‘i Had Pain All The Time’: Health Issues After Essure Implants
Three women describe symptoms they believe were related to the contraceptive Why were examining the implants industry
Alison Harding, 39, from Devon, south-west England, had Essure implanted four years ago. She did not want to have children and was attracted by it being a non-invasive and permanent contraceptive. About a year after receiving the implants she began to experience severe pelvic and lower back pain.
Her GP suggested a urinary tract infection could be to blame, but antibiotics did not relieve her symptoms. I was necking painkillers like nobodys business, she says. It had me in tears quite regularly. It was like being punched in the kidneys. When I got home Id have to kneel down and bury my head in the sofa.
Eventually, after being referred to a gynaecologist, she says she was advised to have a hysterectomy to safely remove the implants. was quite practical about it. He said we might as well just take them out.
Since having the implants removed, she says the pain has vanished and she has not had any problems. She regrets that she ended up requiring radical surgery.
Charlotte, 30, from Blackpool, north-west England, was seeking a permanent contraceptive after having five children. My husband and I wed had our fill, she says. Her doctor suggested Essure, despite the device having recently lost its CE mark, which signals compliance with EU standards.
, 46, from Warrington.
What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Implanon
Using an etonogestrel implant can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You are even more at risk if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or if you are overweight. Your risk of stroke or blood clot is highest during your first year of using this medicine.
Smoking can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. Your risk increases the older you are and the more you smoke.
Do not use if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, the etonogestrel implant should be removed if you plan to continue the pregnancy.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before receiving the implant.
You should not use hormonal birth control if you have:
- a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot
- unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor or
- liver disease or liver cancer.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
When It Starts To Work
You can have the implant put in at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you’re not pregnant.
If the implant is fitted during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle, you’ll be immediately protected against becoming pregnant.
If it’s fitted on any other day of your menstrual cycle, you’ll need to use additional contraception for 7 days.
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While You Are Using Implanon Nxt
When you are using Implanon NXT, you should arrange for regular check-ups by your doctor. He or she should pay special attention to your blood pressure and your breasts and give you a regular examination of the pelvic organs .
Consult your doctor promptly if any of the following happen:
If you have any of the signs of a blood clot, as below:
- Sudden severe pain in the chest, whether it reaches to the arm or not.
- If you suddenly become breathless.
- If you suddenly lose vision, partially or completely, or if you see double.
- If you have an unusual, severe or prolonged headache.
- If your speech is abnormal.
- If you experience dizziness.
- If you have a fainting attack or you collapse.
- If one side or part of your body suddenly becomes very weak or numb.
- If you suffer severe pain in one of your calves.
I Had Pain All The Time: Health Issues After Essure Implants
Three women describe symptoms they believe were related to the contraceptive Why were examining the implants industry
Alison Harding, 39, from Devon, south-west England, had Essure implanted four years ago. She did not want to have children and was attracted by it being a non-invasive and permanent contraceptive. About a year after receiving the implants she began to experience severe pelvic and lower back pain.
Her GP suggested a urinary tract infection could be to blame, but antibiotics did not relieve her symptoms. I was necking painkillers like nobodys business, she says. It had me in tears quite regularly. It was like being punched in the kidneys. When I got home Id have to kneel down and bury my head in the sofa.
Eventually, after being referred to a gynaecologist, she says she was advised to have a hysterectomy to safely remove the implants. was quite practical about it. He said we might as well just take them out.
Since having the implants removed, she says the pain has vanished and she has not had any problems. She regrets that she ended up requiring radical surgery.
Charlotte, 30, from Blackpool, north-west England, was seeking a permanent contraceptive after having five children. My husband and I wed had our fill, she says. Her doctor suggested Essure, despite the device having recently lost its CE mark, which signals compliance with EU standards.
, 46, from Warrington.
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Are Cramps A Side Effect Of Nexplanon
Yes, Nexplanon can cause cramps or belly pain. In studies, belly pain was one of the most common side effects that people with Nexplanon reported.
If you experience mild cramps or belly pain while you have Nexplanon, talk with your doctor. They can determine what may be causing your cramps. In some cases, they may recommend using a medication such as acetaminophen/caffeine/pyrilamine to treat your cramps.
If you experience belly pain or cramping thats severe, tell your doctor right away or go to the nearest hospital. In some cases, serious belly pain or cramping can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.
If not treated, ectopic pregnancies can cause serious complications or could even be fatal. If you think you may be pregnant while you have a Nexplanon implant, talk with your doctor right away.
Learn more about some of the side effects Nexplanon may cause.
Maybe My Body Just Rejects Synthetic Hormones
I got an implant in 2010, for about 6 monthsâto reduce heavy bleeds and for the added contraceptive value. Before I got it, my GP at the time was hesitant because she was concerned that the implant would exasperate my depressionâshe was ABSOLUTELY right. Of course, the implant wasn’t the only factor but within three months of getting the implant, I had made two suicide attempts. I had never attempted suicide before. During recovery from the suicide attempts, I tried to eliminate various things from my life to help pinpoint the problem, the implant was the last step and I did get better. Again, it definitely wasn’t the only factorâI was in therapy at this point and making life changes that all contributed to my recovery, but I think the implant played a part.
I never had any improvement with bleeding. I bled for 30 days straight when I first got it and then continued to bleed irregularly until I got it taken out. I get really bad side effects from the combined pill, the mini pill and norethisterone, so maybe my body just rejects synthetic hormones. My sister got the implant after her third child and seemed to be happy with it. Having it inserted wasn’t an issue. Having it removed was a little more unpleasant, and I have a tiny scar only I can notice, but overall it wasn’t an issue.
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What Are The Causes Of Period Pain
If you track your monthly cycle â for instance on a calendar or with an app â you can get a rough idea of when your most painful days will be. Most women feel their greatest pain with the onset of the blood flow, with the pain gradually easing over the duration of the period.
There are some conditions which cause unusually heavy or painful periods.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Poly cystic ovary syndrome
Speak to you doctor if you think you may have a condition which is giving you excessive period pain.
Effects Of Hormonal Contraceptives On Other Drugs
Hormonal contraceptives may affect the metabolism of other drugs. Consequently, plasma concentrations may either increase or decrease . Consult the labeling of all concurrently-used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for enzyme alterations.
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What Is Etonogestrel Implant
Etonogestrel implant is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. The medicine is contained in a small plastic rod that is implanted into the skin of your upper arm. The medicine is released slowly into the body. The rod can remain in place and provide continuous contraception for up to 3 years.
Etonogestrel implant may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What Other Drugs Will Affect Etonogestrel Implant
Certain other medicines or herbal products may make etonogestrel less effective, which could result in pregnancy. You may need to use a non-hormonal form of back-up birth control while you are taking certain medicine, and for up to 28 days after stopping the medicine.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- medicine to treat hepatitis C, HIV, or AIDS
- a barbiturate –butabarbital, secobarbital, phenobarbital or
- seizure medicine –carbamazepine, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect etonogestrel, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
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Birth Control That Can Last Up To 3 Years*
NEXPLANON® is a progestin indicated for use by women to prevent pregnancy. It is a hormone-releasing birth control implant that is placed under the skin for women who prefer a long-acting option.
NEXPLANON does not need to be taken daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly . It is considered a long-term method because it prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years.
*NEXPLANON must be removed by the end of the third year and may be replaced by a new NEXPLANON at the time of removal,if continued contraceptive protection is desired.
Insertion & Removal of NEXPLANON
Your health care provider will place and remove NEXPLANON in a minor surgical procedure in his or her office. NEXPLANON is inserted just under the skin on the inner side of your upper arm.
The timing of insertion is important. Your health care provider may:
- Perform a pregnancy test before inserting NEXPLANON
- Schedule the insertion at a specific time of your menstrual cycle
Insertion of Nexplanon
NEXPLANON is a soft and flexible implant that is inserted in a discreet location in the inner, upper arm. It is small in size so no one has to know that its there but you and your health care provider.
Immediately after the NEXPLANON implant has been placed, you and your health care provider should check that the implant is in your arm by feeling for it.
Be sure to have checkups as advised by your health care provider.
Who should not use NEXPLANON?
Do not use NEXPLANON if you:
Who Should Not Take This Medication
Do not use this medication if you:
- are allergic to etonogestrel or any ingredients of the medication
- are or may be pregnant
- have a history of blood clots or clotting disorders
- have liver tumours
- have, may have, or have a history of breast cancer or suspected breast cancer
- have, may have, or have a history of a cancer that is sensitive to progestin
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What Side Effects Are Possible With This Medication
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- abdominal or pelvic pain
- signs of a blood clot in the lung
- signs of a serious allergic reaction
- signs of a heart attack
- signs of stroke
- sudden loss of vision or double vision
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Where Can I Get A Contraceptive Implant Fitted Or Removed
You can get the contraceptive implant for free, even if you’re under 16, from:
- contraception clinics
- sexual health or genitourinary medicine clinics
- some young people’s services
Some GPs or practice nurses are able to fit and remove implants, so you’ll need to check at your GP surgery.
Alternatively, most sexual health clinics will be able to do this for you.
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If You’re Unhappy With The Hormonal Contraceptive You Are Takingask About Other Options
I got my first Nexplanon implant in 2012, and had it removed in 2015. I then had a second one of the same brand put in in 2015-2016. I decided to get an implant because I was already limited due to not being able to take estrogen, and had tried the progestin-only pill as well as the injection.
The pill gave me irregular bleeding, sometimes constant bleeding, for months on end, as well as severe nausea. After a year or so I knew I had to look for another contraception method. I had a similar reaction to the progestin injection, minus the nausea, and as I was only a teenager at the time, I found it difficult to remember when I needed to get another injection . I was only offered the implant after expressing to my doctor that I did not want to take the pill.
The insertion was completely pain free . I felt a slight tugging when they are putting it in but no pain. My arm ached for the next few days, and I wasnât able to do any heavy lifting with it, and there was some bruising and tenderness but nothing serious. I experienced some irregular bleeding for the first three-ish months, but it seemed to sort itself out and went from a light monthly period to 100% period free for two years.
If you’re unhappy with any hormonal contraceptive you are taking, always tell your doctor. Do not back down if they try to offer you more of the same, and ask about other optionsâbecause they are there!âGrace, female, 22, England
Talking With My Doctor Helped Open My Eyes About Birth Control Options I Had Dismissed
I got an Implanon implant inserted in September 2017, and have had it for over a year now. I wanted to have sex with my significant other without worrying about getting pregnant. I also hoped it would help reduce the frequency of my periods and my acne. Getting the implant inserted was a simple and quick process. I had a large bruise in the area for a few days, but no other discomfort since then. The first few months with the implant left my cycle significantly altered and unpredictable, but keeping track of it with Clue helped me a lot. My acne and frequency of bleeding are still all over the board, but I am a firm believer that this is the best birth control choice for me, and I will continue to use it for the next several years.
Your doctor should go over all of the different birth control options and side effects before you receive any type of birth control. Doing so helped open my eyes about other birth control options I had dismissed. Also, practicing healthy sex is extremely important! Just because you are on birth control does not mean you shouldn’t use a condom when you’re with someone new or don’t know the sexual history of a partner. Better safe than sorry!âBonk, nonbinary, 19, Minnesota, USA
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What Are The Nexplanon Side Effects After Removal
Any time theres a change in your hormones like when you go on or off hormonal birth control such as the implant theres a chance of temporary side effects. But they usually go away after a few months.
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. It can also take a few months for your period to go back to the cycle you had before you got the implant .
Everyones body is different, and our bodies also change over time. So theres no way to know exactly how your body will react to going off the implant. But any negative side effects that you may have will go away within a few months as your body gets used to being off the hormones.
Another important thing to note: you can get pregnant right away once the implant is out of your body . So if you stop using the implant but you dont want to get pregnant, make sure to use another birth control method.
If youre really worried about the side effects of going off the implant, talk with your nurse or doctor. They may be able to give you more specific information about what to expect based on your personal medical history.
