Is NEXPLANON Right for You?
NEXPLANON is a contraceptive implant for patients who experience menstruation or have the possibility of becoming pregnant. The implant can also help with painful or heavy menstrual cycles. The hormones in the implant can ease cramps and sometimes make the period lighter.
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This implant is long-acting, reversible, and helps prevent pregnancy. It can act as a convenient type of birth control as an alternative to oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, or other methods. No birth control method is 100% effective. If you are concerned about the risk of pregnancy, you should talk to your healthcare provider about all your options. To schedule your visit, call 833-PDX-KIDS.
How Does NEXPLANON Work?
NEXPLANON is a small, flexible rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm by a Metro Pediatrics healthcare provider. It releases a steady dose of the hormone progestin, which prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). It also thickens the mucus in the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
What Are the Risks of NEXPLANON?
- Ineffectiveness that leads to pregnancy
- Changes in menstrual bleeding patterns (irregular , lighter or heavier, or may completely stop)
- Scarring at insertion site
- Pain
- Infection
What to Expect When Getting NEXPLANON
The NEXPLANON implant is a quick and easy procedure performed in our clinic. Here’s what you can expect:
- You’ll meet with your doctor to discuss your health history and answer any questions you have.
- Your doctor will numb the area where the implant will be placed.
- They’ll make a small incision in your upper arm and insert the implant under your skin.
- You’ll have a bandage on the incision site for a few days, and you may feel tenderness and experience bruising.
Important Things to Know About NEXPLANON
- It is important to have the implant placed at the right time in your menstrual cycle.
- You should be able to feel the implant under your skin following the procedure.
- After 3 years, the implant should be removed, but it can be removed sooner if you want. Removal is usually performed in the doctor’s office.
- NEXPLANON does not prevent transmission of HIV/AIDS, or any other sexually transmitted infections.
- Most people who use NEXPLANON have changes in their menstrual bleeding patterns. Your bleeding may be irregular, lighter or heavier, or you may stop bleeding altogether. Other common side effects include weight gain and mood swings.
How to Care for NEXPLANON After the Procedure
- Leave the bandage on for 24 hours.
- Use an additional contraception as a backup birth control method (for example, condoms) for 7 days after insertion to help prevent pregnancy.
- Remember that NEXPLANON does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.
Call Your Doctor If
- You can’t feel the NEXPLANON implant in your arm.
- You have any signs of infection, such as redness, persistent tenderness, or swelling of your arm.
- You have any numbness or tingling of your arm.
- You want to have NEXPLANON removed.
- You think you may be pregnant.
- You have any other questions or concerns.
