Vaginal ring vs Implant

Things started out really well. No side effects and I didn't take ring breaks so no periods. My skin got less greasy so I got fewer spots, and I had 3 months blissfully free of painful period diarrhoea. Sadly after 3 months I started to get breakthrough bleeding every day and minor versions of my old period symptoms like back pain, cramps, and digestive upsets started to flare up. I tried removing my ring but that just made it worse and within 4 hours I was having a bad time on the loo and put a new ring in just to make it stop. The new ring helped, but now I feel kind of trapped having a constant mini period all the time with no alternative since the only pill that worked for me in the past has been discontinued, and progesterone only contraceptives have never agreed with me, so nothing else seems as convenient as the ring. All in all, bit of a mixed bag.

Switched to the vaginal ring after using the pill. When first trying it I could feel some pressure in my lower abdomen but this feeling passed after 1 day and havent had it again since using it. The first 2 periods I had were shorter but heavier than usual but after each period (basically the break week) each period got lighter and my 3rd period was lighter than my usual. Apart from that no other side effects - the above ones I experienced I would say linked to my body adjusting to a new contraception (similar to the pill where they tell you the first 3 months you may experience some side effects). I dont feel as moody as when I was on the pill and the great thing is I dont need to remember to take something everyday so the peace of mind is an additional benefit.

I've been using the ring for almost a year now and so far it's been working rlly well for me. I pretty much forget it's there when it's in and its rlly easy to change. It's the first hormonal contraceptive I've used so I was extremely apprehensive about it but slowly I've got used to the idea and now it's just a normal part of my routine. The side effects I've experience are minimal and very manageable. A slight decrease in sex drive particularly a couple of months in, and a very slight increase in weight but both are managable and Ive gotten used to. My periods are really regular and I have very little period pain which is great. I would really recommend giving this method a go, overall I'm very glad I did.

It was my first time on contraception, I was afraid to forget the pill and had the feeling that the implant had less hormones in it. My mood was very fluctuating for the first 4-6 months but then settled. My period was much lighter at the beginning and not painful for the first few months, then actually got irregular after 7-8 months (only a few days, then nothing for 2 weeks, then 3 weeks long period...) The insertion of the implant was very easy and not too painful, been able to feel it since the beginning.

Loved having no periods and the convenience around not needing to remember anything for 3 years at a time. But over time I did realise I was getting vaginal dryness and thrush more often.

I didn't get on with the implant. After 4 months of heavy bleeding most days, a nurse was worried it was exacerbating my endometriosis. I agreed it probably was, so went on the cerelle mini-pill for 3 months at the same time. Cerelle and the implant together did stop the constant bleeding for 2 months, but then it came back slowly and I was no better off. I suffered from low mood, leg aches, acne and bloating for the entire 7 months I had nexplannon, so it was a relief to get it removed.

Unfortunately the implant wasn’t for me. At first I didn’t notice any effects for the first couple of weeks, however, a few weeks in I started my first period on the implant which lasted two weeks, I then stopped for a week and then I started with some spotting which turned into a full blown period. This pattern was repeated for several months until I was prescribed a pill, to help regulate my periods, as a temporary measure, with the hope the implant would adjust. Unfortunately once I came off the pill I had bleeding for 6 weeks straight until I decided to start taking a combined pill and I have just today had the implant removed. Obviously everyone’s bodies work differently so I don’t necessarily want to put people off the implant but I would say from my experience to give it 6 months and if it’s not working try something else, don’t suffer in silence.

The implant has been great for me. It went in my arm and healing was quite quick. After a few months my periods stopped entirely which I view as a positive. Every 3 months or so I get period like cramps but no bleeding and this is now my regular pattern. My skin improved slightly with less spots and there's been not other noticeable difference to myself.

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.