Nexplanon, a popular birth control implant, offers a convenient and effective way to prevent pregnancy. However, like any hormonal contraceptive, it comes with potential side effects. One of the most discussed and often misunderstood side effects is its impact on weight. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the relationship between Nexplanon and weight changes, drawing on available research and expert recommendations.
Understanding Nexplanon
The birth control implant, also known as Nexplanon, is a small, flexible rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It releases the hormone etonogestrel, a type of progestin, which prevents pregnancy. Nexplanon is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, making it one of the most reliable forms of birth control available. It's a long-acting, reversible contraceptive (LARC) method, providing continuous contraception for up to three years.
Common Side Effects of Nexplanon
The hormones in the birth control implant may cause side effects in some people. While many people use the implant with no problems at all, it's important to be aware of potential adverse effects. Negative side effects usually go away after a few months, once your body gets used to your implant. The most common side effect is changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, especially in the first 6-12 months.
These changes can manifest in various ways:
- Longer or shorter bleeding during your period
- No bleeding at all during the time of your period
- Spotting between your periods
- Varied amounts of time between your periods
In studies, 1 in 10 women stopped using NEXPLANON because of an unfavorable change in their bleeding pattern. Tell your doctor immediately if you think you may be pregnant or your menstrual bleeding is heavy and prolonged.
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
Other frequent side effects that cause women to stop using NEXPLANON include:
- Mood swings
- Depressed mood
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Acne
Other common side effects of NEXPLANON:
- Headache
- Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina)
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Breast pain
- Viral infections such as sore throats or flu-like symptoms
- Stomach pain
- Painful periods
- Mood swings, nervousness, or depressed mood
- Back pain
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Pain
- Pain at the site of insertion
Implants have been reported to be found in a blood vessel, including a blood vessel in the lung, which can be associated with shortness of breath, cough, and/or the coughing up of blood or blood-stained mucus.
It is important to remember that this is not a complete list of possible side effects. For more information, ask your healthcare professional for advice about any side effects that concern you.
Does Nexplanon Cause Weight Gain? Examining the Evidence
The birth control implant (AKA Nexplanon) may cause weight gain in some people while they’re using it, but this doesn’t happen to everyone. Everyone’s body is different, so birth control affects everyone a little differently. Many clinicians and patients believe that hormonal contraception, including progestin-only implants, causes weight gain. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that clinicians counsel implant users on possible side effects and consider measuring patient weight at baseline to monitor changes.
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
However, studies on the link between progestin-only contraceptives and weight have yielded mixed results. Some women report weight gain as a side effect, while others experience no change or even weight loss.
A secondary analysis of data from an open, randomized controlled trial of adult, nonpregnant, human immunodeficiency virus-negative women attending a public clinic in Kingston, Jamaica, who were assigned to initiate implant use either immediately or after a 3-month delay, found no evidence of weight gain from short-term implant use. From 2012 to 2014, women were assigned to the implant (n = 208) or delay arm (n = 206). At 3 months, more women in the implant arm (15.3%) reported perceived weight gain than in the control arm (4.3%) (P=.01). Despite differences in perception, the implant and control arms did not differ significantly in median weight gain at 1-month (0.0 kg and 0.0 kg, respectively; P=.44) and 3-month visits (0.5 kg and 0.0 kg, respectively; P=.27).
Perception vs. Reality
Interestingly, the study revealed a significant difference between perceived and actual weight gain. Despite a lack of observed difference in weight between study arms, women using the implant were more likely to perceive weight gain than those in the control arm. Most of the visits (63% [38/60]) in which the woman perceived weight gain were not accompanied by a measured gain of greater than 2 kg. Perceived weight gain was associated with having a measured gain of 2 kg among women in the implant arm (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.8-6.9) but not among women in the control arm (OR 2.1, 95% CI 0.7-6.3). This highlights the influence of expectation and awareness on the perception of side effects.
Long-Term Studies
A previous analysis of 11 trials of the single-rod etonogestrel implant that studied 942 women for 2 years or more found that most women gained weight: 0.1-2.5 kg (25%), 2.6-5.0 kg (24%), 5.1-7.5 kg (9%), and greater than 7.5 kg (11%). However, these gains could reflect background noise; the annual weight increase in adult women has been estimated at 0.4-0.6 kg, 0.1-0.2 kg/m2 (body mass index), and 0.5% change in weight.
Factors Influencing Weight
It's crucial to consider that weight fluctuations are influenced by numerous factors, including:
Read also: Inspiring Health Transformation
- Age
- Diet
- Exercise habits
- Genetics
- Underlying medical conditions
- Lifestyle changes
Therefore, attributing weight gain solely to Nexplanon may be an oversimplification.
Managing Weight Concerns While Using Nexplanon
If you're concerned about potential weight gain while using Nexplanon, here are some proactive steps you can take:
- Establish a Baseline: Before getting the implant, record your weight and body measurements. This will help you track any changes that occur.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. These habits can help manage weight regardless of hormonal influences.
- Monitor Your Weight: Regularly weigh yourself to track any significant changes.
- Communicate with Your Healthcare Provider: Discuss your concerns with your doctor or nurse. They can provide personalized advice and rule out other potential causes of weight gain.
- Consider Alternatives: If you experience significant weight gain that you attribute to Nexplanon and it's impacting your quality of life, discuss alternative birth control methods with your healthcare provider. The pill, patch, ring, and IUD are methods that won’t affect your weight.
Other Potential Side Effects and Important Considerations
Besides weight changes, it's essential to be aware of other potential side effects and important considerations associated with Nexplanon:
Changes in Menstrual Bleeding
As mentioned earlier, changes in menstrual bleeding patterns are common. These can include:
- Irregular bleeding or spotting
- Longer or shorter periods
- Heavier or lighter bleeding
- Amenorrhea (absence of periods)
Insertion and Removal Complications
Location and removal of the implant may be difficult or impossible if the implant is not where it should be. To ensure NEXPLANON is properly inserted, immediately after insertion, you and your healthcare professional will feel for the implant under your skin. If you can’t feel the implant, be sure to tell your healthcare professional. Special procedures, including surgery in the hospital, may be needed to remove the implant. If the implant is not removed, the effects of NEXPLANON will continue for a longer period of time.
Implants have been found in the pulmonary artery (a blood vessel in the lung). If the implant cannot be found in the arm, your healthcare professional may use x-rays or other imaging methods on the chest. If the implant is located in the chest, surgery may be needed.
Other problems related to insertion and removal:
- Vasovagal reactions (such as a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting)
- Pain, irritation, swelling, or bruising at the insertion site
- Numbness and tingling at the insertion site
- Scarring, including a thick scar called a keloid around the insertion site
- Infection
- Scar tissue may form around the implant making it difficult to remove
- The implant may come out by itself. You may become pregnant if the implant comes out by itself. Use a back-up birth control method and call your healthcare professional right away if the implant comes out
- The need for surgery in the hospital to remove the implant
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels in your arm
- The implant breaks, making removal difficult
Ectopic Pregnancy
If you become pregnant while using NEXPLANON, you have a slightly higher chance that the pregnancy will be ectopic (occurring outside the womb) than do women who do not use birth control. Unusual vaginal bleeding or lower stomach (abdominal) pain may be a sign of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that often requires surgery. Ectopic pregnancies can cause serious internal bleeding, infertility, and even death. Call your healthcare professional right away if you think you are pregnant or have unexplained lower stomach (abdominal) pain.
Ovarian Cysts and Breast Cancer
Cysts may develop on the ovaries and usually go away without treatment, but sometimes surgery is required to remove them. It is not known whether NEXPLANON use changes a woman’s risk for breast cancer. If you have breast cancer now, or have had it in the past, do not use NEXPLANON because some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones.
Serious Blood Clots
NEXPLANON may increase your chance of serious blood clots, especially if you have other risk factors such as smoking. It is possible to die from a problem caused by a blood clot, such as a heart attack or a stroke. The risk of serious blood clots is increased in women who smoke. If you smoke and want to use NEXPLANON, you should quit. Your healthcare professional may be able to help. Tell your healthcare professional at least 4 weeks before if you are going to have surgery or will need to be on bed rest. You have an increased chance of getting blood clots during surgery or bed rest.
Some examples of serious blood clots are blood clots in the:
- Legs (deep vein thrombosis)
- Lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- Brain (stroke)
- Heart (heart attack)
- Eyes (total or partial blindness)
Other Risks
A few women who use birth control that contains hormones may experience:
- High blood pressure
- Gallbladder problems
- Rare cancerous or noncancerous liver tumors
If you feel you have a broken or bent implant, please contact your doctor. Breakage or bending of the implant while it is in your arm may occur due to external forces (such as manipulation of the implant or contact sports). A broken implant may move from the insertion site. If this happens, you may become pregnant.
Discontinuation
Discontinuation of implants is common with large studies in the United States and the United Kingdom reporting discontinuation rates of 12-17% at 1 year and 31% at 2 years. This discontinuation is a critical public health issue because implants are a highly effective method and discontinuers often switch to a less effective method or use no method.
Returning to Normal After Nexplanon Removal
Any time there’s a change in your hormones - like when you go on or off hormonal birth control such as the implant - there’s a chance of temporary side effects. Once the implant is out of your arm, any side effects you had will fade. So if the implant causes you to gain weight, that should stop shortly after having the implant removed. When you go off the implant, your body will eventually return to the way it was before you went on it. So if you stopped getting your period on the implant, your period will eventually come back after the implant is out. Everyone’s body is different, and our bodies also change over time. So there’s no way to know exactly how your body will react to going off the implant. Another important thing to note: you can get pregnant right away once the implant is out of your body (even if your periods aren’t regular). If you’re really worried about the side effects of going off the implant, talk with your nurse or doctor.