Progestogen-only / Mini pill vs Implant

Started first day of period and bleed went on for 11 days (3 days heavy) and then stopped. Started spotting exactly when next period would have been due but skipped placebos and this stopped as soon as it started. I suffer with endometriosis and heavy periods so need the break as ferritin was constantly low. Also sciatica pain on left side has strangely stopped since starting these and only on 2nd packet. Moods are more consistent and I’m not getting as angry over the small things anymore. Overall I’m pretty happy with this pill and hoping I can carry on with it to menopause now.

I started the mini-pill as a quick method inbetween the time I was waiting to get the Copper Coil contraceptive. It has worked very well! No spotting or bleeding. Except, my periods were slightly heavier but had little to no cramps. I was very skeptical of the pill affecting my mental health but I am not sure as it could be other reasons!

Overall after trying many different pills, this was the best, I started to have very depressive weeks so I stopped as I was afraid of some suicidal thoughts.

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.

Previously used Implanon for 6 years without any bleeding, switched to nexplanon and had regular periods initially and then they became heavy, painful, prolonged and unpredictable. Much preferred the previous version. Have had it taken out now and have changed to combi pill so will see how that goes.

Had continuous bleeding a few months into using the implant (have had two implants, replaced after 3 years) and had to supplement by also taking progesterone only pill.

Originally had it for 6 years no problem then told to come off as was diagnosed with hypermobility (HSD) 2018, then new info says it can help hsd joint pain flare ups. Currently waiting for it to settle, nauseous and sore but remaining hopeful that it will help!

I had the implant for over 2 and a half years. When I first went on this, I didn’t have a period for a couple months but then after that I had around a month long period, this was then paired with the combined pill to help it regulate a bit more. I then ended up usually going 3 months without a period and then 1 week of a period with 2-3 weeks of very light bleeding. This was okay. I then recently had my period and since then continued to bleed for over 3 months. I decided that I couldn’t deal with this anymore as it meant rarely even being able to have sex within my relationship. I was going to get it removed early and replaced but decided against it as I reflected on the past year and the side effects that I did actually have. A key one that only really began to affect me around 2 years into it was vaginal dryness and vaginitis which I didn’t even realise was a side effect until recently. Pain during sex sometimes but a decreased libido too. I had also been up and down with my emotions, sometimes I felt extremely emotional and other times like I had no emotions at all. It did seem to work well for the first couple years and maybe getting it removed and replaced early might have helped but I just felt like I wasn’t really happy on the implant anymore, my mood was a lot lower, especially with side effects in mind. Lots of my friends use it and find it really good, I just think it’s luck of the draw how it effects you!

At 44 years old with high blood pressure, I was told that the combo pill was not an option so I decided to give the Nexplanon insert a try as a 33 year old friend of mine has had it for the last 5 years with minimal problems. It was inserted in the beginning of July. By the end of August I had lost almost 40% of the hair on the crown of my head. I also bled at a moderate level every single day of August and for another two weeks after it was removed in the beginning of October. Talk about an effective way to prevent pregnancy— neither myself nor my boyfriend are into bloody sex! Although the cramps calmed down before I had it removed, the depression and mood swings were also very hard to deal with. After it came out, I couldn't stop crying and being upset over the smallest things for several weeks. Although I could have tried to hang in there for a few more months, the hair loss was too much. And it continued to fall out until November. It's now February and it STILL hasn't started to grow back yet. Also, they're not kidding about being fertile immediately after removal... I got pregnant in December. Spending the new year dealing with an abortion was definitely not one of my resolutions for 2024 :( Long story short: If you're young, it's probably worth the hassle. Over 40, I strongly recommend against it!

Once becoming sexually active, I was given the choice of different contraceptives methods and the implant was the most effective one at the time of my consultation. I had the implant in for around 2 months and from day 3 of having the insertion done, I was bleeding continuously and have breakthrough periods for 2 months. Whilst having daily periods I was using nearly 6/7 pads a day and had large clots , which was very alarming to me. I had to seek further advice and was told they do not normally remove the implant so soon after insertion. I felt like I was being told just to deal with it and get on. I was fully aware of the symptoms but didn’t expect it to last that long. I was able to get a second opinion and was advised to have it removed immediately due to the severity of bleeding , which resulted in low iron levels and symptoms of severe fatigue and restlessness. I eventually had the implant removed after 3 months and my periods returned back to normal after a month of so. I was really disappointed that this method didn’t work for me but I was grateful to have other options

Happy with this form on contraception