So, you're thinking of getting Nexplanon..

So, you're thinking of getting Nexplanon?

My hopes for this post, are to share with you my experience so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not to get the Nexplanon implant.

Let's get personal for a moment..

I got Nexplanon inserted at age 22, after suffering from terrible monthly cramps and migraines that came along for the ride. I wanted to try something that may help, and after trying several different birth control medications, none of them seemed to work for me. (The worst being the Seasonique pill, which left me with intense cramping and blood clots.. I told you we were getting personal here.) After doing hours of research, I came across what I thought was a fix all - the nexplanon implant. Something that I wouldn't have to remember to take daily, and would last for three years.

Depending on your type of insurance will depend on whether or not there will be any costs in getting this. I ended up having to pay $80 out of pocket, and my insurance covered the other $720. YES, you read that correctly. It normally costs $800. 

Nexplanon was inserted by my doctor during a routine office visit. The doctor numbed my arm and inserted the implant. I got mine in my right arm, because I am left handed. They normally insert it in your non dominant arm. Once the numbness wore off, I was left with a gigantic bruise that ran from an inch down from the back of my shoulder, all the way to my elbow. The whole procedure lasted no more than 30 minutes, and that included the time waiting for my arm to become numb.

The first week/month(s) were great. No periods, no cramps, no migraines. I was so happy that I had made this great decision. That was until I was at the 1 year with Nexplanon mark, and shit decides to hit the fan.

It happened with the slow realization that my clothes didn't fit anymore. Then I stepped on a scale and discovered that I had gained 60 pounds. Yes, you read that right, S-i-x-t-y, the big 6-0. SIXTY POUNDS IN ONE YEAR. I was chunky, I was emotional, I was depressed. The sad thing is, that I wasn't eating more than usual, and after speaking with my doctor, found out that weight gain is one of the more serious side effects.

After that one year mark, things went from bad to worse. 

The periods started again. Except 10x heavier than before. They would also last up to 3.5 weeks. We are talking a super plus tampon and overnight pad every hour and a half. The migraines also started up again.

After almost a year of this, I decided that I'd had enough. I scheduled an appointment with my OBGYN, and told her about my experience. She knew several other people who had the same or similar experiences as mine, and always encouraged her patients to explore other options before going the route of getting Nexplanon.

The problem was this - my insurance had paid for me to have the Nexplanon for 3 years, and they weren't going to pay to have it removed without making me jump through many hoops first. They had my doctor run tons of tests to make sure that my symptoms weren't being caused by another underlying issue. This included several rounds of blood work, a vaginal ultrasound of my cervix/uterus, and a test to make sure that there were no polyps inside my uterus. Once all those tests came back normal or negative, my insurance finally gave the green light to have the Nexplanon removed. 

The removal process was easy, just like the process to have it inserted. The doctor numbed my arm, and made a small incision which allowed her to gently push out the Nexplanon. I literally cried tears of joy when I saw her drop the implant onto the tray. (I was emotional, what can I say!!) 

It has been a year since I got the Nexplanon removed, and I have already seen a huge difference. I lost 40 pounds (still have 20 more to go. It's a process, as the pounds are much harder to lose than they were to gain.) I started taking the Loestrin 24 pill, and I have never looked back. I finally feel like I am in control of my own body, and I am forever thankful.

So, if you are still reading this, first of all Kudos to you. Second of all, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, if you are considering getting Nexplanon, please do your research, and make an informed decision. My hopes for writing this, was to share my experience. I know that reading message boards, and realizing that I wasn't alone in my experiences, really helped me when I was struggling and feeling overwhelmed.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Lots of Love,
Erin