Who Can Use Implantable Contraception
Anyone who wants want long-term protection against pregnancy may be interested in implantable contraception.
Some health conditions make it less effective or more risky to use. The implant is not recommended for those who have had:
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
- some types of cancer
People with diabetes, migraine headaches, depression, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, gallbladder problems, seizures, kidney disease, or other medical problems should talk with their doctor.
Anyone who thinks she might be pregnant should not have a contraceptive implant inserted.
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Can You Have An Ectopic Pregnancy While On Nexplanon
If you become pregnant while using NEXPLANON, you have a slightly higher chance that the pregnancy will be ectopic than do women who do not use birth control. Unusual vaginal bleeding or lower stomach pain may be a sign of ectopic pregnancy.
How many people have actually gotten pregnant on Nexplanon?
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.
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.
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How Long Does It Take For The Birth Control Implant To Work
If you get Nexplanon during the first 5 days of your period, youre protected from pregnancy right away.
If you get the implant at any other time in your cycle, use some other form of birth control during the first week. After that first week, the implant starts working and youre protected from pregnancy for up to 5 years. Thats why its called get-it-and-forget-it birth control.
Signs Of Pregnancy On Nexplanon
Nexplanon is a sort of contraception that rarely fails and causes pregnancy. If you are under birth control but still missed your period then it can be either one of the two.
Either the contraceptive failed to work and you are pregnant or some other complications are causing this. How will you understand the signs of pregnancy on nexplanon?
As nexplanon is a contraceptive it may contradict a few of the signs and symptoms. If you are using nexplanon and still you are facing the following signs and symptoms then you should get a pregnancy test and consult a doctor
If a woman is facing the above-mentioned symptoms then they should immediately consult a doctor. They should also take advice from a gynecologist if they get a positive pregnancy test result.
Likewise, if a woman has signs of pregnancy even after getting a negative pregnancy test result then she should consult a doctor.
If you want to use nexplanon as a contraceptive then there are a few things that you need to know. There are both advantages and disadvantages of using nexplanon. So, a piece of basic knowledge of it will help you to remain aware while using it.
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Getting Pregnant On Nexplanon
Although the chances of getting pregnant while on Nexplanon implantation is very rare, it is still possible. 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 pregnancy occurs when the fertilized eggs gets attached to any place other than the uterus .
The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are vaginal bleeding which is heavier or lighter than your usual period, sharp or stabbing pain that will come and go and vary in intensity usually in the abdominal or pelvis region. Ectopic pregnancy can cause serious internal bleeding, infertility and even death. It is highly advised to contact you health care provider if you think you might be pregnant.
How Long Will It Take To Get Pregnant
Most hormonal birth control methods stop you from ovulating, or releasing an egg. If you do not release an egg, there is nothing for sperm to fertilize. This is why you do not get pregnant.
When you stop using hormonal birth control, you will start ovulating again. When you are ovulating, you are fertile. But a return of fertility does not automatically mean you will get pregnant.
Hormonal birth control methods stop ovulation. That is how they prevent pregnancy.
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How Do You Tell If Youre Pregnant On Nexplanon
Women who get pregnant while using birth control may notice the following signs and symptoms:
How common is ectopic pregnancy with nexplanon?
The rate of ectopic pregnancy among women using implants is 6 ectopic pregnancies per 100,000 women per year. Even in the very rare cases when implants fail and pregnancy occurs, the great majority of these pregnancies are not ectopic. Only 10 to 17 of every 100 pregnancies due to the failure of implants are ectopic.
What causes Nexplanon to fail?
Of the remaining 127 cases, the most common reason for unintended pregnancy was failure to insert the implant in 84 women. Other reasons included incorrect timing of insertion , expulsion of Implanon and interaction with hepatic enzyme-inducing medicines .
Can you ovulate on Nexplanon?
Nexplanon is a hormone implant that prevents ovulation . This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
How can you tell if your pregnant while on nexplanon?
Women who get pregnant while using birth control may notice the following signs and symptoms: a missed period. implantation spotting or bleeding. tenderness or other changes in the breasts.
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.
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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.
Implanon: 600 Pregnancies Despite Contraceptive Implant
Nearly 600 women have become pregnant despite using a popular contraceptive implant, a health watchdog has said.
There have also been more than 1,600 reports of adverse reactions to the Implanon device, which is designed to prevent pregnancy for three years.
The NHS has been forced to pay compensation to several women because of the failures, Channel 4 News reported.
1.4 million women have used Implanon, according to the Department of Health.
The implant maker, MSD, said no contraceptive was 100% effective.
It added that unwanted pregnancies may occur if the implant was not correctly inserted, and said it had a failure rate of less than 1% if inserted correctly.
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What Makes Nexplanon Less Effective
The common antibiotics a doctor or nurse gives you will not affect your Nexplanon. Antibiotics for TB and antibiotics to treat or prevent meningitis can affect Nexplanon as can some drugs used to treat epilepsy and HIV. The complementary medicine St Johns Wort can also make Nexplanon less effective.
Tldr Whats The Lowdown
- The implant is more than 99% effective so the chances of getting pregnant with the implant in your arm is fewer than 1 in 100
- You should be protected against pregnancy immediately if the implant in inserted into your arm during the first 5 days of your cycle any later and youll need to use a barrier method
- The implant can cause lighter or fewer periods which is why some women may be concerned they are pregnant dont worry, it is a common side effect!
- Certain medications can make the implant less effective so always ask your doctor or get in touch with the Lowdown contraceptive experts
- Nexplanon should be replaced after three years to maintain effectiveness
The contraceptive implant is a method of contraception that stays in the upper arm for three years perfect for those who dont want to have to remember to take a daily pill.
But how effective is it, and can you still get pregnant on the implant?
In short, the implant is more than 99% effective. This means that fewer than 1 in 100 women with the implant will get pregnant each year.
There are some other factors to consider when using the implant as contraception such as side effects and its use with other medication.
Below our medical experts answer your most common questions covering the below topics
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The Nexplanon Arm Implant
The Nexplanon implant is a small, flexible plastic rod that measures . Using a specially designed applicator, your doctor will insert it under the skin in your upper non-dominant arm. The procedure takes less than a minute or two to complete.
The implant contains the progestin hormone called etonogestrel. Etonogestrel is a hormone that is similar to a natural hormone made in your body. The implant releases enough hormone into your body each day to prevent pregnancy.
Before you get Nexplanon implanted, your doctor will perform a pregnancy test to ensure you are not pregnant.
If You’re Under 16 Years Old
Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16.
If you’re under 16 and want contraception, the doctor, nurse or pharmacist won’t tell your parents as long as they believe you fully understand the information you’re given, and your decisions.
Doctors and nurses work under strict guidelines when dealing with people under 16. They’ll encourage you to consider telling your parents, but they won’t make you.
The only time a professional might want to tell someone else is if they believe you’re at risk of harm, such as abuse. The risk would need to be serious, and they would usually discuss this with you first.
Page last reviewed: 9 March 2021 Next review due: 9 March 2024
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What Happens During The Implantation
What happens:
- To avoid infection, proper sterile methods must be used during the insertion of the implant, such as the use of hand hygiene, sterile gloves, and correct skin disinfection.
- A trained doctor or nurse will give local anesthetics, which will numb the part of your arm where the implant will be inserted.
- The doctor may mark the insertion point at 8-10 cm above the elbow of your inner side of the upper arm and another point around 4 cm above as a direction guide.
- It only takes a few minutes to put in, feels similar to having an injection, and you do not need any stitches.
- After implantation, you may get bruising at the implant site, which is normal.
What Is The Contraceptive Implant
The implant, also known by the brand name Nexplanon , is a small plastic rod that is placed in the upper arm by a doctor or nurse, and is used for contraception, aka birth control.
The plastic device is about the size of a matchstick. The implant is a highly effective method of contraception but can have some side effects which can include changes to your periods, as well as tender breasts and mood swings for example.
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Hundreds Become Pregnant Despite Contraceptive Implant Implanon
Nearly 600 women who used a popular contraceptive implant have had unwanted pregnancies despite believing it would stop them conceiving for up to three years.
Complaints about scarring, incorrect fitting, device failure and other problems were also made to medical regulators about the matchstick-sized tubes filled with synthetic hormone that are fitted into womens upper arms by health professionals.
Channel 4 News said that NHS trusts have offered settlements totalling nearly £200,000 in seven of the most serious cases, arising from more than 1,600 reports citing 2,888 suspected adverse reactions. These included 584 unwanted pregnancies. The implants makers said no contraceptive was 100% effective.
The implant, called Implanon, the only such subdermal contraceptive available in the UK, has been used by thousands of women over the past 11 years. It was replaced by a newer version, Nexplanon, by manufacturers MSD in October 2010 under pressure from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency , although suppliers were allowed to use up stocks. Nexplanon includes a new applicator designed to reduce insertion errors, and is made so it can be located easily by an x-ray or CT scan.
Lara said her marriage collapsed and she had nightmares for months after having an abortion. This is not what I want. I put this thing in to protect myself so I can continue with my studies. I dont want kids at this time. It really disturbed me.
Is There Anything I Can Do To Further Reduce My Chances Of Getting Pregnant On The Implant
The most important thing is to remember to have your implant replaced after three years and to be aware that your risk of pregnancy can be increased if you are taking medications called enzyme-inducing drugs.
These include certain epilepsy and HIV treatments, and the over-the-counter remedy St Johns Wort, which people sometimes take to help with symptoms of low mood, depression and anxiety.
These drugs can cause decreased blood levels of progesterone, reducing the implants effectiveness.10 This is because they cause progesterone in the blood to be eliminated more quickly than would normally occur, making progesterone-only contraception less effective.
While using these medications, it is important to use other contraception and to continue using other contraception for 28 days after you finish using them.11
Featured image is of a person holding a pregnancy test. The test is the focus of the shot
If you are reading this article, the chances are that you already have the contraceptive implant, or are thinking of getting one. Contraceptive implants, often known by their brand name Nexplanon, are small, flexible plastic rods that are inserted under the skin in your upper arm. Once inserted, they can remain in place for up to three years.
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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 .
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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Where Can I Get A Contraceptive Implant Fitted Or Removed
You can get the contraceptive implant for free, even if youre under 16, from:
- contraception clinics
- sexual health or genitourinary medicine clinics
- some young peoples services
Some GPs or practice nurses are able to fit and remove implants, so youll need to check at your GP surgery.
Alternatively, most sexual health clinics will be able to do this for you.
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How Does Implantable Contraception Work
The implanted tube slowly releases low levels of the hormone to prevent . If a girl doesnt ovulate, she cant get pregnant because there is no egg to be fertilized.
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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Combination Birth Control Methods
Combination birth control methods include combination birth control pills, NuvaRing, and the patch. Unfortunately, there is a lot of myth and misinformation about these methods.
You may have heard it takes at least three months for ovulation to start up again after you stop the pill. This is not usually true. For most people, ovulation will start within weeks. For some, though, it can take one to three months.
Think about it like this: The pill works because it stops ovulation. If you miss a couple of pills, you might ovulate and you might get pregnant. Some healthcare providers even say you are most fertile just after you stop taking the pill.
So where does the three-month myth come from? Your healthcare provider may tell you to use a condom until you have had three periods. This is just because waiting will help you keep track of your cycle. That way, if you get pregnant, it will be easier to guess when the pregnancy happened.
There is no medical reason to wait after you stop birth control before trying to become pregnant. Just be prepared that your fertility may return within the first month.
NuvaRing and the Patch work the same way as the pill, so the same goes for these methods. Fertility should return quickly. Most research shows that 80% of people who stop using these methods and want to get pregnant will get pregnant within the first year. This number is the same as that of the general population.
