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Original poster

Implanon - erratic bleeding

18 replies

Debs75 · 31/07/2012 14:56

I am half way though my 2nd cycle of Implanon.
The first cycle was pretty ok, minimal bleeding no real periods during the 3 years.
This 2nd cycle is horriffic though. It was put in when dc4 was a few weeks old and I didn't have a period until she was 14 months. I then had 5 periods in 8 weeks, and they were pretty heavy. Nothing for 3 months and then 2 very heavy periods. DC4 is now 2 years and I have been 'on' for 3 weeks now. Thankfully not too heavy and I tend to bleed overnight and early morning and then spot during the day. It is leaving me drained though.
I know erratic bleeding is a normal side-effect but this is taking the piss now.

Dr did suggest going on the mini pill as well to control the bleeding but I'm not overkeen, although if that is the only option I would take it.
Anyone got any ideas on how else to reduce the bleeding?

OP posts:
Original poster
Debs75 · 01/08/2012 18:27

Anyone out there?

OP posts:
Flosie1989 · 04/08/2012 14:03

Hiya just read your post.

When I had the implant first time round I didn't have periods at all. Now I've just had it put in again after having my baby. I'm having a long heavy period now, it started 2 weeks ago and is still going strong. I hope this doesn't continue as will definitely have mine out!

So although I don't have answers for you I'm in a similar position Smile

Have you explained the bleeding to your gp?

Original poster
Debs75 · 04/08/2012 16:47

Yes but he was a bit useless, just suggested the pill.
Sorry to hear you are having trouble. Hopefully it should ease, my friend has had it 4 times and never had any problems

OP posts:
Flosie1989 · 04/08/2012 19:17

Ah I see. Is there a particular reason you don't want to go on the pill? Mine is because I can't trust myself to remember it! And I don't want another baby just yet!

Original poster
Debs75 · 05/08/2012 13:14

I don't trust the pill, got pregnant with dc4 whilst on it. I don't fancy taking a 'double dose' either. But if I haven't stopped bleeding by Thursday I will go back and see what they suggest.

OP posts:
Flosie1989 · 07/08/2012 20:05

Ok im still experiencing my heavy period which has now lasted 3 weeks. God I hope this doesn't carry on!

Flosie1989 · 27/08/2012 21:04

How did you get on in the end debs ?

My period ended up lasting 4 weeks! Plus I think another is on its way.....I really hope it doesn't stay like this!

dontcallmehon · 27/08/2012 21:06

I've had this. It isn't all the time, so I've ignored it, but don't think Implanon is for me.

Flosie1989 · 28/08/2012 06:21

What makes you think that it's not for you dontcallmehon ? As you can see from above post I've had it in before and loved it but now I'm not so impressed.....

dontcallmehon · 28/08/2012 12:59

I have 2/3 week long periods. then nothing for a while. Then erratic bleeding again. It's a shame, because it would otherwise be a great contraceptive, but I can't cope with the on-off bleeding.

Flosie1989 · 03/09/2012 08:40

Ok so AF arrived this morning again 2 weeks after my last 4 week long period Sad I wonder how long this one will last....

PinkChampagneandStrawberries · 03/09/2012 12:06

Hiya I tried the mini pill in addition to the implant after almost 2 years of constant bleeding after 3 months of the pill and implant with no improvement I finally gave up and got it removed I only wish I done it sooner. I hope you have more luck.

Flosie1989 · 03/09/2012 12:10

That's my next option pinkchampagne but the trouble is I'm not good at remembering the pill which is how DD came along lol. However I may have to resort to that if things carry on.

I'll just have to Sellotape the pill packet to my hand! Grin

lovechoc · 03/09/2012 12:21

Hi Deb, I've been on Nexplanon since January this year and at first it seemed okay...and then I got heavy bleeding and it continued for days around Feb/Mar time, so much so that I was completely drained, no energy so got bloods checked, and it turned out I was anaemic (not that surprised).

I'm almost 9 months in with this, and the bleeding has been erratic still. It gets very heavy then light, then heavy again. I have said several times, that I will get it removed but then it calms down again! I will try and persevere the full year and then may contact FP and arrange an appointment if bleeding is still heavy.

Just letting you know you're not alone. Hope yours improves soon.

Sidge · 03/09/2012 12:27

Adding in some more hormones such as the progesterone only or combined pills is the suggested management for erratic bleeding with the implant.

The bleeding is an unfortunate side effect. It often settles down on its own, or with a few months of extra hormones.

If it doesn't settle within 3-6 months then we usually advise that it probably won't and some women will choose to have their implant removed.

lovechoc · 03/09/2012 16:21

I'm unsure of having it removed, because I cannot see myself taking oral contraception and being able to stick by it. At least with the Implant you know you're protected and don't need to think about it. I may end up just putting up with the heavy bleeds, it beats being up the duff again and then having a little life to look after.

xxxresixxx · 14/09/2012 07:08

I had the same problem and took the monopoly. It took the full three months but it had worked a treat and my body has settled. You can only take the poll for three months on to of the implant due to the hormone levels and I was quite psychotic hormonal, but like you I was keen not to have it removed as other methods of contraception haven't agreed with me. Give it a go- what do you have to lose?

xxxresixxx · 14/09/2012 07:16

Monopoly = mini pill!

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