Nexplanon implant and tender breasts

How our community feel they have been impacted by tender breasts on nexplanon implant

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

None or not sure

49%

A bit

19%

Quite a bit

15%

A lot

9%

A great deal

8%

Out of the 609 reviews for nexplanon implant, 312 people (51%) reported tender breasts.

Reviewers that reported tender breasts as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 6 - 12 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  5 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!

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Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

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

0 helpful

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

0 helpful

0 comments

Nexplanon implant common side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

51% of nexplanon implant reviewers reported tender breasts

44% of nexplanon implant reviewers reported period like cramps

42% of nexplanon implant reviewers reported vaginal discharge

37% of nexplanon implant reviewers reported vaginal dryness

36% of nexplanon implant reviewers reported breast enlargement


Possible nexplanon implant side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

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