What to know about Nexplanon effectiveness

Nexplanon releases etonogestrel, which mainly prevents ovulation and also thickens cervical mucus. Protection depends on correct insertion, the implant remaining in place, and use within the recommended duration. Some medicines and herbal products can reduce hormonal contraceptive action. Irregular bleeding does not prove that the implant has stopped working, and having no bleeding does not prove pregnancy is impossible. Nexplanon does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Know the insertion date and planned replacement date. Tell every prescriber that you use Nexplanon and ask about interactions before starting a medicine or supplement. If you cannot feel the rod, think it has moved, it is coming through the skin, or its duration has passed, use condoms or another backup method and arrange clinical review. If you have had sex without backup after a possible protection problem, ask promptly about pregnancy testing and emergency contraception. The implant material is described in Etonogestrel Implant Rod.

Contact a clinician promptly for a missed period with pregnancy symptoms, persistent lower abdominal pain, or uncertainty about a medicine interaction. Seek urgent care for one-sided abdominal pain with dizziness or fainting, severe bleeding, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or a painful swollen leg. Also seek review for an infected insertion site or a rod that cannot be felt.

Ask whether your implant is correctly positioned and within its approved duration, whether your medicines affect it, when testing is needed, and which backup method is suitable while its protection is being checked.