Contraception: 1 Year on From My Implant

My original post can be found here about my experience getting it fitted and first impressions and dismissing rumors and old wives tales.

Here's my impressions one year on after having the implant first implanted (see what I did there).

My periods are far from regular. I can go 3 months without having them then have recently had regular monthly ones. But that's fine with me, before hand my periods were only made regular by the pill. I don't mind missing periods or not having them dose not bother me. But if you need the reassurance of a regular period the implant might not  be for you. Different people react differently to the hormones and some people are lucky enough to not have periods for the length they have it and others bleed very heavily without breaks, like my friend did. She had to be put on the pill as well to regulate and stop the bleeding, she decided to have it removed and went back on the normal pill. It isn't for everyone but definitely works for me. I don't have to worry about taking the pill all the time and me being forgetful the implant is perfect for me.

The pain of my periods has reduced dramatically I don't really feel the need to constantly take ibuprofen and use the gel on my back. The pain is barely there and when it does come I just take some paracetamol or ibuprofen. The bleeding it no where near as heavy. (Might be T.M.I) but I used to have to use like 5-6 tampons/ pads a day. The bleeding has reduced dramatically like the pain my periods are now very very light. I get the occasional bit of spotting but most people get that.

As for the weight myth, my need for eating hasn't increased like it did on the pill. I managed to loose 2 and  a half stone whilst I was at university going to the gym 3 times a week and eating healthy-ish. Even whilst having the implant I've managed to loose weight (although I stress ate during exams and put some of it back on). But I stress eat during exam times like junk food and energy drinks, and that has no correlation with the implant because I do it every year, unfortunately.

Me and my boyfriend do still use condoms. Me and my boyfriend have agreed it's a belts and braces approach. Because I do not want kids right now so its puts my over worrying mind at rest using two methods of contraception.

And no I cannot feel it move in my arm, and I can only feel it if I run my fingers over the part of my arm where it is. And no it does not hurt me at all. 

So the implant is 5/5 for me and works as my main form of contraception.
For more info on the implant check out this nhs website

Thanks for reading,

 (Diagram from https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health/care/)