Nexplanon is a rod shaped implant that goes in the arm. It is a long acting reversible contraceptive device, which means that fertility returns to normal immediately after removal. It is effective for 5 years.
Placement
Nexplanons are placed in the office by providers who are trained in placement. That can be anyone from your PCP to a gynecologist. It's important to find a provider that you feel safe with to place your Nexplanon. Sometimes that can be hard to find so we recommend getting recommendations from people in your life if you don't have someone you know. Reddit can also be a great source of information if you don't know anyone with a Nexplanon!
Placement and removals of Nexplanons should be pain free. Your provider will numb the place on your arm where the Nexplanon will be. Only the area for the device will be numb, not your entire arm. You will always feel touch and tugging while your provider is placing or removing your Nexplanon, but if you're having pain, you should tell the provider so we can address that properly.
Placement is fast but sometimes removal can take longer. Your arm is very smart and makes scar tissue around the device so it does not leave the arm. This is what we want to happen. No provider wants to find out a Nexplanon moved! It can take your provider time to remove the scar tissue so they can remove the device from your arm.
Removal and Replacement
After 5 years, if you love the Nexplanon, you can have it removed and replaced in the same visit. The new Nexplanon will go in the space where the old one was removed.
After both placement and removal, you will have a bandage on your arm. Arms love to be dramatic and bleed more than needed so we bandage it to prevent that from happening. You leave the bandage on for 24 hours and then you can take it off. You can resume normal activities immediately after your appointment.
Effectiveness
Nexplanon takes 7 days to be effective to prevent pregnancy. If you have unprotected sex before then, you need to use a back up method like condoms to prevent pregnancy.
Learn More About Birth Control Options
This article is part of Haven Health Education, where we explain birth control options so you can make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Nexplanon Placement in Greensboro and Birth Control Care Across North Carolina
If you are considering Nexplanon as a long-acting birth control option, Haven Health provides Nexplanon placement and removal in Greensboro, North Carolina. We take time to explain how the implant works, what to expect during placement, and how this method fits into your overall reproductive health plan.
Patients from Greensboro, High Point, Jamestown, Oak Ridge, Summerfield, Kernersville, and surrounding Guilford County communities visit Haven Health for long-acting reversible birth control options like Nexplanon and IUDs.
Haven Health also offers telehealth birth control counseling across North Carolina. If you live in Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Asheville, Wilmington, or anywhere in NC, you can meet with a provider virtually to discuss whether Nexplanon is right for you before scheduling a quick in-office visit in Greensboro for placement.
Whether you are looking for a low-maintenance birth control method or guidance on your options, Haven Health provides patient-centered, evidence-based reproductive care both in person and online across the state.