Implant vs Injection

Before I got the implant, I was nervous about all the side effects after reading horror stories about it, but I was pleasantly surprised after I got it done. I had it fitted on the second day of my period, the next day I noticed that my flow went from medium/heavy to very light, definitely not complaining. My next period came 9 days early (according to my period tracker app), it was very light, however I did notice some cramping, nothing I can’t handle, but the headaches and the overwhelming amount of emotions was the worse, I was emotional, and had no energy. But after my period, I went back to feeling normal. I have also noticed that my hair started to become greasier faster than usual, but that isn’t a big issue for me. My skin hasn’t changed, no weigh gain or loss. One main thing that I have truly noticed throughout my experience is mood swings, they come and go, one moment I can be happy, the next I want to cry when nothing even happened, but I guess this is normal because of the hormones and my body still adjusting to the implant. Overall, my experience wasn’t what I expected and it’s actually pretty good, and it’s comforting to know that I can get it taken out whenever I want. If anyone is scared to get the implant because of all the stories, it is very good to do research, but I recommend to just do it, see how you feel, wait out all the side effects and then make your decision if you still want to keep it in or not. I haven’t had it in for long, but at the moment, I am happy and not planning to take it out :)

Was convinced to try this by my doctor and definitely regret it. Acne made worse and didn’t feel like myself, small issues would seem like the biggest issues ever. Came off due to increased anxiety, overthinking… and wish I had done so sooner.

I was keen to try the implant as it seemed perfect for me on paper, but I ended up getting it removed due to very low mood and mood swings. Within a few days of insertion, I felt emotional all the time, getting easily upset and crying most days, and I didn't feel like myself at all. I regularly felt depressed, hopeless and overwhelmed. I also had irrational worries and anxious thoughts. I persevered with the implant for two years because I was convinced that these side effects would lessen over time, but I didn't notice any improvement. Throughout the time I had the implant, I experienced nearly constant light bleeding and spotting as well as breast tenderness. I found these side effects irritating as they interfered with my daily life, although I would have been willing to put up with them if I hadn't had the mood issues as well. Once I finally made my mind up and had my implant removed, my moods were back to normal within a week, and my periods returned to their regular pattern right away. In hindsight, I wish I had listened to my body and had it removed much sooner. For me the only positives were that the implant was convenient and effective, and the insertion/removal processes were fairly painless. I would say it is worth a try if these things are important to you, but my personal experience was so poor that it has put me off hormonal contraceptives entirely.

When I was 15, I started using the injection to manage my menstrual pain (due to Endo). It worked like magic and stopped my periods and pain right away! However, it also had a downside - it really impacted my mental health. Recently, I was diagnosed with endometriosis, and I tried different pills to manage it, but I kept forgetting to take them on time. So, I decided to give the Depot Provera injection another try. I was a bit hesitant at first, but I went ahead with it anyway. It took some time for my body to adjust, and I experienced some spotting and pelvic pain until my most recent injection. (I've had 5 injections now). Now, things have settled down, and I only get occasional twinges. The day after the injection, I experience some period-like pain, but it usually goes away after a couple of days. Overall, I would recommend this contraception, although everyone's experience is different. For me, it has finally given me what I wanted - freedom from pain.

It did it's job in preventing pregnancy but the side affects weren't pleasant - No sex drive, vaginal dryness, caused acne, moody and irritable. I got put on it at 16 as I couldn't be trusted to remember to take the pill. It stopped my period which was great! I came off it during COVID due to not being able to get to the doctor for it and the bleeding aftermath wasn't nice - a lot of heavy periods which calmed after a while. However, what caused me not to go back on it was I didn't realise how it affected my personality until I came off it. Off it I was no longer depressy or irritable, vaginal dryness went away and I suddenly had a sex drive. Overall it wasn't awful as I was none of the wiser to what I was like not being on it.

The injection definitely stops pregnancy but does affect the body in different ways

I’ve been taking the pill for over 7 years and wanted to try the injection for convenience of not worrying about taking a pill everyday, for that it was great no periods no more cramps, however I found too many side effects which overrule the one positive. - The first month was great, however month 2 and 3 I suffered with what I thought was recurring thrush but I went to the gp and did swabs but everything was negative with no infections, turns out to be vaginal dryness which are the same symptoms of thrush and is highly uncomfortable - never had this on the pill, it’s effecting my sex life as it’s uncomfortable and has lowered my libido also. - The mood swings are insane with the first shot, I was very emotional and distressed, increased intrusive thoughts about my relationship, didn’t like my body etc. - I’ve always had clear skin until the injection I noticed the odd one or two almost cystic types spots which were painful and rather embarrassing that would last for weeks. - Noticed fluctuation of breast size too I probably dropped a size or 2 but didn’t loose any body weight. Not sure how long it’s going to take to go back to normal but definitely advise to anyone wanting to go on it, research research research and book a session with your gp to review it.

I used this contraception for nearly 10 years and I loved it- being young and having no periods saved me a lot of money and stress and was ideal when I went backpacking. It is only now I am older and have an interest in having a baby one day that I was keen to switch. It has taken me nearly 12 months to regain a regular cycle! I also never realised how bad it made my acne until I came off it.

I became emotional, my stomach is bloated all the time, I have no energy, I feel tired all the time, loss of appetite, I feel uncomfortable, my ears are ringing the whole time, my head feels foggy and I feel confused, I get bad period like cramps

Period like cramps, increased white discharge, nausea and bloating made the experience horrible. Stopped getting my periods from the first shot which made me think i was pregnant.

Period like cramps, increased white discharge, nausea and bloating was horrendous. Stopped getting my period from the first shot which made me think I was pregnant. My depression also got worse.

I was on the sayanna press injection for 3 years. My periods started off a little irregular for the first couple of months and then stopped completely, which was a blessing as they have always been heavy and painful! Would start to get slight cramps in the week before the injection was due but otherwise, it seemed to suit me quite well. I'm a healthcare professional so injecting myself didn't bother me at all! I gained a little weight whilst using it but I am overweight anyway so unsure if I can attribute this to the injection!

I started the depo in June of this year, I then started constantly bleeding 3 weeks later up until the end of August. I had a 2 week break from bleeding, and then I started again for a further 3 weeks, and the pain that comes along with it is unbearable, it’s a constant vicious cycle. My moods are horrendous, I’ve had to start up antidepressants again, my skin hasn’t been this bad in literal months, all the lower part of my face has broken out into sore spots. I have tried all methods of contraception now, various pills, 2x coil and neither time worked as my body rejected both times, the implant which didn’t agree with me and now this. So I’m completely coming off contraception once this dose runs out. Never again