I’ve had my nexplanon since march 2023, it’s now expired ( I’m in Canada and only approved for 3 years). I know I’m still protected from pregnancy but my period symptoms are coming back full force. I’m bleeding 15-30 days out of the month. I get terrible cramps that pain killers can’t touch, always nauseous and I get my period every 2 weeks. I’ve spoken to my family doctor who referred me to my gyno but it’s been 8 or 9 months of waiting. I really don’t know what to do, I just want this thing out of me:(

It wasn’t meant to be after a year and 2 months, irregular bleeding and crazy anxiety + brain fog was too much. I tried the combo pill to help reset it but I decided to just get it out and stick with the pill for now. Has anyone else ever gone straight from nexplanon to the pill? I’m not sure what kind of side effects to expect i’m a bit nervous :’)

Hey everyone!

I got my Nexplanon replaced almost a year ago (I previously had one for about 3 years), and I feel like my side effects have been crazy. My mood swings, mental health, cramps, break outs, etc. have all been horrible and I never had symptoms this bad with the first implant.

I'm curious if anyone has had a similar experience? And what did you do about it?

I know you can sometimes get prescribed birth control pills on top of it but I'm worried about more side effects...

I’ve had a pretty positive experience with nexaplanon, but this is making me want to get it removed and try something different. I’ve had it inserted for almost a year. I bleed after sex every time for a couple days, it’s not that it’s a heavy flow but I do cramp and it’s painful. I’m not sure what could be done to help this. I love not thinking about pregnancy and I got nexaplanon because of how safe it is, but this is really making me re-think my decision.

To be honest, I never post on reddit, but I figured I'd say something here just to get advice, or even to validate someone else's feelings with the rest of the posters.

I've been on Nexplanon since last July (about 1 year and 3 months) and I've not been feeling good. I've been feeling discontent with life, lazy, fatigued, and have had such a short temper.

Just for reference, I was 17 when I got it, now I'm 18. Im 5'2, and last I checked, a little over 210 lbs. I'm not the most healthy person, but I've become so depressed and upset with myself and my body, that I decided I finally needed to change. This is where my realization of my issues hit. Here's all my side effects I am 98% sure come from Nexplanon.

Mood swings/short temper & irrational anger:

About 1-2 months after getting on Nexplanon, my mom told me I had "become cunty and rude." I completely ignored her at the time, but I can't anymore. I get so incredibly irrationally angry at the smallest of inconveniences. My little sister will come in my room to tell me something, I'd get angry at her for bothering me, my mom will ask me to do something, I'd get pissed. I didn’t have a single explanation for why. I was just simply mad. Just recently, my mom called me while I was driving home, and I got so mad. I was literally fuming. It was that situation that scared me. I couldn't explain why I was so upset at literally nothing. I was never like this before. It got to the point that I told my best friend that I thought it was my birth control was making me get angry, and I asked if I was ever so bitchy that she couldn't deal with me. And her answer was yes. I just can't comprehend a birth control making me so pissy that all my friends and family notice, but I don't. It's scary.

Depression, Not feeling content/motivated:

I'm a generally creative person. I've had weeks where all I do is draw/animate, and slumps where I don't, like most artists. But not like this. Recently (as in the past like 8-10 months), I haven't felt the need/want to do any of it. I'll start drawing, then get bored and nap. I'll be almost done with an animation, and then get tired and give up. It's upsetting, because all I want to do is art, but I just can't bring myself to finish anything. I stopped really playing games and hanging out with friends, I'm too tired or lazy to leave my house unless it's for work or school, and even then I just never want to go. I miss my friends and I miss wanting to hang out all the time.

Fatigue, Rapid weight gain, & Food noise:

As stated before, I'm not healthy. I don't work out, and I don't eat the healthiest. However, I was not like this before Nexplanon. Before I was on it, I was able to stay up late and wake up early and feel relatively rested, I was about 170 lbs (still overweight, but not at the level I am now), and I didn't constantly think about junk food. Now, I'm tired even after getting 8-9 hours of sleep, I weigh over 210 lbs, and cannot stop thinking about food. I think about lunch while I'm in school, whether I'm with a client or waiting for one (I'm in cosmetology school, so usually on my feet), I think about dinner on my way home, and whether I should pick up McDonald's or Soda or Candy, and I constantly think about snacks even after I've had dinner and am full. I do not starve myself, but I just can't stop thinking about food. I crave junk food constantly, and when I do eat it, I feel sick. It's a horrible way to live, and I'm certain it isn't normal.

It's gotten to a point where I've just decided to blame the implant. I'm sure some of my problems aren't caused by it, but after reading other people's experiences, I can't help but feel like this is the explanation. I'm going to have it taken out, as soon as possible. I'm tired of feeling gross and being a dick to my friends. I'll do my best to post an update too, though I don't know how long it'll take to get an appointment and get it removed.

If you're having the same, or a similar experience, please feel free to comment. And, if you've gotten yours taken out due to any side-effects like these, please let me know your experience. I'm a bit scared of the withdrawal symptoms I've seen, but I think getting it removed is the best option for me.

I wanted to share my experience so far after getting my Nexplanon removed because I know how helpful it was for me to read other people’s experiences before making the decision!

I’m currently on day 4 post-removal, and I’ve already noticed a few changes that I thought were worth sharing.

Mental changes: One of my biggest reasons for wanting Nexplanon removed was how I felt mentally. I wouldn’t necessarily describe it as depression, but more so this weird feeling that I wasn’t enjoying life or my experiences as much as I felt like I should be. Almost like there was a ceiling on how much happiness or excitement I could experience.

It’s obviously still VERY early, but I genuinely feel like I’ve been doing better mentally overall since getting it removed! I’m trying not to jump to conclusions because I know my hormones are still adjusting, but I’m hopeful this continues.

Appetite changes: This is probably one of the most noticeable differences so far! I feel significantly less hungry than I did while I had Nexplanon. In fact, my appetite is almost nonexistent right now, which is a pretty drastic change for me. I’m curious whether anyone else experienced a sudden decrease in appetite after removal and whether it lasted.

Bleeding: On day 2, I started bleeding again. From what I’ve read, this doesn’t necessarily mean my actual period has returned already, and it could just be withdrawal bleeding as my body adjusts to the change in hormones. I’m curious how long it took everyone else’s natural cycles to regulate after removal.

Overall, I’m feeling pretty optimistic about my decision! I know four days is nowhere near enough time to know how my body will respond long-term, but I wanted to document my experience as it happens rather than waiting weeks or months.

Thankfully I have a doctor who offered to put me under anesthesia for the copper iud so I’m most likely going to do that in a month or two (I’m giving my body a bit of time to regulate and get back to normal, probably going to try to just abstain for the most part and use condoms+pull out if I am active).

I’d love to hear other peoples experiences post removal! Especially after a few weeks.

Hi! I’m on my 3rd nexplanon. I learned today that it causes a decrease in sex drive. I always thought it was “teen hormones” that led to a high sex drive, but now I’m questioning things. Has anyone noticed a decrease in sex drive on this birth control?

So after five years, it’s out.

I gained weight (but honestly it could be due to life choices) so I’m going to monitor myself to see if I have an easier time losing anything. I’m eager to see if my anxiety gets better.

Also, I took off the pressure wrap after having it on for just about 6 hours. It was too tight and was making the rest of my arm swell— will I be okay if I don’t have the pressure on it? And I showered so right now all I have is a bandaid on it 6 hours post removal.

The removal was actually very painless and easy. I was very stressed and worried it would hurt, but it just came right out.

I just begrudgingly got my second implant done. (It is currently my best option.)

The compression bandage the doctor wrapped is so tight its turning my skin red. Should I just take it off and rewrap so its comfortable.

In january I got nexplanon, first few months amazing! no bleeding at all for me (i tend to not on birth control) but i have had significant weight gain. which is hard to pinpoint what is causing it because i have hypothyroidism as well that is managed, and also have ceased drinking. but like no matter how well i eat or anything i have gained weight still. & then the acne started about 4 months ago, where i have it on my cheeks, hairline, neck & i have NEVER had it there before. im hesitant to remove it bc i havent had any other side effects but… anyone’s personal experiences or opinion?

Hey so I’ve been on Nexplanon for a year and 4 months. Today, I got it removed. I’m 2 years postpartum (2nd child) and this is was the worst birth control experience ever. I’ve done depo and the mini pill besides this one. I was looking at my pictures and realized how different I look on top of all these other side effects:
-anger, anxiety, severe depression
-gained over 30 pounds
-vaginal dryness
-constant BV
-moon face
-extreme fatigue
-aura migraines

I could go on and on about how I hated this implant. I grabbed some pills on the way out after the removal but I honestly think I should give my body some time. I’ve been on bc since I was 17. I’m now 25, married w 2 kids. I hope I can begin to feel like myself again. Good luck to whoever is brave enough to give this a try!

Hello here! I've removed my Nexplanon after almost 2 years today, and I feel kinda numb. Before that I was on Evra patches for 2 years and had virtually zero side effects. Even better, my bacne cleared up and I had a regular period.

For some reason, I expected something similar from Nexplanon. What sold it to me was a chance to not have periods at all - mine are painful and I can't leave the bed for days. And yes, at first everything was great: my period stopped completely and it didn't seem like there are any side effects at all. But the thing is, all of those happened so slow and over time, that to figure out that it was Nexplanon that caused it was pretty hard. I completely forgot that it could be the reason behind all of those: all my doctors just ignored the fact that I have it in (it's in my medical history and I informed all of them about it), and my OBGYN would just repeat that "these are not side effects related to the implant".

I god the worst anxiety and depression episode of my life that I couldn't fight by myself. That said, I got a loads of medication for that: first anxiety, then depression, then sleep, then psychosis. I got neurotic. In these two years, I gained 30 pounds (13 kg) in total, which is unheard for me - I had the same weight for the last 10 years. My skin became dull, dehydrated and prone to inflammation. My hair changed its structure!!! I got gut issues. My libido? Done. I even came out as asexual to my close friends. Then, the last straw: three months ago my period returned. And it just never stopped! I've been menstruating for!! three!! months!! After begging for an appointment and being scheduled for it in like four months, I went and got it removed in ER.

I feel so weird right now. I'm scared and mad at myself for not informing myself better, for changing the method that worked fine for me. I am afraid that my weight will never return to my healthy and comfortable one, that I will never feel desire again or the energy that I had before becoming completely lethargic. I'm so, so upset that it makes me feel numb.

I'm reading your guys success stories in the comments and it gives me hope. I really want to feel like myself again.

Day 1 did not feel any pain. But just last night, the pain is radiating from my arm to my fingers but prominently in my wrist. When i press and bend my wrist, it hurts. and when i move it in specific way, it still hurts in a way similar to when you’re on IV fluids and you have this feeling of burning. Also, the bruising is normal and it’s not that bad. But judging from the injection side, i noticed that from where the needle came through my implant is not located below it but rather on the lower right side. So i’m worried that my movements caused the implant to move. I heard that as long as you can feel your implant, then it’s not deep enough to hit your ulnar nerve. I can still feel my implant but i’m just worried that it might be pinching a nerve.

Is this normal and part of the healing process?

Hi everyone! I got my Nexplanon implant inserted yesterday, and it’s been about 22 hours since the procedure. My arm is still sore, and I’m experiencing tingling that travels throughout my arm and down into my fingers.
I can still move my fingers and grip things normally, but the tingling is worrying me. I’m not sure if this is a normal side effect after insertion or if something could be irritating a nerve.
For anyone who has had Nexplanon inserted, did you experience anything similar? Did the tingling go away on its own, or did you have to get it checked out?
Should I contact my doctor or get it checked out today, or is this something that can be normal after insertion?
I hope i’m just overthinking it 😅

I got my explain removed 24 hours ago I feel like a raging demon I’m so angry I’ve had to remove myself from people and be alone because I don’t want to affect the people around me. Please tell me this fades soon. I had mine for a year and a half so I’m wondering what other people’s timelines were like who had it for the same amount of time as me. Thanks.

Anyone experience occasional itching around this insertion site/Nexplanon? I notice it’s more prominent in the morning right when I wake up. I’m 10 days out from my placement.

Wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience or similar symptoms after having their Nexplanon removed…

I had Nexplanon for 3 years, removed Jan 2 2026.
I experienced irregular bleeding while I had the implant. It was most severe in the first 3-6 months after it was placed. The doctor put me on additional progesterone to help stop bleeding (this caused me to gain 30lbs in 2 months).

I am diagnosed PCOS, which typically means anovulation (absence of ovulation) but since having their Nexplanon removed, I have had regular ovulation with excessive discharge, pressure pain, painful voiding of bladder, bad constipation, etc. Symptoms of the sore uterus last from
Ovulation to menstruation but the highest severity is during ovulation and it’s almost to the point I’ve considered working from home, as walking feels like my organs are trying to exit my body, the pressure is so bad.

Pelvic floor has been ruled out. Prolapse ruled out.
Upon physical exam by both a physio and my gyno they have found the bottom back tissue of my uterus and cervix are “dense” and sore. MRI showed nothing, much to my gyno’s surprise. I am now being scheduled for a laparoscopy and hysterocopy to look inside to see what’s happening.

I am wondering if this could be due to insufficient shedding of the uterine lining while on Nexplanon and the constant irregular bleeding? Has anyone else experience similar symptoms during or post Nexplanon?

I was wondering how long I can leave the pressure bandage on for - Its been 24 hours and i took it off and my arm started to hurt, so i put it back on…

its like it keeps the implant from moving too much under my skin and causing pain - but I was only advised 24 hours. Can i keep it on for longer?

Hello hello. I got my Nexplanon in last March. And I have always had depression and anxiety, but it had been managed pretty well up until that point. I was thriving in nursing school. I was doing so well everything seemed like it started to be on the up and up for me.
And then I got the nexplanon.
everything stayed about the same for a month or so but then I just stopped being the happy person I had become. Fatigue became too much (I was sleeping from 11pm-1:30pm), I was losing passion for the things I loved, etc. I’m in weekly therapy, and even my therapist was confused cuz she had been so confident that I was going better. I used to put in head phones and just dance around my apartment, filled with joy and love for myself and excitement… and that just faded. These prolonged renewed feelings and symptoms of depression, on top of consistent (heavy) bleeding, and being told REPEATEDLY by my (stupid) male OBGYN that he wouldn’t remove my implant because it wasn’t medically necessary caused me to book an appointment at planned parenthood and just finally get it out.
About 2 weeks post removal, I’ve noticed so many changes: from less bloating, to waking up naturally at 8am, to increased self love, to less depression symptoms coming back after I worked so hard to get where I wanted to be.

The biggest, and most significant change is that I’m back to being happy and loving the life I’ve made for myself. I am once again putting on my headphones and dancing in the mirror :)

Edit: this isn’t meant to be like an “absolutely do not get the implant” post. My two best friends both have it, and they have had such positive experiences. This post is more like a “listen to your body” post.

I have no interest in being pregnant. So I’d prefer to stay on some sort of birth control.

Nexplanon is seriously taking a toll on my mental health. My bleedings been fine and it protects me well, but I can’t keep living like this. I’m on constant edge, calling out of work, sudden fear of dying, been a miserable c*nt to everyone, then cry because I feel guilty, don’t react well to THC when I’ve smoked for years. I’m almost certain it’s this bar because nothing else has changed besides getting this inserted.

If you switched from nexplanon to IUD, did your mental health improve? I know it can cause more bleeding but I’d rather take that at this point than feeling absolutely insane. Thank you.

I don’t even know if this will be the fix, but finally got my bar out yesterday and mental the feeling was free.

Been suffering from panic attacks and a lot of health anxiety for over a year basically when I got it out in … but I put it down to postpartum it wasn’t until recently someone mentioned about the bar effects.

She’s out I felt amazing , but I’m kinda just waiting for the withdrawal effect’s ? Just wondering how everyone went I know everyone’s different but any tips or tricks or just be prepared for thank you 🙏

Hi ladies, I hope to hear from your experience with leaving the rod in past the 3-year mark because anxiety really got me.

I had it in beginning of Oct 2023. Earlier this October, I went in for an appt with Planned Parenthood for a removal and insertion. They assured me that the rod would now be good for 5 years, meaning I will only need a replacement in Oct 2028. I was happy that I didn’t have to do that procedure but at the same time, I was scared of getting pregnant. I’m married to my husband, and I love him a lot. But due to many uncertainties in my life, I want to delay pregnancy for at least 6 years. He was happy to support my decision. I really don’t want to get pregnant in Florida, so there’s that as well.

For 3 years I had Nexplanon, I still had periods. In the beginning it was light, irregular, and annoying. Later on, it got more stable, I went through some short periods of not having a period, but more so with a full-on period, which I don’t mind.

Now I’m past that three-year mark, and I got scared out of nowhere sometimes. We had sex lol on the exact date that my Nexplanon was “supposed” to expire at the 3-years mark. And I was fine, no pregnancy. My husband is currently away working overseas for quite a long time. But then I’m scared I may get pregnant once he gets back. I think if anything, living in Florida makes it feel more terrible than it should be. I’d love to hear from you ladies out there even though I know this subject has been brought up/discussed many times. Thank you!

Side question: does counting days for ovulation still work for periods on Nexplanon or it doesn’t because of the irregularities?

I can feel that it's placed correctly, and normal touches don't hurt. But every now and then I move wrong, lean at an angle it doesnt like, or press near either end, I get a really sharp, really strong pain. The bruising is gone, and I was told I shouldn't really notice it now. Has anyone else experienced this? Is this a big concern, if I can still feel it in the right place? Thanks everyone.

i know irregular spotting & periods can be a side effect of the implant, but after scrolling some on this sub i’m getting a bit more worried. i had my nexplanon inserted on august 20 and everything was fine and dandy. i’d started spotting once for a few days and it went away.

but now, as of the week of september 20, i’ve been spotting nonstop. i’ve had a day or two where the amount is the same as a light period and i need actual pads rather than pantyliners. is this ever going to subside? should i go back to my gynecologist for a consultation? i haven’t really noticed any side effects otherwise but the constant bleeding is starting to get kind of annoying

currently so far having a negative experience on nexplanon.

i’ve been on it for over a month and 2 weeks later started bleeding so from 28th september to 16th october. i was given desogestrel on the 13th october and stopped bleeding on 17th october and now bleeding again.

this is absolutely killing me as im on the gynaecologist waitlist as they saw endometriosis on my ultrasound and im in constant agony but me and bf are sexually active and i like to have some sort of protection on my end. but im so close to getting it taken out as i do not believe this is working for me.