Am I Eligible for the Nexplanon Implant for Long-Term Birth Control?

Contraceptives have come a long way over the past 50+ years, and today, women have lots of choices when it comes to selecting a birth control method. The Nexplanon® birth control implant is an increasingly popular option, providing an effective form of contraception that keeps working for up to five years.

DeShawn Taylor, MD, MSc, FACOG, and the Desert Star Institute for Family Planning team offer various birth control options to help every woman find the method that works for her. In this post, learn about Nexplanon implants, including how they work, why they’re so popular, and if they’re an appropriate option for you.

How Nexplanon works

Nexplanon is a hormonal contraceptive, which means it uses small, continual doses of hormones (specifically progestin) to prevent pregnancy. The continual release of progestin prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in your cervix, so sperm can’t enter.

The implant is thin and small, about the size and thickness of a matchstick. It’s inserted in your upper arm right in our office using a local anesthetic in a procedure that takes just a few minutes.

Dr. Taylor inserts the implant using a special device through a small “puncture” wound on your skin. A special pressure bandage then covers the insertion site to prevent bleeding. You’ll remove the bandage after a day or two. 

Once inserted, the implant won’t be visible, but you can feel it by pressing firmly on your skin. Nexplanon stays in place for up to five years and can be removed and replaced in an office procedure. 

Why Nexplanon is popular

Nexplanon has risen in popularity in recent years, especially among young women seeking a reliable form of birth control that requires no interaction or “work” on their part. Nexplanon also doesn’t use estrogen, which has been associated with a very small risk of side effects like blood clots.

Nexplanon is also easily reversible, which means if you decide to get pregnant or you want to switch contraceptive methods, all you need to do is schedule an office visit. Once the implant is removed, you don’t have to wait to get pregnant — you can begin trying right away.

Finally, Nexplanon is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Because it lasts five years, you won’t need to worry about running out of your prescription or scheduling frequent office visits.

Nexplanon candidates

Nexplanon is recommended for women from 18-45 years old who aren’t pregnant. Before implant placement, Dr. Taylor may perform a test to ensure you’re not pregnant.

The implant may not be ideal for anyone who:

• Is allergic to the implant materials
• Is taking certain medications or herbal products
• Has a history of breast cancer
• Has abnormal periods that haven’t been medically evaluated

During your consultation with Dr. Taylor, you must provide a complete health history and a list of any medicines or supplements you take to ensure you’re a good candidate for the implant.

It’s also important to know that Nexplanon cannot protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Every sexually active person should have regular STD screenings regardless of the birth control method used.

Find out more about Nexplanon

Nexplanon is a safe, highly effective form of birth control, but if it’s not right for you, no worries — we offer other methods, too. To find a contraceptive that’s just right for you, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Taylor and the team at Desert Star Family Planning in Phoenix, Arizona, today.