Implanon

[hexiaa]

I've been on the Implanon implant for about a year and a half now. When I first started with it I'd get very mild spotting, but it was so frequent that I had to start using panty liners. I didn't really give it much thought because it was extremely mild and about 9 months later while on the implant my period completely stopped for around 3-4 months. Keep in mind that my periods have ALWAYS been irregular, I'm 20 years old and my periods have never been on a schedule, so I'm not one of those women that can use an "app" to track when my period is incoming or any calendar for that matter.

Even though I'm completely fine with that, and it's actually pretty convenient, the only problem I seem to have is that ever since I've been on the implant when I do get my period it literally goes on for a month and sometimes 1 month and a half. When it stops (or at least I think it stops) and I dare have intercourse, it seems to just start back up again full throttle like I haven't had my period in years or something. This is of course extremely annoying because my boyfriend has got it in his head that he's hurting me and that I'm somehow not enjoying myself.

I would really love to not be on my period when I go on vacation with my boyfriend in about a week. Do you think that those pills that stop your period would work on me, or would they just fail because of the Implanon? If you were me would you have gotten it removed? because I'm seriously thinking about it and just getting the IUD which seems like a much better choice because it sometimes completely removes your period and it lasts up to 5-10 years. I'm really confused as to what I should do. What would you do?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
What you are having are side effects of the Implanon and these will disappear once you get the implanon taken out. You can delay your periods by starting with hormonal contraceptives or Duphaston pills but these should be taken only under medical supervision after consulting a gynecologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[hexiaa]

Thanks for the reply! Well my "period" stopped for now, nothing at all, not even spotting. Curious thing is it happened right after I wrote that :) I really hope it doesnt peak it's ugly head in a week, because that's when I'll be going on vacation. If it does, I'm going to seriously consider just getting the IUD and getting this thing taken out. My mom has the IUD and she's had no problems with it whatsoever, she has normal periods, and no spotting. I really hope the fact I haven't had children doesn't affect how effective the IUD is, because I have heard it may "slip out" especially when a woman that hasn't had children gets it put in. Nevertheless I'll be visiting a clinic or something. Again, thanks!

[matey1982]

everybodys different and this is a side effect with the rod as i call it [implanon]. although if i was you i would be getting it removed as its obviously not agreeing with you and use another form of safety like the IUD or the pill. nobody would be bothered bleeding like the way you are. it bad enuf 4 us women once a month for 3 or 4 days without what your going through.