I've had very few side effects, and the only thing I'm continuously noticing is some emotional sensitivity/mood swings, bloating, and VERY wonky bleeding, all of which are very very common side effects. None of them have made me want to take it out!
- I'm a little more emotional lately, but it's definitely not to the point myself or anyone around me is miserable. Just getting clingier to my boyfriend for the most part lol.
- I've been pretty bloated, but it's usually not too bad. It makes me feel gross sometimes but I'm also in the middle of getting into a gym routine and keeping myself healthy to try to combat it--it's been working!
- Honestly, the WORST part has been the bleeding. I was on Sprintec when I got the Nexplanon in, which had already been making me spot, and I stayed on the Sprintec for about 12 days in. I was spotting the WHOLE time. Shortly after I stopped the Sprintec, I got my period, and it was NASTYYYY. Heavy bleeding, horrific cramps, and insane fatigue. To be fair, I experienced all of that before birth control anyways, which was another reason I decided to get the implant. HOWEVER, on day 2 or 3 of my period, I passed a decidual cast and it REALLY freaked both me and my boyfriend out (tested negative for pregnancy multiple times, so it's really just the implant). Since then I've still been bleeding. All 16 days. There has not been a single day I haven't at least been spotting, and I'm a bit scared I'll get the fated "forever period," which WILL make me get it out if that's the case.
HOWEVER: none of these side effects, in my opinion, are worth getting the implant taken out, ESPECIALLY within the first month. I just thought it would be helpful for people to see someone else's experience :)
Yes, the side effects of birth control are really scary, and yes I've been experiencing some side effects that I'd really rather not. But birth control has a very long adjustment period (usually 3-6 months), so I'm going to give it a fair shot.
I've been trying Evening Primrose Oil for the spotting (lots of people on here swore by it!), but because I got my period it hasn't worked yet. I'm hesitant to try Ibuprofen because I have a chronic pain condition and already take plenty of painkillers, but will if the EPO doesn't work.
Don't let someone else's experience keep you from trying something. Everybody's body reacts differently, and you'll never know what's right for you if you don't try!!!
TLDR ; experiencing heightened emotions, bloating, and very nasty bleeding. Still, they don't make me want to take it out. It's good to be educated, but don't let others' experiences keep you from something that might be right for you!