I finally did it... I got my Nexplanon removed approximately two weeks ago and so far I feel.... so much better! Specificalluy, when it comes to my mental health. I know my body and hormones have quite a ways to go still until I am completely back to MY normal but I instantly feel the effects as I am no longer having intense mood swings like I was before. Even my close friends and fmaily have noticed a difference in my mood swings and hve said I am much more pleasant to be around, which is really saying something!
I detailed my reasoning for coming off of hormonal birth control and the side effects of the Nexplanon in my first blog post (if you have nto read it yet I recommend doing so!) This post, I actually want to detail the removal process and how I have been feeling since.
The removal itself was not too bad and done relatively quickly at my doctor's office. I think the worst part of the whole process was being questioned by my doctor on what my plans were now to avoid pregnancy. The looks I receive as a young fertile woman in my late 20's who does not want more children but is not on birth control. When I tell people this they look at me like I have three heads. "You sure you want this removed?" My lovely GP asked me. "Yes, absolutely" I responded. "So, what's the plan now?" She asked me lowering her glasses to look at me directly. I was hesitant to tell her about FAM (fertility awareness method) due to the bad rep it gets especially among the medical community. Many doctors are not even aware of what FAM actually is as they are not taught this in med school (which is very unfortuante!) It often gets confused with the rythym method (which is not an effective form of birth control) so I omitted telling my doctor my true intentions. I just smiled and jokingly said "it's God's plans now" but then reassured her at this time I do not have a partner so am abstaining, a reply she was fine with. "But when that time comes along and you do meet someone, we can set up another appointment. I recommend the copper IUD if you want something without hormones". I acted interested but in the IUD but knew exactly what I wanted to do naturally for my body and that was FAM (I will detail more about the FAM method in my next blog post, stay tuned!)
The Nexplanon had been in my right arm the doctor had me lay down and feel the implant in my arm and then sterilized the area. She then numbed the location with Lidocaine (this was the worst part of the removal) but honestly was not that bad, burns a little bit but I have definitely felt worse. Once I was numb the doctor checked first with the scalpel point to see if I could feel it and then made a small incision in my arm to get the Nexplanon out. The part that I really did not care for and this could just be the fact I'm easily creeped out by foreign objects in my body, but as the Nexplanon remains in your arm scar tissue grows over the implant so the doctor had to release the implant from the tissue before she could grab it out. Now, your arm is completely numb when this is done but you can feel the pressure and tugging of the skin. This is the sensation that weirds me out, as it took several minutes of my arm skin being tugged before she was able to grab a hold of the implant.
Once the implant is out, the doctor will show it to you as it is important the entire implant gets taken out and no pieces are left in your body (as that could cause major issues!) Then, that's it- no more hormones! Besides the ones naturallhy in my body ha ha, I didn't have any major bruising or pain after the removal my arm was just slightly sore and tender in the spot of the incision for a couple of days afterwards.
Currently, two weeks post removal I have yet to have my period (I was on it at the time of removal) and am aware that it may take several months for my period to come back as my body returns ot normal. My acne is already clearing up though not completely gone. The biggest change is my mood. I feel more stable whereas before I felt like an emotional rollercoaster. My mood swings were hard to contain and mainly happened at night, I would be fine all day and BAM! Night rolls around and I am angry, weeping and close friends were usually revceving the brunt of it. I had started to wonder if I was bipolar, as I felt like a completely different person when these mood swings happened or like I was going crazy. Since having my Nexplanon removed I am much more mellow and feel stable. I have not had one of my "episodes" as my friend and I had named them since.
I will keep updating on the blog as time goes on and how I am feeling, I will also be detailing my FAM process and how it works for me once I start. Right now, I am just letting my body and hormones be and just get back to normal so I can accurately start tracking my cycles and temperatures (more about this to come!)
I have been reading Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler and I HIGHLY recommend this book to any woman. Whether you are thinking about the FAM method, trying to conceive, want to learn more about natural birth control options or just learn more about your body in general. I have included an Amazon link to purchase the book below:
DISCLAIMER: I do receive a small commission when you use my Amazon affiliate link, you are not obligated to purchase from my link but I apreciate the support if you do!
