Nexplanon how long

If you do conceive while using a contraceptive implant, there's a higher chance that the pregnancy will be ectopic — when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. However, because a contraceptive implant prevents most pregnancies, women who use it are at lower risk of having an ectopic pregnancy than are other sexually active women who aren't using contraception.

Your health care provider will evaluate your overall health before inserting the contraceptive implant. He or she will determine the appropriate timing for the insertion of the implant based on your menstrual cycle and your previous birth control method. You may need to take a pregnancy test and use a nonhormonal backup method of contraception for one week.

The contraceptive implant is inserted beneath the skin of the upper arm. The implant releases a progestational hormone to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

You can have a contraceptive implant inserted during a visit to your health care provider's office. The actual procedure takes just a minute or so, though preparation will take a bit longer. You'll lie on your back with the arm that will receive the implant bent at the elbow and positioned near your head. Your health care provider will locate a groove between the biceps and triceps muscles on the inner side of your upper arm.

He or she will inject a local anesthetic and then use an applicator to insert the device just beneath your skin. Inserting the device too deeply makes removal difficult. Your health care provider will feel your arm to confirm the presence of the implant and have you do the same. If necessary, he or she may also use an ultrasound or X-ray to confirm that the device has been inserted.

Your health care provider will cover the insertion site with a small bandage. He or she may also apply a pressure bandage to minimize bruising. You can remove the pressure bandage in 24 hours, but keep the small bandage clean and in place for three to five days. It's common to experience some degree of bruising, pain, scarring or bleeding at the insertion site.

The contraceptive implant can prevent pregnancy for up to three years. It must be removed and replaced at the three-year point to continue offering protection from unintended pregnancy.

Your health care provider may recommend removing the contraceptive implant earlier if you develop:. To remove the device, your health care provider will inject a local anesthetic in your arm beneath the implant.

He or she will make a small incision in your skin and will push the implant toward the incision until the tip is visible and can be grasped with forceps. Your health care provider will then pull out the implant, close the incision and apply a pressure bandage. Contraceptive implant removal typically takes less than five minutes. Nexplanon has several potential side effects, which means that this option may not be suitable for everyone.

Certain people should not use Nexplanon. The FDA states the following groups should avoid using it:. A person will also need to take additional steps to prevent STIs.

This may include using condoms or avoiding sexual contact while their partner has any flares in symptoms. People interested in having a Nexplanon implant should make sure that the doctor has experience in performing the procedure. During the procedure, the doctor will make a small incision with a tool designed to insert Nexplanon. The procedure only takes a few minutes and does not require any downtime. The doctor can insert the device at the same time as they remove an old one.

To remove the device, they will administer a local anesthetic to the area, make a small incision underneath the implant, and grip the device with forceps to gently pull it out. A range of healthcare professionals and birth control services offer Nexplanon and other contraceptive options online. There are several birth control options that a person can choose from.

Some other forms of birth control include:. Learn more about the different forms of birth control here. All forms of birth control have some risks associated with their use.

Any form of hormonal birth control will have similar side effects and risk factors. However, when a person uses them correctly, most forms of birth control have a high effectiveness rate. People with other prescriptions for birth control can look into services such as Nurx.

This company offers delivery of prescription birth control products such as the pill, patch, ring, or shot. Learn more about Nurx here. Nexplanon is a type of hormonal birth control. Once this time is up, the doctor can remove the tube and insert a new one.

It is worth noting that Nexplanon is not a good solution for everyone. A person with a history of breast cancer, liver disease, or another health condition should talk with a doctor before insertion.

Extending duration for the label would allow a single procedure to provide contraception for five instead of three years. Study participants will require medical visits every three months. For more information or to sign up, contact or email hs-obgynresearch ucdavis. UC Davis Health. Upcoming Events Contact Us Giving.

Primary and Specialty Care. Featured Clinical Programs. Other Clinical Resources. Centers and Programs. Other Research Resources.