Nexplanon®

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 breast feeding, 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

Nexplanon®

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