Risks & Side Effects Of Nexplanon
Nexplanon can have side effects, and the most common one is a changing menstrual bleeding pattern. One out of ten women may have to stop using Nexplanon because of this change.
A woman can experience spotting between menstrual cycles, different time periods in between the cycles. There can be times when there are no regular gaps, shorter or longer cycles, or no bleeding at the time of the period. Women must tell their healthcare provider if they think they are pregnant or if the bleeding goes on long and heavy.
Other side effects of Nexplanon can be:
- Headache
- Viral infection or flu-type symptoms
- Nervousness
- Pain at the insertion site
- Dizziness
Where Can I Get A Contraceptive Implant Fitted Or Removed
You can get the contraceptive implant for free, even if you’re under 16, from:
- contraception clinics
- sexual health or genitourinary medicine clinics
- GP surgeries
- some young people’s services
Some GPs or practice nurses are able to fit and remove implants, so you’ll need to check at your GP surgery.
Alternatively, most sexual health clinics will be able to do this for you.
How Do I Change To The Implant From The Combined Pill
If you are taking the regular, combined hormone contraceptive pill, the implant can be inserted on the first or second pill-free day after you finish the packet. Protection is then continued without a break.
If you have the implant inserted during the remaining days of the pill-free interval you should use additional protection for the first seven days. If you have had unprotected sex during the gap, you are also advised to restart your CHC for at least seven days, taking it when you would normally have done so.
If you have the contraceptive implant inserted in the first seven days of your pill packet, you should either avoid sex, continue taking your CHC for a further seven days, or use an additional barrier method.
If you have the contraceptive implant inserted when you are more than seven days into your CHC pill packet, and have not missed any pills, you are covered immediately and do not need to finish your pill packet.
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Are There Any Risks From Using The Contraceptive Implant
Women who use some forms of hormone-based contraception appear to have a small increase in long-term risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer compared to women who don’t use hormonal contraception. It is not known if this is also true of the contraceptive implant.
Apart from bruising and soreness, it is possible, although very unusual, to get a localised infection in your arm when the implant is put in. Insertion of the implant can leave a small scar.
It is important to be able to feel the implant under the skin after insertion. There is a small risk of insertion error in which the implant is not actually inserted by the procedure.
What Are The Common Side Effects Of Nexplanon
The majority of people using Nexplanon do not experience long-term side effects, and most side effects go away after three to six months as your body adjusts to the implant. However, you will want to consider if the risks of these possible side effects are acceptable for you:
- Changes in your menstrual period, including spotting, heavier or irregular bleeding, or no periods at all
- Pain, bruising, infection, or scarring at the implant insertion site
- Mood swings or other changes, such as anxiety or depressionAcne
- Local allergic reaction
Overall, all forms of birth control are safer than an unintended pregnancy.
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How The Nexplanon Implant Prevents Pregnancy
The implant releases a small amount of hormone into your body each day. It prevents pregnancy in three ways: 1) it stops your ovaries from releasing one of your eggs, 2) it thickens the mucus of your cervix to help prevent any sperm from reaching an egg, and 3) it changes the lining of your uterus to prevent attachment by a fertilized egg.
Side Effects Of Hormonal Birth Control
You may experience side effects when using any type of hormonal birth control. These vary a little depending on which type of birth control you are using. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are bothering you.
Although it is rare, hormonal birth control methods, especially those that contain estrogen, increase your risk of developing a blood clot in your leg . Seek medical help immediately if you have trouble breathing, which can happen if a clot moves into your lung . A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency.
For more information on contraception options, including their advantages and disadvantages, .
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Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Implant
Advantages:
- it works for 3 years
- it doesn’t interrupt sex
- it’s an option if you can’t use oestrogen-based contraception, such as the combined contraceptive pill, contraceptive patch or vaginal ring
- it’s safe to use while you’re breastfeeding
- your fertility will return to normal as soon as the implant is taken out
- it may reduce heavy periods or period pain
Disadvantages:
- you may experience temporary side effects during the first few months, like headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood swings
- your periods may be irregular or stop altogether
- you may get acne or your acne might get worse
- you’ll need a small procedure to have it fitted and removed
- it doesn’t protect you against sexually transmitted infections , so you may need to use additional contraception as well
How Does It Feel To Get The Birth Control Implant Removed
Nexplanon removal only takes a few minutes, but the process is a little longer than getting it put in.
Just like with the insertion, a doctor or nurse gives you a shot to numb a small area of your arm. Then they make a small cut and remove the implant. You usually just feel a little pinch or stinging when you get the numbing shot. After that, it shouldnt hurt when they make the incision or take the implant out.
If you want to continue using Nexplanon, you can get another implant put in during the removal of your old one.
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Combination Birth Control Methods
Combination birth control methods include combination birth control pills, NuvaRing, and the patch. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there about these methods.
You may have heard it takes at least three months for ovulation to start up again after you stop the pill. This is not usually true. For most people, ovulation will start within weeks. For some, though, it can take one to three months.
Think about it like this: The pill works because it stops ovulation. If you miss a couple of pills, you might ovulate and you might get pregnant. Some healthcare providers even say you are most fertile just after you stop taking the pill.
So where does the three-month myth come from? Your healthcare provider may tell you to use a condom until you have had three periods. This is just because waiting will help you keep track of your cycle. That way, if you get pregnant, it will be easier to guess when the pregnancy happened.
There is no medical reason to wait after you stop birth control before trying to become pregnant. Just be prepared that your fertility may return within the first month.
NuvaRing and the Patch work the same way as the pill, so the same goes for these methods. Fertility should return quickly. Most research shows that 80% of people who stop using these methods and want to get pregnant will get pregnant within the first year. This number is the same as that of the general population.
Period Length In Adolescence
Preteens or teens who recently started menstruating might have unpredictable cycles and flow for a while. Thats because younger females have an immature hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which controls periods and menstrual cycles
Once women reach their late teens or 20s, periods usually become more predictable, Dr. Higgins says.
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Is There Anyone Who Should Not Have A Contraceptive Implant
Most women can have an implant fitted but there are a few exceptions. You should not have a contraceptive implant put in if you think you might be pregnant, or if you don’t want to use a contraceptive method that might affect your periods.
You also should not use the contraceptive implant if:
- You are taking medicines which might interfere with the implant.
- You have heart or liver disease.
- You have had breast cancer in the previous five years.
- You are currently experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- You have a hereditary blood disorder called porphyria.
There are some conditions which, if you have them, mean that you could use the contraceptive implant, but a different method might be more suitable for you. These include:
- You are going to have major surgery with prolonged immobilisation.
- You have an increased risk of blood clots in the veins due to antiphospholipid syndrome, antithrombin deficiency or factor V Leiden.
- You have previously had a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
- You have migraines.
- You have systemic lupus erythematosus.
- You have gene mutations associated with breast cancer – for example, BRCA1.
- You have cervical cancer.
- You have experienced a stroke, angina or heart attack.
- You have several risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes.
- You have had jaundice or itching caused by previous use of a hormonal contraceptive.
Can I Have The Implant After Emergency Contraception
After taking levonorgestrel as emergency contraception the implant can be inserted immediately. You should avoid sex or use a barrier method of contraception for 7 days. In addition you should take a pregnancy test 3 weeks or so after the time you had unprotected sex.
If you took ulipristal acetate the implant should be inserted 5 days after taking the tablet. You should avoid having unprotected sex or use a barrier method of contraception until the implant is inserted and for 7 days after. You should also take a pregnancy test no sooner than 3 weeks after the last time you had unprotected sex.
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How Long Does Your Period Last While Being On Implanon Mine Are Usually A Week Without It
I usually have a period for about a week while not on implanon but this is maybe my third period in 2 years. This one has lasted 9 days and I don’t know if I need to possibly get it checked out.
kaismama
Is it a real heavy flow? Forget about your normal cycle when you are on hormonal birth control. You have more to get rid of because you haven’t had a period every month. So if its not alot, its ok. If you should feel its alot of bleeding it won’t hurt to call your doc and check ask about it.
+0tori barton
It is a heavy flow. And it’s bright as well
DzooBaby
Irregular bleeding patterns are very common with Implanon. It begins to secrete less hormone the longer it is in so in the last year of use, you may find that you have more periods and irregular bleeding. You only need to have it checked if it is extremely heavy Your body is just reacting to the reduction in hormone levels. This doesnt mean that it isnt effective anymore though. If you replace it on time, you will have enough hormone to avoid pregnancy.
+0tori barton
Thank you. I also experienced pain in my ovaries when I had sex while on my period. It hurt very bad and I’m thinking that it could be endometriosis. It runs in my family and there’s a possibility I could have it
Kate Manney+0
I Like Having The Extra Backup On The Contraceptive Side Of Things
I got a Nexplanon implant two years ago, mainly to stop having periods but I also moved in with my partner full time, so I decided to get some method of round-the-clock contraceptive too.
My experience has been fine. Insertion was very quick. The doctor talked me through what was happening. I had a small dose of localised anesthetic before hand, then she used what looked like a piercing gun to insert the implant and I didnât feel any pain. I kept it bandaged for a day or two afterwards. Now I have a small scar on the point of insertion, but I do scar easily. I had some light bleeding but no pain like I used to . After the insertion I didnât have a period for about 8 months, then I bled lightly for about 3 days, then it stopped again for another 8 months.
I plan on sticking with the implant. For me, it has been useful in stopping periods, and I like having the extra backup on the contraceptive side of things.âAnonymous, female, 20, Sheffield, UK
We at Clue recommend that you see a healthcare provider to discuss which birth control is best for you, and let them know if you are experiencing any negative side effects.
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How To Use Nexplanon Implant
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist or health care provider before the rod is placed. Read and sign the Informed Consent provided by your doctor. You will also be given a User Card with the date and the place on your body where the rod was inserted. Keep the card and use it to remind yourself when to schedule an appointment to have the rod removed. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Ask your doctor about the best time to schedule your appointment to have the rod placed. Your doctor may want you to have a pregnancy test first. The medication usually starts working right away when the rod is inserted during the first 5 days of your period. If your appointment is at another time in your menstrual cycle, you may need to use a non-hormonal form of birth control for the first 7 days after the rod is placed. Ask your doctor about whether you need back-up birth control.
The rod will be inserted under the skin in your upper arm by a health care professional. Usually it will be placed in the arm that you do not write with. Be sure you can feel the rod underneath your skin after it has been placed. If at any time you cannot feel the rod underneath the skin or feel that the rod has been bent or broken, tell your doctor right away.