What Is It?
Nexplanon is a long-acting form of birth control for women. It is a single plastic rod the size of a matchstick that is put under the skin of the arm. Nexplanon contains a hormone called etonogestrel (progestin).
How Does It Work?
- Stops the release of egg from ovary
- Changes mucus in cervix and change may keep sperm from reaching egg
- Changes lining of uterus
How Is It Used?
A health care provider inserts Nexplanon, a single plastic rod containing the hormone etonogestrel (progestin), under the skin of the arm. You can use a single Nexplanon for up to three years.
Effectiveness: Greater than 99%
Benefits:
- Works for 3 years
- Does not interfere with sex
- If breastfeeding, may be possible to use four weeks after delivery, talk with doctor
- Ability to get pregnant may return quickly after Nexplanon removal
Possible Concerns:
- Does not protect against infection from HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases
- Expect menstrual periods to be irregular and unpredictable throughout the time using Nexplanon (including more bleeding, less bleeding or no bleeding, varying time between periods and spotting between periods).
- Side effects may include irregular bleeding, headache, vaginitis (inflamation of the vagina) weight gain, acne, breast pain, mood swings, nevousness and depression.
- Need to return for removal and replacement after 3 years.
- Both insertion and removal require a minor surgical procedure
- Unknown if less effective in very overweight women as studies did not include many overweight women
DOES NOT REDUCE THE RISK OF HIV/AIDS OR STDs
