Does Nexplanon Cause Brown Spotting
Yes, Nexplanon can cause spotting, which may include brown spotting. Nexplanon can change your period bleeding patterns. In some people, this may cause heavier periods, irregular bleeding, or spotting.
Spotting is a common side effect of Nexplanon, but you should still tell your doctor if you experience it. In some cases, spotting may be a sign of another condition, such as pregnancy, or in rare cases, cancer. Your doctor can check that the spotting youre experiencing is from Nexplanon and not another cause.
Are There Any Risks From Using The Contraceptive Implant
Women who use some forms of hormone-based contraception appear to have a small increase in long-term risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer compared to women who dont use hormonal contraception. It is not known if this is also true of the contraceptive implant.
Apart from bruising and soreness, it is possible, although very unusual, to get a localised infection in your arm when the implant is put in. Insertion of the implant can leave a small scar.
It is important to be able to feel the implant under the skin after insertion. There is a small risk of insertion error in which the implant is not actually inserted by the procedure.
Does Nexplanon Cause Low Libido
Its possible that Nexplanon may cause low libido. This wasnt a side effect reported in studies of Nexplanon. But after Nexplanon became available for use, some people who got the implant reported having low libido.
If youre concerned about low libido during your Nexplanon treatment, talk with your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to manage this side effect, or they may suggest a different birth control option for you.
Also Check: How To Get My Period Back To Normal
What Will The Implant Do To My Periods
Although it doesnt happen in all cases, Nexplanon is known to change the bleeding pattern of users, so this is something to keep in mind if you choose to try it out. Studies have found most users experience a reduction in the frequency and volume of bleeding, but some , experience unpredictable, frequent, and/or prolonged bleeding which – lets face it – can be frustrating! In fact, studies show 1 in 10 people stop using the implant due to this unfavourable change in their periods.
If you already suffer from heavy bleeding, the implant can sometimes be used to lessen the flow as some people experience shorter periods or none at all. You may also experience spotting between periods , brown discharge, or irregular periods, particularly in the first 6-12 months of use.
Whats the likelihood Ill end up with lighter/heavier periods on the implant?
Although there is no way to tell without trying the implant out for yourself, one interesting study found the percentage of subjects who experienced different negative and positive effects from the implant:
- Amenorrhoea – 22.2%
- Infrequent periods – 33.6%
How The Nexplanon Implant Prevents Pregnancy
The implant releases a small amount of hormone into your body each day. It prevents pregnancy in three ways: 1) it stops your ovaries from releasing one of your eggs, 2) it thickens the mucus of your cervix to help prevent any sperm from reaching an egg, and 3) it changes the lining of your uterus to prevent attachment by a fertilized egg.
Also Check: Can You Get Pregnant 3 Days Before Your Period
What Are The Side Effects
You may not get regular bleeding.Bleeding patterns are likely to change:
- bleeding may become lighter and less painful
- bleeding may stop altogether
- bleeding may continue and not stop.
Many people have no other side effects. Some may experience the following problems:
- Acne may develop, improve or get worse.
- Weight gain can occur over time and is often thought to be caused by the implant, but has not been directly proven.
- Headaches, breast pain, hair thinning and mood changes can occur but usually go away within a few weeks/months.
- Bruising and mild soreness at the site of insertion or removal can last up to 2 weeks. A small scar remains.
Occasionally the implant can be difficult to feel or remove and you may need to have an ultrasound to check its position in your arm.
How Can I Stop My Period On Nexplanon
Indeed, Nexplanon and other progestins providing birth control affect the duration and intensity of menstruation flow. You may get heavier or lighter, longer or shorter periods, while on BC.
Fortunately, you can regulate your blood flow with some OTC and prescription medications. Such as an OTC, ibuprofen can be taken after 4 to 6 hours to lower the blood flow during periods.
Also, if you are thinking about adding a combination pill or patch, you may want to ask your doctor if a combination pill like Chatel or Microgestin can be prescribed for you.
Moreover, if you take a monophasic combined pill for a month, you will stop bleeding and have a regular period the following month.
You May Like: New Hire 90 Day-probationary Period Template
You May Like: How Can You Make Your Period Come Faster
How Does It Feel To Get The Birth Control Implant Removed
Nexplanon removal only takes a few minutes, but the process is a little longer than getting it put in.
Just like with the insertion, a doctor or nurse gives you a shot to numb a small area of your arm. Then they make a small cut and remove the implant. You usually just feel a little pinch or stinging when you get the numbing shot. After that, it shouldnt hurt when they make the incision or take the implant out.
If you want to continue using Nexplanon, you can get another implant put in during the removal of your old one.
You May Like: 90 Day Probationary Period Form
Can Any Woman Get Hormonal Implants
No. Hormonal implants cannot be used by women who:
- Have a serious liver disease
- Have had breast cancer
Some medications may lower the effectiveness of the implants. If you are taking medications such as certain anti-seizure medications, over-the-counter herbs, dietary supplements and /or vitamins, tell your health care provider.
Recommended Reading: How To End Your Period Overnight
Insertion And Removal May Sound Scary But Theyre Actually Very Simple Procedures
Yes, if you want the implant, it has to get inserted under the skin of your arm. It doesnt require a large incisionits a very small cut, almost more of a puncture, says Pizarro. Your doctor will numb the area first, so besides the anesthesia injection, you shouldnt feel much of anything. It definitely shouldnt be as uncomfortable as IUD insertion is often reported to be. The implant is a little bit of a nuisance, but not a big deal, Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale Medical School, tells SELF. Numbing the cervix is a little bit trickier!
If you get the insertion during your period, Nexplanon starts working immediately. If not, youll need backup contraception for seven days, says Pizarro. And no matter what, your doctor will probably have you wear pressure bandages for a few days, says Nexplanons site, but after that youre golden.
Removal should also be pretty straightforward. It simply requires another incision, then the implant is pulled out with special instrument, says Pizarro. In rare cases, Nexplanon can get stuck or the doctor may have a hard time locating it, in which cause removal may require surgery. But thats so rare Pizarros never heard of anyone actually having to get it done. The skin is an interesting organthe connective tissue has an integrity that keeps things from moving around, he explains.
Causes Of Heavy/prolonged Bleeding
Menstrual bleeding can sometimes be excessive because of abnormal uterine growth growths , a defect in blood clotting or no ovulation.
Anovulation – Anovulation occurs when a womans ovaries fail to ovulate . Since the normal hormonal changes of ovulation do not occur, the lining of the uterus does not uniformly shed and regrow as in a normal menstrual cycle. Instead, excessive estrogen stimulates the lining of the uterus to continue growing and become thicker. Progesterone is not present at the usual levels, which causes the lining to shed irregularly, which may result in heavy and/or prolonged bleeding. Menorrhagia is adolescents in usually caused by anovulation. Anovulatory bleeding is also common before menopause and with some endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Read Also: Why Is My Period 2 Days Late
What Happens If You Get Pregnant While Using An Implant
If you do become pregnant while using the implant, it is important to see your doctor as soon as you can. Equally, if you develop stomach pain, you must see your doctor urgently to rule out any chance of an ectopic pregnancy. There is good evidence to show that implants do not cause birth defects and will not cause harm to a developing pregnancy.
Also Check: Things To Know About Your First Period
Period Length In Adolescence
Preteens or teens who recently started menstruating might have unpredictable cycles and flow for a while. Thats because younger females have an immature hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which controls periods and menstrual cycles
Once women reach their late teens or 20s, periods usually become more predictable, Dr. Higgins says.
Recommended Reading: Usaa Grace Period Auto Insurance New Car
Also Check: How To Stop Your Period For A Month
Why You Don’t Want To Go Too Long Without Your Period
Missing your period for more than a few months could be a sign of something more serious.
“Absent periods due to long-term use of the Depo-Provera injection and Nexplanon implant, both forms of birth control, can lead to bone loss,” says Regina Cardaci, PhD, RN, at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing.
Although missing your menstrual cycle does not cause ovarian cancer, , MD, a family and emergency doctor, says there may be a link with a history of irregular cycles.
Because of the increased risk of serious health complications, she recommends seeing your doctor if you miss more than two periods. “Early evaluation and diagnosis can possibly lead to better outcomes,” says Nesheiwat.
Why Have I Had Two Periods This Month
You have probably had two periods this month because your body is getting used to the new hormones in your system. It will take a little time for your body to adjust to your birth control.
If youre taking birth control pills, you might also have two periods because you forgot to take one or you took one later than usual. Even a few hours delay can cause a little bleeding, called spotting. Once youve been on your pills for a while, taking them on time will become part of your regular routine.
Birth control from Nurx costs as little as $0 with insurance or $15 per month without insurance.
Emergency contraceptives can also trigger an early period. If you just started taking birth control or missed a couple of pills then took the morning after pill as a precautionary measure, you may have two periods that month.
Don’t Miss: Missed Period On Birth Control Pill
Because I Have Epilepsy I Need To Be Careful About My Birth Control Methods
I got the Nexplanon implant in August of 2016. Before I got Nexplanon, I tried the Mirena . I had that for about a year or so until I started experiencing cramping every single day. It was just as bad, if not worse, than my menstruation cramps. Nothing was wrong with the IUD, its placement, nor did I have any cysts my body just didn’t like the IUD in it after a year.
Because I have epilepsy, I need to be careful about my birth control methods. I didn’t want to do depo shots since that would require regular visits to a doctor that I wouldn’t be able to afford. I chose Nexplanon for how long it lasted, and how it wouldn’t interact with my antiepileptic medication.
My experience with Nexplanon has been fantastic. Its insertion was relatively painless, especially compared to that of an IUD. It stopped my menstrual cycle , which I cannot be more happy about. During my menstrual cycle, not only is the cramping intense, but my mental illnesses and gender dysphoria get worse. After I had the Nexplanon put in, I experienced a lot less of that. Before I had it inserted, I was worried it would not work out for me just like the IUD, and that it would move. In the two years I’ve had it, I’ve experienced nothing but positive side-effects.
My options for contraception as an epileptic are limited. Out of all the forms of contraception I know of, it appears to be the best for me short of tubal ligation. The only reason I would have it removed is to have a child, or to get a new one put in.
Is It Normal To Have Two Periods In One Month
If spotting’s not the case – and youre sure you’ve definitely had two defined periods – there are several possible causes, says Dr Jarvis. “Firstly, most women assume that the only ‘normal’ duration between periods is 28 days, when in fact, anything from about 21 to 40 days is considered normal.” She adds that some women who previously had longer cycles may experience two periods in a month if their cycle gets shorter.
If you’re taking the combined contraceptive pill and miss a couple of doses, you may also get a withdrawal bleed which seems like an extra period. “You can also get a period-type bleed after taking the emergency contraceptive pill too,” Dr Jarvis notes, adding that some forms of hormonal contraception, especially the contraceptive implant, can also lead to more frequent periods, as well as the earlier-mentioned spotting.
As for whether or not you need to urgently contact a doctor, if youve only recently changed the type of contraception you use, or are taking a form of contraception that can cause irregular periods , Dr Jarvis says its generally pretty safe to just monitor your periods for a while. However, if you’re getting other symptoms too, or find yourself feeling anxious, then there’s certainly no harm in booking in for a chat.
“Thyroid problems, losing or gaining weight quickly, illness or stress could also be the cause”
Read Also: How To Stop Really Bad Period Cramps
If You’re Under 16 Years Old
Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16.
If you’re under 16 and want contraception, the doctor, nurse or pharmacist won’t tell your parents as long as they believe you fully understand the information you’re given, and your decisions.
Doctors and nurses work under strict guidelines when dealing with people under 16. They’ll encourage you to consider telling your parents, but they won’t make you.
The only time a professional might want to tell someone else is if they believe you’re at risk of harm, such as abuse. The risk would need to be serious, and they would usually discuss this with you first.
Page last reviewed: 9 March 2021 Next review due: 9 March 2024
Risks & Side Effects Of Nexplanon
Nexplanon can have side effects, and the most common one is a changing menstrual bleeding pattern. One out of ten women may have to stop using Nexplanon because of this change.
A woman can experience spotting between menstrual cycles, different time periods in between the cycles. There can be times when there are no regular gaps, shorter or longer cycles, or no bleeding at the time of the period. Women must tell their healthcare provider if they think they are pregnant or if the bleeding goes on long and heavy.
Other side effects of Nexplanon can be:
- Viral infection or flu-type symptoms
- Pain at the insertion site
Don’t Miss: Why Would I Spot Before My Period
What If I Have Problems With The Hormonal Implant
Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns, especially if you are having:
- Very heavy or long menstrual periods
- New painful headaches
- Redness, swelling, or bleeding around or at the area where the implant was inserted
The hormonal implant isnt the right option or choice for everyone. Did you know that you can have the hormonal implant removed anytime? Never, ever try to remove the implant by yourself! The implant MUST be removed by your health care provider!
How Long Will It Take To Get Pregnant
Most hormonal birth control methods stop you from ovulating, or releasing an egg. If you do not release an egg, there is nothing for sperm to fertilize. This is why you do not get pregnant.
When you stop using hormonal birth control, you will start ovulating again. When you are ovulating, you are fertile. But a return of fertility does not automatically mean you will get pregnant.
Hormonal birth control methods stop ovulation. That is how they prevent pregnancy.
Recommended Reading: What Does The Bible Say About Periods
Fertility Does Not Equal Pregnancy
You may not get pregnant right away even after your fertility returns. Some people become pregnant within a month. Others may try to get pregnant for a long time.
At this point, your ability to get pregnant has nothing to do with previous birth control use. Your age, health, and lifestyle can all make it harder to get pregnant. You may also experience infertility.
You may have concerns after you stop birth control. Talk to your healthcare provider if:
- Your period doesnt come back after three months
- The number of days you have your period changes
- Your cycle is irregular
- There is a major change in how heavy your bleeding is
- You are younger than 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for 12 months
- You are over 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for six months