Nexplanon

What is Nexplanon?

Nexplanon is a birth control implant, placed under the skin in the upper inner arm. It is a plastic rod, about the size of a matchstick, that releases a form of the hormone progesterone (called etonogestrel) that prevents pregnancy. The rod  is effective for up to three years and can be placed in the office.

What are the benefits of Nexplanon?

• It is effective immediately upon insertion
• It can help reduce painful and long periods
• Your daughter won’t have to remember to take it, like she would with a birth control pill
• Fertility returns right after it’s removed

What are the side effects of Nexplanon (Birth Control)?

Procedure side effects:

Your daughter may experience side effects such as:

• Pain in the arm at the site of the rod placement
• Bruising, redness, or swelling of the arm
• Infection of the arm
• Scarring over the rod placement site

Nexplanon side effects:

Your daughter may experience side effects such as:

• Irregular periods
• Weight gain
• Depression and mood changes
• Nausea
• Acne

What are the risks of Nexplanon?

Nexplanon does not prevent sexually transmitted infections STIs.

Your daughter should not use Nexplanon if:

• She has an allergy or sensitivity to any part of the implant
• She experiences unexplained vaginal bleeding
• She has or had breast cancer
• She has or had liver disease or tumors

What can I expect during Placement of the Nexplanon implant?

• Your health care provider will numb the inside of her upper arm where the rod will be placed
• Place the implant just under the skin (the actual insertion time is less than one minute)
• Feel to ensure that the implant has been placed correctly
• Apply a pressure bandage to be worn for 24 hours
• Suggest wearing a small bandage for 3 to 5 days