Contraceptive implant?

[Purpleboat]

My periods are ridiculously heavy. I’m talking period pants, sanitary/maternity pad and a tampon together to manage the flow in the first couple of days.
I’m considering the contraceptive implant, anyone else had experience of this? Did it help with heavy periods? Any problems? I know everyone is different but would be useful to get an idea of how others have found it.

My periods were like yours. I had the implant put in and i bled solidly for 8months before removing it. The depo injection is the only thing that stopped me bleeding and agrees with me.

I didn't have the heavy periods you describe but had to get it taken out after a couple of months - it gave me the most awful stomach cramps overnight from trapped wind. Sounds ridiculous, but I literally couldn't sit up to feed DD who was 3 months old. I couldn't get it out straight away as I had to wait for a specific surgery at the doctors, but they gave me a contraceptive pill which got rid of the side effects until it could come out

It's really suited me, had it in a few years ago for just over a year until I wanted to TTC. Then in again 2 years ago after my second baby. Both times I had one really long bleed which went on for weeks, but then after that no periods at all. Which I love!

But I know others who haven't got on with it, erratic periods etc.

It did not suit me at all. I bled constantly until I had to removed.

It also made me feel incredibly stressed/ anxious. I didn’t realise that was the cause until I had it removed because of the bleeding. So the bleeding was a blessing in disguise really.

I'm on my second one for the very same reason as you. Very heavy periods.
It's been a dream. I haven't had a period for almost 6 years.

I am perimenopausal now so I've decided to have it out only to see how my periods are now.

Love mine. I’m on my 3rd one. I have a light bleed every 4-5 weeks and it works perfectly.

@Alsonification you really don’t need to. Even if perimenopausal you still need contraception and can keep an implant until you’re 55. We don’t really “need” to know what is going on bleeding wise with regard to menopause as we can treat you symptomatically.

A real mix of experiences. Thanks everyone for sharing how you found it. @BorneoBound a delay is something I will have to consider. GP’s said they don’t do them, so I’ll have to ring a city centre contraceptive clinic and see if there’s any appointments, not great for getting it in, but especially not if there’s any problems.
@Hazelnuttella I know it’s a hormonal contraceptive, but didn’t really think about potential mental side effects. I’ve been so focused on trying to get a solution to the bleeding. Good to know and to watch out for.
Pleased to read some have had no periods or lighter periods. No periods would be the dream, but I’d take lighter, or at least not flood like atm.

@Purpleboat a Mirena coil is more likely to control your bleeding than an implant, and usually easier to get removed.

@Sidge I definitely don't need it for contraception, single for 21 years & intend to stay that way hahaha but I know you're probably right in that I don't need to remove it. It's more for myself really. I'd like to know when my periods have stopped properly rather than due to the implant if you know what I mean.
Obviously if it's still horrendous I'll have another one in.

@Alsonification ah well if you don’t need contraception that’s easier LOL. Your call really, I have quite a few women who keep their implants for bleeding control even into the menopause. Nice to have choices!

I don't have particularly heavy periods but the mirena coil has stopped my periods altogether. The nurse who put it in said it stops periods in the majority of people who have it and lightens them in most others.
I did have some cramping/spotting on and off for a while after having it fitted but that settled.
Have had zero other side effects

It certainly is. We are very lucky.

I’m on my 3rd implant, it works really well for me. I have no periods.

@Sidge I’ve heard some absolute horror stories about the coil, so I’m really put off by it. I know once it’s in it’s done for five years, but I think I had a really bad birth experience years ago and have internal
damage, so I’m worried about even moderate pain in that area.

@Purpleboat i understand, coils are very marmite. Most women love them, and they can be brilliant especially into menopause. But they’re not for everyone. I usually suggest women give them a try as it’s so personal and they’re relatively easily removed if it doesn’t suit. Just make sure you see a GP or nurse who fits lots, and that you trust.

@Sidge I think that’s part of the problem. My GP surgery only offer the pill, so anything else would be with a random nurse/doctor at the contraceptive clinic.
I think if the couple of GP’s who used to do them at the surgery hadn’t retired I would be more confident about giving it a go. I might keep this as a reserve option if the implant doesn’t work out for me.

Oh that’s a shame. Maybe try the implant with the Mirena as plan B as you said.

Hope it helps 🙂

Thanks @sidge 🤞

Hi all, thanks for your posts. Thought I would do a little update. I went ahead with the implant. Had it in for a week now. Getting it in was pain free, but not straightforward, the first one didn’t go in right, so it was put in, took out and then a new one put in. Needless to say the bruising is pretty bad and in the hot weather looks like a bit of an advertisement of what I’ve got (obviously for those who have an idea).
A day or two after it was in I felt a little emotional, but that seems to have settled now.
I think I should have been due on my period by now too and no sign so far, so fingers crossed (unless I’ve got my dates wrong). Thanks again everyone.