If you are wondering about getting a Nexplanon implant but are unsure what it involves, you may be happy to know that the procedure is simple, fast, and virtually painless. Within no more than one week after you have the implant, you will be protected against becoming pregnant for up to three years. It is over 99% effective, and you never have to remember to take a pill or worry about doing anything else to prevent pregnancy.
How Is Nexplanon Inserted?
You will begin the process by scheduling an initial appointment with your healthcare provider. During that appointment, your healthcare provider will do a physical examination and review your medical history with you to make sure the Nexplanon implant is safe for you. During that appointment, your healthcare provider will describe the Nexplanon insertion procedure, explain how it works, and answer any questions you may have about it. Once implanted, it will release a small amount of a progestin hormone each day. The hormone is estrogen-free, and it prevents pregnancy in three ways: 1) by stopping you from ovulating, 2) by thickening the mucus in your cervix so that sperm cannot reach an egg, and 3) by changing your uterine lining to prevent any fertilized egg from attaching itself to your uterus.
You will also be asked to give a urine sample to ensure that you are not pregnant. Nexplanon cannot be used if you are pregnant. If you are taking any prescription or over the counter medicines, your healthcare provider will need to know about it. Some medications and supplements can impair the effectiveness of Nexplanon, and you may have to cease using those substances before getting Nexplanon. After completing your initial appointment, you will be ready for the implant procedure.
The Steps in the Nexplanon Insertion Procedure
The Nexplanon insertion procedure is done by a healthcare provider who has been specially trained to do it. The Nexplanon implant device will be placed discreetly under the skin on the inside of your upper arm. The procedure is a simple, minor surgical procedure that takes only minutes to complete.
Patient Is Numbed
First, your healthcare provider will inject Lidocaine under your skin in the area on your arm where the device will be implanted. The Lidocaine will numb the area so that you will not feel any pain during the implant procedure. When the Lidocaine is first injected, you may experience stinging and tingling on your skin, which will subside quickly.
Implant Is Guided in By an Applicator
Once you are properly numb, your healthcare provider will use a specially designed applicator to insert the implant. The applicator helps to ensure that the implant is placed in the correct location in your arm. The applicator is designed to position the implant correctly, just under your skin where it will be most effective.
Once the device is implanted, you will be asked to touch it to confirm that it is in position.
What to Expect After the Nexplanon Insertion?
For 24 hours after the Nexplanon insertion procedure, you will wear a pressure bandage to cover the implant site on your arm. You will then wear a band-aid for three to five days after that.
Mild Soreness and Healing
You may experience bruising and soreness after the Nexplanon insertion procedure. These symptoms will subside in a few days. After that, you will be able to feel the implant under your skin if you touch the area; otherwise, you will not know the implant is there.
Possible Side Effects
Some women experience side effects from the Nexplanon implant. The most common side effects are its effects on your menstrual cycle. Many women with Nexplanon experience irregular bleeding. Others will have no period at all while using the device. For women who experience problematic bleeding with Nexplanon, the device can be easily removed and a different birth control option utilized.
Other side effects that you may experience after a Nexplanon insertion procedure are similar to the pill or a hormonal IUD. Not every woman will experience all of these side effects and some women report having very few or very mild side effects. They can include moodiness, tenderness in the breasts, bloating, headaches, nausea, and modest weight gain.
Contact the Specialists at Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness to Schedule Your Appointment for Nexplanon Insertion Procedure
To schedule an appointment for a Nexplanon implant, contact the experts at Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness. They are available to explain how Nexplanon works, describe the many benefits it offers, and answer any questions you may have about it.