Nexplanon beats all of the birth control methods out there when it comes to effectiveness! Once the implantation is done, you won’t even remember it. In fact, there won’t be any need to remember it because, unlike the pills, it works well automatically in 99.9% of cases but can nexplanon stop working early? Yes or no? Let’s find out.
Nexplanon, like other birth controls, can help you prevent temporary pregnancy and won’t even affect your fertility. The implant works for about 3-5 years after which it starts losing its effectiveness and must be replaced for the prevention of unintended pregnancy.
In this write-up, I’ll share with you all about Nexplanon’s working, side effects, and will also provide an answer to the most frequently asked question, “can Nexplanon stop working early?” So, to clear up your confusion, read the whole article.
Table of Content
How Does Nexplanon Works?
Birth control implant commonly known as Nexplanon is one of the most effective, reversible, and safe methods of preventing unintended pregnancy. It is a rod-like structure about the size of a matchstick that is inserted sub dermally into the upper non-dominant arm.
As per the label, it provides complete protection against pregnancy for up to 3 years. However, based on Nexplanon reviews, people recommend its usage for up to 5 years.
This contraceptive implant simply works by producing progesterone into the blood. The release of hormones helps in preventing pregnancy by making the following changes to your reproductive system,
- The release of progesterone favors the prevention of ovulation. This means that the egg which is to be fertilized by the sperm, won’t be released. Hence, no fertilization would take place.
- During conception, the cervical mucus aids the sperm in swimming through the cervix. The Nexplanon implant thickens the cervical mucus, thereby making it difficult for the sperms to swim through the cervical pathway. Hence, no sperm reaches the egg and no fertilization takes place.
- Every time ovulation takes place, the endometrium prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy by thickening for easy attachment of the fetus. However, Nexplanon thins the uterine lining, thereby causing hurdles in the embedding of the zygote.
Implanon vs Nexplanon
Both Implanon and Nexplanon are somewhat similar contraceptive implants that produce etonogestrel to prevent pregnancy. The predecessor of Nexplanon is Implanon which isn’t being manufactured anymore because of the implantation risks.
In rare cases, the errors during Implanon’s insertion had been a serious threat to the user’s life. Moreover, women also complained of the implant migrating to other parts of the body and being unavailable at the time of removal.
Nexplanon is specially designed with an applicator and is safer than Implanon. Doctors can easily detect the movement of Nexplanon inside the body due to the presence of barium sulfate in it, which can easily be detected by an X-ray machine.
Hence, Nexplanon is safer to use and can help in preventing pregnancy without the risks of false implantation.
Can Nexplanon Stop Working Early?
Based on Nexplanon reviews, women consider it a reliable option for preventing pregnancy. Once it is implanted, you’ll experience some swelling and irritation at the site of the incision but it will eventually go away.
The implant takes approximately one week to start working so people often ask, why does it take 7 days for nexplanon to work? Well, it is the preparatory phase after which the inserted rod comes into action. So, doctors advise either to prevent sexual intercourse for the first 7 days or use an alternative birth control method such as pills.
When it comes to the duration, Nexplanon tops the list among the birth control methods as it works well for 3 years. However, the three years duration can most likely extend up to four or five years as per the users. The chances of unintended pregnancy while using an implant are nearly 0.01%. The extremely low number of pregnancies is proof of the reliability of the implant.
After the insertion, nexplanon releases the same hormone as the vaginal ring. The high “gonane progestin etonogestrel” secretion in the bloodstream helps in inhibiting the release of an egg. Once the three-year duration is over, there will be a gradual decrease in the production of this hormone. Hence, the more the decrease in hormone, the greater would be the risk of pregnancy.
It is a benefit of Nexplanon over other birth control methods that once it is inserted, it’ll work effectively unlike the pills which you might forget to consume sometimes. Moreover, no backup contraceptive is needed. So, if you’re still wondering, can Nexplanon stop working early? then rest assured because it remains 99.9% effective for three years.
Nexplanon Implant Side Effects
Whenever you take any hormonal birth control, you might experience several side effects. Only girls above 18 years of age can use this method of contraception. Many women using this implant don’t experience any serious side effects but in rare cases, some women go through the following problems,
- Swelling, bruising, numbness, and redness at the site of the incision.
- Headache
- Irritation in the vaginal region
- Sharp and stabbing breast pain
- Sudden weight loss/loss
- Irregular periods
- Pelvic and abdominal pain
- Breast pain, tenderness, and swelling
- Mood swings
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
- Symptoms of stroke/blood clot
Takeaway
Many people often ask, Does nexplanon actually work? Well, yes it works and is the first choice of many women. With more benefits and fewer side effects, nexplanon is an effective yet the most reliable birth control method. The contraceptive implant costs around 900$ but the price might reduce or maybe you can get them for free through the health insurance plans.
It remains effective for a period of three years and can be removed at any time during this duration. However, people often ask, Can nexplanon stop working early? Well, the chances of getting pregnant while using an implant is less than 1%. Hence, this reversible, hassle-free contraceptive can be helpful if you want to prevent conception.
FAQs
Can Nexplanon implant break or move?
The movement of Nexplanon implant can be a rare but potentially serious health risk. If the 4cm device moves upwards, it’ll enter the axillary region. If it goes down to the hand, it can cause compression of the median nerve leading to carpal tunnel syndrome. Moreover, the breakage of the implant is extremely rare.
How long does Nexplanon last after taking it out?
According to the label, the implant works well for a duration of 3 years and must be removed once the given duration is over. If you don’t use another method of birth control, you might get pregnant right away or maybe within 3 – 18 months. Once the contraceptive implant is taken out, you might feel numbness in the arm at the site of the incision. Moreover, all the side effects will be reduced and at last, would go away.
Can Nexplanon implant cause weight gain?
Some implant users have reported weight gain but studies show that those few extra pounds can be the usual weight gain. However, people often associate contraceptive implants with their weight gain which isn’t always true. But some doctors believe that nexplanon can cause an increase in weight which is only a few pounds and can be controlled by exercises and a healthy diet.
Can you get pregnant on the Nexplanon implant?
The contraceptive implant is one of the most effective methods of preventing unintended conception. Being 99% effective, only 1 out of 100 women using implants will sustain a pregnancy. Although it is unlikely to become pregnant while using Nexplanon, those who actually conceive are more likely to suffer from an ectopic pregnancy (outside the uterus).
How often should Nexplanon be replaced?
Nexplanon removal is time-based, which means you can get your implant removed once the duration of three years is over. You can also get it removed anytime, even before the completion of a three-year period. Moreover, you can get a new one if you don’t want pregnancy for the next few years.
