Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Stomach issues/IBS and the contraceptive Implant connection?

I'm interested to hear from anyone with a contraceptive implant who has noticed (since using the implant) any issues with IBS or stomach problems.
I am slightly overwhelmed by the number of reports of women using the implant who report suffering with anxiety and depression as a result of using this form of contraception.  
I have been using the implant since 2011, it seemed to revolutionise my life...or so I thought...I'm now on my third implant (i never last the full 3 yrs without changing it!) I've been very quietly battling my demons..the thought of standing up and admitting "I think I'm suffering with depression and anxiety" was so far out of my comfort zone that I've been slowly slipping away...reading all the comments of previous women has so encouraged me to look more carefully at the implant/health implications that I am now keen to know if others have experienced issues with their digestion / unexplained stomach pain etc.
My own stomach issues started about 3yrs ago.  I was going through a divorce and then later got involved in a very toxic relationship, so naturally i put my 'aggravated stomach' down to the stress of life.  Since then my issues have increased to the point where I am gluten intolerant and I suspect I am also struggling to digest lactose now.  I have suffered with bloating, wind, terrible gurgling noises, pain, poor bowel movements, reactions to certain foods (i.e after eating roasted food i get diarrhoea) a tight knotted stomach, a sensation of racing inside me (which feels like a 'fight or flight' response) and I have now developed a real 'love/hate relationship with food'.   Prior to using the implant I had not experienced the above symptoms.  My diet has always been really good and well balanced and I generally take very good care of myself.  This past year I have noticed a real decline in my energy levels and issues with breathing which have been thoroughly investigated now; with doctors deciding that i am just incredibly unfit, granted my exercise regime could use improvements, I'm a busy person like so many of us, raising a child alone and holding down work...but some days i can walk for 4hrs over the coastal paths and other days just getting out of bed i'm breathless....so people...I'd love to hear from you if this sounds similar to your story...I'm not saying the implant is to blame, but if there is a connection I'd love to know so that i can get it removed and have the chance to eat croissants again!!  The thought of removing it is a scary one for many of us, i personally worry that the PMT i used to experience will once more swap my life and of course there is that monthly inconvenience which I've been free of since I started using the implant.  
Thanks for reading and for those of you who shared your stories, it's been enlightening
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Yes I have and I think I have ibs because of it
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi- I know this is an old post but I was wondering if anyone has any updates on how they are doing without the nexplanon? I'm getting mine out tuesday i'm on my third one (im getting it out a year early) I think it has taken a toll on me. Like my hormones are imbalanced - I got diagnos3e with ibs 2 years ago and my boobs have been hurting for months... I'm thankful it protected me from having kids but Its never made me feel better..On my period my skin gets super itchy and uncomfortable. I've always had issues on it. My periods have been on schedule the last 4 months but thats not normal. I believe this thing has/ will cause more damage than good. There is multiple lawsuits out for psudo tumor..which mimicks a brain tumor. Thinking about it you are sticking an artificial hormone into your body...yikes...thats scary within itself... Anyways anyone who has had it removed how are you feeling?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi there, sorry to hear you're suffering too.  I'm on the Nexplanon implant it's been in since last December and i've decided today after further research online to have it removed on Thursday.  It's a big decision but I'm running out of ideas so i think i have to try without it and see if it is the route cause of my health issues.  I found a site that you might like to look at called drugs.com it listed a huge number of side effects for Nexplanon more than i'd previously read, it might have a list for Mirena too.  Good luck with talking to your Doc, in my experience, (and it is only in my experience) they don't always have the answers you're looking for sometimes you have to find your own...
Best wishes
Helpful - 0
2 Comments

Hi- I know this is an old post but I was wondering if anyone has any updates on how they are doing without the nexplanon? I'm getting mine out tuesday i'm on my third one (im getting it out a year early) I think it has taken a toll on me. Like my hormones are imbalanced - I got diagnos3e with ibs 2 years ago and my boobs have been hurting for months... I'm thankful it protected me from having kids but Its never made me feel better..On my period my skin gets super itchy and uncomfortable. I've always had issues on it. My periods have been on schedule the last 4 months but thats not normal. I believe this thing has/ will cause more damage than good. There is multiple lawsuits out for psudo tumor..which mimicks a brain tumor. Thinking about it you are sticking an artificial hormone into your body...yikes...thats scary within itself... Anyways anyone who has had it removed how are you feeling?
Maybe they won't see your post since they haven't posted anywhere on MH for 2 years. You might want to make your own thread but maybe in a IBS, stomach, or implant forum for more expert advice.
Avatar universal
Hi!
WOW! I never ever thought about a connection between my birth control and abdominal problems.... I have tha Mirena IUD since December 2013. Love it!
But for about a month or so I'm having all those abdominal symptoms you listed! I do have an appointment with my GP next week.
BUT, I ALSO suffer from GAD! And I stop Lexapro  cold turkey and my anxiety has been thru the roof! So I really don't know if my stomach/intestines problems are bc of the Mirena, anxiety, or withdraw from meds!!!! But it's something I'll definitely will ask my doctor! I do know that anxiety can cause all sorts of physical things...
How are you doing? Which birth control are you in?!?
God bless you and keep us posted!
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community

Top Anxiety Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?