Combined pill vs Implant

I was switched from taking the Yasmin pill to Dretine. I was told they had the exact same hormones. I have polycystic ovaries and Yasmin had been working perfectly for me. The first few months on Dretine were hell. I became severely depressed. Crying every day, anxious and mood swings. This lasted 2-3 months. This did get better. But it shouldn’t be the case that you have to go through this when taking the pill. I’ve taken the pill in different ways to help control pain and breakthrough bleeding but nothing something seems to stop the breakthrough bleeding. It’s always dark brown and clots. I also experienced a major increase in my blood pressure. My skin has been clear and pain levels are low.

I didn't start it on day 1 of my period. So this month I got my period anyway. I went to my GP (who prescribed it to me) and we determined it's my period due to timing, consistency etc. Good to note however that since I took it to control menhorragia. 10 days into taking it, my cycle lengthened to a week (minus spotting) and it's a lot less heavy than I know it. I'm hoping to feel better next month and thinking to skip the placebo entirely but I was told it can lengthen the spotting/breakthrough bleeds. There doesn't seem to be a right or wrong. Just trial and error then adjust. Note : Don't take it mid cycle. Take it as they tell you day 1 of your period. I did this because of severe reasons at the time and was also very sick. I hoped it would prevent the usual mess. In a way I succeeded somehow, just not the way I'd have liked. But then I'm too hard on myself too.

Zero libido and very painful to have sex when I tried. Stopped periods which was great for endometriosis but slowed my digestion so much the bloating and endo belly was uncomfortable all the time, caused pain in hips, lower abdomen and lower back. Had constant reflux unless I slept upright which wasn’t ideal.

I originally had the implant inserted in May 2025, but I had a difficult experience with heavy bleeding. I had it removed and switched back to the mini-pill, which has always worked well for me. I decided to try the implant again and had it re-inserted around August 18, 2025. Here is the updated timeline of my experience: Initial Recovery (August 2025) • Wound Care: I removed the bandage and plaster early to let the area breathe. I applied a new plaster on the second day, eventually removing it once I was sure the insertion site had finished bleeding. • Healing: There was some minor bruising around the site, but nothing too bad. • Early Symptoms: I noticed some clear, yellowish vaginal discharge shortly after insertion, but no spotting or bleeding during this initial stage. Follow-up Symptoms (A few months later) After I had the implant in for a few months, I began experiencing some changes: • Spotting: I had spotting/light bleeding for a few days. • Discharge: This was followed by a period of reddish and brown discharge that lasted for a few weeks. Current Status Aside from that specific window of spotting and colored discharge a few months in, I have had no other issues. It has been working well since then, and I’m hopeful it stays this way!

(I had it inserted roughly around August 18th 205, and couldn’t remember how long ago it was when filling this out) , I 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/would stop. Noticed some bruising, but nothing too bad. A bit of clear, yellowish vaginal discharge No other issues besides having a bit of reddish and brown discharge for a few weeks after a few months of having it put in, I did try having it a while ago before August of 2025, say May 2025, had horrible bleeding and such, but then had it taken out and went on mini pill which has always worked ok for me, then decided to go back on the implant and have had it since then and no other problems, so let’s hope it stays this way.

Nexplanon has changed my life by taking away my PMS/PMDD mental health symptoms. I have a lot of trust in the evidence that it works effectively to prevent pregnancy. I found both the original insertion and the replacement to be non painful procedures. The replacement took a bit longer because it was fiddly for them to get the rod out. This was not painful but slightly uncomfortable but the nurses were so friendly that it was okay. It completely randomises my periods. I still get a slight breast tenderness before my periods which helps me to know when it is coming. It feels like my PMS is quiet and slow where as before it was fast and brutal. Recently after my new insertion I’ve had a bit of dizziness here and there, but I am still working out why… it could be due to my diet. Generally I prefer my experience on Nexplanon to what my natural experience was like and would continue to use it even if I stopped being sexually active.

Stopped my periods for the first 4 years then they became heavier - lasting up to 3 weeks

It's my first time on birth control and I get way angrier then I used to but all I'm seeing from my body is positive things

Was previously on the progesterone only pill but did not want to have to remember it daily. Have had no issues with Nexplanon and had it changed recently after having the first for three years.

I would recommend getting the implant. There has been little to no difference in my body while using it and it has been a positive experience. I did notice my periods have gone from Light and regular every month to continue being light but very irregular and can last anything from 4 days to 3 months at a time. I also had one other negative experience a few weeks into having the implant. (I do think it was just my body adjusting as I haven’t had anything the same since). Where I was continuously being sick for 2 days, There was no signs of me being ill or have eaten anything unusual. I do think the implant has made very little changes to my body. Obviously a 3 month period is annoying but it does end you just need to be patient. I’m coming up to 2 years on my implant so I do feel as though my input is helpful as some people aren’t patient enough to wait out the symptoms like a long period.

I got this because I have very bad periods. I’ve had worse cramps then before and they go on for longer however the bleeding is lighter

I got this because I have very bad periods. I’ve had worse cramps then before and they go on for longer however the bleeding is lighter

wish i knew got it honestly periods stopped completely so much weight loss rlly bad increase in my mh and mood makes me feel so not me