Please help? I can't see a doctor, and health forums aren't helping?

[Anonymous]

This is about period problems, I'm really scared.

I have implanon, and I didn't get a period for the first 6 months. After that, I started getting irregular periods. Now I have one that's been going for 10 days, is heavy, started off dark and clotted, but is now really thin, and bright red. It bleeds so quick, straight through tampons, it's like a bleeding wound.
Is this something serious? I don't have any pain or anything, just irritation around my vaginal opening from using so many tampons, and a mild allergy to pads. I've also gotten frequent unrelated infections lately (conjunctivitis, URTI, etc.)
Do I need to see a doctor? Has this happened to anyone else?

Updates

+1 y

Sorry, should have said 'Do I need to see a doctor in emergency?'
I can't see my gp for two weeks.

[Anonymous]

I had nexplanon which is same thing just different name and it did horrible things to me. I didn't bleed heavy like that it was always light spotting but I bled for 57 days straight and before I got it removed was getting a period every other week. My body just couldn't handle the hormones and I had to get it out and switched to the pill which has been pretty good so far, have a hard time with nausea on the pill but it's been a lot better not bleeding all the time and knowing when it's gonna happen.

[Asker]

Thanks for your answer, thank goodness I don't have that!
I switched to implanon after I took different pills for years, and got sick from them. I can't handle the oestrogen.

[Vehii]

I have had this problem myself as well (also using implanon, and no period for over half a year). My doctor said it is possible that this happens when using implanon (it has something to do with your hormones), but it shouldn't be longer than a week, after that the bleeding should stop. I really think you should see a doctor, or maybe the doctor/gynaecologist who placed it.

[Asker]

Well, my periods normally laster about a week, so I guess this could be classed as slightly longer.
I'm seeing my gp, who placed the implant, in two weeks, the first appointment I could get.
Thanks for your help. I'm glad I'm not the only person who experienced this.

[dogbert444]

This might be something serious. It definitely isn't right. Both my mum and sis have implants, and nothing like this happens.

I think you MUST seek professional advice as soon as possible.

[Asker]

I will... in two weeks when my doctor can see me.

[jacquesvol]

I don't know in which country you live but in the western world you can see any doctor.

[Asker]

I can't see my gp, who has all my records, for 2 weeks, that's all.

[jacquesvol]

In this country, if a GP takes a vacation, he opens his computer files to another GP he knows in the same neighborhood.
But for Implanon by effects, any obgyn or GP will do.

[Asker]

My gp isn't on vacation, she's just booked out. The computer systems here don't work like that. She's the one who placed my implant, and I haven't seen another gp in 14 years :/
What scares me is that I don't know if this is because of the implanon, or something else.

[Anonymous]

Yes you need to see a doctor. If you are bleeding directly through tampons 10 days into your period than there is a chance something with your uterus is not working properly OR you have a tare somewhere in your vagina that needs to be looked at. Contact your doctor immediately!

[Asker]

I can't get in to see my gp for two weeks. I don't think there's a tear, since I have no pain.

[Opinion Owner]

I've been in nursing school for 3 years and usually these symptoms are from an unknown tare. Tampons can cause tearing.

[Asker]

The symptoms can be from a lot of things. I have no other symptoms of tears. I have no discomfort inserting, wearing, or removing a tampon. No burning or itching.
The most pain I have is the slightly tender skin around my vaginal opening, like I said.

[Opinion Owner]

You asked for my input and I gave it. Remember, I'm the nurse here and you asked for help. When you go to the doctors and tell you the same exact thing that I just did.. Well.. I told you so. Have a good one and good luck with your problem.

[Asker]

Look, don't get uppity with me. I asked if anyone had experience with implanon, and how quickly I should see a doctor.
Not that it matters, but I've done nursing training. It doesn't make you an expert, and it certainly doesn't qualify you to make a diagnosis, let alone one over the Internet. For example, I have enough experience to know that this isn't a vaginal tear. I do not have enough experience to know if it's implant related, or something else. If you've just been in nursing school for 3 years, neither do you.

[Opinion Owner]

Implant related bleeding is almost always caused by tearing or an irritant within the surrounding areas of the implant. Did you do your research before getting the implant? If your doctor had given you proper information before hand than you would know this. Everything I have stated is true. And I never once claimed to be an expert. I have been in nursing for six years and am a nursing assistant at this point. I deal with these things daily. It is not my fault that you are ill informed and if you have been through nursing than you would know that one of the first things you teach you (depending on what you decide you want; surgeon, nurse, pediatrician, etc,.) is what signs to look for when it comes to hemoraging, implantation bleeding (pregnancy related), birth control symptoms, other implantation symptoms and effects, and lastly, menstraul normalities. I take my work very seriously. Was I trying to piss you off and make you out to not know anything? No. But clearly you're defensive.

[Opinion Owner]

I should have clarified more thoroughly. Nursing school for three years (which technically you are considered a medical student and assist other nurses with hands on things) and now have been a nursing assistant for 3 years on top of that. 6 years total in this field.

[Asker]

A tear in the surrounding areas of the implant? Well, since the blood isn't coming from my ARM, I rather doubt it.
I've been through a lot of training, much of which focuses on not guessing based off one symptom, which can be caused by countless conditions, benign or otherwise.
And I'm not even gonna comment on the 3 years of nursing school, 6 years of experience, and only being an AIN.

[Asker]

To add... 'Remember, I'm the nurse here and you asked for help.' If that wasn't meant to make you sound like you know everything, I don't know what does.

[Opinion Owner]

I thought you were referring to a birth control implant. That was a miscommunication on my end and I apologize.

[Opinion Owner]

Given this new bit of information you have provided me, I am wondering if there is any chance of possible infection within your arm implant. Is it red, sore to the touch, etc? I do not believe your bleeding is caused by the implant but the other sicknesses you have developed during this process could possibly be due to an unknown infection. However, I am an Assistant Nurse in the OBGYN clinic and do not specialize in these sorts of implants so I can not give you a real good answer. Are you crampy? Like period cramping? If so, than this could just be because of your body trying to regulate your cycle. Irregular periods is a hard thing to judge or track and although bleeding for ten days is rare when dealing with irregular periods, it is not unheard of. I truly apologize for my misdiagnosis. I really did think for whatever reason that you were referring to birth control. My mistake.

[Asker]

I AM referring to birth control. Implanon is a common hormonal BC method, in the form of an implant under the skin of the upper arm. You should have seen them, working in an OBGYN clinic.
Infection would be the first thing I noticed.
I'm not crampy, I really do have no pain at all. My periods have been roughly monthly (from 3 to 6 weeks apart), but irregular in that the blood conistency and colour frequently changes.

[BellePepper]

We already told you: CALL YOUR GYNECOLOGIST

Repetitive posting is against the rules so PLEASE stop.

[Asker]

This is the first time I've ever posted anything like this...

[BellePepper]

Okay well then I'm going to tell you what we've been telling the other IUD girl. Go see the dr.

[Asker]

I don't have an IUD.
I am seeing my doctor, but I can't for two weeks.

[BellePepper]

Ohhhh the actual implant. Omg I am sorry. I should have read better.

I would call them and tell them everything that's that's going on and you need a sooner appointment.

[Asker]

No problem.

I did that, but receptionists don't care, and I can't talk to the doctor in person :/ It's either wait, or go to emergency, which costs heaps.

[BellePepper]

Tell them you want to talk to a nurse

[Asker]

Even just being triaged costs heaps, which I can't pay, unfortunately :/

[BellePepper]

If you live in the US it shouldn't cost you anything to be seen about your BC.

Call the receptionist and keep calling until she gets annoyed and if she's still an issue go and bleed all over their waiting room.

[Asker]

Haha, I giggled at that.

Unfortunately, I'm not in a place where we get free BC treatment.
I'll call daily until she gives me an appointment.

[BellePepper]

Good luck!

[9mfeo]

Um, yes. Go to the doctor. Probably a good bet to go to a gynaecologist if you can.

[Asker]

I can't afford a gynecologist, and my doctor isn't available for 2 weeks :/ thanks though.

[9mfeo]

Planned Parenthood?