Choosing the right birth control method can be a complex decision, combining your family planning goals with your personal habits and tendencies. For those who aren’t consistent with oral medications, a contraceptive implant may be the ideal solution.
You can discuss the pros and cons of the wide range of birth control options with our team at ThriveOB and Women's Wellness in Barrington, Illinois, led by gynecologist Dr. Jennifer Moreira. We can review all of your choices and combinations, and we’re happy to introduce you to Nexplanon®, the long-lasting implant that protects you against unwanted pregnancy for up to three years.
As with any birth control method, safety is an important concern. Let’s look at Nexplanon, how it works, its safety, and its side effects.
Nexplanon is a hormone-based contraceptive device designed to be implanted under the skin of your upper arm. A small flexible rod releases progestin into your bloodstream at a steady rate over its activity period of three years.
The implant is just over 1.5 inches long and about one-eighth inch in diameter. It is implanted or removed in a simple office procedure under local anesthesia. If your family planning needs change, the implant can be removed anytime.
The effects of progestin prevent pregnancy in three ways:
Nexplanon is over 99% effective and represents an improvement in protection for people who have trouble with the routine of taking birth control pills at the same time every day.
The safety of the Nexplanon implant is high, proving to be very safe for most women. Complications and side effects are rare, though you may notice changes to your monthly periods, including:
Some women report heavier-than-normal bleeding or more painful periods. Discuss any changes you experience with Dr. Moreira.
A contraceptive implant only contains progestin, so it’s safe to use while breastfeeding. Hormonal birth control that uses estrogen may lower the amount of breast milk your body produces. We advise waiting until your milk supply is fully established before receiving a Nexplanon implant.
Implant birth control is effective, reliable, and safe. Contact ThriveOB and Women's Wellness at 847-868-2908 to book a family planning consultation to discuss your options today.
