Nexplanon is a type of birth control implant. This small plastic implant is under 2 inches in length and is usually inserted into the interior part of the upper arm. Nexplanon works for as long as 3 years, continually delivering progestin hormones (etonogestrel) into the body for the purpose of pregnancy prevention. In 3 years, a new implant must be inserted to continue preventing pregnancy.
Nexplanon is one of the most effective birth control options available today. It has better than 99 percent effectiveness in the prevention of pregnancy, putting it on par with other birth control options like the intrauterine device.
Nexplanon is appropriate for use in most women who want to use it, as long as they have good health overall. Conditions like blood clots, liver tumors, or breast cancer can exclude a person from taking Nexplanon. Patients who are dealing with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions that are well managed can use Nexplanon as long as they are regularly monitored by their healthcare practitioner.
Nexplanon users can have the implant removed by their healthcare practitioner whenever they are ready to do so. As soon as the Nexplanon implant has been removed, the patient can start trying to have a child whenever she is ready.
There are a number of other birth control options for women who don't feel that Nexplanon is right for them. Oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, the birth control shot, and the birth control patch all have their own effectiveness rates, advantages, and disadvantages. Women should discuss family planning in detail with a healthcare practitioner to make sure that the right birth control option is chosen.