One of the most effective and convenient forms of birth control is the Nexplanon implant. Learn why it has become so popular among women looking for a safe and reliable way to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
The Nexplanon Arm Implant
The Nexplanon implant is a small, flexible plastic rod that measures (about 1.5 inches long). 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.
Average Time For Nexplanon
The Nexplanon implant provides effective contraception for three to four years.
Why Do Women Choose Nexplanon?
There are many reasons why Nexplanon has become a leading choice of women seeking a convenient form of birth control. Chief among them include:
Great Long Term Protection
Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle when you get the implant, it provides protection beginning either immediately or within a week of the date of insertion.
Nexplanon remains effective for three to four years. You will want to keep track of the scheduled removal date and make an appointment with your doctor to remove it just before the expiration date. Once it expires, it no longer protects against pregnancy. To continue having effective birth control, you can have a new Nexplanon device implanted or begin using another form of birth control.
More Than 99% Effective
The Nexplanon implant is more than 99% effective, which means that your chances of getting pregnant are less than one in 100.
You Can Never Forget To Use It
Once you have the implant, you will not have to worry about it again. You need do nothing further until it expires. You do not have to remember to take a pill, insert a ring, or worry about an IUD fitting.
Most Women Experience Lighter Periods
The hormone in the Nexplanon implant can cause your periods to be lighter and shorter. In fact, one out of three women stop getting periods at all after being on the implant for one year. The implant also reduces the intensity of your period cramps.
Private And Discreet
No one but you and your doctor will know you have the implant. You may be able to feel the implant faintly under your skin, but your partner will never know it’s there.
You Can Have It Removed At Any Time
If you change your mind and want to become pregnant before the implant expires, you can make an appointment with your doctor to have the implant removed. Depending upon where you are in your menstrual cycle when you have it removed, you can become fertile immediately. The Nexplanon implant will not affect your fertility or make it harder for you to get pregnant in the future.
Nexplanon Is Estrogen-Free
Nexplanon contains only the single hormone etonogestrel, which does not include estrogen. If you are one of many women who cannot use estrogen due to certain health problems, you may be able to use the Nexplanon implant safely.
Safe To Use
Nexplanon is proven safe for many women, even those who are nursing. However, your doctor may recommend a different birth control option if you have a history of blood clots, liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or progestin-sensitive breast cancer.
Also, if you are taking any medications or herbal supplements, some may make Nexplanon less effective. Your doctor will want to know about anything you are taking such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal supplements.
How The Nexplanon Implant Prevents Pregnancy
The implant releases a small amount of hormone into your body each day. It prevents pregnancy in three ways: 1) it stops your ovaries from releasing one of your eggs, 2) it thickens the mucus of your cervix to help prevent any sperm from reaching an egg, and 3) it changes the lining of your uterus to prevent attachment by a fertilized egg.
For More Information About The Nexplanon Implant, Contact Our Experienced Team At Raleigh Gynecology And Wellness
If the benefits of using the Nexplanon implant seem appealing and you would like to know if it would work for you, contact the specialists at Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness. They are available to answer your questions about the implant and discuss any other birth control options with you. Contact them for more information and to schedule an appointment.