Is it normal to have irregular periods on the implant?
William Rodriguez
Published Jan 09, 2026
When it's first put in, you may feel some bruising, tenderness or swelling around the implant. Your periods may become irregular, lighter, heavier or longer. A common side effect is that your periods stop (amenorrhoea). It's not harmful, but you may want to consider this before deciding to have an implant.
How long does irregular bleeding last on the implant?
Irregular bleeding is a common side effect and will usually settle down within 3 months. Whatever your bleeding pattern, the implant is still effective. If the bleeding does not settle or you are unhappy with the bleeding you can see a doctor for medications that can help with this.
Is it normal to have irregular periods on nexplanon?
The most common side effect of Nexplanon is irregular menstrual bleeding, including changes in frequency, intensity, or duration of bleeding. About 1 in 5 people will not have a period at all when using Nexplanon. Another 1 in 5 people will have frequent and/or prolonged bleeding.
How do you stop irregular periods on the implant?
Adding a combined pill, or the patch - You may want to consider coming in and talking to one of our doctors about prescribing you a combined pill like Chatel, or Microgestin. Adding a monophasic combined pill for a month can stop the bleeding, and help to regulate your period for the next month.
How long does it take for periods to regulate on the implant?
This way you keep the contraceptive cover, and the periods will usually settle down over time. This usually happens within three months of having the implant inserted.
15 related questions foundHow would you know if your pregnant on the implant?
Women who get pregnant while using birth control may notice the following signs and symptoms:
- a missed period.
- implantation spotting or bleeding.
- tenderness or other changes in the breasts.
- fatigue.
- nausea and food aversions.
- backaches.
- headaches.
- a frequent need to urinate.
Can you get pregnant on the implant?
Implantable contraception is a very effective method of birth control. Over the course of 1 year, fewer than 1 out of 100 typical couples using the implant will have an accidental pregnancy. The chances of getting pregnant increase if someone waits longer than 3 years to replace the tube.
Why do I get my period twice a month on Nexplanon?
Irregular periods are common when starting new birth control, so don't worry about having two in one month. While it might be unpleasant, it's also totally normal.
How can you tell if your pregnant while on Nexplanon?
It is very unlikely, but you can get pregnant while using this. Take a urine pregnancy test if you feel like you may be pregnant. Call the clinic right away if it is positive. We will need to see you right away.
Why am I getting my period on the implant?
There are some possible side effects of hormonal implants. They are different for every woman. The most common side effect is irregular menstrual bleeding. The bleeding is usually light and not a medical concern.
Can Nexplanon fail?
Nexplanon effectiveness
It has a 0.1% failure rate, meaning that 1 in 1,000 people using the birth control implant will become pregnant in a year. The implant prevents pregnancy better than male sterilization (vasectomy), which has a 0.15% failure rate and is often irreversible.
What does implantation bleeding look like?
What does it look like? Implantation bleeding may appear as light spotting — blood that appears when you wipe — or a light, consistent flow that requires a liner or light pad. The blood may or may not be mixed with cervical mucus.
What are the disadvantages of the implant?
Disadvantages of the contraceptive implant include: It offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
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Minor side effects
- amenorrhea.
- light or irregular bleeding.
- frequent bleeding episodes (more than five in 90 days)
- continuous bleeding for weeks (more than 14 days)
- occasionally menorrhagia.
Can the contraceptive implant cause irregular bleeding?
The most common side effect is irregular bleeding (aka spotting), especially in the first 6-12 months. But most people on the implant get lighter periods, or their periods stop altogether while they have the implant. Other possible side effects that aren't as common include headaches, breast pain, and nausea.
What does Brown Discharge Mean while on Nexplanon?
You may also have brown discharge (old blood). This discharge is common as your body adjusts to the hormone medicine in the implant, which can take one or more months to stop.
What can stop the implant from working?
Some medicines can make the implant less effective, such as:
- medicines for HIV, epilepsy and tuberculosis.
- complementary remedies, such as St John's Wort.
- some antibiotics, such as rifabutin or rifampicin.
When should I take a preg test?
You should wait to take a pregnancy test until the week after your missed period for the most accurate result. If you don't want to wait until you've missed your period, you should wait at least one to two weeks after you had sex. If you are pregnant, your body needs time to develop detectable levels of HCG.
Do you ovulate on Nexplanon?
The contraceptive implant is inserted beneath the skin of the upper arm. The implant releases a progestational hormone to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. The implant typically suppresses ovulation as well.
Is it normal to have 2 periods a month on the implant?
Or two periods in one month could be a sign that there are some structural issues within your reproductive system, like cysts and polyps. And sometimes, light spotty bleeding that looks pink to light brown can be a sign of implantation bleeding, which occurs when a fertilised egg implants in the uterus.
Why am I getting my period every 2 weeks Nexplanon?
Women who use NEXPLANON are likely to have changes in their vaginal bleeding patterns. These may include changes in bleeding frequency, intensity, duration, or amenorrhea. The bleeding pattern experienced during the first 3 months using NEXPLANON is broadly predictive of the future bleeding pattern for many women.
Should I worry about two periods a month?
Getting your period twice in one month usually isn't anything to worry about if it happens just once or you know you have a shorter cycle. But if this is happening repeatedly each month and is different from your normal cycle, you'll want to see your healthcare provider to find out what's going on.
What cancels out Nexplanon?
Certain medicines may make NEXPLANON less effective, including: Aprepitant. Barbiturates. Bosentan.
Can you have a miscarriage if you have the implant?
If you are found to be pregnant while using Nexplanon, it will not cause abortion, miscarriage, or birth defects. Are there any disadvantages to the Nexplanon? Most women adjust to the Nexplanon without any problems. Irregular bleeding is the main side effect, especially in the first 6-12 months.
Can implant fail to work?
Although the implant is one of the most effective forms of birth control (1), it can fail if it's not correctly inserted or if a person is taking antiepileptic drugs (12).
How reliable is the implant?
The implant is one of the best birth control methods out there — it's more than 99% effective. That means fewer than 1 out of 100 people who use Nexplanon will get pregnant each year. It doesn't get much better than that. The implant is so effective because there's no chance of making a mistake.