Nexplanon birth control: how it works

Nexplanon steadily releases etonogestrel, a progestogen. It usually prevents ovulation and makes cervical mucus thicker, which makes sperm movement more difficult. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so condoms may still be useful depending on your situation.

Bleeding may become lighter, less predictable, more frequent, or stop. Headache, breast tenderness, acne, mood changes, or arm soreness can occur. The implant is placed and removed by a trained clinician; it should not be inserted or taken out at home.

Tell your clinician about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products. Some treatments can reduce hormonal contraception's effect, so you may need another method during treatment and for a period afterward. Confirm when protection starts, particularly if insertion did not occur at the beginning of your cycle or if you recently used another method.

Keep your insertion details available and check the arm only as instructed. If you cannot feel the rod, use backup contraception and arrange a review. A hormonal coil is another option to discuss if you want a different long-acting method.

Get medical advice for troublesome bleeding, persistent mood symptoms, severe headache, or arm pain that is worsening. Seek urgent help for chest pain, sudden difficulty breathing, coughing blood, severe abdominal pain, or a painful swollen leg. Take a pregnancy test and contact a clinician if pregnancy is possible.

Ask how long protection takes to begin, which medicines may interfere, what bleeding changes are acceptable, and what other method would suit you if Nexplanon is removed.