Nexplanon is a popular birth control contraceptive implant for women in the modern world. However, the implant of Nexplanon may cause the occurrence of cramps.
So, what are the types of cramps after Nexplanon removal that women might experience?
A woman may experience menstrual cramps, stomach cramps, and numerous other problems after the immediate insertion of the implant or after its removal. These problems are not only hurting but affect the productivity of the everyday life of a woman. However, all these kinds of cramps have a treatment.
In the following passages, all kinds of cramps experienced after the removal of Nexplanon are described along with the solutions. Continue reading to get a detailed idea.
Table of Content
Nexplanon – a Contraceptive Implant
Before going into the causes of cramps after nexplanon removal, let’s know a bit basic about Nexplanon and how it works in our body.
What is Nexplanon?
Contraceptive methods have been ruling for the past 50 years to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Today, contraceptives are available in hormonal and nonhormonal forms to improve women’s lives.
Contraceptive implants are a long-term birth control option for women.
Nexplanon is such a contraceptive implant for long-term birth control in women. Nexplanon came after Implanon and gained a lot of customers. The generic name for Nexplanon insertion in the body is Etonogestrel Implant that works for three years.
Within seven days of the implant, the contraception becomes highly active in the human body. Before implantation, it is necessary to consider many preventive measures. Otherwise, a careless attitude may lead to lasting damage to the human body.
Nexplanon is a tiny flexible plastic rod is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It is visible in the X-ray, and it is possible to locate its position in the body. How is it possible to detect the implant under the X-ray? The implant consists of a small amount of Barium Sulfate. This chemical provides for the visibility of the implant under the microscope.
How Does It Work?
Nexplanon releases a progestational hormone in the body. The progestin hormone is responsible for avoiding pregnancy. This hormone works by making the following physiological changes:
- Thickens the cervical mucus and the thin uterine line (Endometrium).
- Prevents ovulation – the procedure of egg release from the ovary.
So, overall, it is challenging for the sperm to reach the uterus, and the chances of pregnancy are low.
After the removal of the implant, the role of progestin arrives at an end. Women who experience sex within one week of implant removal should take preventive measures. Physicians may suggest contraceptive pills or condoms to women to prevent pregnancy at this time.
However, these contraceptive implants have few consequences. Experiencing cramps is one of the issues faced after the removal of Nexplanon. So, a woman may experience different kinds of cramps after Nexplanon removal from the body. The primary reason for such cramps is the hormonal upset of the body.
Immediate after-effects of Nexplanon removal include numbness in the arm and soreness in the area. To counter these after effects, one may consider pain relievers to keep the pain away. Cold packs are beneficial to resist swelling and pain.
Types of Cramps after Nexplanon Removal
Removal of Nexplanon may have bad side effects on a woman’s body. Menstrual cramps, muscle cramps, stomach cramps, and irregular bleeding are highly common to observe after its removal. Read below to know about these cramps:
Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps, a condition called Dysmenorrhea, is a phenomenon of throbbing or contracting pains in the lower abdomen of the female body. Women experience these cramps before or during their menstrual periods. The disturbance caused by these cramps to the women varies.
Some women get annoyed by the discomfort, while others experience severe pain.
Research indicates that a change in the menstrual bleeding patterns occurs by removing Nexplanon. These side-effects range from the absence of menstrual bleeding to frequent and unscheduled bleeding. Other than these menstrual cramps, these women may experience dizziness, nausea, headache, and loose bowels.
Along with these, the women may experience mild to severe cramps during unscheduled bleeding. These irregularities may exist during the presence of Nexplanon in the body as well. Stats indicate that 1 out of 10 people opt for removal of Nexplanon due to these irregularities.
Symptoms
Menstrual cramps begin before the period starts. They remain high during the 24-hours of the cycle and fluctuate after that for a few days. Menstrual cramps are pains that arise in the lower abdomen and pelvis. The pain may extend to the lower back or legs as well.
The intensity of pain due to these cramps varies in people. These can be quite painful in some people while existing as a dull ache in other people.
Treatment
A woman may experience highly intense period cramps any time after the removal of Nexplanon. These contraceptive implants upset the hormonal balance of the female.
The consequences may show in any form. Irregular bleeding and menstrual cramps are the most common observations. If the pain is unbearable and lasts many days, visit a doctor. In the beginning, try the following home remedies at home
Over the Counter (OTC) Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) are effective for treating menstrual pain, menstrual cramps after removal of Nexplanon, and heavy period flow. Medications include Ibuprofen and Naproxen (Aleve). These drugs lower the level of prostaglandin to reduce pain.
Applying Heat to the Belly and Lower Abdomen
Fill an empty plastic bottle with hot water and press it against the belly and lower abdomen. The technique relieves the pain from menstrual cramps after Nexplanon removal. Other treatments include massaging with essential oil, intaking herbs, and avoiding junk food.
If these home remedies do not work then, you might consider visiting a doctor.
Stomach Cramps
Removal of Nexplanon has different effects on a woman’s body. Some women complain about experiencing stomach cramps. Stomach cramps are sudden, uncontrolled, and tight feelings in the stomach muscles. These cramps are hurting. Wait for a day for the cramps to disappear then, consider visiting a doctor.
Muscle Cramps
Women who experience the removal of Nexplanon may suffer from weakness or hormonal imbalance. Muscle cramps may arise in these women. A muscle cramp is a sudden and involuntary contraction of the body muscles. If a woman experiences these cramps after the removal of Nexplanon, it points to weakness.
Other Side-effects of Nexplanon Removal
Removal of Nexplanon may result in a few side effects. Some people may experience the side effects rarely, while there may be deadly signs of side effects in other people.
Consistent pain, weight gain, acne, headache, emotional lability, and depression are a few reactions. Other reactions may require clinical help. Read some of these as below:
- Allergy problems- rashes, itching, blisters, skin peeling, hives
- Liver problems – dark urine, yellow skin, and eyes, fatigue, loss of appetite
- Blood pressure problems- wheezing, breathing problem, experiencing a problem in swallowing and talking, heavy chest
- Stomach problems – upset stomach, vomits, bloating, fever, belly pain
- Others – affected eyesight, vaginal bleeding, depression, swollen breasts, pain in breast or nipples, discharge from nipples.
- Lumps or sore in breast, abnormal weight gain, metabolic and nutrition disorders.
- Adverse effects on the immune system, urinary disorder, ectopic pregnancy, urinary tract infection.
FAQs
What are the alternatives for Nexplanon?
Answer: Nexplanon provides long-term protection against pregnancy in females. It is a small rod that rests in the arm. Other ways to avoid pregnancy include using oral contraceptives and condoms.
How to care for the post-removal of Nexplanon from the body?
Answer: The medical practitioners put an elastic bandage after the removal of Nexplanon, which is a must-wear for 24 hours. The pressure dressing must be kept dry. Next, keep a bandage for 3-5 days. Its after-effects include bruising, swelling, discoloration, and pain for some weeks.
Does Nexplanon protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?
Answer: Nexplanon does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Use a condom for protection from such diseases.
Conclusion
Many women experience cramps after Nexplanon removal. Menstrual cramps, muscle cramps, and stomach cramps are common with the usage of Nexplanon. These problems may arise right after the implantation or after the removal. The Ladies who want to give it a try know all about it so that now they may decide on its usage.
