i know i can search this, but because of everything going on in the united states, im deeply considering an iud/implant. has anybody had both and prefer one? does anyone have any advice about the implant, as that’s what im leaning more towards? i’m not entirely sure.

I’ve had both and I MUCH prefer the IUD. Before you read whatever my opinion on it is, remember that everyone has different experiences and you could end up having a polar opposite experience to mine! When I got the implant, I didn’t bleed for about 2 weeks and then suddenly bled for 250+ days straight. I also experienced really bad migraines (which I rarely get). I finally said enough is enough and got off of it. I ended up taking bc pills in between getting off of the implant and getting the IUD because it was intimidating to me. The insertion procedure of the IUD was very painful, but quick. It is SO nice not having to worry about taking pills or really concern for pregnancy at all. Me and my partner have sex often and I don’t even think twice about if I could be pregnant. Bonus: the Kyleena IUD lasts 5 years!

What do you want to know about the implant? I’m due replacing mine in a few months.

@Yi_eune Just personal experience and any advice on if I get it put in. Is it painful after insertion? And if anyone’s preferred it over an IUD.

@Lemongrass_ did you HEAVILY bleed or spot for that long? i’m on the birth control pill now, and have trouble bleeding a lot during the month anyway. (which is another motivator for considering something else, but the main motivator is the current rights being at risk for women in the country lol).

@nicoanstic_ I can’t say whether I prefer it because I haven’t had an IUD, but neither do I have the need to try it because the implant is such a good fit for me. Insertion was fine, but looking back at it I wish I had something to eat and drink before going into the doctors office to get it placed. I felt really dizzy about 20-30 minutes after insertion but that didn’t last. It felt like a really strong pinch, but I went through the process without any anaesthesia, I will ask my doctor to numb the area next time just for my own comfort. I didn’t experience any pain but my arm was sore for up to 2 weeks or so, and the area that it got placed was a little bruised, but again; no pain for me. It’s coming up to 3 years now and I have not experienced many side effects, I’ve experienced some breakthrough bleeding but even then I bled maybe 6-7 days total in a form of 2 episodes, one summer 2024 and the other right before summer 2023. I’ve been able to have sex whenever and not worry about pregnancies or bleeding really. It’s worked really well for me. I prefer the implant because you can check on it to feel if it’s still in place, you don’t need help for it, it’s important to check on it every now and then to ensure it hasn’t moved. The implant needs to be replaced every 3 years.

@Yi_eune I am (hopefully) going to be married in the next few years, but also hoping my partner will be getting a vasectomy along the timeline. I’m just wanting to get something more permanent before anything (potentially) is banned. So I wouldn’t be too concerned after the 3 year mark. I’m assuming yours is a Nexplanon?

Also, are you ever concerned about any interaction with your Nexplanon? Or do you just renew after 3 years? I’ve heard some people get anxious about it becoming ineffective earlier than their 3 year mark.

@nicoanstic_ No I’ve never been worried, I trust the science. I’m not anxious about the 3 years either because it wouldn’t be advertised as such if it weren’t true. It’s not just a random product on an online ad, it’s been researched and tested.

@nicoanstic_ id say my bleeding was intermittently heavy. For example, I would spot for a month and then heavily bleed for a few weeks.

I had the Kyleena iud for awhile, I did bleed consistently for about 6ish months I think it was but I was also starting birthcontrol for the very first time and hormonal iuds can potentially stop you from bleeding all together although it’s more common with the mirena iud. Insertion was painful but quick and nothing too unbearable, afterwards I had pretty bad cramps but I did forget to take Advil/tylenol before hand which would’ve helped with the cramps afterwards. You can talk to your doctor about different options for managing pain/ anxiety about the procedure sometimes they can prescribe you an antianxiety medication for the procedure to take beforehand granted you have a ride there and back