Nexplanon is a small, flexible birth control implant that is placed just under the skin of the upper arm. It releases a progestin hormone called etonogestrel and is one of the most effective forms of reversible birth control.
Once placed, there's nothing to remember each day, and the implant can be removed whenever you're ready for a change or want to become pregnant.
Changes in bleeding are very common with Nexplanon, and they can be a bit unpredictable. Some people have lighter or less frequent periods, some stop having periods altogether, and others experience more frequent or prolonged bleeding or spotting.
Your bleeding pattern may change over time, and it can be difficult to predict before placement exactly what your periods will be like.
If bleeding becomes bothersome, please let me know. There are sometimes treatment options we can use to help manage it.
Nexplanon is placed just beneath the skin of the upper arm during a brief office procedure. The area is numbed with local anesthetic before insertion. Removal is also performed in the office using local anesthesia.
Before your appointment: We will usually ask you to provide a urine sample for a pregnancy test before Nexplanon placement, so please try not to empty your bladder immediately before you arrive. If you'd like, you can also take ibuprofen 30–60 minutes before your appointment to help with any soreness or discomfort.
It's normal to have some soreness, bruising, or mild swelling around the insertion site for the first few days. This should gradually improve.
Taking care of the insertion site:
You can remove the outer wrap later that evening.
Leave the Steri-Strips in place for 2–3 days.
If the Steri-Strips fall off sooner, cover the insertion site with a Band-Aid and keep it covered for 2–3 days.
Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting with that arm for the rest of the day.
Once the area has healed, you should be able to feel the implant just beneath the skin of your upper arm.
When should I call the office?
Please contact our office if you experience:
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage from the insertion site
Fever or other signs of infection
Severe or worsening pain in your arm
Numbness, tingling, weakness, or other unusual symptoms in the arm
Difficulty feeling the implant or concern that its position has changed
Bleeding or other side effects that are bothersome or aren't improving as expected
A positive pregnancy test or concern that you may be pregnant
If you're unsure whether something is normal, it's always okay to contact us.