NEXPLANON® is an implanted hormone-secreting contraceptive, which helps keep you from getting pregnant. It is a long-acting reversible contraception that can be utilized in place of oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, and other types of birth control. No contraceptive method is 100% effective, including NEXPLANON.
It is important to have the implant placed at the right time in your menstrual cycle. You should be able to feel it under your skin following the procedure. After three years, the hormonal contraceptive implant should be removed, but it can be removed sooner if you want. Removal usually involves a minor procedure.
NEXPLANON does not prevent transmission of HIV/AIDS, or any other sexually transmitted diseases.
What are the risks?
- Ineffectiveness that leads to pregnancy
- Change in menstrual bleeding patterns (irregular bleeding, lighter or heavier, or may completely stop)
- Scarring at insertion site
- Pain
- Infection
What to Expect
NEXPLANON insertion hormonal contraceptive can be done in our office and will involve the provider going over the consent, and then performing the small procedure. They will numb the area where the implant will be placed, and then make a small incision to insert it under your skin. The upper arm is usually the location of the implant.
You will likely have bruising and tenderness in the area the NEXPLANON implant was placed for a few days. You should also be able to feel the implant in your arm every time you touch it.
Most implant users have changes in their menstrual bleeding patterns while using NEXPLANON—bleeding may be irregular, lighter or heavier, or bleeding may completely stop.
NEXPLANON Aftercare
- Leave the bandage on for 24 hours.
- Use an additional contraception as a backup method of contraception (for example, condoms) for seven 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. Remember, the effects of NEXPLANON last for three years, but you can have it removed sooner if you want.
- You think you may be pregnant.
- You have any other questions or concerns.
