Nexplanon Specialist

What is Nexplanon?

Nexplanon is a birth control implant placed in your arm. It’s a wonderful option for women who want to prevent pregnancy without having to remember to take a daily pill or schedule office visits for birth control injections. 

The device is around the size of a matchstick. It’s flexible, and once in place, it’s easy to forget it’s there. You can feel it if you press against the insertion site, but otherwise, you won’t be able to see or feel the device.  

Nexplanon works by slowly releasing a small volume of progestin. That synthetic hormone thickens your cervical mucus to make it more difficult for sperm to reach your eggs. Progestin also makes it harder for your ovaries to release eggs, further reducing the chance of pregnancy. 

What are the benefits of Nexplanon?

Convenience and ease of use are probably the most significant advantages of Nexplanon. Once your implant is in place, it will protect you from unwanted pregnancy for up to five years. You won’t need to think about taking a pill, replacing a patch, or putting in a diaphragm. 

Many women who use Nexplanon also experience dramatically lighter periods, sometimes having no noticeable bleeding at all. This is a welcome side effect for women with heavy menstrual bleeding and those who struggle with anemia. 

Because Nexplanon is paid for in one up-front expense, it’s also easy to budget for. If you decide you’re ready to add to your family, a simple removal procedure is all you need to return to normal fertility quickly. 

What is the process for getting Nexplanon?

Having the Nexplanon birth control implant placed is a simple and straightforward procedure. When you arrive, you’ll rest on the exam table with your arm bent at the elbow and your hand near your head. 

Your practitioner administers a local anesthetic injection to reduce sensation in the area. They’ll then use a special applicator device to place the implant just beneath the surface of your skin.

There is no need for sutures to close the insertion site. A small bandage is all that’s needed to cover the area, although a pressure bandage might be placed to reduce the risk of bruising. 

You may experience some mild discomfort for a couple of days after the insertion procedure. Bruising is normal, as is some minor bleeding in the hours after your visit. Your body will quickly adjust, and before long, you’ll be able to forget your implant is in place. 

Removal is also a simple process and is done using a local anesthetic. If you’d like to extend your protection, you can have a new implant placed during the same visit the old implant is removed.

If you’re ready to learn more about Nexplanon and other birth control options, call Primary care Walk-in Medical Clinic to set up a visit. Online booking is also an option, and it’s fast and easy.