Nexplanon Insertion | Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
At Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates, we believe birth control should fit seamlessly into your life, not the other way around. Nexplanon is one of the most effective, low-maintenance forms of contraception available, and our OB/GYN specialists are here to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you and to make the insertion process as comfortable and straightforward as possible.
Choosing a birth control method is a personal decision, and you deserve a provider who takes the time to answer your questions honestly. To schedule a Nexplanon consultation or insertion in Wellesley, call (781) 235-4000, or request an appointment online.
What Is Nexplanon?
Nexplanon is a small, flexible birth control implant, about the size of a matchstick, that your provider places just beneath the skin of your upper arm. Once inserted, it releases a steady, low dose of the hormone progestin, which prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. It’s more than 99% effective, works for up to five years, and can be removed at any time if you decide you’re ready to try to conceive or switch methods.
Nexplanon is a great option for anyone who wants highly effective, long-term birth control without having to think about it every day or every month. Unlike the pill, there’s no daily routine to remember, and unlike some other methods, it doesn’t require ongoing maintenance once it’s in place.
What Happens After Your Nexplanon Insertion?
Many women experience changes to their menstrual cycle after getting Nexplanon, including lighter periods, irregular spotting, or in some cases, no period at all. These changes are common and not usually a sign of a problem, but we encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns. During your consultation and after the insertion process, your provider will let you know when to expect your implant to be effective right away versus when backup contraception may be needed, depending on where you are in your cycle at the time of insertion. We’re also here whenever you’re ready to have the implant removed or replaced, whether that’s in five years or sooner.
What Should I Expect During My Nexplanon Insertion?
Before your insertion, your Brigham Wellesley specialist will talk with you about your medical history, history with birth control, and family planning, and will answer any questions you have about how Nexplanon works, what side effects to expect, and whether it’s the right fit for your body and lifestyle. We want you to feel fully informed and comfortable before moving forward.
On the day of your procedure, your doctor will perform the following:
- Preparing Your Arm: Your specialist will clean and numb a small area on the inside of your non-dominant upper arm using a local anesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel more than a quick pinch.
- Placing the Implant: Using a specially designed, pre-loaded applicator, your provider will insert the Nexplanon rod just under the skin. The insertion itself typically takes less than a minute.
- Confirming Placement: Your provider will check that the implant is properly placed by feeling for it beneath the skin, and you’ll be shown how to check for it yourself at home.
- Aftercare: A small bandage and pressure dressing will be applied to your arm. You may have some bruising, swelling, or tenderness at the site for a few days, which is normal and typically resolves quickly.
Most patients are able to return to their normal activities the same day, though we recommend avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous use of that arm for the first 24 hours.
Why Do Patients Choose Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates for Nexplanon Insertion?
Since 1963, we have been a trusted leader in women’s health care. Today, we carry this established excellence forward while reimagining what women’s wellness looks and feels like. We offer comprehensive, full-spectrum gynecological and obstetric care in an environment designed for comfort, calming, and emotional safety. Our specialists are committed to treating the whole woman, ensuring you feel heard, respected, and fully informed before, during, and after your procedure. Whether this is your first time considering long-acting birth control or you’re switching methods, we’re here to guide you through every step.
Schedule Your Nexplanon Consultation Today at Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
At Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates, our specialists are proud to offer the individualized, supportive care today’s women need from their doctors. To schedule your Nexplanon consultation or insertion in Wellesley, call (781) 235-4000 or request an appointment online.
Nexplanon Insertion FAQs
Does Nexplanon insertion hurt?
Your provider will numb the area with a local anesthetic before inserting the implant, so you should only feel a quick pinch during the numbing and some pressure during insertion. Any soreness afterwards is usually mild and short-lived, and bruising or swelling usually goes away after a few days.
How long does Nexplanon last?
Nexplanon is approved for up to five years of use, though your provider can remove or replace it sooner if you’d like to switch methods for any reason or start trying to conceive.
Will Nexplanon affect my period?
Many women notice changes to their menstrual cycle, including lighter, irregular, or absent periods. These changes are common and not harmful, but we’re happy to talk through what to expect based on your health history. If something feels off to you, do not hesitate to reach out for clarification. There are no “dumb questions” when it comes to contraceptive health and your peace of mind.
How soon after insertion is Nexplanon effective?
Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle when the implant is placed, it may be effective immediately, or you may need to use backup contraception for a short period. Your provider will let you know what applies to you.
Is Nexplanon removal difficult?
Nexplanon removal is a quick, in-office procedure similar to insertion. Your provider will numb the area, make a small incision, and gently remove the implant.