Introduction
Nexplanon is an implantable form of birth control that is inserted into the arm. It consists of a small, sterile, white plastic rod, which is placed under the skin located on the inner side of the upper arm. Its main purpose is to prevent pregnancy and it works in three different ways – by stopping ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus, and thinning the endometrium (uterine lining) – all of which make it difficult for a sperm to reach an egg and fertilize it. As with any other form of contraception, Nexplanon has some potential drawbacks that should be considered before deciding whether or not to use it.
The effectiveness of Nexplanon begins immediately after placement and continues for up to three years after insertion. During this three-year period, Nexplanon will offer up to 99% effective protection against pregnancy if used as directed by your health care provider. After this time period has ended, its effectiveness may start to decrease over time and stop working when the hormone from the device wears off or when it moves from its original position in your arm. It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about when does nexplanon stops working.
What is Nexplanon?
Nexplanon is an implantable contraceptive device. It is a thin, flexible rod that can be inserted into a patient’s arm and provide 99% effective pregnancy prevention for up to three years. Since its insertion does not require a surgical procedure and it provides long-term protection, many women prefer using it over other forms of birth control.
After Nexplanon is inserted, it works by releasing progestogen hormone called etonogestrel – an active metabolite of the naturally occurring female progestogen desogestrel – which prevents ovulation, changes the cervical mucus making it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb and thins the lining of the uterus so a fertilized egg can’t implant itself.
However, after three years have passed since its insertion, the hormones released by Nexplanon decrease and become much less effective in preventing pregnancy. For this reason, after three years have passed researchers recommend that users think about replacing their Nexplanon with a newer model if they want to continue using this form of contraception safely and effectively.
How does Nexplanon work?
Nexplanon is a long-acting reversible contraceptive that is placed and removed in the upper arm by an authorized health care professional. The white etonogestrel implant provides effective contraception by releasing an effective amount of the hormone progestin over three years, inhibiting ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to stop sperm from entering the uterus. After insertion, Nexplanon needs only occasional monitoring to ensure it is working correctly.
It works in five steps:
- The prostaglandins around the insertion site cause mild inflammation and a capillary effect which helps capture the hormone in surrounding tissues.
- The slow release of progesterone prevents ovulation as well as thickening of cervical mucus at the entrance to the uterus that may block sperm from reaching an egg for fertilization.
- The adverse effect on endometrium reduces chances of attachment of fertilized eggs, increasing chances of contraception success rate.
- Receptors inside cells that recognize hormones cause subtle changes in cell metabolism, contributing to contraception effectiveness.
- Ovarian activity is reduced which prevents follicular growth and reduces growth of endometrial glands necessary for periodic build up and shedding seen monthly with natural menstrual cycles.
When does Nexplanon Stop Working?
Nexplanon is a highly effective contraceptive implant that can provide up to five years of protection from unintended pregnancy. It is a small, match-sized rod that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm to prevent pregnancy. It is an extremely reliable option that works well for most women. However, like any contraceptive method, it does have an expiration date.
Below we’ll discuss when Nexplanon stops working and what options are available for when it does:
When the implant is removed
When the Nexplanon implant is removed, it stops working and is no longer effective in preventing pregnancy. The timeline for removal of the implant varies based on a person’s individual needs, as well as their doctor’s recommendation. After removal, most people can expect to ovulate, and then be able to become pregnant within six months of removing the device.
The implant works by releasing a hormone called etonogestrel into your system over a three year period. This hormone works to stop ovulation, and therefore prevents pregnancy even without the presence of other birth control options (such as condoms or pills). It also thickens cervical mucus to further prevent pregnancy. When you opt to remove the Nexplanon implant earlier than prescribed, it is important that your medical provider helps you understand how long protection may continue after removal and determine if other contraceptive methods are necessary after removal or not.
Nexplanon’s effectiveness rate reported by users ranges from 95-99%, making this one of the most reliable contraceptive methods available on today’s market. While some people may experience common side effects such as
- irregular bleeding patterns
- headaches
during use, these symptoms should subside after about 3 months of regular use or sooner according to medical studies conducted on women using this hormonal contraceptive option.
When the implant expires
Nexplanon is a small progestin-only medication that is used for birth control and contraception. It is inserted underneath the skin of your arm as an implant where it remains for up to three years before it needs to be replaced.
When your Nexplanon implant expires, its effectiveness will no longer be reliable, and you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to have it removed and replaced with a new one. It’s important to note that while the expiration date of your implant can vary based on its manufacture date and the time you received it, average use of the implant typically lasts up to three years before requiring a replacement if you are seeking performance-based contraception.
Even if the Nexplanon is not expired yet, removal may be recommended due to side effects or other medical reasons. Such medical reasons may include changes in menstrual bleeding patterns or pain associated with the implantation site or medication side effects such as headaches, mood changes, acne or weight gain. Your healthcare provider will work with you on deciding whether removal of the current implant is necessary prior to replacement.
In general, when inserting a new Nexplanon (or any form of birth control), it’s important to remember that no contraceptive method is 100% effective against pregnancy, so use caution and always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any contraceptive regimen including Nexplanon.
When Nexplanon fails
Reversible contraception methods such as Nexplanon are highly effective when used correctly. However, if Nexplanon fails, an unwanted pregnancy could occur. It is important to understand the circumstances in which Nexplanon may fail and to seek medical attention as soon as possible if pregnancy occurs.
Nexplanon is a long-acting birth control device inserted into the arm for up to three years of protection against unintended pregnancy. It contains hormones that work together to prevent conception. The hormones primarily stop ovulation (the release of an egg for potential fertilization), thicken cervical mucus so that sperm cannot travel into the uterus, and thin the lining of the uterus (endometrium) so that implantation cannot occur.
When improperly inserted, Nexplanon can be displaced from its original position over time resulting in less effective contraception or failure of the device altogether. It may also fail due to extended weight gain or quick weight loss or when using certain medications – including antibiotics – which can potentially interact with Nexplanon’s hormones and make them less effective at combining ovulation or sperm entry into the uterus. You can talk with your physician about these medications before using them while using nexplanon – it is important to consider all possible side effects when taking medication and using birth control devices such as nexoplanon.
If you experience any side effects, have any concerns about your use of a contraceptive device, or believe that you may have become pregnant, consult with your healthcare provider as soon as possible for further guidance on how best to proceed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nexplanon can be expected to provide well over three years of contraceptive efficacy. Many women who use it experience side effects, though these typically improve over time. If you decide to stop using Nexplanon prior to the three-year mark, a healthcare provider can arrange for the device to be removed.
It’s important to note that if you had unprotected intercourse before or during the removal process, it’s possible to become pregnant so other contraception measures may be necessary in these cases.
Remember that as with any medical procedure or product, only your healthcare provider can determine whether Nexplanon is right for you and answer any questions or concerns you may have about its efficacy or potential side effects.