NEXPLANON

NEXPLANON is a birth control option that offers up to three years of pregnancy prevention and is more than 99 percent effective. It works by continuously releasing the home progestin.

The primary benefit of NEXPLANON is that it is implanted in a patient’s arm, so they do not have to remember to take a daily pill in order to prevent pregnancy. A NEXPLANON implant is about the size of a matchstick and, once inserted, the patient can feel the implant, but not see it.

If you have more than one partner or if you believe you are at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), NEXPLANON may not be a good option since it does not provide protection against STDs.

Inserting NEXPLANON

Inserting NEXPLANON usually takes less than one minute. Here is what you can expect when you come to your appointment:

• Your gynecologist will use a topical anesthetic to numb the skin on your upper arm, where you will get the implant.
• They will use a device that will push the implant through a needle and into your skin.
• After insertion, your gynecologist will feel your arm to ensure the implant has been properly placed.
• Finally, your gynecologist will apply a pressure bandage at the insertion point. This should remain on your arm for at least 24 hours. After that, you should cover the area with a small bandage for 3 to 5 days.

Your physician will record when your NEXPLANON was inserted, but you should also keep track of this date, in case you relocate from the area or change health care providers and need to know when it should be removed.

Removing NEXPLANON

At the end of three years, NEXPLANON must be removed. A new implant may be placed at the same time. If you decide you want to become pregnant or would prefer to use another form of birth control, NEXPLANON can also be removed before three years.

Removing NEXPLANON usually only takes a few minutes, however it can take longer, depending on how much scar tissue you have. Just like when it was inserted, your gynecologist will first numb your skin. Next, they will make a tiny cut near the tip of the implant, then pull it out.