quite surprising to see so many bad reviews! Hopefully, I won't develop any more side effects."

• 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."

• Jtr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2013

For Birth Control "I've had Nexplanon for 4 months, and I don't regret it. I was scared by the negative reviews, but I got it anyway. My experience has been so positive. Insertion was quick and painless, other than the lidocaine shot, which stings momentarily. I had been on my normal flow period (day 3) when I got the implant. Bleeding stopped completely within 3 hours. I spotted lightly for about 2 weeks straight beginning 8 days after insertion, but then it went away, and I've had zero bleeding since then. I lost 30 lbs almost effortlessly since getting the implant. The first 10 lbs came off in the first week without dieting. I had to work a little for the rest, but I think Nexplanon actually helped balance my pre-existing body chemistry problems and made it easier."

• Whe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 27, 2019

For Birth Control "In reading the comments, many have experienced abnormal bleeding and other symptoms. I highly suggest getting frequent check-ups with your doctor. My daughter (30s) got the implant 2 years ago. Seemed ok the first year, had no periods, then occasional periods. Then this year, very heavy, clotting bleeding started, often. Plus back pain, dizziness, and headaches. Doctors thought kidney stones because of the back pain. Then they thought possible urinary tract infection because urinating became painful. Then the bleeding and symptoms got worse. This week, 11/22/19, my daughter has been diagnosed with cancer!!! Possibly cervical/uterus. We’re waiting on further tests. I don’t know if it’s related to this medication, but I want to tell anyone who is experiencing side effects with bleeding to go to the doctor and keep getting checked, and insist they do a thorough checkup."

• Whe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 27, 2019

For Birth Control "In reading the comments, many have experienced abnormal bleeding and other symptoms. I highly suggest getting frequent check-ups with your doctor. My daughter (30s) got the implant 2 years ago. Seemed ok the first year, had no periods, then occasional periods. Then this year, very heavy, clotting bleeding started, often. Plus back pain, dizziness, and headaches. Doctors thought kidney stones because of the back pain. Then they thought possible urinary tract infection because urinating became painful. Then the bleeding and symptoms got worse. This week, 11/22/19, my daughter has been diagnosed with cancer!!! Possibly cervical/uterus. We’re waiting on further tests. I don’t know if it’s related to this medication, but I want to tell anyone who is experiencing side effects with bleeding to go to the doctor and keep getting checked, and insist they do a thorough checkup."

• 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."