How long until Nexplanon is effective?

The implant releases etonogestrel, which works mainly by preventing ovulation. Whether protection begins straight away depends on where you are in your menstrual cycle and whether you are changing from another reliable contraceptive method. A clinician should confirm the start date for your situation.

The implant does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms when infection prevention is needed. If sex occurred before protection was established, ask promptly about pregnancy prevention options rather than waiting for symptoms.

Follow the insertion instructions and use condoms or avoid vaginal sex during the advised backup period. Keep the appointment information showing when the implant was placed and when protection was expected to begin. Tell the clinician if insertion happened after unprotected sex, if pregnancy is possible, or if you take medicines that may interact with hormonal contraception.

A hormonal coil is another long-acting option with its own timing instructions. The etonogestrel implant rod page explains the device that releases the hormone.

Contact a clinician if you are unsure whether the implant was inserted correctly, cannot feel the rod, or have a positive pregnancy test. Seek urgent care for severe pelvic pain, faintness, heavy bleeding, sudden chest pain, or difficulty breathing. A worsening red, hot, swollen insertion site also needs assessment.

Ask: Am I protected today? How long should I use backup? Does my previous method change the timing? Could my medicines reduce protection? When should I take a pregnancy test if my period changes?