What Are The Common Side Effects Of Nexplanon
The majority of people using Nexplanon do not experience long-term side effects, and most side effects go away after three to six months as your body adjusts to the implant. However, you will want to consider if the risks of these possible side effects are acceptable for you:
- Changes in your menstrual period, including spotting, heavier or irregular bleeding, or no periods at all
- Pain, bruising, infection, or scarring at the implant insertion site
- Mood swings or other changes, such as anxiety or depressionAcne
- Local allergic reaction
Overall, all forms of birth control are safer than an unintended pregnancy.
Nexplanon Costs Around $900 Without Insurance
Without insurance, the cost of one Nexplanon implant is around $900. But most health insurance plans will cover it. You may, however, be responsible for costs associated with the insertion and removal procedures.
By comparison, an IUD may cost up to $1,300 and the pill can cost $20-50 per pack. But because of the Affordable Care Act, most birth control methods are fully covered and cost $0 out of pocket.
To see if youre covered for Nexplanon, or any other form of birth control, contact your health insurance provider.
Are There Any Side Effects From Using The Implant
When the implant is first inserted and when it is removed, you may have some bruising and tenderness on your arm. This may last for up to a week. Wearing a bandage over your arm for 24 hours helps reduce bruising and tenderness. You may also develop a small scar where the implant was inserted and removed.
Your vaginal bleeding pattern will change. It might be more often and/or irregular . Around 20% of people using the implant will have no bleeding at all . Around 20% of people have frequent or prolonged bleeding which may get better with time. Some medications can help with this bleeding, speak to your doctor or nurse for more information.
Other possible side effects for a small number of users can include:
- sore/ tender breasts
These side effects often settle with time. The implant has not been shown to cause weight gain.
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Can I Get Pregnant After Implant Removal
Once the contraceptive implant is removed your normal fertility will return to normal and you may be at risk of pregnancy. If you would like to learn more about the process of removing the implant, then check out our full guide on contraceptive implant fitting and removal.
If youre looking for further information on this form of contraception, then our blog on the contraceptive implant everything you need to know covers fitting and removal plus pros and cons of this method of contraception.
Other sources:
Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health
Reviewed and edited on 04/02/21in line with our content policy.
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The Effects Of Contraception On Future Fertility Sep 09 2019
If youre considering trying to conceive soon, its important to choose a method of contraception that matches your plan. Most contraception methods dont have a long-term effect on future fertility, but some can cause a delay in returned fertility after you stop using them.
Its also important to remember that while many contraceptives stop ovulation, they dont press pause on your ovaries. Your eggs arent being released but theyre still ageing with you! We encourage you to consider factors that regularly affect fertility, like age and overall health, when youre considering your fertility plans. Its also important to look at other risks associated with each contraceptive method before choosing your contraception. Here, were only discussing how each contraceptive method, used correctly and with no complications, could affect your return to fertility.
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After Having Infertility Issues Or Using Ivf To Get Pregnant
Just because youve had infertility issues, it doesnt necessarily mean youre infertile. It could just mean that you have a very low chance of conceiving naturally which means theres still a chance.
According to one study in the journal Fertility and Sterility, 17 percent of women who had conceived through IVF subsequently got pregnant naturally shortly after. While researchers arent quite sure why this happens, some suggest that pregnancy kicks the body into gear and can also suppress the effects of conditions like endometriosis, allowing conception to happen more easily. Plus, pregnancy-related stress is at an all-time low since its the last thing on your mind until surprise! If youre not quite ready for a surprise, make sure to take the proper precautions.
How Does Implantable Contraception Work
The implanted tube slowly releases low levels of the hormone to prevent . Without ovulation, pregnancy can’t happen because there is no egg for sperm to fertilize.
The released progestin also thickens the mucus around the cervix. This makes it hard for sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs that may have been released. The progestin also thins the lining of the uterus so an egg will have a hard time attaching to the wall of the uterus.
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What Should I Expect After I Get My Implant Removed
Overall, you should feel completely normal after getting your implant taken out. Your arm may feel tender or swollen around where the implant was for a few days. It may look bruised for a week or two. Your doctor or nurse will tell you how to wash and take care of your skin for a couple of days after removal. Any side effects that you may have had while on the implant will eventually go away after the implant is out. Unless you start another hormonal birth control method after removing the implant, your period will go back to how it was before you got Nexplanon. You can keep track of your period after removal using our app.
How Long Does The Implant Last And Can You Get Pregnant On An Expired Nexplanon / Implanon
Nexplanon can be used for three years, at which point it should be replaced to maintain its effectiveness. We recommend contacting your GP or sexual health clinic to discuss the replacement of your contraceptive implant prior to the date it is due to be replaced .
The implant wont just stop working early and other than those medicines mentioned above, there isnt anything else that makes Nexplanon less effective.
There is even some evidence to say the implant remains effective up until four years, which was recommended during the Covid-19 pandemic when access to your GP and sexual health service was limited. However since November 2021 the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health in the UK have again recommended you should attend for your implant removal or replacement at three years. There are no symptoms of it running out any longer than three years and the implant is simply out of date and should no longer be relied on to protect you from unwanted pregnancy.
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How Is The Nexplanon Implant Used
Nexplanon is inserted through a needle into the skin of your upper arm, just inside and above the elbow. After the implant is inserted, your arm will be covered with 2 bandages. Remove the top bandage after 24 hours, but leave the smaller bandage on for 3 to 5 days. Keep the area clean and dry.
The timing of when you receive the Nexplanon implant depends on whether you were using birth control before, and what type it was.
You should be able to feel the implant under your skin. Tell your doctor if you cannot feel the implant at any time while it is in place.
The Nexplanon implant can remain in place for up to 3 years. If the implant is placed correctly, you will not need to use back-up birth control. Follow your doctors instructions.
You may have irregular and unpredictable periods while using Nexplanon. Tell your doctor if your periods are very heavy or long-lasting, or if you miss a period .
If you need major surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, or if you need medical tests, may need to have your Nexplanon implant removed for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you have a Nexplanon implant.
Have regular physical exams and mammograms, and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using this medicine.
Can You Get Pregnant On Nexplanon
Implantable contraception is known to be a very effective method of birth control. Over the course of 1 year, fewer than 1 out of 100 people using the implant will have an accidental pregnancy. This is about the same chance of pregnancy as you have using the pill.
The chances of getting pregnant increase if someone waits longer than 3 years to replace the tube. The efficacy of the implant also depends on your personal health history and what other medications you may be taking. Your healthcare provider should counsel you on whether the implant is a good fit for you or if there are any risks or contraindications that you should consider.
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Does It Matter Where Nexplanon Is Inserted
A Nexplanon implant is a long-term and effective birth-control method for women. In this method, a match-stick sized implant is inserted underneath the skin in the inner upper side of your non-dominant arm, about 8-10 cm above the elbow bone.
The particular location of the implant is very important due to the following reasons:
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Can I Leave My Nexplanon In For 5 Years
Nexplanon works for up to 5 years, and a nurse or doctor must remove it. Of course, you can get your implant taken out at any time before it expires if you want to get pregnant, switch birth control methods, or just stop using it.
How effective is nexplanon after 5 years?
SUMMARY ANSWER. The extended use of the one-rod ENG-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant showed 100% efficacy in years 4 and 5.
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How Does The Nexplanon Implant Work
This birth control implant is tiny, like a matchstick, and is called Nexplanon. The name of the older version of Nexplanon is Implanon. The doctor or a healthcare worker will insert the implant under the skin of the upper arm and releases the hormone progestin, which stops the woman from getting pregnant.
These hormones are present in the birth control implant, and can prevent pregnancy in 2 ways:
- Progestin can stop the egg from leaving the ovaries , meaning there will be no egg to be fertilized. If the eggs arent released at all, a woman cannot get pregnant. The sperms that enter the body will have no egg to fertilize.
- The hormone can also thicken the mucus in the cervix, which will stop the sperm from getting through to the egg. Again, if the sperm doesnt meet the egg, there will be no fertilization.
The good thing about implants is that it can last for a good amount of time as long as five years. However, it isnt permanent. If a woman decides to remove the implant or have children, then it is easy to remove.
The fertility period resumes after that, and a woman can get pregnant anytime after. It is important to understand that these implants only prevent pregnancy but do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Using a preventive barrier like condoms can prevent the chances of contracting STDs.
What Happens If Youre Pregnant On Nexplanon
If you are pregnant while on Nexplanon than you have higher chances that you pregnancy will be ectopic than the women who do not use birth control. Ectopic Ectopic pregnancy A condition where fertilized egg attaches outside the uterus. pregnancy occurs when the fertilized eggs gets attached to any place other than the uterus .
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Do You Need To Pull Out With Nexplanon
He or she will then use a scalpel to make a small incision near the site of the implant. Procedural instruments are then used to locate and remove the implant. A new Nexplanon can be inserted at this time if you want to continue using this form of contraception. Nexplanon must be removed on or before the 3-year mark.
Does Nexplanon Lose Effectiveness Over Time
Nexplanon prevents pregnancy by continually releasing a low dose of progestin over a three-year period. The amount of progestin released slowly decreases over time. By the end of the third year, the dose released is too small to prevent pregnancy, which is why the implant must be removed at that time.
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How Would I Know I Was Pregnant If I Use The Contraceptive Implant
A missed period isnt a good indicator of pregnancy when you are using the contraceptive implant. This is because the implant often makes periods lighter or more irregular, and women often find that their periods stop completely while they have the implant. However, some women find the opposite can occur, and they may have heavier, longer periods.
However, on the very rare chance that you become pregnant while using the contraceptive implant, there are a number of signs you could look for. These may include a change in the pattern of your periods , tender breasts, tiredness, or nausea. The easiest and safest way to check if you are concerned you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test.
If you do become pregnant while using the implant, it is important to see your doctor as soon as you can. Equally, if you develop stomach pain, you must see your doctor urgently to rule out any chance of an ectopic pregnancy. There is good evidence to show that implants do not cause birth defects and will not cause harm to a developing pregnancy. However, it is suggested that in this situation the implant is removed as soon as possible.6
How Effective Is The Implant
The implant is one of the best birth control methods out there its more than 99% effective. That means fewer than 1 out of 100 people who use Nexplanon will get pregnant each year. It doesnt get much better than that.
The implant is so effective because there’s no chance of making a mistake. Since its in your arm, you cant forget to take it, or use it incorrectly. It protects you from pregnancy all day, every day for up to 5 years. If you decide you want to get pregnant, a nurse or doctor can take it out and you can get pregnant right away.
The implant doesnt protect you from STDs, so use condoms along with the implant to help protect you from both pregnancy and STDs. Thats how you make sex worry-free.
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Pregnancy Symptoms But Negative Test
If you feel the pregnancy symptoms while on Nexplanon, first take a pregnancy test to know whether you are actually pregnant or not. It might be a false positive or false-negative result. Generally, false positives are rare. False negatives are more prevalent. If you have pregnancy symptoms, but the test is negative, mostly there is no potentially serious reason behind it. Some of the reasons may be the following:
Who Might Choose To Use The Contraceptive Implant
A woman who:
- wants effective, long lasting and reversible contraception
- is willing to accept changes to her menstrual cycle.
The implant may be especially suitable if you:
- have difficulty remembering to take birth control pills
- don’t like other contraceptive methods or find them unreliable
- can’t take the hormone oestrogen.
The implant is one of many different contraceptives. Talk to your health practitioner about the choices available and the one that suits you best.
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How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After Stopping Birth Control
If you use an implant, the hormones from the implant will be gone in a couple of days, and then your body will get back to ovulation in a month or so, or sometimes in a week. If youre using a copper IUD, youll be fertile the first time you have sex after its removed if youre ovulating that day, but you probably wont be fertile on exactly
What Are The Advantages
- Long acting it lasts for up to five years
- Reversible you can choose to have it taken out at any time. After that, you will be able to get pregnant again
- 99% effective it works very well
- You dont need to think about contraception every day
Studies show that implants do not cause any change in your weight, mood, sex drive, or give you headaches.
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When Does The Contraceptive Implant Start Working After Giving Birth
After giving birth you are able to have the implant fitted any time and it is fine to use if you are breastfeeding. If fitted up to 21 days after giving birth you will be immediately protected against pregnancy. If the implant is fitted after 21 days, you will need to ensure that you use another method of contraception such as condoms for 7 days after the implant is fitted.
