Side effects
Implant common side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
51% of Implant reviewers reported tender breasts
44% of Implant reviewers reported period like cramps
41% of Implant reviewers reported vaginal discharge
37% of Implant reviewers reported vaginal dryness
36% of Implant reviewers reported breast enlargement
Implant rare side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
4% of Implant reviewers reported hair loss
3% of Implant reviewers reported migraine with aura
3% of Implant reviewers reported a latex allergy
Possible Implant side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
- Tender breasts (51%)
- Period like cramps (44%)
- Vaginal discharge (41%)
- Vaginal dryness (37%)
- Breast enlargement (36%)
- Lower back pain (35%)
- Sweating more than usual (27%)
- Thrush (21%)
- Nausea or vomiting (19%)
- Headaches (16%)
- Body hair increase (15%)
- Cystitis (14%)
- Body hair getting darker (12%)
- High blood pressure (9%)
- Dizziness (8%)
- Migraines (7%)
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses (6%)
- Pelvic infection (5%)
- Hair loss (4%)
- Migraine with aura (3%)
- A latex allergy (3%)
Reviews
2.8
613 reviews
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Community reviews
Used for 6 - 12 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 4 days ago
To me, the implant feels like a very fair tradeoff, where inconsistent spotting and occasional sore boobs is a price I am willing to pay to ensure I have the best protection from pregnancy. That is why I have rated it 5 stars, despite mild side effects. I have had the implant for six months now, and I can honestly say that it has been immense. My copper IUD gave me heavy periods and back pain which would ruin my day, and caused me lots of stress when it randomly decided to dislodge itself after 3 months. The implant cannot dislodge, so this was a welcome improvement. My partner and I used condoms but were worried about the risk of "human error". I was hesitant to start hormonal birth control because I heard stories about people losing their libido or experiencing emotional/personality changes, but these changes have thankfully not occured for me! I may cry slightly more (at films and such) since getting the implant, but I don't actually feel any sadder if that makes sense. Prior to contraception I always had easy, regular periods. Since getting the implant, I have only experienced two physical side effects. One of these is irregular spotting for ~7 days at a time, once or twice a month. This spotting sometimes becomes period-like in terms of the bleeding, and occasionally comes with period-like cramps. I have found this to be easily manageable, but some people find it very frustrating and everyone will have a different experience. It's up to you which side effects you are and aren't willing to put up with. The second side effect for me is sore boobs, although I haven't experienced this for a while. I am hoping that this side effect has run its course now that I have had the implant for 6 months. In terms of the insertion process, it was a ridiculously easy procedure (although I only have an IUD insertion to compare it to). If you're scared of needles I would recommend taking a friend with you because they inject your arm to numb it (mild pain for under 10 seconds, then it's numb). As someone who isn't bothered by needles and had such a friendly doctor, getting the implant was nothing more than an excuse to be taken out for a celebratory dinner. Please don't let the insertion process put you off! Whilst the insertion may sound more inconvenient than picking up a box of condoms or a prescription, it is very straightforward and will only require a 10-minute doctors oppointment every 3 years. I had the implant in my dominant arm and I was able to do normal everyday things, although I had to be cautious about lifting things or raising my arm for the first few days. The bruise took about a month to fully fade, but the mild-moderate aching was gone within a week and a half. In summary, it is so easy to read these reviews and make asssumptions about the implant based on peoples stories of irregular bleeding, painful insertions and hormonal side effects. BUT it is not a negative experience for everyone, and I am so glad to have the implant!
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
All the great wetness I was feeling down there is all gone. I have painful sexual intercourse and I'm sad.
Very negative mood
1 more effect
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0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
Poor experience. Great at preventing pregnancy however side effects on mental and physical health were not worth it. I chose to prioritise my health and swap to condoms.
Very negative mood
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0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 23rd Jul 25
Bled constantly for months, then no period for ages, then bleeding again for weeks on end. Really heavy which is abnormal for me. No sex drive, I was really depressed for the nearly 3 years I was on this and I thought that was just me, funnily enough when i came off it I felt so much better and couldn’t believe most my problems were probably being caused by this implant
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
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0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 20th Jul 25
Extreme weight gain, despite always being a consistent weight and no changes in lifestyle/eating habits. Also I have become increasingly more self conscious and body conscious, so an affect on mental health
Very negative mood
2 more effects
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0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 13th Jul 25
Great if you want to have sex and not worry about pregnancy’s however the change in my physical appearance and mood swings have been crazy and I will be getting it removed asap as I can’t go on like this
Very negative mood
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 5th Jul 25
Some infrequent cramping and bleeding but in general a good experience. Despite a lot of fear and generally being very bad with needles, a very good fitting experience (thank you to the nurse for introducing me to glucose shots that reduced the delayed faint for me!), and very convenient to not have to think about it for a few years. Feeling for it has not been as bad as it sounded, and while you cannot avoid side effects as easily - unlike a pill or patch you can't just stop taking it or take a break - they have not been worse than a usual cycle, and happen less frequently so overall, happy!
Somewhat positive mood
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0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 4th Jul 25
Great, less to worry about. But the cramps are brutal as well as the mood swings.
Somewhat negative mood
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0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1st Jul 25
Random bleeding throughout which was frustrating. Partner felt like I seemed happier in general once I came off. Suffered anxiety attacks after coming off the implant (may or may not be related currently unsure)
Somewhat positive mood
2 more effects
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0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
30 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 27th Jun 25
Great for if you are looking for contraception that you can forget about and prevent periods however it caused lasting weight gain and awful mood such as unreasonable anger which was almost misdiagnosed as a personality disorder until I came off the contraception.
Very negative mood
2 more effects
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