Side effects
Nexplanon implant common side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
Period like cramps
60% of Nexplanon implant reviewers reported period like cramps
Headaches
57% of Nexplanon implant reviewers reported headaches
Breast enlargement
48% of Nexplanon implant reviewers reported breast enlargement
Vaginal discharge
46% of Nexplanon implant reviewers reported vaginal discharge
Vaginal dryness
46% of Nexplanon implant reviewers reported vaginal dryness
Nexplanon implant rare side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
6% of Nexplanon implant reviewers reported thrush
6% of Nexplanon implant reviewers reported pelvic infection
5% of Nexplanon implant reviewers reported a latex allergy
Possible Nexplanon implant side effects
Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews
- Period like cramps (60%)
- Headaches (57%)
- Breast enlargement (48%)
- Vaginal discharge (46%)
- Vaginal dryness (46%)
- Lower back pain (46%)
- Tender breasts (44%)
- Dizziness (38%)
- Sweating more than usual (37%)
- Nausea or vomiting (32%)
- Migraines (27%)
- Body hair getting darker (22%)
- Hair loss (21%)
- Body hair increase (16%)
- Migraine with aura (14%)
- High blood pressure (11%)
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses (10%)
- Cystitis (6%)
- Thrush (6%)
- Pelvic infection (6%)
- A latex allergy (5%)
Reviews
3.3
63 reviews
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Community reviews
Used for 5 - 8 yr
34 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 3 weeks ago
I got on the birth control on the same day I had a surgical abortion due to abnormal ultrasound 14 weeks into pregnancy in 2019. My body was going through a lot of hormonal changes as expected. Severe bleeding for several weeks occurred yet once my body adjusted to the birth control, I have not had any issues. Lighter regular periods with no side effects or unexpected pregnancies. I kept the first implant 5 years to the date of insertion and had a new one inserted in 2024. No heavy bleeding, side effects, or changes occurred. Highly recommended for those who wish to avoid pregnancy until the time is right and do not want the responsibility of taking the pill daily. Give patience to the implant as it may be slightly overwhelming at first but rest assured I have had absolutely no problems, pains, or poor side effects!
Improved skin
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 8+ yr
34 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 1 month ago
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
28 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 27th Sep 25
It did its job effectively but the side effects were awful and only got worse with time. I have excessive hair growth on my chin, lip, chest, and stomach which I have to shave daily/every other day. Never had this issue before. I also gained 30lbs over the 4 years I was on it. I will say, my cycle went back to normal very quickly after removal (removed a little under 3 weeks ago and im currently ovulating) so very good news given that we're trying to concieve. I would have just stuck with the pill though if I had known how bad it would be and that I'd have a lapse in health insurance during my time having it so getting it removed at an affordable rate was not an option.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 6 mo
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 26th Sep 25
I give it three starts because it was effective as far as me not getting pregnant but I couldn’t deal with the spotting and I bled almost every day, granted I didn’t keep it that long but it was miserable to bleed every day since insertion and it was the ultimate reason for it being removed.
Gained weight
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
16 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 10th Sep 25
My birth control has helped me by making my periods really light but then im bleeding for 7 days straight. Its help with some physical changes, but also hurt some important ones like weight. Other than that, I love this so far. But I shall report back in a few months with an update -Sunstruck
Somewhat positive mood
3 more effects
2 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
40 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 31st Aug 25
Nothing worked prior to the implant…3 conceived while using another form of controlled release birth control, and my last 2 were planned by getting the implant removed. My periods are somewhat irregular but also extremely lighter than before and shorter lasting, however I have noticed every other month that it’s rougher than before, cramps, headache etc. but then 19 days later it’s just normal. I’ve also been able to maintain the same weight while using the implant and regardless of changes in my lifestyle that would suggest a fluctuation in weight over the last 7 years
Improved skin
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
• 16th Aug 25
Terrible….the way my skin broke out with cystic acne….OMG I want to sue if I could, I thought I loosing all the blood in my body because I was on my period for a month every time it came, and the cramps were more painful than without this birth control, my experience was terrible I had no idea what was causing the acne until I went to a dermatologist and she asked about my birth control method and that’s when I decided to end it , I took my life back the day I got this thing out of my arm.
Very negative mood
2 more effects
2 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
20 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 27th Jun 25
Weight gain, poor mood, more body hair, period cramps, long lasting light periods, increased sweating.
Very negative mood
2 more effects
2 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
38 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 23rd Jun 25
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
1 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
16 years old
🇺🇸 US
• 19th Jun 25
Nexplanon is a great contraceptive, I have had no pregnancy scares. Break through took about 1.5 years last 2-3 months of constant spotting older blood.
Gained weight
1 helpful
0 comments

