progestin-based contraceptive implants
Why specifically the implants do you think? I appreciate more studies especially looking at extended usage are definitely needed. At least so far there’s no evidence of increase in certain kinds of cancers or reduction of bone density (unlike depo). Still, I’ve just realised I’ve been using nexplanon for 15 years and I have no way to know what impact it’s actually had on me.
Wait what’s wrong with them? I’ve had one for 4 years now and haven’t had any problems
I think they need to be dosed for the individual, which means a lot of women are receiving a much higher dose than necessary. Whether that be due to bodyweight, or enzyme polymorphisms causing different people to metabolise them at different rates. So for lots of people there’s no problem at all. But for many women there’s massive weight gain and destroyed libido, altered sexual functioning, etc.
It’s also just something I’ve wondered about - they’re physiologically disruptive by definition, and women might stay on them for thirty or more years; that’s a hell of a long time for a cumulative effect to take place.
Again, the whole purpose of the post is speculation, so I’m just putting this out there. I don’t mean to be conspiratorial at all, it just wouldn’t surprise me if we found out there were certain consequences from their use. And so many people use them, it would be a massive scandal like the other things mentioned.
Appreciate the further insight! Do you really think any ill long term effects would become a scandal though? I feel like I’ve heard women shouting from the rooftops, but also directly into the void, on how awful most chemical BC is and essentially no one cares.
