Getting pregnant after Nexplanon

Nexplanon is a small rod placed under the skin of the upper arm. Its etonogestrel hormone mainly prevents ovulation and also changes cervical mucus, making sperm movement more difficult. Bleeding can become lighter, irregular or absent while it is in place; bleeding changes do not show whether the implant is working.

Pregnancy is uncommon but can occur if the implant has not been inserted correctly, has passed its replacement date, interacts with certain medicines, or was inserted when pregnancy was already possible. A clinician should confirm the rod's position and timing if there is uncertainty.

Arrange removal with a trained clinician and say that you want to conceive. Do not try to remove the rod yourself. After removal, ovulation may return quickly, so use another contraceptive method if you are not ready immediately. If you are planning pregnancy, review medicines, health conditions, vaccinations and folic acid with a clinician.

If you prefer an alternative reversible method before trying later, a hormonal coil is another option to discuss. Take a pregnancy test if you have pregnancy symptoms, a missed expected bleed or concern about an implant problem.

Seek urgent care for severe lower abdominal pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain or bleeding with a positive pregnancy test, as these can be warning signs of ectopic pregnancy. Contact a clinician if the implant cannot be felt, the arm becomes red or very painful, or you suspect medicine has reduced its contraceptive effect.

Ask whether the rod is in the expected position, when removal should happen, how quickly fertility may return, and which medicines can interact with it. If you want pregnancy, ask about folic acid, health checks and when to seek fertility advice if conception does not occur.