Side effects
Birth control implant common side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
Period like cramps
63% of Birth control implant reviewers reported period like cramps
Headaches
63% of Birth control implant reviewers reported headaches
Vaginal discharge
54% of Birth control implant reviewers reported vaginal discharge
Vaginal dryness
47% of Birth control implant reviewers reported vaginal dryness
Breast enlargement
47% of Birth control implant reviewers reported breast enlargement
Birth control implant rare side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
5% of Birth control implant reviewers reported a latex allergy
5% of Birth control implant reviewers reported pelvic infection
2% of Birth control implant reviewers reported high blood pressure
Possible Birth control implant side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
- Period like cramps (63%)
- Headaches (63%)
- Vaginal discharge (54%)
- Vaginal dryness (47%)
- Breast enlargement (47%)
- Tender breasts (44%)
- Lower back pain (44%)
- Dizziness (42%)
- Sweating more than usual (42%)
- Nausea or vomiting (33%)
- Migraines (33%)
- Body hair getting darker (26%)
- Migraine with aura (16%)
- Body hair increase (16%)
- Hair loss (16%)
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses (9%)
- Cystitis (9%)
- Thrush (7%)
- A latex allergy (5%)
- Pelvic infection (5%)
- High blood pressure (2%)
Reviews
3.3
43 reviews
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Community reviews
Used for 12 - 18 mo
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 1 day ago
I went from 100lbs to 140lbs in just 6 months after getting the implant, which personally was a positive. I am much calmer and little to no mood swings. My period stopped, just occasional brown spotting and light cramps. My skin and hair got a bit more dry, and my nails & hair don’t grow as fast.
Somewhat positive mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 1 week ago
I loved having Nexplanon. Light periods for 6 months then stopped having periods entirely. My periods didn't return for a year after I had it removed, though. No side effects other than acne & weight gain. I lost all that acne & weight as soon as it was removed.
Very positive mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
27 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 2 weeks ago
I don't even know we're to start. Not having a period has been amazing. However, the side effects are horrible. The first month I had tingling in my hands and feet, that went away though. The first month I also experienced sever virtago/ dizziness. This issue has been on going for the past year. Its more annoying then a actually issue. I've had several acne that won't go away, mood swings are horrible, and my eye sight is bad. I've never been sick or had any health issue until getting nexplanon. Although not having a period is great, I will be getting mine removed next week after only 1 year do to issue..
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 5 - 8 yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 2 weeks ago
I am 27, and I have been on some form of hormonal birth control since I turned 15. I have used Nexplanon for the last 5 years. Overall, it was a good pick for me because of my irregular schedule and my inability to remember to take something at the same time every day. An IUD was not an option for me because of some family medical history, and at the time that I was looking, I was told that I was not a candidate for Nuvaring. Nexplanon did make my periods significantly lighter, and for a while I didn’t have a period at all. Now my cycles are very irregular (anywhere from 29-44 days in between period start dates) it lasts 2-3 days, and I can survive with light and regular tampons. Before the implant, I had heavy periods that would last at least a week, and I would go through boxes of the super and super plus tampons. I usually had minimal cramping with Nexplanon, although, as I am nearing the end of this second implant, I do think my cramps are starting to become stronger. I have gained quite a bit of weight while I’ve been on it. I'm 5’6” tall, and I started out at 195 lbs in August of 2018. I was at 225 lbs By December of 2019 (16 months/30 lbs), and 250lbs by January 2022 (41 months/55 lbs). My heaviest was in November of 2023 at 271lbs (51 months/76lbs). I’m currently weighing in at 265 lbs (61 months/70lbs). I do not think that all of my weight is attributed to the implant. I think I have some other factors that have contributed to my specific scenario, but I am curious to see how my weight changes once I have this one removed. I think my plan is to go hormone-free after this implant to give my body some time to regulate itself, and see how hormone-free feels.
Gained weight
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
37 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 2 weeks ago
Had headaches, Lower Back pain, Spotting Brown. Had period like cramps while on Nexplanon.
Top side effects not reported
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
36 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 1 month ago
Somewhat negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
18 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 17th Oct 24
Gained a lot of weight at the beginning 110 -> 120 and now losing a lot -> 100 would have period every day for a month long, none for months, or 5 days of blood every 2 weeks i love and hate it
Very negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
37 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 9th Oct 24
I didn't even want the IUD but my doctor kept pushing it so I just gave in and then after my surgery to get rid of my fibroids, I got constant night sweats EVERY NIGHT. I reported the side effects but they only suggested that I have diabetes or a thyroid problem. I did the tests, negative. Then they said they would give me a lower dose. I told them to take it out. Had to have another doctor to remove it.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
28 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 22nd Jun 24
To start, I gained about 20 pounds. My periods were sometimes non existent and then I would have a two week period, then two days of no bleeding, followed by another two week period. After a while the implant migrated in my arm and started to cause aches whenever I exercised. I could handle most side effects but the real issue was low libido. The implant made me actively avoid sex and even be a little repulsed by it. It definitely hurt my relationship. I did love the security of it and how little I had to worry about getting pregnant.
Decreased sex drive
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
30 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 21st Jun 24
I am approaching the removal date for my 3rd nexplanon. I’m researching alternative non hormonal options but may just go with another nexplanon as it has been nothing but positive for me for nearly a decade. I decided to leave this review to remind anyone reading that while reviews and the experiences of others are important, everyone is different and will react to birth control methods differently. The nexplanon has been extremely reliable for me with little to no noticeable negative reactions and it could be for you too.
Top side effects not reported
1 helpful
0 comments