Nexplanon is a type of birth control that is implanted in your arm to prevent pregnancy. It’s one of the most effective methods of birth control, with users having a very low risk of unintended pregnancy as long as it’s in place and functional. It’s perfect for women who are looking for a contraceptive that has minimal side effects and won’t require frequent maintenance or checkups. If you want to learn more about Nexplanon, keep reading!
This article covers everything you need to know about this birth control option, including its pros and cons, how it functions, its cost and ease of use, its advantages and disadvantages, where you can have it implanted and the recovery process after the procedure.
What is Nexplanon?
Nexplanon is a birth control implant that is designed to prevent pregnancy for up to 4 years. It is placed under the skin of your upper arm, and can be removed at any time. Nexplanon contains etonogestrel, a type of progestin hormone that prevents your ovaries from releasing eggs, thickens your cervical fluid, and thins the walls of your uterus to prevent implantation. The implant can be removed at any time, and is effective as soon as it’s placed.
Nexplanon is not just one of the most effective forms of birth control available to women today, it is also one of the simplest and most convenient. Once the implant is inserted by your doctor, it requires no action or thought whatsoever to remain effective. You can swim, bathe, and engage in any other activity you normally would without fear of losing efficacy or injuring the implant.
How does Nexplanon Work?
The etonogestrel hormone that is used in Nexplanon has two primary functions: it prevents ovulation, and it also thickens the cervical mucus. By preventing ovulation and thickening the mucus, Nexplanon also serves to prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus.
Nexplanon is also sometimes prescribed as a treatment for endometriosis and uterine fibroids. The progestin in Nexplanon also causes the endometrial lining to become much thinner, so that it is much less likely to host a pregnancy.
Additionally, the hormone causes the cervix to become thicker and less likely to allow sperm to enter the uterus. Nexplanon is an excellent and reliable choice for birth control.
Why is Nexplanon an Excellent Option?
Nexplanon, like most other forms of birth control, is not 100% effective. That said, it’s an excellent choice for a number of reasons. To name a few:
- It lasts for up to 4 years, which is a long time for many people.
- It is an (almost) fully mechanical contraception option, which means you don’t have to remember to take a pill, change a patch, or go in for an injection.
- It is not an hormone-based contraceptive, which means there are few or no side effects, and no interference with sex drive.
- It is fully reversible: if you decide you would like to become pregnant, you can have the implant removed at any time.
The only real disadvantage of Nexplanon is that it is an internal contraceptive, meaning you have to see a doctor in order to have it implanted. There are other forms of long-term birth control that can be inserted yourself at home, but Nexplanon is not one of them. That said, for many people the convenience of having a doctor perform the procedure is outweighed by the benefits of the contraceptive.
Beyond that, the only other disadvantages of Nexplanon are purely theoretical. For example, it is possible that there might be unknown side effects from using the contraceptive in the long term. However, given that the implant has been used for many years without any major side effects, this is unlikely.
When Should You Have the Implant Placed?
The best time to have the Nexplanon implant placed depends on your personal needs and preferences. If you are in a monogamous relationship, or otherwise do not have a need to use contraception right now, you can have the implant placed at any time. If, however, you are in a relationship that involves risk of pregnancy, you can have the implant placed any time between day 1 and day 28 after the start of your last period.
Where Can You Have Nexplanon Implanted?
The best place to have Nexplanon implanted depends on your specific situation. If you have a preference, or a specific reason for wanting one location over another, you can bring that up with your doctor. The most common places for Nexplanon implantation are the upper arms, buttocks, and hips. Depending on the placement site, you may experience some pain and swelling after the procedure.
Recovery Process after Having Nexplanon Implantation
There is no special recovery process to follow after having Nexplanon implanted. Although bleeding and bruising are possible, these are unlikely given the micro-scale of the procedure. You should, however, avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for a period of time after the implantation to reduce the risk of any pain or discomfort.
Nexplanon does not produce any known side effects, but we would recommend that you see your doctor for a follow-up visit within a couple of weeks of the implantation. During this visit, your doctor will make sure that the implant was properly placed, and will answer any questions you may have.
Final Words: Is Nexplanon right for you?
If you’re looking for a long-term birth control method, Nexplanon is a reliable choice. It has high effectiveness, minimal side effects, and requires little to no maintenance. It’s a great choice for people who want contraception that they don’t have to think about. If you’re interested in Nexplanon, make an appointment with your doctor and talk to them about it.