"i was on the pill for about 3 years before getting it. i started skipping my placebo pills about 8 months before, so i didn&#039;t have a period when i got it. i got the implant &amp; it was a very quick procedure: it took less than 5 minutes. there was initial discomfort, felt like tugging where it was inserted but it wasn&#039;t painful. other than that, it&#039;s been a great. i did gain weight because it causes some weird hunger cravings, so i&#039;d watch out for that. i haven&#039;t gotten a period or spotted at all. i think this method is best suited for those already on a hormonal type of birth control. if this is your first type of hormonal birth control :give your body lots of time to adjust/try the pill first in a low dosage &amp; get the implant later for smoother transition."