Nexplanon is a hormone-releasing birth control implant that works to prevent pregnancy for up to three years. It is a flexible plastic rod about the size of a matchstick that contains a progestin hormone called etonogestrel. It doesn’t contain any estrogen. The hormone stops your ovaries from releasing an egg each month. It also thickens the mucus in your cervix so in case an egg is released, the mucus works to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
Your doctor will insert the implant just under the skin on the inside of your upper arm. You will be able to feel it if you press on the area where it was inserted.
When three years is up or if you decide you want to become pregnant, your doctor can remove it. You may become pregnant as early as the week following the removal of the implant. If you decide you want to keep using Nexplanon, your doctor can insert a new one right after removing the old one for continuous birth control protection.
For more information on Nexplanon or to find out if it is a good birth control option for you, make an appointment at Cheyenne Women’s Clinic or visit the Nexplanon website.