Nexplanon Contraception
Next to an IUD, a birth control implant – sold in the U.S. under the brand name Nexplanon – is a very popular, extremely reliable, and ultra-convenient birth control method. It’s also long-lasting, remaining effective for 3 years.
If you are interested in a Nexplanon contraceptive, the OB-GYN providers at Women’s HealthFirst have the knowledge and experience to help guide you in your birth control selection and perform the procedure needed to ensure you are protected against pregnancy.
What Is Nexplanon?
Nexplanon is a hormone-based contraceptive. It consists of a plastic rod about the size of a matchstick that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm, where it remains until removed. Your medical provider will insert and remove the Nexplanon device.
Nexplanon prevents pregnancy via a controlled release of progestin (an artificial hormone similar to progesterone). This works in three distinct ways:
- It prevents eggs from leaving the ovaries, effectively stopping ovulation
- It thickens cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from reaching an egg
- It thins the uterine lining, preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus
Benefits of Birth Control Implants
The best part of relying on birth control implants, like Nexplanon, for your contraceptive needs is that once you get it, you can forget about it for up to 3 years. There is no daily pill to take, nothing to insert prior to sex, and no injection needed every few months. Nexplanon offers reliable, long-term contraception. Also, Nexplanon is reversible. Should you decide you want to get pregnant, ending the contraception is as easy as removing the Nexplanon device. The possibility of becoming pregnant begins soon after removal.
Insertion & Removal
Nexplanon is administered in Women’s HealthFirst offices in a quick and painless procedure that may feel, if anything, like an injection.
Your provider will administer local anesthetic, so you experience no discomfort during the procedure. A special needle-like tool is used to insert the Nexplanon just under the skin. The entire procedure takes just minutes to complete.
Removing Nexplanon involves a similar in-office procedure: local anesthetic, a small incision, then gently removing the device with miniature forceps. A new Nexplanon device can be inserted at the same appointment.
You can resume sexual activity immediately after the implant is placed. Your doctor may recommend additional birth control methods in the first week after the procedure, depending on the stage of your menstrual cycle you were in when the implant was placed.
Nexplanon Insertion Services in Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Barrington & Bartlett, IL
Are you interested in Nexplanon birth control implants? Contact the knowledgeable and helpful physicians and staff at Women’s HealthFirst by calling (847) 808-8884, or simply request an appointment now.
We have five convenient locations in northwest suburban Chicago to choose from.
If you’re already a patient of ours, you are welcome to use the handy online patient portal to request an appointment or message your Women’s HealthFirst provider team about getting Nexplanon contraceptives.