Side effects
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
38% of Nexplanon implant reviewers reported vaginal dryness
36% of Nexplanon implant reviewers reported breast enlargement
Nexplanon implant rare side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
4% of Nexplanon implant reviewers reported hair loss
3% of Nexplanon implant reviewers reported migraine with aura
3% of Nexplanon implant reviewers reported a latex allergy
Possible Nexplanon implant side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
- Tender breasts (51%)
- Period like cramps (44%)
- Vaginal discharge (42%)
- Vaginal dryness (38%)
- Breast enlargement (36%)
- Lower back pain (35%)
- Sweating more than usual (27%)
- Thrush (22%)
- Nausea or vomiting (20%)
- Headaches (15%)
- Body hair increase (15%)
- Cystitis (14%)
- Body hair getting darker (12%)
- High blood pressure (9%)
- Dizziness (7%)
- Migraines (7%)
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses (6%)
- Pelvic infection (5%)
- Hair loss (4%)
- Migraine with aura (3%)
- A latex allergy (3%)
Reviews
2.8
594 reviews
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Used for 1 - 3 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
took the bandage and plaster off to let the area breathe. (Added new plaster on the second day then removed it once I was sure that the bleeding stopped/wopuld stop. Noticed some bruising, but nothing too bad. A bit of clear, yellowish vaginal discharge No other issues so far!
Worse skin
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Used for 3 - 5 yr
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
I feel really happy about my experience on the implant. The first 6 months while it settled in were hard, I had a month long period then no bleeding since then. Emotionally speaking I cried every day for the first 6 months, then it was like a light switch went off and I've been fine since! Towards the end of my 3 years I started to get some break through bleeding so had it changed and a new one put in about 3 months earlier than expected but this was no trouble. I have been on it now for 4.5 years and would recommend to everyone but I know I've been lucky having no bleeding at all. I am looking to get off hormonal contraception and want to regulate my cycle to hope to have children in the next few years and want to experience a normal hormonal cycle so this is the only reason I'm changing from the implant! Overall I've had a really great time on the implant and feel reassured while being on the most effective form of birth control against unwanted pregnancy- which is a nice plus for the implant!
Top side effects not reported
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Used for 6 - 12 mo
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
Have chronic thrush. Trying to constantly battle doctors to get it treated but they say it’s nothing to do with the implant 😕
Decreased sex drive
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Used for 6 - 12 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
Normal for me I’m a U.S. bodybuilder nothing has change a lot of women gain weight because it can be an appetite enhancing affect. I’ve stayed the same tracking calories my spotting is normals as other off and on some missed periods and most lighter and little do not heavy. Experiencing hard sore nipples. And depression seems more there but not to bad. Do feel tired though out the day.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
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Used for 12 - 18 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 12th Feb 25
Used this for 1,5 years and I love it. The implant completely stopped my period this whole time, except 1 small break-thru bleeding 1yr ago. Insertion was not painful. Started using due to painful periods. Now living pain-free!
Very positive mood
1 more effect
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Used for 3 - 6 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 6th Feb 25
Positives of the Nexplexon implant is it is a very effective contraceptive and the insertion was quick and painless. However, I have been constantly bleeding (spotting and heavier bleeding) since I had it inserted 6 months ago. I have had bad cramping and lower back pain along side the bleeding. My overall mood has been effected as I feel exhausted most of the time, although I do work some night shifts so this may be a contributing factor. My sex drive has been lower than normal. I have noticed my boobs ache and feel sore. I am considering having it removed, if the bleeding does not settle.
Somewhat negative mood
3 more effects
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Used for 6 - 12 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 27th Jan 25
I believe it ruined mindset, mental health and confidence. I am normally not over the top and this sounds like an exaggeration. Although I had a really tough year and these would've affected my perspective. I always have and would utilise those negative situations to motivate me and channel sadness into action. But when I was on the implant: - I had lost all confidence in myself and abilities - My skin got worse and I have always had super clear skin - I had more hair than usual - I was super easy to agitation and struggled to regulate my emotions - I became anxious and depressed (please note some of this would be situational and not just the implant). I thought it was all situational. Until I got it removed a month ago. I am still in the process of my hormones regulating which has been difficult. But after a month I am slowly finding my personality coming back. I am not isolating as much. I am channelling my energy into action and turning my life around again! I feel more like myself day by day.
Very negative mood
2 more effects
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Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 3rd Dec 24
50/50 experience overall. My skin improved to the point where it is clear aside from the occasional hormonal spot. Definitely would recommend if you’re like me and always forget to take the pill daily. I don’t get periods but when I do I bleed for about 2-3 weeks heavily. I have noticed some weight gain but nothing to be worried about. My boobs have grown 2 whole cup sizes. No mood changes as far as I’m aware. The implant insertion process was quick and painless so nothing to worry about there.
Improved skin
1 more effect
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Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 9th Nov 24
Due to a family history of thrombosis I was advised against the combined pill which at the time was still the most common option, so the implant seemed a good choice. Whilst it was convenient in that it was long lasting and easily fitted, with no horrendous side effects, with the conversation about choices becoming more open I realised that I had been putting up with side effects which were gradually getting me down - irregular bleeding and low libido (possibly connected!) made regular sex with my partner less easy and fun than it should be, and I found that the more I exercised the more I bled, and I wanted to exercise more. I decided to switch to the copper IUD to experience a normal cycle again without the hormones, and am very happy I changed.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
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Used for 6 - 12 mo
Lowdown user
🇬🇧 UK
• 28th Oct 24
Worked well as a contraception, but in the year I had it in for I probably had about 30 days only without any bleeding or spotting. I also trialled taking the mini pill alongside the implant to try and reduce the bleeding but this had no effect. I had thrush multiple times throughout the year I had the implant, and had never had it before. My mood was the worst it had ever been, but there had been other life changes going on at the time which may have contributed.
Very negative mood
1 more effect
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