Nexplanon
Nexplanon is a single-rod subdermal contraceptive implant that is inserted just under the skin of a woman's upper arm and contains etonorgestrel. Nexplanon is a type of long-acting reversible contraception and is the most effective form of birth control.
Insertion
An experienced clinician must perform the insertion of Nexplanon. Before insertion, the arm is washed with a cleaning solution and a local anesthetic is applied to the upper arm around the insertion area. A needle-like applicator is used to insert the rod under the skin into the subdermal tissue on the inner side of the arm between the biceps and triceps muscles. The average time for the insertion process is 10-15 minutes. A bandage should be kept on the insertion site for 24 hours afterwards. Bruising and mild discomfort are common after insertion. Serious insertion site complications such as infection can occur very rarely, in less than 1% of patients.
Removal
Nexplanon should be removed after three years; however, it can be removed at any time if pregnancy is desired. The rod must also be removed by an experienced clinician. The implant is removed using forceps. The removal procedure lasts, on average, 10-15 minutes.
Fertility After Removal
Within a week of removal, the hormones from the device leave the body and etonorgestrel is undetectable in most users. Most women will begin to ovulate within six weeks of removal. Fertility levels will return to what they were before Nexplanon insertion.
Effectiveness
Nexplanon is a type of long-acting reversible contraception, which has been shown to be the most effective form of birth control available. The failure rate of Nexplanon is .05% for both perfect use and typical use because the method requires no user action after insertion.
These statistics suggest that Nexplanon is almost ten times more effective at preventing pregnancy than tubal sterilization. Also, tubal sterilization is permanent, whereas the subdermal implant must be replaced every three years. On the other hand, Nexplanon is completely reversible, while sterilization is permanent and cannot be reversed.
Contraindications
Women should not use Nexplanon if they:
- Are, or think they are, pregnant
- Are allergic to etonorgestrel
- Have a history of breast cancer
- Have vaginal bleeding that has not been explained
- Are breastfeeding in the first 6 weeks postpartum (see note)
- Have severe liver disease
Advantages:
- Works for up to 3 years
- Most effective form of birth control
- Does not contain estrogen
- Works quickly after insertion
- Nothing to do right before sex to make it work
- Fertility returns quickly after removal
- 20% women have no more periods while using
Disadvantages:
- Irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting
- Pain or scarring at insertion site
- Possible small increase in weight
- Headache, acne, ovarian cysts, or change in mood can possibly occur
More information on the birth control implant
Adapted from: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nexplanon
