Expert: Diane Cheryl - 9/4/2008

Question
Since December of 07' I've had the Implanon birthcontrol injected into my arm. Ever since then most times that my husband and I have any slightly rough sex I bleed the next day. Not just a lil but like a period bleeding thats last for about 4 or 5 days. Is this a big problem? It's really annoying but I just was wondering if this is a health problem and is it possibly harming me?

Answer
Hi Priscilla,

Here's some information that I got directly from the Implanon website. It does mention bleeding and other side effects. I would advise you to discontinue this method but that's just my opinion. Always consult your doctor. If you want to email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com I would love to talk to you more.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl

You should not use IMPLANON™ if you: are pregnant or think you may be pregnant; have or have had blood clots; have unexplained vaginal bleeding; have liver disease; have or have had breast cancer; or if you are allergic to anything in IMPLANON™.

The use of IMPLANON™ and other progestin-only hormonal contraceptives have been associated with ectopic pregnancy, bleeding irregularities, and ovarian cysts.  The use of hormonal contraceptives is associated with increased risks of several serious side effects including blood clots which may lead to stroke or heart attack. Blood clots are a side effect of birth control pills and pregnancy. It is unknown if the risk of blood clots with IMPLANON™ is different than with birth control pills. Some examples of blood clots are: deep vein thrombosis (legs), pulmonary embolism (lungs), retinal thrombosis (eyes), stroke (head) and heart attack (heart). There have been reports of blood clots, including pulmonary emboli and strokes, in patients using IMPLANON™. Tell your doctor at least 4 weeks before if you are going to have surgery or will need to be on bed rest because you have an increased chance of experiencing blood clots during surgery or bed rest.

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from the use of hormonal contraceptives. The risk increases with age (women > 35), and with heavy smoking.  Women who use hormonal contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke.

The most common side effect of IMPLANON™ is a change in your menstrual periods. In studies, about 1 in 10 women stopped using IMPLANON™ because of bleeding problems.  Expect your menstrual periods to be irregular and unpredictable throughout the time you are using IMPLANON™.   You may have more bleeding, less bleeding, or no bleeding. The time between periods may vary, and in between periods you may have spotting.  Other common side effects reported in women using IMPLANON™ during clinical trials include:  headache,  vaginitis, weight gain, acne, breast pain, viral infections such as colds, sore throats, sinus infections, or flu-like symptoms, stomach pain, painful periods, mood swings, nervousness, or depression, back pain, nausea, dizziness, pain, and pain at the site of insertion.