Contraceptive Implant - Implanon

[charlie1980]

Considering taking the contraceptive implant and would like to know if anyone has used it. Were there any side effects? Was it painful to insert. Did you experience irregular menstrual cycle? Any information would be appreciated.

Hi Charlie - had mine removed recently after it's 3 year life span - had absolutely no period at all whilst I had it in. Not that painful getting it in as they use local anesthetic - slightly more painful having it removed. Side effects - can't say that I really had any - weight gain I put down to it but am not sure if it was the Implanon's fault

Hi Charlie
Sorry to be negative but I had an Implanon and I had a really bad time with it. I had a period free month and then bled for 3 1/2 months ? again a month break and then another three months with spotting after this. It was never really heavy bleeding but it was just there all the time, which became very draining. I had two holidays during this time and as you can imagine not a lot of sex. I had mine out in July this year and decided to go down the natural family planning route in preparation for TTC.
I think in theory the implants are great and I know my experience isn?t the norm ? most women seem to have irregular periods / prolonged bleeding for about 3 months then like Merry have none at all.
Sorry again for a negative post

Thanx for the information merry and peachy. I'll have to do some more research into it. My GP was so unhelpful when I asked her about alternative contraception to the pill.

I had irregular light periods with the implant but I am prone to oily skin and it made my skin really spotty both times I had one. I much preferred the mirena coil which gave me no side effects and no periods at all after the first three months even.

They give you a local anaesthetic injection before they put the implant in so it’s not painful.