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Original poster

Implant (Nexplanon) experiences

8 replies

CobaltRose96 · 15/01/2018 21:12

Hi everyone. I'm due to see a nurse this Wednesday about possibly going on the implant (Nexplanon). I can't take the regular pill as I'm a migraine sufferer, and the mini pill made me bleed constantly. Then again, I wasn't exactly hypervigilant about taking it at the exact same time everyday, which probably didn't help.... I'm pretty certain the implant is what I want, but have a few questions:

How long after asking for the implant did you have it inserted? Were you waiting a while? I'm currently sexually active so would like to have it put in ASAP I've heard that they like to put it in whilst you're on your period, I guess because they know then that you're definitely not pregnant. I'm due to start my period on Friday.

What were the side effects, if any? I know I won't really know how it'll affect me until I go on it, but it's good to get a general idea.

What was the actual insertion like? I'm okay with needles and blood, and my pain tolerance is fairly high.

Thanks in advance.

OP posts:

rebelrosie12 · 15/01/2018 21:14

Insertion was fine. I think they scratch open the skin and then it's a big injection and a butterfly stitch or two. Can't remember any side effects. Was good not to have to remember pills and also not as invasive as getting the coil.

rebelrosie12 · 15/01/2018 21:14

Oh and the area is totally number, no pain.

makingmiracles · 15/01/2018 21:17

Insertion was fine, you don’t really feel anything.
Having it in was terrible for me, I had periods that lasted 8/10/12 weeks at a time, felt drained the whole time, couldn’t wait to get it out, put up with it till just under 3 years and made them take it out a few months early, even at that appointment she was suggesting taking the pill alongside....err no love, I had it so I didn’t need to remember to take the pill, besides I think I’ve given it enough of a go and it’s not working for me, get it out.

Never had it replaced. For some people it seems to work great and they don’t have periods(few of my friends didn’t the whole time they had it) but it didn’t agree with me. As it costs the NHS’s fair bit of money it is a struggle to get them to remove it early if it doesn’t suit you, Bear that in mind.

IwillrunIwillfly · 15/01/2018 21:20

I'm on my second and it works really well for me. You can have it put in any time. I had mine put in on the first day of my period so was protected immediately but if you get it when youre not i think they say to give it a week before you rely on it for conteception.

I havent had any side effects but the most common thing i've heard people say is about having bleeding aftee but that normally settles down.

When they out it in they numb your arm first with a numbing injection so you feel a scratch as that goes in but you wont feel the actual implant go in. After they just put some paper stitches on and a bandage.

Bridechilla · 15/01/2018 21:23

Best of the lot for me. First one I didn't have a period for three years. The next two implants each had different cycles, number 2 was really erratic and number 3 was a shorter and fairly regular cycle. I've recently taken mine out as I got tired of it, nothing against the implant I just felt like I wanted to know what natural felt like after 8 years! (Spoiler: periods still suck) I have put on weight over this time, not sure if it's down to the implant so much as poor lifestyle.

I did find that the better the insertion, the easier the removal and less bruising. I was black and blue for the second insertion and it worryingly disappeared one end as it was inserted at an angle. Luckily the last doctor was very good and got it out, some can require surgery.

CoffeeCupCake · 15/01/2018 21:23

I had an appointment to talk about it then had to make another for insertion, had to wait about two weeks for each appointment as they were obviously non-urgent ones. I was on the mini pill and breastfeeding so no periods. I’ve had the implant over a year and still haven’t had a period, which is nice.
I haven’t suffered any side effects but you should read up about the possible ones. I decided it was worth an try though as you can always have it taken out if it doesn’t suit you. I did nearly chicken out when I read about possible nerve damage to the arm but the chances of that are so low I took the risk.
If you’re ok with injections you’ll be fine with insertion, although they told me to keep the dressing on for 5 days and not get it wet which sounded like overkill but I’m a rule-follower so went with it! So had shallow baths with my arm over the edge instead of showers!

lucylouuu · 15/01/2018 21:32

works great for me! i got it within a week of asking was told to keep using other protection for 7 days after having it fitted. hardly hurt to get it in, needle to numb the area and then couldn't feel anything. had bruising after. haven't had a period in 2 and half years because of it. I also couldn't take pill because of migraines

xxlala7xx · 21/01/2018 22:29

I got my nexplanon on the same day when went to sexual health clinic the doctor just gave me condoms away and said no unprotected sex for one week. Insertation was fine only felt needle going in when she numbed my arm. I've had mine in for four months now and have had two periods in that time. No weight gain or any other symptoms so far for me. I highly recommend it but understand everyone has different reactions.

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