Nexplanon

Nexplanon – Family Planning – Birth Control

Nexplanon is a small, soft, flexible, plastic rod that’s inserted just under the skin of your upper arm by Newburgh, IN gynecologists, Dr. Basinski or Dr. Juran, as a method of effective birth control. It is very small—about 4 centimeters long. Even though you will be able to feel it if you press on it with your fingers, it is not visible. Placing Nexplanon is a relatively easy process, where a tiny area is numbed before the Nexplanon is implanted, which feels like a bee sting. After the area is numb, most people feel nothing during the insertion. A pressure bandage will be worn for 24 hours after implantation, and then a small bandage will be worn for the following 3-5 days over the site.

How Nexplanon Works

Nexplanon continuously releases a progestin hormone, called etonogestrel, steadily and in low doses into your bloodstream for 3 years. The hormone keeps your ovaries from releasing eggs, and thickens your cervical mucus, which helps keep the sperm from ever reaching the egg. In combination, these events prevent any pregnancies.

How effective is Nexplanon?

Nexplanon is one of the most dependable forms of birth control, where it’s more than 99% effective. Fewer than 1 in 100 women with the Nexplanon will get pregnant. It is as effective as having your tubes tied, but unlike a tubal, you can get pregnant in the future once the Nexplanon is removed.

Are there risks associated with Nexplanon?

The biggest risk is some bruising and soreness on your arm, which can last up to a few days after insertion. Following that, there is a small risk of irregular spotting for the first few months. The irregular spotting mostly improves the longer the Nexplanon stays in.

Will Nexplanon help my periods

Yes, it will for most women. Most women will find that their periods become lighter and fewer, and some women will stop having periods altogether. A minority of women will have irregular spotting the entire time Nexplanon is in, and some women are comfortable with this irregular spotting, while others may wish to have it removed for that reason.

How long does Nexplanon work?

Nexplanon is FDA-approved to provide birth control for 3 years. You may choose to have it removed at any time, though we do encourage you to keep it for at least 3 months, as most women’s bleeding improves with time.

Want to Learn More?

There are a lot of available choices when it comes to birth control from a large assortment of pills to IUDs to patches. However, one of the most effective and safest forms of birth control is the Nexplanon device that’s inserted right beneath the skin of the upper arm. With continuous use, it can provide effective birth control for up to 3 years. And if it’s not right for you, it can easily be removed. To learn more about this method and if it can meet your needs, give our office a call as soon as possible.