Should you consider a Contraceptive Implant as your method of birth control?
Going Long-Term with Nexplanon: Pros, Cons, and Other Tips
If you're not ready to welcome a new bundle of joy just yet, look beyond the old 'NOBABYNOBABY' chants. Birth control implants like Nexplanon offer a reliable solution that doesn't involve popping pills every day.
What's Nexplanon all about?
Officially called Nexplanon©, this tiny plastic rod shrinks down your pregnancy worries for up to three years. It's inserted into the upper arm, and the hormones it releases prevent ovulation with minimal effort from you. You'll only need to use backup contraception for a week post-insertion.
Effectiveness and Downsides
Nexplanon boasts an impressive efficacy rate – it prevents fewer than 1% of women from accidentally getting pregnant [1]. However, unpredictable bleeding is a common side effect, with some experiencing spotting or irregular periods, especially during the first six months [1]. But fear not! We've got a few nifty tricks for controlling those unpredictable bleeding sprees with your provider's assistance.
While bleeding changes may be a hurdle, take comfort in the fact that Nexplanon uses a relatively low dose of hormones, making weight gain and mood swings much less likely compared to other methods [1].
Insertion and Removal
Don't stress about the insertion process! A numbing medicine helps soothe the site before the device with a hollow needle slips the implant into place, leaving just a Band-Aid® for comfort. Most of our patients say the procedure is easier than they anticipated [1]. But beware of the loving reminder in the form of a bruise on your arm, though it's usually nothing to worry about.
Getting Nexplanon removed is also straightforward – your doctor numbs the area, removes the implant, and sits you down with a fresh Band-Aid®. Once in a blue moon, the implant can be tough to extract, requiring an additional visit with a specialist or, even more rarely, a surgery under anesthesia [1].
Who Should Consider Nexplanon?
Nexplanon is a superb choice for women seeking long-acting, hassle-free birth control. It doesn't require daily pills or regular injections like some other options and spares you from the need for pelvic exams or vaginal procedures, which is a huge plus for many [1].
Nexplanon is also suitable for breastfeeding mothers and those who've recently given birth [6]. So, instead of crossing your fingers and reciting NOBABYNOBABY, you can now rest assured that Nexplanon's got your back... or arms.
[1] Cleveland Clinic. Implantable Contraceptives: Nexplanon.(https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22007-implantable-contraceptives-nexplanon)[2] Planned Parenthood. Birth Control Implant (Nexplanon).(https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-implant)[3] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Hormonal Contraception, IUDs, and Implants.(https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/hormonal-contraception-iuds-and-implants)[4] Nexplanon® Prescribing Information. Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA.[5] American Family Physician. Contraceptive Options for Breastfeeding Women. (https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/0915/p491.html)[6] The Johns Hopkins University. Lactation and Methods of Contraception: Evidence-Based Guidelines for Health Systems. (https://www.marchofdimes.org/perinatal-health/lactation-and-methods-of-contraception-evidence-based-guidelines-for-health-systems.aspx)
For women seeking long-term, hassle-free contraception, Nexplanon can be an excellent choice, especially for those who breastfeed or have recently given birth. Additionally, due to its low dosage of hormones, Nexplanon may be a healthier option for women interested in travel, health, and health-and-wellness, as it reduces the likelihood of weight gain and mood swings compared to other methods.
