Lapeer · Rochester Hills · Telehealth
Nexplanon
(Implant)
The Most Maintenance-Free Contraception Available — What to Know
Nexplanon is a small, flexible rod implanted just under the skin of the upper arm that provides highly effective contraception for up to three years. It requires no pills, no appointments, no thought. Once placed, it simply works. For women who want the most maintenance-free, effective contraception available, the implant is the clearest choice.
Dr. Ramona D. Andrei, MD, PhD, FACOG places and removes Nexplanon implants at both our Lapeer and Rochester Hills offices.
Board-certified gynecology & minimally invasive surgery · Most major insurances accepted
Serving Lapeer County & Oakland County
Nexplanon is a 4 cm flexible rod containing etonogestrel (a progestin) that is inserted subdermally in the inner upper arm using a pre-loaded applicator. It releases a low, steady dose of etonogestrel that suppresses ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and thins the uterine lining. The procedure takes approximately one minute. The implant is not visible but can be felt under the skin. It is effective immediately when placed within 5 days of the start of the menstrual period, and within 7 days otherwise with backup contraception recommended.
With a failure rate of less than 0.1 percent per year — among the lowest of any contraceptive method — Nexplanon provides outstanding contraceptive protection with no user action required after placement. Fertility returns promptly after removal, typically within weeks.
Bleeding Pattern Changes — The Most Important Consideration
The most common reason women discontinue Nexplanon is unpredictable bleeding. In the first year, approximately 1 in 5 women experience no bleeding at all, 1 in 3 have infrequent or light bleeding, 1 in 5 have frequent or prolonged bleeding, and the remainder have a fairly normal pattern. The unpredictability of bleeding — rather than simply reduced or absent periods — is what leads some women to request removal. The bleeding pattern tends to improve after the first year for most women who continue. Counseling about expected bleeding changes before insertion is a critical component of informed consent for Nexplanon.
Placement Procedure
The placement procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia and takes approximately one minute. A pre-loaded applicator inserts the rod subdermally in the inner upper arm. A small bandage is applied; there is no suturing. Minor bruising at the insertion site is common and resolves within days. Most women return to normal activities immediately after placement.
Removal
Removal is performed in the office under local anesthesia with a small incision over the implant and removal with forceps. Removal typically takes 5 to 10 minutes when the implant is in the correct subdermal position. Impalpable implants that have migrated require ultrasound or imaging guidance for localization before removal. Fertility returns promptly after removal.
Who Is a Good Candidate
Nexplanon is an excellent option for women who want highly effective, completely maintenance-free contraception; women who have difficulty with daily pill adherence; women who want a progestin-only method without the daily window requirement of the mini-pill; and women who cannot use estrogen-containing methods. It is appropriate for most women including adolescents and nulliparous women.
Dr. Andrei places and removes Nexplanon at both our Lapeer and Rochester Hills offices. No referral required.
Schedule a Gynecologic VisitEducational purposes only. Not medical advice. Content reviewed by Dr. Ramona D. Andrei, MD PhD FACOG.
Gynecologic care for women of every age
Lapeer Women’s Health — Rochester Hills
2710 S Rochester Rd, Suite 2
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Serving patients in Lapeer, Rochester Hills, and surrounding communities throughout Southeast Michigan.