Nexplanon: Uses and Side Effects

Nexplanon is a type of implant, small in size, made out of plastic, and created to act as a birth control implant. Nexplanon is the brand name of this hormonal birth control, previously called Implanon, and it looks like a small rod that is inserted in the upper arm under the skin. 

The way Nexplanon works is that the implant releases etonogestrel (which is similar to the hormone progestin that controls the ovaries and the release of eggs in the body as well as the thickening of the mucus in the cervix) over three years. 

Nexplanon can prevent pregnancy for up to four years, but it is imperative to discuss with your chosen doctor what the best birth control option is for you. Women’s Healthcare of Boca Raton is a recognized clinic that helps and supports women in choosing suitable birth control. That said, Ilona (Larni) Blumberg CNM, APRN, DNP is a name you want to explore more in case you are looking for an expert in the field of midwifery and woman’s healthcare. 

It is important to note that this birth control implant does not protect you or your partner from STDs such as HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and the like. 

Nexplanon’s Effectiveness and Usage 

Experts state that Nexplanon’s effectiveness is over 99%, which makes it one of the most effective hormonal birth control methods. Different clinical trials have been conducted, and many people have been interviewed regarding the usage of this implant; both of these categories gave 99.9% effective results.

The Nexplanon implant is very easy to use because you practically do not have to do anything after the implant is inserted. It protects you for around four years; afterward, you can just replace the old implant with a new one. Easy peasy!

When it comes to the process of insertion and usage of the Nexplanon implant, here is some general information that might be useful for you: 

• Read the provided leaflet about the implant beforehand.
• You will have to sign a consent form before the insertion of the implant.
• A User Card will be given to you with the information on the date and time of the implant placement, which is important for future planning and removal of Nexplanon.
• Please make sure you ask your doctor all the possible questions you might have before undergoing this procedure. 
• The timing of the placement is very important because if the implant is inserted during the first five days of the period, it starts having an effect immediately. If the implant is placed during other times of your menstrual cycle, you might need additional forms of birth control such as condoms, spermicide, and the like for a few weeks. Please consult your chosen doctor.
• Before the insertion, the doctor performs a physical examination.
• Afterward, the area where the implant is placed (your upper arm) is numbed, and the implant is placed underneath the skin. Usually, the doctors pick the hand you do not write with.
• Two bandages are put on your arm, where the top one has to be held for 24 hours while the smaller one is usually kept on for three to five days. Please make sure the bandages are dry and clean. 
• This procedure does not last longer than 15 minutes.

After three years, when it is time to take the implant out and possibly replace it with another one, you just have to make an appointment with your chosen medical provider and come for the replacement or the removal. 

Nexplanon Removal 

When it comes to the process of Nexplanon removal, it is very simple. The doctor will numb the arm where the previous implant was placed and make a small incision. Through this incision, they will take out the implant. You can decide to take out Nexplanon whenever you want, so you do not need to wait for three years to remove it. The rod can also be replaced with a new implant for three more years of protection. It is your choice. 

Nexplanon Side Effects and Benefits 

As with any other birth control method, this one has positive and negative sides, too. You may need to give your body a few months to adjust to the new form of birth control. Regarding the Nexplanon side effects, here is the list of potential issues you might face when you insert the implant:

• Irregular bleeding in the first six months
• Spotting between periods
• Longer and heavier periods 
• No periods for some time
• Appetite changes
• Acne 
• Sex drive changes
• Depression
• Hair loss
• Nausea
• Stomach cramping
• Weight gain
• Vaginal discharge
• Infection 
• Headaches
• Higher blood pressure 
• Cysts on the ovaries
• Scarring on the site where the implant is placed
• Lightheadedness 
• Pain in the area where the implant is inserted 
• Soreness of breasts
• Nervousness 
• Irritability 

In case these symptoms last longer than six months, it is important to schedule a consultation with your chosen healthcare provider to examine why this is happening. Please do not do anything without guidance from your doctor because it can have various consequences, and there is no need to complicate matters further. 

If you start experiencing mood changes, lumps in the breasts, excess body and facial hair, severe pain in the stomach, the pelvis, or the abdomen, dark urine, yellow eyes, exhaustion, or you start coughing blood, contact your doctor immediately. 

Although rare, you might experience some serious problems caused by this birth control method, such as blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. If you start experiencing short breath, left arm pain, excessive sweating, fainting, pain and warmth in the groin area, trouble speaking, vision changes, and similar, please ask for medical assistance as soon as possible. 

Another rare side effect can be an allergic reaction to the product. If symptoms such as rashes, itching, swelling, dizziness, heavy breathing, and similar occur, call your doctor. 

This product is not recommended for women who smoke cigarettes and have more than 35 years. Also, it can make the patient dizzy, so avoid any activities which need your full attention, such as driving, until you feel stable. Avoid alcoholic beverages and cannabis usage. This product cannot be used while the person is pregnant because the risk of an ectopic pregnancy is far higher than usual. 

Regarding the positive sides of this type of birth control, here are some reasons to get a Nexplanon implant:

• Periods are lighter.
• You do not have to remember to take birth control every day.
• You are safe from getting pregnant for almost four years.
• It does not interfere with sexual intercourse.
• It is safe for people with diabetes.
• It is appropriate for women who cannot take estrogen.
• It improves the symptoms of PMS and endometriosis.
• No one can see that you have an implant.
• Whenever the implant is removed, you can immediately get pregnant.

Call Us!

Find out even more information about Nexplanon from our professional staff and get the needed support and guidance in choosing the best birth control option for you!