In case you’re exploring several types of contraception strategies, you may know that discovering one you jive with can take some trial and error. As you go, contemplate wanting into the contraception implant, which is usually referred to by the model title Nexplanon. It’s a 1.6-inch plastic rod that’s inserted beneath the pores and skin of your higher arm. It pumps out small quantities of progestin, a hormone that stops your ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens your cervical mucus so sperm can’t swim to the egg, to forestall being pregnant (99% of the time!) for not less than three and as much as 5 years.
Like IUDs, the primary perk of Nexplanon is that it’s long-lasting—as soon as it’s in your physique, you possibly can kinda neglect about it. As nice as contraception capsules are, it is advisable keep in mind to take one on the identical time on daily basis. It sounds easy sufficient, however an estimated 50% of individuals on the tablet neglect to take it not less than as soon as a month, rising their danger for unintended pregnancies.1 (As somebody who failed miserably at taking the tablet on a set schedule, I get it. No alarm or pillbox might assist me adhere to my medicine routine.)
With Nexplanon, you don’t must do something apart from having the gadget implanted, then getting it eliminated or changed when it expires—or sooner if it’s not working for you. Jill Purdie, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group in Atlanta, Georgia, tells SELF that Nexplanon is without doubt one of the “the best reversible contraception [options] accessible.” Mainly anybody who (1) desires contraception and (2) can tolerate a hormonal possibility is an effective candidate for it, she provides.
As is the case with any drug, there are potential unintended effects that would happen—we’ll get to these in a bit—however most individuals just do effective after they’ve the implant positioned. Right here’s what to anticipate from the process to find out if you wish to give Nexplanon a whirl.
How the contraception implant is positioned
The implantation course of is fast and solely takes a couple of minutes. Dr. Purdie, who’s been performing the process for over 15 years, breaks it down: First, an anesthetic can be used to numb the realm of your arm the place the gadget will go—which, by the way in which, is often the within of your non-dominant higher arm. Then it’s straight to insertion. The implant will already be preloaded into an insertion gadget, and your physician will push the tip of the gadget into your pores and skin till the plastic tube is rooted into the layer of fats just under the pores and skin, explains Dr. Purdie. Then you definitely’re good to go.
While you get to your appointment, your well being care supplier will stroll you thru this complete course of, so you probably have any questions upfront, they will reply them proper there after which. They’ll additionally do a urine take a look at to be sure you’re not pregnant, Josie Urbina, MD, an ob-gyn and a fancy household planning specialist with the College of California, San Francisco, tells SELF. (You may get the implant positioned proper after having an abortion or giving start). Then, it’s on to the process. As soon as the implant’s in place, they’ll wrap your arm in bandages, go over what you possibly can anticipate within the short- and long-term, and ship you in your manner.
The way you may really feel after getting the contraception implant
Your arm will stay numb for an hour or two after the process, although chances are you’ll begin to really feel some ache and soreness a couple of hours later when the anesthetic wears off. Some folks will develop a little bit of bruising, says Dr. Purdie. The soreness shouldn’t be too bothersome, however whether it is, over-the-counter ache medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen—plus placing some ice in your arm—might help, says Dr. Urbina.