Side effects of birth control Nexplanon

Nexplanon releases etonogestrel from a small rod under the skin of the upper arm. Hormonal changes can make bleeding lighter, heavier, more frequent, less frequent, or absent. Some users report headaches, acne, breast tenderness, mood changes, nausea, or changes in appetite. These effects may settle, but an altered bleeding pattern can continue while the rod is in place. The implant does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Track bleeding days, pain, mood changes, and other symptoms so your clinician can see a pattern. Check the implant area occasionally without squeezing it, and use condoms when infection protection is needed. Arrange a review if bleeding is difficult to manage or a side effect affects daily life. A clinician can check the rod, exclude other causes, discuss treatment, or arrange removal. Do not attempt to remove it yourself.

Get urgent care for severe lower abdominal pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain with a possible pregnancy, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or one-sided leg swelling. Seek prompt review for a red, hot, swollen arm, pus, worsening pain, a rod that cannot be felt, or a rod that seems to have moved. Take a pregnancy test and contact a clinician if pregnancy is possible.

Ask whether your bleeding pattern is within the expected range, how to manage it, and whether another cause should be checked. You can also ask about removal timing and whether a Hormonal Coil would suit your contraception goals.