Like other hormonal birth control methods, implants have possible side effects, which can be different for each woman. The most common side effect is irregular menstrual bleeding or missed periods. You may have longer or shorter periods or very light or no menstrual bleeding at all. 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.
Every woman has her own unique vaginal odor. Sometimes the odor changes during the menstrual cycle but a “different smell” can be a sign of a vaginal yeast infection or an STI (sexually transmitted infection, if you are sexually active and don’t use condoms every time you have sex). It’s always a good idea to talk to your health care provider if you have any concerns or are “stressed out” about your health.
A bit about birth control implants:
The birth control implant is a thin, flexible plastic rod that’s about the size of a toothpick. It is inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm by a health care provide and it prevents pregnancy for up to three years. Hormonal birth control implants are available under the brand name Nexplanon®. You can find more information about this type of birth control options here.
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