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Women's Center at Westover Hills
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Nexplanon

Contraception

The Nexplanon is a small, soft tube that is placed under the skin in the upper arm to prevent pregnancy for 3 years. It contains a hormone that is slowly released over time. It prevents ovulation and also thickens the cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from entering the uterus. Less than 1 in 100 women get pregnant with the Nexplanon.


Pros of Nexplanon

  • It lasts for 3 years
  • There is no pill to take each day
  • No one knows you are using it.
  • It is safe while breastfeeding
  • It does not contain estrogen.
  • It makes periods less painful.

Cons of Nexplanon

  • It will cause changes in your period
  • It must be placed and removed by a provider.
  • You can feel the implant under the skin when you press on your upper arm.
How is the Nexplanon placed in the arm?
  • It usually only takes a few minutes to place the Nexplanon.
  • First, the area is cleaned.
  • Then, medication is used to numb the area.
  • Finally, a special tool is used to place the Nexplanon just under the skin as easily as getting a shot or starting an IV.
How is the Nexplanon Removed?
  • Removal takes less than 5 minutes.
  • First, the area is cleaned.
  • Then, medication is used to numb the area.
  • Finally, a small cut is made and the Nexplanon is removed.
  • If you want to keep using this birth control method a new Nexplanon can be placed after removal of the old one.

Side effects of Nexplanon

  • You will not know when your period will start.
  • You may spot between periods.
  • The length of your periods may change.
Women who may not be a candidate for the Nexplanon
  • If you have unexplained Vaginal bleeding
  • History of blood clots
  • Breast cancer
  • Liver disease

The birth control patch does NOT protect you from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms to protect yourself from these infections.

From Our Patients
“Dr. Akonye has been amazing to our family. She’s was my doc through all 4 of our pregnancies & I couldn’t have asked for a more down to earth person to walk us through every one of them.” – Priscilla Terrazas