"After getting Nexplanon and completing my checkups for post abortion care, is it weird to be constantly bleeding? It's been like having a light period for almost 2 months. I don't get any pain/cramps, just never ending blood flow."
Some of the common side effects of Nexplanon and other progestin only methods are irregular bleeding and change in the duration or intensity of the menstrual cycle. Side effects for everyone are different, and the amount of time that it takes for your body to get used to the Nexplanon implant varies. Although constant bleeding can be very annoying and frustrating, symptoms will typically improve within a few months.
Treatment
If irregular bleeding is interfering with your sex life or is extremely disruptive, there are some things that you can do.
NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) Treatment - Over-the-counter pills such as ibuprofen, can noticeably reduce the amount of your menstrual flow when taken every 4-6 hours. Pills should be taken with milk or food to reduce side effects like nausea and upset stomach.
Adding a combined pill, or the patch - You may want to consider coming in and talking to one of our doctors about prescribing you a combined pill like Chatel, or Microgestin. Adding a monophasic combined pill for a month can stop the bleeding, and help to regulate your period for the next month.
Why Long Acting Birth Control Rocks
All in all - there are still many great benefits to using long acting birth control methods!
- The Nexplanon implant, Mirena, Skyla, & Paragard IUDs are all 99% effective, making them the most effective long lasting birth control methods on the market. They prevent pregnancy for 3 years to 10 years depending on the one you choose.
- They are all placed in one appointment and are maintenance free the entire time you have it. That means no worrying about taking a pill every day or prescriptions to refill! All of these methods are highly recommended for teens and young women because there isn't a risk for user error.
- They're reversible. If you ever change your mind, your physician can remove your implant/IUD and you can begin trying to get pregnant right away.
- They are discreet enough that only you and your doctor need to know about your IUD or implant.
Normal (and temporary) side effects from Nexplanon are usually more in line with the side effects from other progestin-only methods such as Depo-Provera Injections, Skyla and Mireana IUDs, the "mini pill" Micronor. Because of this, we strongly encourage all of our patients to give their bodies approximately 3-6 months to adjust to their new birth control method. Since it lasts for so long - it is extremely worth it to wait it out.
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