When I walked into Planned Parenthood the Summer before moving off to college [1], my mind was set on leaving with a packet of birth control pills — but after looking through a pamphlet detailing other methods of contraception, I decided on what seemed like a better option [2]: the progestin-only birth control implant. If you're unfamiliar, the implant is a thin, flexible device that's inserted into your arm. It's 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy [3], and I loved that I wouldn't have to remember to take a pill every day. The procedure was quick and near painless; I walked out of the clinic with the implant in my arm, feeling good that I would be fully protected for another few years.

Unfortunately, I found myself back in the waiting room six months later, perusing the same pamphlet as I awaited my appointment to have the implant removed. While many have found success with this form of birth control, I simply couldn't deal with the side effects I experienced. These are the few that ultimately led me to switch methods. Everyone's body will react differently, but it's worth discussing them with your doctor.

I Never Stopped Spotting

I knew irregular bleeding was a common side effect of the implant [4], but I wasn't prepared for it to last as long as it did. I spent so much money on tampons and constantly worried that I'd bleed through my pants. The doctor had reassured me that it would eventually stop, but when six months passed without any change, I knew I couldn't wait any longer.

I Had Really Bad Breakouts

A few months after getting the implant, I began to develop spots of deep, cystic acne. While the stress of college undoubtedly played a role, only forms of birth control that contain estrogen are helpful in preventing acne [5], and progestin-only methods may actually exacerbate the problem.

I Felt Upset All the Time

I've always been a happy person, but after months of having the implant, I found myself falling into patterns of inexplicable sadness and irrational anger. Mood swings can be a side effect of the implant [6], and for me, not knowing what to expect from one day to the next was a deal breaker.