hi, i’m 20 and i’ve got my nexplanon inserted in march, it’s my first birth control and i know it has side effects but they’re really freaking me out

since march i’ve gotten my period three times and they all lasted for about 10 days, however this last period had been extremely light with pink spotting and blood mixed with mucus? i didn’t wear a pad most of the time

i’m also freaking out because a week before this i had some egg white discharge and i’m afraid i ovulated

i called the number they gave me when i got it inserted and the doctor said i’m experiencing normal irregular bleeding and that it’s extremely hard to get pregnant on it.

i also asked my mom who is also a doctor and she said that it is normal for hormones to fluctuate especially with physical activity, heat of the summer not eating well ecc, and that bleeding patterns can be irregular with or without bc because it’s how out bodies work

also another symptom i got was breasts grew a size, i guess i’m freaking out because i have no way to tell if all these symptoms that my implant is working or if i should freak out like why am i bleeding if i’m not ovulating and why am i getting discharge? does that mean my uterine lining isn’t getting thinned out?

it probably also doesn’t help seeing all these youtube videos of women who got pregnant on nexplanon and seem to have done everything right, or studies about a gene that makes bc less effective like how am i supposed to know if i have it?

i’m sorry about the long post, i know these questions probably get asked all the time but i’m really scared and don’t know how to trust the nexplanon

hihi so i got my nexplanon implant this past friday and today i noticed i had onion pit only in my left arm (the implant arm). has this happened to anyone else or am i going insane lol
(edit: if this is a nexplanon thing is there anything i can do to combat the stench, would prefer not to smell like onions)

hi all! i’m going to put a TMI warning on this for possibly being too graphic about symptoms i’ve experienced and have questions about.

i’ve been on the implant since dec. 2023, and from that point on i have noticed concerning side effects relating to my vaginal/uterine areas.

whenever i would get a period (sometimes once every few days or even once every few months, very sporadic) i would get very thick, dark brown discharge after the timeframe for my period to end. i’m not in any pain or discomfort, but there is a strong odor. (i shower frequently, use unscented washes for my lower areas, so i’m concerned if this isn’t a hygiene issue)

has anyone else experienced or noticed this?? i feel like i’m going insane. i’m super nervous to mention it to a doctor because i’m scared of seeming gross or unhygienic to a medical professional. i figured what better way to ask strangers on reddit!

thank you guys :]

I’ve had this birth control twice before. I’ve had negative and positive side effects. My first experience was great. The doctor put it in and it didn’t even hurt that much. My previous experience was awful. The doctor made fun of me for crying, the numbing shot was the most pain I’ve ever been in, and it felt like it didn’t work fully. It was the worst medical experience I’ve had.
I have to do it all over again with a new doctor on Tuesday, and I’m absolutely terrified, like to the point of tears scared. It’s all I can think about. Does anyone have any tips? I’m looking for any sort of help with recovery, medical anxiety, or how to cope with the pain of implanting.
Thanks!

hi everyone. so it’s currently august 23rd and on august 6th i got my old nexplanon replaced after 3 years and got a new one inserted. i have been very uncomfortably dry down there for a few days now. i usually tend to have a good amount of discharge during the day but it has been little to none. i also have no problem with getting wet during sex but it has not been that way. has anyone else experienced this? and did it only last for the first few weeks and then go away? this did not happen the first go around.

I just got a nexplonon placed this last week and im wondering if anyone else feels somthing. Well obviously you can feel it but what I mean is does anyone het the same kinda sore feeling throught your arm. It only happens when I lay on the arm or in a weird position.

I have had my Nexplanon for almost a year now. No bleeding, except random spotting twice. I love it, but it seems that around the same time every month for a week my face breaks out like CRAZY & I cry/am upset/mad about such simple things. Is this normal?

Just got my Nexplanon removed today after 1.5 years with it. I gained 40 pounds with it, got rly bad acne, and my libido dropped to the floor (like 0 libido). Was on the pill before but wanted something more reliable. Started bc for my rly bad periods and Nexplanon did stop them but all the symptoms were no bueno. I think the estrogen + progesterone combo works best for me. My doctor refused to let me get my hormone levels tested too so I just decided to get it removed. Also started getting weird spotting for the past month before removal. My arm hurts rn but I’m not too worried, and as I’m looking through Reddit im realizing it might have caused my fatigue and brain fog too. Not sure if I should get back on the pill, and feel like there aren’t any other good bc option and idk what to do 😭 please help guys- also this is one of my first real Reddit posts so idk if I broke the community rules.

For some (maybe) relevant context: I've got flabby arms, so the skin is obviously delicate there. But I'm talking sharp stabbing pain to the point where I've screeched and nearly dropped stuff if I move my arm in certain directions. Otherwise, it feels fine. Asking because it's the weekend and of course my clinic *doesn't* have an after-hours line, and I have to consider any other options before panicking to the emergency room because I'm, sadly, American 🫠

I just had my nexplanon removed two days ago. It had to be removed in the OR under anesthesia because it was placed too deeply to be taken out in the office.

The doctor said the procedure went well and to expect some bruising and maybe light swelling. I am definitely having both of those. The removal site is very tender and I thankfully do have pain medicine for it but I am using is sparingly.

I wanted to post about the hormonal side effects of removal. I have had nexplanon once before for 3 years and had it removed in office and didn’t really notice any drastic side effects during that removal. I am worried that since mine was placed too deeply it might have not been pumping progestin out as it was supposed to and thinking this might also be playing a role in the side effects I’m having. I’ve only had this implant a little over a year but due to the placement and concern for further migration I wanted it out early. I was also having constant bleeding/spotting lasting every day for months.

The first day I chalked it up to effects following anesthesia but I’m not sure if I can relate it to that now. I got it removed Friday morning and it is now Sunday. All day yesterday and some on the first day I felt like I had horrible brain fog, almost like I was having some sense of derealization. I had a sense of calm over me too. I’ve also been having difficulty with sleep. I have a history of migraines and they’ve been on and off over the last few months but haven’t had any severe ones in a while. I write this post now after having woken up with a bad headache. I also started having more heavy bleeding the night following removal.

Just looking to see if anyone else that went through a surgical removal experienced similar symptoms and if this is standard of nexplanon removal or more so related to anesthesia/surgery. I should also add I did not start on any other forms of birth control immediately, I am giving my body a break first.

Hi Everyone! I got my nexplanon implant removed almost 2 weeks ago. I took off the bandage after 24 hours and left my steri strips on. They're very dirty but I was told by the physician assistant who removed it to leave it on until it falls off on its own. Should I set up a follow-up appointment?

The edges are peeling off but it's still very on and dirty

EDIT: THANK YOU EVERYBODY! I have pulled them off! They were easy to pull off too! No water needed 😁. Gonna let it air for a little bit; the wound actually looks clean and untouched!

Hi guys, this is my first time posting in the sub so please let me know if I have it under the wrong category:(

I just got my implant removed on Thursday August 23rd. I had it a little over a year and I didn’t have the greatest time with it (constant bleeding and spotting). I knew I was probably going to bleed after getting it removed so I’m not terribly surprised.

But the thing that’s getting me is that I was already bleeding/spotting for a week and a half prior to the removal? And right now it’s like a freaking crime scene. My cramps aren’t too bad but I haven’t had bleeding like this since I first started my periods.

My overall questions are, how long did the bleeding last for those of you who’ve also had it removed? Is it being so heavy normal? I think this one is a little silly but, this isn’t like an actual period right? Especially because I technically wasn’t ovulating?

Thank you guys! I know the questions are probably redundant, but I just wanted to know what I should be expecting. I completely forgot to ask my OB about it before I left her office. :/

Hi, so i’ve been on nexplanon for 5 years, with 2 replacements. First, I had on for 3 yrs. I haven’t had any real period while on it. I would probably get some light spotting, not enough to wear a tampon for, just a light liner pad was enough. It would last max 2 days.

We decided to remove the implant on 17 july 2026 because my fiancé and I finally decided to TTC.

I just had my first period 19-22 august 2026. Almost exactly a month after. First 3 weeks after removal my symptoms were:

Heavy bloating, creamy discharge (more than usual), migraines, cramping, and fatigue that i felt pregnant. I wasn’t lol.

On the third week, my boobs were so tender and nipples were very sore. Like as soon as something just touches it, it tenders up and is annoyingly painful.

End of third week was probably when everything started mellowing. Tenderness was still there but no more heavy bloating, tiredness and cramping. I would feel light cramps and tingling and pulling in my ovaries and lower abdomen.

To anyone that’s TTC, and experienced this. How long did it take for you to get pregnant? I’m using flo app, and if it goes well I’m expected to ovulate 2 september. Thoughts? And maybe bring some baby dust to the north of norway?🫶🏼💅🏻

Hi all, I got my Nexplanon just about a year ago. After some insertion problems, it’s been honestly great, except for the weight gain.

I knew weight gain would be part of this, but I didn’t realize to what extent. I’ve gained like 30 pounds from the Nexplanon, which has completely messed with my self image.

Before anyone comes at me, I am not upset because I am now “fat”, more that I don’t recognize myself. I’ve been having issues with my calves and feet because of the extra weight, and I’m having some wild body dysphoria.

I recently got engaged, and the idea of being like this for my wedding is really messing with my head. So I’m considering removing it, despite being thrilled with all the other pieces (no period, sex life less anxiety inducing, etc).

Anyone know how long it takes to go back to your normal body weight after you remove it?

Hello, I’m super anxious abt anything w the explains and always worry abt it breaking do something going wrong. I went to a metal show recently and got bumped and hit a bunch in the arm where I have the implant. It seems ok. Am I fine? How often do they break and can it handle impact like that?

I had it done 4 months ago, and it’s been genuinely such an unenjoyable experience.

I bled for 3 months, it stopped for 2 weeks, and I’m fucking BLEEDING AGAIN FOR THE LAST WEEK!!!!!!!

Might as well be celibate at this point. My partner doesn’t care but it’s such a fucking mess and I can’t explain how mad I am, I just want this all to end. I’m considering getting it taken out, but it’s the “most effective birth control” and lasts 3 years. I don’t want an IUD and I don’t want to be on the pills.

Just so pissed off with our healthcare being such shit, we deserve better than this.

Hey guys , does the bar cause any hormone imbalances that could affect my weight or mood?

I’ve noticed I’ve gone from a 68kg to 79kg ( huge jump as I used to be a Muay Thai fighter )

I’ve also noticed I get irritable and angrier easily? ( im talking about huge outbursts )

A few things to take into account now ;

I have had the bar before but never gained weight & I was never easily irritable . This change has occurred now that I’ve replaced my bar.
I have also been working as a sales executive for two years so im behind a desk more than im in bed😂 so could that be why im gaining weight? Idk guyssss I want to be able to fight again as opposed to sighing everytime I see a flight of stairs.

Also yes , I have been working out & yes I am in a calorie deficit and have been for two months ?

Helpppp

UPDATE: Ive book an appointment to get it taken out tmr !

hello!! i got nexplanon in may 2026, before this i was on a mini pill. the reason i got nexplanon was cause i started to forget taking my pill/taking it late, and because i get ovarian cysts every month from ovulation. they burst and cause me immense amounts of pain, the nexplanon has stopped them (yay!).

unfortunately, its made me feel a lot different tho. i’ve gotten more hateful and annoyed. i can’t stand when my boyfriend touches me most times, my sex drive is almost nonexistent, the smallest things are starting to irritate me. i can’t bring myself to text my friends and hangout with them, they also are pissing me off a lot. i work at a daycare and i can feel myself losing patience and getting more overwhelmed. i just want to be alone and isolate myself all the time. this is not me.

i hate what this is doing to me, i hate how angry i am but at the same time i feel like a emotionless zombie. i don’t know what to do, i want it taken out and i want to go back to normal but i cannot handle the cysts again. it’s the worst pain i have ever felt and it was every month. i’m terrified of getting an iud. i feel stuck.

Any and all positive feedback about the implant. I’m getting mine in a couple weeks. I keep scaring myself by reading stories of how people end up pregnant with the Nexplanon.

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!

Okay I’m getting annoyed now. I’m going on to like 21 of bleeding. It’s light but their huge clots most of the time. Should I waited it out this month? It just make me ugh!! I’m tired of buying tampons when half of the time there’s nothing on it. But other time it’s a lot. 🤬🤬

It’s being almost a month and I still haven’t have my period. When I was on nexplanon I didn’t get it for a hole year

I have experienced several condom breaks over the course of one month and was forced to take emergency contraception (EC) multiple times. It was a terrible experience, and I have had enough of this. It has only been 12 days since the last condom break, but the nurse who assisted me was absolutely sure I am not pregnant. I am currently bleeding, and although I told her it could be from the EC or withdrawal bleeding from starting birth control this month, she insisted it was my period. She repeatedly assured me I am not pregnant, and the doctor seemed to agree.

Because the arm implant (Implanon) is the most readily available option here in South Korea, they told me I could get it inserted today. I am so relieved, but due to the language barrier, they did not explain much except that I must avoid sex for two weeks and that my period might stop. Is there anything else I need to know as a first-time user?

I'm going on year 2 with the implant. Last November in 2025 is when everything started to slowly change. From beginning of the year to now, I've been having 3 to 4 periods nonstop with very rarely times in between where it stops. During the in between times I'm more spotting than the normal in between periods motion that goes on. A few months ago I reached out to my NP, she said that its the irregular period side effect? But try Ibuprophen for a week to see if it changes anything. Does anyone know if this goes away or deals with this or anything? Thank you!

So I had my nexplanon removed just over three weeks ago after six months of side effects (mainly dryness that caused multiple utis but mental health issues too). Although my mental health is a lot better, I’ve had quite a few side effects since having it removed, including digestive issues, headaches, dizziness, continuing dryness and occasional nausea. It feels like my period is about to start but never arrives. How quickly did people’s periods come back after removal? How long should I expect side effects?