Generic name:etonogestrel (implant) [ e-toe-noe-JES-trel ]
Drug classes:Contraceptives, Progestins
What is Nexplanon?
Nexplanon (etonogestrel implant) is a long-term, reversible birth control for women. It is a contraceptive implant that is a flexible, thin plastic rod that is about the length of a matchstick (4cm by 2mm), which is placed under the skin on the inner side of the upper arm by your doctor or other healthcare provider.
Once you have it placed in your arm you don’t need to think about contraception for the next three years, you don’t need to worry about forgetting to take it, whether you have used it correctly and there is no need to interrupt sex to organise contraception.
Nexplanon can be removed at any time and your fertility will return to normal.
How does Nexplanon work?
The rod contains a hormone called etonogestrel that slowly and steadily releases to prevent pregnancy. It does this by stopping the release of an egg from your ovary, thinning the lining of your uterus and thickening mucus in your cervix.
The implant is made of a material that can be seen on X-rays and sometimes your health provider may use an X-ray to help locate it for removal.
How is the Nexplanon implant used?
Nexplanon is inserted through a needle (under local anesthesia) into the skin of your upper arm, just inside and above the elbow. After the implant is inserted, your arm will be covered with 2 bandages. Remove the top bandage after 24 hours, but leave the smaller bandage on for 3 to 5 days. Keep the area clean and dry.
The timing of when you receive the Nexplanon implant depends on whether you were using birth control before, and what type it was. For more information about how quickly it works as a contraceptive see dosing information below.
You should be able to feel the im..
