Potential Nexplanon Side Effects
When Nexplanon side effects are concerned, the most common one definitely has to do with a womans menstrual bleeding. Essentially, the majority of women with this implant will experience some kind of change in their menstrual flow pattern, be that in intensity, frequency, or duration of the bleeding. In general, 1 in 5 women will notice longer or more frequent bleeding, while another 1 in 5 women will completely miss their periods. Pay attention to your menstrual patterns for the first three months after Nexplanon insertion, as this will indicate what to expect in the future as well.
Some other common side effects of having a Nexplanon implant are as follows:
- Breast and/or abdominal pain
There have been reports of other side effects that are less common, such as lower sex drive, higher blood pressure, increased appetite, fatigue, mood swings, nausea, dizziness, hair loss, and hot flashes.
In general, Nexplanon is a good birth control option for many women, but there are some conditions that would warrant the use of some other kind of contraceptive. For instance, Nexplanon is not recommended for pregnant women or those affected by the following conditions:
- Current or previous breast cancer
- Current or previous hematoma
Pregnancy And Breastfeeding With Nexplanon
Nexplanon should not be used during pregnancy. Its used to help prevent pregnancy, so it shouldnt be inserted if youre already pregnant.
But like other kinds of birth control, Nexplanon is not 100% effective. So its still possible to become pregnant during treatment with Nexplanon. In studies, Nexplanon was more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
If you become pregnant during your Nexplanon treatment, be sure to tell your doctor right away. Theyll likely remove the Nexplanon implant.
Its likely safe to have Nexplanon inserted if youre breastfeeding. The drug in Nexplanon, etonogestrel, has been shown to pass into breast milk. But there havent been side effects reported in children who were exposed to etonogestrel through breast milk.
Its important to note that Nexplanon may decrease milk production, which may make breastfeeding more difficult.
If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before getting Nexplanon.
Nexplanon And Lab Tests
Nexplanon can interact with certain lab blood tests. These include:
- Sex hormone-binding globulin test. This test measures the levels of certain hormones in your body. In some cases, the levels may be lower than usual for the first 6 months after you receive your Nexplanon implant. So, if you need this test, your doctor may wait 6 months after they insert Nexplanon to check the levels.
- Thyroxine test. This test checks a thyroid hormone called thyroxine . When you first receive Nexplanon, your thyroxine levels may be lower than usual. Eventually, your levels should return to normal. So, if you need a thyroxine test, your doctor may postpone it to allow your levels to return to normal.
If you need any of the above tests while youre using Nexplanon, tell your doctor that you have the Nexplanon implant.
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Because I Have Epilepsy I Need To Be Careful About My Birth Control Methods
I got the Nexplanon implant in August of 2016. Before I got Nexplanon, I tried the Mirena . I had that for about a year or so until I started experiencing cramping every single day. It was just as bad, if not worse, than my menstruation cramps. Nothing was wrong with the IUD, its placement, nor did I have any cysts my body just didn’t like the IUD in it after a year.
Because I have epilepsy, I need to be careful about my birth control methods. I didn’t want to do depo shots since that would require regular visits to a doctor that I wouldn’t be able to afford. I chose Nexplanon for how long it lasted, and how it wouldn’t interact with my antiepileptic medication.
My experience with Nexplanon has been fantastic. Its insertion was relatively painless, especially compared to that of an IUD. It stopped my menstrual cycle , which I cannot be more happy about. During my menstrual cycle, not only is the cramping intense, but my mental illnesses and gender dysphoria get worse. After I had the Nexplanon put in, I experienced a lot less of that. Before I had it inserted, I was worried it would not work out for me just like the IUD, and that it would move. In the two years I’ve had it, I’ve experienced nothing but positive side-effects.
My options for contraception as an epileptic are limited. Out of all the forms of contraception I know of, it appears to be the best for me short of tubal ligation. The only reason I would have it removed is to have a child, or to get a new one put in.
Talking With My Doctor Helped Open My Eyes About Birth Control Options I Had Dismissed

I got an Implanon implant inserted in September 2017, and have had it for over a year now. I wanted to have sex with my significant other without worrying about getting pregnant. I also hoped it would help reduce the frequency of my periods and my acne. Getting the implant inserted was a simple and quick process. I had a large bruise in the area for a few days, but no other discomfort since then. The first few months with the implant left my cycle significantly altered and unpredictable, but keeping track of it with Clue helped me a lot. My acne and frequency of bleeding are still all over the board, but I am a firm believer that this is the best birth control choice for me, and I will continue to use it for the next several years.
Your doctor should go over all of the different birth control options and side effects before you receive any type of birth control. Doing so helped open my eyes about other birth control options I had dismissed. Also, practicing healthy sex is extremely important! Just because you are on birth control does not mean you shouldn’t use a condom when you’re with someone new or don’t know the sexual history of a partner. Better safe than sorry!âBonk, nonbinary, 19, Minnesota, USA
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Side Effects Of Nexplanon
There are certain side effects attached to the usage of the Nexplanon implant. The signs may be rare, but some people may experience some deadly side effects of the implant. The most commonly found side effects are irregular bleeding and weight gain. As per a study, bleeding irregularity is the highest rated side effect discovered as part of the procedure.
Other adverse reactions to follow included consistent pain, weight gain, acne, headache, emotional lability, and depression.
Along with this, there are other reactions that may demand medical help and advice. Some of them are as follows-
Nexplanon And Other Forms Of Birth Control
Nexplanon is a form of hormonal birth control thats implanted in your arm. Its approved to help prevent pregnancy.*
You shouldnt need to use any other forms of birth control when youre using Nexplanon unless:
- its the first week after your doctor implants Nexplanon
- you need to take certain medications
In these cases, talk with your doctor about the best form of birth control for you.
* For more information about Nexplanon and pregnancy, see the Nexplanon and pregnancy section above. To learn more about how Nexplanon is inserted, see the Nexplanon insertion and removal section above. For details about these medications, see the Nexplanon interactions section above.
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Should I Expect Breast Or Vaginal Discharge With Nexplanon
Neither breast nor vaginal discharge were common side effects reported in clinical trials of Nexplanon. However, breast discharge was reported after the drug became available for use.
Keep in mind that breast discharge can be a symptom of breast cancer. In rare cases, hormonal birth control, such as Nexplanon, may increase the risk of breast cancer coming back in people whove had it in the past.
If you have breast discharge while using Nexplanon, talk with your doctor. Especially, tell them if you have this side effect and have had breast cancer in the past. Theyll likely check for other symptoms of breast cancer.
Youll likely wont experience vaginal discharge from Nexplanon use. But its possible to experience changes in your period. These changes may include bleeding more often or more intensely than usual.
If you notice any vaginal discharge while using Nexplanon, talk with your doctor. They can help you determine if this is due to using Nexplanon.
Review Nexplanon Medical Information
Your Arbor ObGyn physician or nurse practitioner provided you with a manufacturers brochure about the Nexplanon. If you did not receive it or need additional information, please refer to the Nexplanon website: www.nexplanon.com. There is Important Safety Information you should review prior to scheduling.
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Nexplanon And Other Medications
Below is a list of medications that can interact with Nexplanon. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Nexplanon.
Before taking Nexplanon, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all the prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The types of drugs that may interact with Nexplanon include:
- Certain HIV medications. If youre taking certain HIV medications, they may affect how well Nexplanon helps prevent pregnancy. Examples of these drugs include:
* For more information about antibiotics and Nexplanon, see Can I take antibiotics with Nexplanon? in the Common questions about Nexplanon section above.
Nexplanon Insertion & Removal: Everything You Need To Know
To put it simply, Nexplanon is an arm implant that acts as birth control. This particular contraceptive contains only progestin and generally offers pregnancy protection for about three years. This implant is very discreet as its only about 1.6 inches long, but its known to be very effective. That said, well delve deeper into what to expect after Nexplanon insertion, including the removal and potential side effects.
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Nexplanon For Preventing Pregnancy
The Food and Drug Administration approves prescription drugs, such as Nexplanon, for certain uses.
Nexplanon is a birth control device. Its FDA-approved to help prevent pregnancy in females* who can become pregnant.
To learn more about sexual health or other birth control options, see Medical News Todayssexual health hub.
How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After Nexplanon Removal

Your fertility will return to normal after removal of Nexplanon, with women in studies becoming pregnant 7 to 14 days after removal. If you do not want to become pregnant then it is important to consider having another Nexplanon inserted at the same time as removal or starting another form of birth control.
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Spotting Or Other Changes In Period Bleeding
Nexplanon may cause changes in your period bleeding, including spotting . In fact, changes in bleeding were a common side effect that people with Nexplanon reported in studies. This was also the most common reason that people had their Nexplanon implant removed early.
Nexplanon may cause:
- changes in the heaviness of your bleeding
- changes in how long your period lasts
- irregular bleeding
In some cases, you may have no period during treatment with Nexplanon.
In most cases, any changes to period bleeding will occur in the first 3 months after having Nexplanon inserted. These changes may continue as long as you have Nexplanon.
What might help
Before having your Nexplanon implant inserted, talk with your doctor about what changes in bleeding you may experience.
Spotting and other changes in bleeding are common with Nexplanon, but you should still tell your doctor if you experience these side effects. In some cases, they may be a sign of a different condition, such as pregnancy, or in rare cases, cancer. Your doctor can check that the side effects youre experiencing are from Nexplanon and not another cause.
If changes in bleeding or spotting from Nexplanon are bothersome to you, your doctor may recommend a different birth control option.
Can I Take Antibiotics With Nexplanon
Yes, you can take most antibiotics with Nexplanon. Certain antibiotics or antifungal medications may interact with Nexplanon. However, most antibiotics are safe to take with Nexplanon.
If you need to take antibiotics, tell your doctor that youre using Nexplanon. Theyll usually prescribe you an antibiotic that wont interact with Nexplanon.
However, its possible youll need to take an antibiotic that may interact with Nexplanon. In this rare case, your doctor may recommend you use another form of birth control. This is because Nexplanon may become less effective.
For more information on the specific antibiotics and antifungals that may interact with Nexplanon, see the Nexplanon interactions section below.
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Pain In Arm Due To Implanon
Question posted by ap13 on 26 Jan 2013
Last updated on 11 May 2022 by Shazzar86
I’ve had the birth control implanon in my arm for about 3-4 months and everything has been great except recently I’ve been getting pains. I went to my doctors and she reassured me it was okay because I wasn’t swollen or red… but that seems strange to me, because the day after the visit I noticed its bruised slightly where the rod is. There is still pain and sometimes it goes to my hand as well. I am VERY cautious about these minor things after having complications with every other birth control. Has anyone else experienced this??
Shazzar86
I have had my implanon for four weeks now. It feels bruised and you can physically see a bruise even though I haven’t knocked it or anything. It gets irritated by my shirt rubbing on it and I find it hard to sleep on that arm. I am going back to see my doctor because if this is how it’s going to feel for 3 years I dont want it.
+0L022grace
Ive had the implant for about a month now. The bruise was minor when it was first put in and only lasted for a week then faded. But now my arm hurts it not constant its just now and then. Its spreads through my arm in my armpit to the crease of my arm etc.
+0Chezbug+0Animals1315
Get an x ray/ mri of your arm with the implant in. It could be on a nerve.
Dud_m+0Slimwheeze
weirdly enough, Im having the same issues.
+0Shannonw9171+0Ba79072+0Alyssa44+0Kathleeng81Holcath+0LousArkKathleeng81+0Miche38+0
How Does Nexplanon Work
The rod contains a hormone called etonogestrel that slowly and steadily releases to prevent pregnancy. It does this by stopping the release of an egg from your ovary, thinning the lining of your uterus and thickening mucus in your cervix.
The implant is made of a material that can be seen on X-rays and sometimes your health provider may use an X-ray to help locate it for removal.
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Why Does This Happen
Bruising happens when blood vessels are damaged, which is kind of par for the course when you puncture tissue. Not applying enough pressure can contribute to bruising, too.
Like with injections, the technique of the person inserting it and your own tendency to bruise or not plays into bruising after the birth control implant.
What Are The Side Effects
Bleeding patterns are likely to change:
- periods may be at the normal times, but they may be lighter andless painful
- occasional bleeding may happen without a regular period
- increased bleeding happens sometimes, this can includebleeding more often, heavier bleeding or a combination of this
Many people have no other side effects. Some may experience the following problems:
- Acne may develop, improve or get worse.
- Weight gain can occur over time and is often thought to be caused by the implant, but has not been directly proven.
- Headaches, breast pain and mood changes can occur and may go away after the initial few weeks.
- Bruising and mild soreness at the site of insertion or removal can last up to 2 weeks. A small scar remains.
Occasionally the implant can be difficult to feel or remove and you may need to have an ultrasound to check its position in your arm.
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It Went In Easily Has Caused No Pain And Has Even Lightened My Periods
I got the Nexplanon implant 2 years ago. I was in a long-term relationship that was getting physical and I wanted birth control that didn’t require me to remember to take a pill. My experience has been great! It went in easily, has caused no pain, and has even lightened my periods. It has made period cramps worse, but nothing Midol can’t handle.âAnonymous, female, 36, Washington State, USA
I Did Not Connect The Depression With The Device Until I Had The Implant Removed

I got an Implanon four years ago, and had it removed a year ago. The reason I got one is because I was anemic and my doctor recommended it to reduce heavy periods. Insertion was easy. At first it made my periods impossible to track, then it settled down. My periods became lighter but this might also be because of my age I put on quite a bit of weight and experienced depression which struck especially just after my period, and went away as soon as I had the device removed. I did not connect the depression with the device until I had the implant removed and experienced a dramatic change in my moods.
I had my implant removed because they wear out after 3 years. I have not replaced it with a different kind. My advice would be: Track your moods carefully. Keep a mood diary. If you notice you are getting depressed and anxious, find a doctor who will listen to you and believe you. My implant definitely made me depressed in a way I had not experienced before.
Implanon is easy to put in, and difficult and painful to take out. The doctor had to dig in my arm for ages. Doctors also didnât want to believe me when I told them my hormonal contraceptive was affecting my mental health.âMasha, female, 46, Cape Town, South Africa
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