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O/T Anyone have the Nexplanon birth-control implant?

Living the dream's picture

I have decided that I will not be having a child with DH. I posted here a couple times for advice about whether I should have a baby, and I appreciate everyone who gave feedback. It was very helpful in making my decion.

I have an appointment scheduled for next week to have Nexplanon “installed.” I am 41 and never had children. I would prefer a non-hormonal method, frankly, but it sounds like the Paragard copper IUD insertion is incredibly painful for women who have not given birth.

The worst thing I’ve read online about the implants is the breakthrough bleeding.

Anybody have any experience with Nexplanon, or its predecessor, Implanon?

theoutsider's picture

I had the paragard IUD for 5 years and never had any problems. They warned me to make sure I was NOT allergic to copper in any way before it was put in. A lot of women get it put in and then have irritation caused by slight copper allergy they were unaware of before it was put in. The only reason I got mine taken out is because my SO has gotten snipped, so no kids for me.
A friend of mine got one for her kid at 18. The kid if 21 now, and has not had any problems.

Living the dream's picture

Thanks for your reply.

So you were also child-free when you had it inserted? It is really the insertion that I fear. A child-free friend actually passed out on the examining table during her insertion. Yikes!

Guess I am just a big baby. I don't even have menstrual cramps, so not used to pain in my nether regions.

theoutsider's picture

There was slight pain, but nothing more than ripping a bandage off. Removal was easier than insertion, didn't hurt as much. I guess everyone's pain toerance is different though, no way to tell if it will hurt more or less than the next person.

And yes, I was child free when I got it inserted, I've never been pregnant.

SanAntonioSoccerMom's picture

Do you feel that you need this type of contraception? It seems a bit "ouchies" for me and I gave birth!! Eeekkssss

not2sureimsaneanymore's picture

I was also considering the copper one but even worse than the copper allergy is when it gets embedded or pokes through. Ugh. I don't understand why they can't just make a copper IUD in the shape of say, Nuvaring, and put it up there. A round insertion is better than a pointy one, no?

Why not ask your DH to get snipped instead?

Living the dream's picture

He does not want to get snipped.

I think he imagines that I will change my mind in time for us to still get pregnant (I am nearly 42 now).

I will not, but everybody's gotta have a dream, I guess.

SanAntonioSoccerMom's picture

At your age are you concerned about getting prego? Obviously I know you want to prevent it, but what is the likelihood of that happening? It is high enough for you to do thru the long term contraception?

I had my son at age 26. I knew I was only having one child. I wanted to get my tubes tied after I had him but the Drs would not perform it. I told my husband to get a V because I refused to go back on any sort of chemical BC. I did not do well on BC, horrible side effects.

Living the dream's picture

I had an early miscarriage (3-4 weeks gestation) in February, so I know it is still possible for me to become pregnant. That was my first pregnancy, and it was a shock.

Although I am sad that I lost that pregnancy, I am convinced that not becoming pregnant again is the right thing to do.

"Risking it" sounds like just that to me: risky.

SanAntonioSoccerMom's picture

Oh yes, I can see your concern. Good luck on your decision.

thebrokenrecordmachine's picture

Sorry, if I play devils advocate here, but I have had a horrible and I mean absolutely horrible experience with the Mirena IUD I got it removed back in January after having it in for over 4 years....the mirena withdrawal was debilitationg, anxiety attacks, heart palpitations, feeling like your going to die or your heart will explode.
I am against any form of hormonal contraception and mine could just be the odd one out, although there are 1000s of pages complaining about the Mirena IUD.
I know that nexplanon is totally different then what i experienced, im assuming it has estrogen in it..i would read the side effects and the withdrawal symptoms of it...
Estrogen based contraception's are at an increased risk for blood clots and the risk for that, goes up with age...
You could do the "old rhythm method" looking for fertile clues and avoiding sex during those times. Thats actually what I do, it can be unreliable but I find sorry if this is TMI, looking at your discharge can really give evidence as to what times are most fertile for you. If your mucus is thin, sort of like egg whites, your dropping an egg if it is thick then your not in your fertile period.
Sorry, I am not an MD nor an endocrinologist, but if you read online you can check. Or just use condoms.
Sorry just my two cents!

Living the dream's picture

No reason to be sorry; I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

Maybe soon they will invent a male birth-control pill (but don't hold your breath), and our DHs can know what it's like to be us. Blum 3

thebrokenrecordmachine's picture

Thanks.
Actually they did invent a MALE BC, I mentioned it SO and he said no. I even mentioned getting a Vasectomy, he said no...even though we dont have kids together I said, well untill something comes out of your area ie a 7lb bay lol then you really shouldnt be saying no.
Men will never get things, whether you have kids or you dont.