Implant question

[Calypso]

I got the nexplanon implant two days ago. Prior to that I hadn't been on birth control since the beginning of January. I was on pills. If I had continued on the pill I would have had a bleed next week. As it is I am not sure when I might have gotten my next period even without the nexplanon. However now that I have this implant is it possible to say when I might get a period? Is it likely to follow the same cycle? That is, can I expect a bleed next week?

[Carmen]

Hi Calypso,

I don't know much about the exact effects of the implant on one's period but I do know that it can certainly affect different people in different ways so there is not going to be one right answer to your question. If you are worried about this or want more specific knowledge about how it might affect your body and menstrual cycle specifically I would suggest asking your health care provider if you have one.
And if you want to flesh out more why it might be worrying you I'd be happy to go through that with you

[Karyn]

To add to what Carmen said: there's no way to predict whether or not you'll have a bleed next week. Stopping one method of birth control and starting another one can both cause a bit of cycle irregularity, and irregular bleeding is one of the most common side effects of the implant on top of that.

Did your doctor explain to you how the implant works, and what the possible side effects are? If not, as Carmen suggested, following up on that with them is one option. You can also read some more about the implant here: The Contraceptive Implant (Implanon/Nexplanon)

[Calypso]

I did know about the irregular bleeding but was not sure how soon this may start to happen or how it might affect my "regular" cycke. I am just trying to figure out what to prepare for I guess.

Thanks for the info!

[Heather]

With an implant just inserted, your best plan is just to figure that for the next few months or so, if not longer, you should expect for periods and spotting to be very unpredictable.

[Calypso]

Heather, thanks I have been mia for a bit so didn't see this. Btw, I noticed that your article mentions that the implant is effective after two weeks. In a lot of other places I have seen that it is effective after one week if not inserted during your period. Could you explain? Thanks in advance.

[Heather]

At the time of the writing of that piece, that was the standard prescribing information. It does seem to need to be updated (and I'll do that right now). Sorry for the confusion!

[Calypso]

No problem, just wondered. Thanks!!

Oh, and as long as I can feel it, it's supposed to be working right? LOL it is weird.