Long term Birth control question for those not TTC

[Deleted]

I've only ever been on the pill, but what you're describing sounds awful! Have you asked your doctor if this is normal for the one you got? I hope you can get this figured out, since two week periods for the long haul would not be worth it for me.

[Deleted]

Ah, that sounds milder than what I was originally picturing. I guess give it a few months to even out, and then if it still seems like unusually long spotting check with your doctor. But some hormonal adjustments are to be expected when you start a new hormonal BC, so if it hasn't been very long and it isn't interfering with life then I think your instinct to wait and see is right.

Again though, I've never done an implant so i hope someone who has can chime in.

[blueteamcaboose]

I had the Implanon implant for a couple of years, I really liked it aside from the random spotting. I never really got a "period" but would have occasional spotting. I noticed it was worse after times of increased sexual activity.

[Deleted]

I had the implanon in 2009-2012. What you described in your OP is what I went through the whole 3 years I had it. My periods, when it was a period and not spotting, was much heavier that I got while I had the paragard IUD (the copper one).

[makeawish]

I had the implanon for 2 1/2 yrs and I only got my period (spotting) 2-3 times in the first few months and then absolutely nothing. Period free for 2 years! Although I hear that coming off your body takes longer to establish a period than with the pill for example. My overall experience with the implant was somewhat pleasant and I loved that I didn't have to worry about a single thing. It was very convenient. I also heard that some women may bleed constantly (spotting as well) and that if it bothers them so much they have it removed within 6 months. Like you said, everyone's different

[ruemorgan]

I chose not to get the implanon because my ob said it was similar to the deprovera shot and i would most likely have the same side effects as on the shot. I gained 60 lbs and bleed for 3 weeks out of every month, for 9 months. After that I had no bleeding for almost a year. Im on the IUD now, got it 2 weeks ago.

[ladyvenice]

I'm having my implant removed next week. I had my period at my normal time, for the normal length of time, but it was much, much heavier for four months, and then I had constant spotting for another two months, and I've had nothing since. If you are okay with it being a bit erratic for as long as the first year, I'd say go for it. apart from the first six months, I've actually enjoyed having the implant. i've been on it for two and a half years, by the way.

I also know someone who had the implant and had no periods at all the whole time, but she also put on two stone in a month and couldn't get it off again, despite trying really hard for a year, and she ended up having it removed because of it, and lost it within a month.

But it does vary a lot from person to person, it depends on what you are prepared to put up with really.