Nexplanon is an etonogestrel implant that prevents ovulation, and in turn, prevent pregnancy. While used by women as a form of contraception, it is known to have unfavorable side effects on the menstrual cycle.
What is Nexplanon?
Nexplanon is an implant, usually implanted into the skin of the upper arm, and is used as a form of medicinal contraception that releases the hormone etonogestrel. This hormone effectively prevents the release of an egg from the ovary in order to prevent pregnancy from happening, and is 99% effective.
Nexplanon can also cause changes in the cervical mucus and uterine lining, which can make it more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus and decreasing chances of a fertilized egg attaching to the uterus. Nexplanon is implanted and the hormone is released gradually into the body, and it can be used for up to 3 years as contraception in the body.
The timing of the insertion of nexplanon is important. Nexplanon should be inserted within the first seven days of the menstrual cycle or while on oral contraceptives. You must do a routine pregnancy test before insertion to ensure that you are not pregnant.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Nexplanon is a single rod contraceptive implant with measurements 40 mm length and 2 mm diameter. It contains 68 mg of etonogestrel which is dispersed in an ethylene vinyl acetate membrane. Nexplanon works by suppressing ovulation in every menstrual cycle for three years.
This mechanism of preventing pregnancy is highly effective because it is a low dose of hormone that is beneficial in preventing the release of an egg from the ovary.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF NEXPLANON
There are many health benefits of Nexplanon as an effective birth control implant. It consists of hormone which facilitates women undergoing certain gynecological or general health conditions who wish to adopt an effective birth control method. Some of the vital health benefits of Nexplanon are as follows:
- Nexplanon – long-lasting birth control
- No stress of mission birth control dosage
- Lighter and comfortable periods
These benefits may vary in women such as light or heavy bleeding due to clinical conditions or being obese.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE NEXOPLANON IMPLANT
There are several medical conditions in which it is necessary to avoid Nexoplanon Implant. These clinical conditions are as follows:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Chronic Vaginal infection with bleeding
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Highly hypertensive
- Cancer and Liver cirrhosis
- Severe migraine attacks
- Smoking and drinking (above 35 years)
- History of cardiac arrest
- History of viral infection like Hepatitis C
Nexplanon as a drug can increase the chances of developing increased blood clots that’s why it is highly recommended to share your clinical history with your health care professional to avoid further complications.
What Are Its Side Effects?
The most common side effects of nexplanon are the ones that affect your menstrual cycle. Nexplanon can cause a change in the pattern of your menstrual bleeding during your period.
Menstrual bleeding patterns may suddenly occur more frequently, with longer or shorter bleeding experienced during your period or no bleeding occurring at all. The time between your menstrual periods may also vary and change, and you may experience some spotting in between periods as well.
For some women, menstrual bleeding might stop altogether. This is also nothing to be concerned about. In this case, the ovaries are resting and abstaining from releasing an egg every month, keeping the uterine lining thin.
There are other common side effects related to your menstrual cycle that you might experience if you use nexplanon. Apart from the changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, nexplanon can cause mood swings, weight gain, headaches, acne, and depression. Nexplanon can, in effect, amplify symptoms of PMS and your menstrual period by making their symptoms worse. You may also experience stomach pain, breast tenderness, and vaginal itching or discharge.
Nexplanon can also cause more painful periods, and affect the reproductive organs as well. Vaginitis is another known side effect that causes the vagina to become inflamed. There is also a chance of ovarian cysts developing, but this may be treated. Women also sometimes experience pain, bruising, or swelling at the site of the insertion. Many women choose to stop using the implant because of these changes. Once the implant is removed, your menstrual cycles should return to the way they were before.
While menstrual changes are relatively common among women using the hormonal implants, every woman’s body operates differently and it’s also perfectly normal to not experience any irregular changes either. Every woman is different, and it all depends on each individual.
So Are There Any Risks?
There is the risk of issues surrounding the insertion of the implant and its removal. If the implant is inserted improperly you may be able to become pregnant. Locating and removing the implant can even be difficult if the implant is not inserted correctly.
It is also advised that if you become pregnant while using nexplanon, there is a higher risk of the pregnancy becoming ectopic as a result. Other than that, experiencing differences in the pattern of your menstrual cycle is normal while using nexplanon, although it is important to keep an eye on the side effects to watch out for anything that might indicate a possible pregnancy or a serious reaction.
Women shouldn’t go ahead with the nexplanon implant if they are already experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding. If your menstrual bleeding becomes severely heavy and prolonged, you should seek a doctor’s advice.
References:
- Mommers, E., Blum, G. F., Gent, T. G., Peters, K. P., Sørdal, T. S., & Marintcheva-Petrova, M. (2012). Nexplanon, a radiopaque etonogestrel implant in combination with a next-generation applicator: 3-year results of a noncomparative multicenter trial. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 207(5), 388-e1.
- Praet, C., & D’Oca, K. (2014). Cost-benefit model of varying Nexplanon and other long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods uptake compared to the oral contraceptive pill: UK perspective. Value Health, 17, A508.
- Chevreau, J., Krief, D., Arab, O. A., Zitoun, M., Foulon, A., Sergent, F., & Gondry, J. (2018). Factors associated with removal difficulties of etonogestrel-containing contraceptive implants (Nexplanon®). European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 224, 81-84.
- Braun-Courville, D. K., & Romano, M. E. (2016). Patterns of Contraceptive Implant Use in a General Adolescent Medicine Clinic Population. Journal of Adolescent Health, 58(2), S79.
- Romano, M. E., & Braun-Corville, D. K. (2016). Patterns of Contraceptive Implant Use in a General Adolescent Medicine Clinic. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 29(2), 171.
- Dewitt, J. D., Ahmad, N., Hoffman, S. M., & Edmonds, B. T. (2018). Understanding Long-acting Reversible Contraceptive Decision-making in the Immediate Postpartum Period [10g]. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 131, 77S.
Partridge, R., & Bush, J. (2013). Infections post-Nexplanon® insertion. J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care, 39(4), 309-310.
Hi my nanme is Alysa I got my implanon about five months ago. two months after I had my baby I have periods that lasted about 4-6 weeks I figured it was just how it worked I hated I wanted to g t it removed but up until recently I haven’t had my period for 3 weeks and started today can that mean that I will have a normal period now that’s only a week long. Because if not I want to remove because before my periods were only a week long.
Hi Alysa, it’s quite possible that you will start having a normal cycle. sometimes it takes a few months for the body to get acclimated to a new form of birth control. Track it for a few more months and see how you are making out.
A little bit bleeding every day for the 2nd month until now. Its almost 4 months since i got implanon inserted. And i am always urinating. More than 4 times a day.
Hello Zai, check back with your doctor to ensure that everything is okay.
Hello; hello I’ve had Nexplanon since October. I had depo for five years before and the pill for six months. I had one period two months ago for five days and this month I’ve been bleeding for two weeks, it’s weird like heavy spotting. Anyone have any advice? When will it stop?!?!
Hello Marie, possibly a side effect from the contraceptive methods.
Hello, I had the implant on for three weeks and i was fine for the first week, i had my period for over two weeks and got it removed about a week ago. I started taking Aubra pills the same day of removal and today’s a week since i got it removed, and I’m still bleeding, what can I do to stop this?
Hi Jessica, it could be that your body is still recovering from the implant. Give it a few weeks honestly for your body to reacclamate to a new birth control. If you have’t stopped bleeding in a few days (or even by now) Make an appointment with your doctor just to discuss.
So I just got the nexoplanon in 2 days after my period ended. I did have unprtotected sex the last day of my period. I just want to make sure that with the implant and it being the end of my menstrual cycle that it would be unlikely that I may be pregnant. Doc said wait 2 weeks after implant to do the deed again which I intend to. I just dont know if the implant stops ovulation right away
Hi Jess, generally the last day of your period, unless you have a super short cycle or a super long period, you wouldn’t be in your fertile period. So you wouldn’t be able to get pregnant at that time. I would wait however to have unprotected sex though for the two weeks, same with oral birth control.
I am really starting to absolutely hate this Nexplanon!!! I received in Jan 2018 and had my first cycle a month and a half after getting it put in. It was very light and lasted for about 9 days. I got my cycle again in May and have been bleeding now for 3 weeks straight. The cramps and body aches are horrible. I gained about 10lbs and appetite has increased tremendously. I am not a fan on this implant and will be removing it if my doctor doesn’t give me a resolution for the bleeding and cramping.
Hi Ashley, sorry you’re having so many problems on it. It seems that period issues is one of the major complaints when it comes to the implant. Good luck finding a resolution or a new form of birth control.
I had it a while ago and my doctors solution to the prolonged periods were to go on the pill too.. I am back on it after a year of nothing and I had a very weird light period and haven’t had anything since
Hi Rebecca, that’s normal. Some on the pill don’t get a period or get an extremely light one.
Hey did you find a solution?
I got nexplanon two months ago, and haven’t had any side effects except for only having one period at the beginning of the first month that I got it inserted and then nothing since. Is this normal?
Hello Callie, click the below link to read more on Nexplanon:
https://womanjunction.com/the-effects-of-nexplanon-on-menstrual-cycle/
I got the nexplanon put in December 2017 I got my period for 10 days in January then 6 days in March and not I just got it may 7th. Is it normal for me to have a period every other month?
Hi Carolina, It’s possible. A lot say that it alters their period significantly either one way or the other either heavy or irregular. So yes, this could be your normal.
Hello , so im thinking about getting the nexplanon birth control next week. But why so many ladies bleed forever after getting it? And decided to get of it because of that reason, And some womens dont have a period after a year later? My main concern is bleeding forever and weight gain.
Hi Erika, it’s largely a personal preference and based solely on the individuals body. You can always have it taken out. There are a lot of people who get it, and don’t get periods, but there are also a lot that deal with heavy bleeding too. Just like other forms of birth control you will have to try it yourself in order to see if it works for you.
I’ve had the nexplanon implant now for 1 year and 3 months. At the start of getting it, i only bled for like 2 weeks as the doctor told me it was normal. After that, I didn’t have a period for like 8/9 months. After the 1 year of having it. I completely changed. Mood and period wise. My period was more regular and frequent. My mood changed drastically. I was depressed, had anxiety, started having panic attacks. I’ve started bleeding for like 3 weeks. It would be light at the start, then get heavier and lighter again. It was just so irregular. It all depends on the person too. That’s just my experience. I still have the nexplanon in but I’m going to see a nurse about it, to get a pill to regulate my bleeding. If that doesn’t work I will definitely be getting took out. It messes your whole body and in general just you.
I’m kristi, I was wondering how long will it take me to get pregnant because I didn’t have a period while I was on it for three year and finally had one April three and got it out May 1. I had a normal period.
Hi Kristi, you could get pregnant at any point. Just know that it could be a bit before your cycle become “normal” again however it might not. You could get pregnant within the next month.
Hi, I had the nexplanon implant in over 6 years ago, before having it my periods were 5 days regular bleed but since taking it out (1 year after putting it in) they have now changed to 3 days light bleeds. During the time I had the implant in I spotted almost everyday and the month before it got taken out I bled so heavily almost every day, to the point where I was changing my tampon every few hours for a month straight. I have now being TTC for 3 years and after multiple tests have been told nothing is wrong however it doesn’t seem right that my period changed to dramatically in the time I had the implant. Has there been any cases around nexplanon causing a long lasting hormone imbalance or infertility? I’m losing my mind, I want to know whats wrong 🙁
Hi Nisha, many have reported issues with fertility after removing the nexplanon. It’s not unheard of. A quick search shows that some take 6 months to a year to become fertile again, however others report longer. You can always make an appointment with your doctor, there are medications to help jumpstart ovulation and such. Has your significant other checked to see if there was anything going on with him? Just a thought.
Yes, hes fine, super sperm in fact. We’ve had all the tests under the sun and still nothing. Tests so I am ovulating but still nothing.. oh well I guess we’ll just continue onwards… thanks
Hi Nisha, yes continue, I would recommend “not trying”. The stress of trying could sometimes make it harder to get pregnant. I wish you all the luck and sticky baby dust as they say.
I have had unbearable period cramps in my lower back and lower stomach. I got super light headed today. I am wondering if this is because of the implant??? I got my implant out yesterday but I know itll be in my system for about a month or so. I have been on this period for about 3 weeks with on and off blood but constant cramps.
Hi Ashley, it could be from the implant. That is one of the biggest reasons for people to actually discontinue using it. Since you only had it out two days ago (as of this response) I would give it a bit to get out of your system. You should start feeling better relatively soon. If not, make an appointment with your doctor but because it’s been removed, healing is in your future.
i got my implant a little over a week ago and just got my period today. It was heavy this morning but stopped mid afternoon, then came back at night. Is this normal?
Hi Alex, it can sometimes take a few months to get your period regulated. I would wait until at least the next two months to determine what your new cycle will be like.
Hi I’ve had the implant around a year and when I first got it, my periods were around two weeks long the first couple of months then they regulated to around the same time each month for a week or so and then I had my period two weeks early for my latest cycle and it was very dark and brown for the first day or two then it returned to the normal red and lasted about a week. it’s been about two weeks since it stopped but today ive been spotting and its really light. My periods dont really start that light. I was wondering if that’s a sign of pregnancy or is that normal?
Hi Allison, it could be normal. You could be experiencing adverse affects of the implant or it could just be your body adjusting to other stressors, if you have anything else in your life going on that could be causing stress. Generally implantation bleeding is a lot lighter than your regular period. If you are concerned that you are pregnant, you should take a pregnancy test in a few days.
I just got flexanon inserted the first day of my menstrual cycle. Does this mean that my cycle will be prolonged this time around?
Hi Mariah, it could be as your body gets used to the new medication. Some take about a cycle or two, maybe more, to find their natural cycle and flow. However, for some there are no changes.
Hello! I had my first implant for the three years and only experienced a period for the first 5 months and they were very irregular and heavy. Then after that I didn’t get a period. Back in September of 2017 I had my new implant put in. Since then my period has been extremely irregular. Since the end of January I have been having my period on and off every week. In March I had it for 15 days and it was very heavy. Since then I’ll have my period for 5-7 days it will stop for a day or two and then continue on being extremely heavy. Heavier than its ever been, and the cramps are unbelievably bad. I don’t want to have another way of conception because the other ways don’t seem as good as the implant but this is getting ridiculous.
Hi Kayla, while I understand you might not want another form of birth control, however many take the implant out for that exact reason, because their periods become unbearable. There are other options that work just the same such as an IUD which a hormonal one is Mirena for example. They are well liked as well. Personally I had Paraguay’s (because I don’t enjoy hormones) and it was fantastic but it won’t help with periods as it’s non hormonal. Honestly, you’ll have to look at what you prefer, a contraception that you are comfortable with and like, that is causing you pain and discomfort, or the option to look at something else that might work better for you.