One of the most popular forms of birth control among women is the Nexplanon implant. You have likely heard about the many benefits it offers, such as its convenience and reliability, but may still have questions about the side effects. For most women, the side effects of Nexplanon are positive overall.
How Effective Is Nexplanon?
The Nexplanon implant is over 99% effective. That means fewer than 1 out of 100 people who use Nexplanon will get pregnant each year.Nexplanon effectiveness is due to the way the implant works. It contains the progestin hormone, etonogestrel. Once implanted, the device releases just enough of the hormone each day into your body to prevent you from becoming pregnant. You will be protected from pregnancy immediately if you get Nexplanon during the first five days of your period. If you get it any other time during your cycle, you will be protected within one week.
The implant is so effective because its effectiveness is automatic. It does not depend on you having to do anything else. You never have to remember to take a pill, insert a ring, or worry about misusing it.
If you change your mind and decide you want to get pregnant before the implant’s expiration date, you can simply have your doctor remove it. You can become pregnant right away. It does not impair your fertility.
The Most Common Side Effects Of Nexplanon
The hormone in Nexplanon works by causing the mucus on your cervix to thicken, which prevents sperm from swimming through it to fertilize an egg. The hormone also prevents ovulation, which means your ovaries will not release eggs, so if sperm can penetrate the thickened mucus, there is no egg for the sperm to fertilize. You cannot get pregnant if sperm cannot reach one of your eggs.
These changes in your body may cause side effects, though many women experience positive side effects. The side effects usually occur during the first six to twelve months of being on the implant. The most common side effects include:
Changes in Menstrual Cycle. Changes in menstrual bleeding, spotting between periods, and timing of their periods are normal side effects experienced by most women. However, the nature of the changes in their cycles can vary. That said, studies of Nexplanon show that only 1 in 10 women stopped using it because of an unfavorable change in their bleeding pattern.
Varied Amount Of Time Between Periods
Some women experience irregularity in the timing of their periods. Sometimes the period comes earlier than usual, and other times, it happens later.
Heavier Flow
During the first few months on Nexplanon, some women experienced heavier bleeding during their period than before Nexplanon. This heavier bleeding can subside over time.
Lighter To No Periods At All
One of the most common side effects is your period becomes lighter and lighter. Your cramping may also become less severe. Eventually, your periods may diminish until you have no period at all. Many women regard that as a positive side effect.
Other Side Effects
Other possible side effects are less common. They include headaches, weight fluctuation, breast pain, mood swings, and nausea. These are similar to the side effects some women experience using the hormonal IUD or birth control pills.
Also, minor side effects that can occur when you have the implant procedure include minor temporary pain, bruising, or an infection on your arm at the implant site.
Other Medications
Certain prescription medications, over the counter medications, and dietary supplements can impair the effectiveness of Nexplanon. Your doctor will ask you about any medications you are taking and discuss any concerns about their safety and efficacy.
Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Your doctor will want to know about any health conditions you may have before recommending Nexplanon. In particular, Nexplanon may not be appropriate for you if you have heart or circulatory issues, breast cancer, and certain other health issues that your doctor will want to know about.
The Lifetime Of Nexplanon
Once implanted, Nexplanon works immediately and every day after that. It is not permanent, but it lasts from three to four years.
As previously noted, if you decide you want to get pregnant before it expires, or if you do not want to have the implant anymore, you can schedule an appointment with your doctor to have it removed.
Speak To One Of The Experts At Raleigh Gynecology And Wellness For More Info On What Are The Side Effects Of Nexplanon
The reliability and convenience of Nexplanon are the reasons it has become one of the most popular forms of birth control methods on the market. If you are interested in learning more about Nexplanon and whether it is suitable for you, contact the specialists at Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness. They can answer your questions about Nexplanon and any other form of birth control and schedule an appointment for you.