Nexplanon is a long-term birth control option that lasts for up to 3 years to prevent pregnancy. Nexplanon is an implant, not an IUD. It is a small, thin, and flexible contraceptive arm implant that is placed discreetly under the skin of your inner, upper arm by a trained healthcare professional. It is over 99% effective.
Insertion Of Nexplanon
You will be asked to provide a small urine sample before your procedure for a pregnancy test. A nurse will ask you to review and sign a consent form prior to the procedure. You will have already discussed Nexplanon with your provider at a prior visit, such as a birth control counseling visit or at the time of your annual exam appointment. Your doctor can address any remaining questions you have prior to the insertion.
Nexplanon is placed in your arm by your doctor who has been trained to perform the procedure. Your skin in the area will be numbed with a local anesthetic called lidocaine. The lidocaine will sting and burn a little bit. After the numbing is complete, a special applicator will guide the implant under the skin of your arm. You will not feel pain with the insertion because of the numbing medicine. Once the implant is placed, you will be asked to touch it to confirm that it is in place.
After Insertion Of Nexplanon
Following the insertion, you will have to wear a pressure bandage for 24 hours and a band-aide for 3 to 5 days. Keep the area clean and dry. Pain, irritation, swelling, or bruising is common in the area after insertion. These immediate symptoms should be mild and please notify your doctor if you experience anything other than mild symptoms.
The timing of the insertion is important. If your appointment occurs within the first 5 days of your period, you will not need to use a back-up method for birth control (condoms). If the implant is placed after the fifth day of your period, then you should use a back-up method (such as condoms) for the first 7 days after insertion.
You will get a user card to keep at home with your health records. Your doctor will fill out the user card with the date the implant was inserted and the date the implant is to be removed. Keep track of this date. Schedule an appointment with your health care provider to remove the implant on or before the removal date. Be sure to have checkups as advised by your healthcare provider.
Removal Of Nexplanon
The process of removal is very similar to the insertion. The area will be numbed in the same way as it was for the insertion. Your doctor will make a small incision in your arm where Nexplanon is located and remove the implant. This can be done at anytime within the 3 years of having the implant inserted. You will have to wear a pressure bandage for 24 hours and a band-aide for 3 to 5 days. Pain, irritation, swelling, or bruising is common in the area after removal.
These immediate symptoms should be mild and please notify your doctor if you experience anything other than mild symptoms. Once the implant is removed, you are not protected from getting pregnant. Please use another form of birth control immediately following removal of Nexplanon.
Reach Out To Raleigh Gynecology Today
If you have questions about Nexplanon or would like to book an appointment for a Nexplanon procedure, contact the specialists at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness. Reach out to our staff by calling us at 919.636.6670 or schedule an appointment online today.