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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

“She is a great doctor, and brings with her a sense of comfort hard to find in other professionals. I’d recommend her to everyone! Thank you, Dr. Akonye, for your dedication.” – Priscilla Terrazas