Nexplanon is a brand-name birth control implant that’s prescribed to help prevent pregnancy. It contains the active ingredient etonogestrel. Nexplanon is not meant to be used during pregnancy, but it may be safe to use during breastfeeding.
Keep reading for specific information about reproductive health and Nexplanon. For a comprehensive look at Nexplanon, see this article.
Nexplanon is a birth control device. It’s approved to help prevent pregnancy, so you should not use it during pregnancy.
It’s important to note that no birth control is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. Nexplanon is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. So, if you’re sexually active, there’s a very small chance that you can become pregnant while using Nexplanon.
If you find out that you’re pregnant while you’re using Nexplanon, your doctor will likely remove your implant. However, studies haven’t shown developmental problems in children who were exposed to Nexplanon during early pregnancy.
If you have questions about Nexplanon and pregnancy, talk with your doctor.
Nexplanon and fertility
Nexplanon is meant to help prevent pregnancy. After your doctor removes the device, your fertility (ability to become pregnant) should return to its usual level.
In clinical trials, some people were able to become pregnant as early as 7 days after having their etonogestrel implant removed.
If you have questions about your fertility after removing Nexplanon, talk with your doctor. To learn about how Nexplanon is inserted and removed, see this article.
Nexplanon is likely safe to use while breastfeeding.
Etonogestrel is known to pass into breast milk. So a child who is breastfed will likely be exposed to the drug. However, clinical trials have not shown developmental problems in children who were breastfed and exposed to Nexplanon.
Etonogestrel is also known to decrease breast milk production. If you’re breastfeeding or concerned about how much breast milk you’re producing, talk with your doctor before getting Nexplanon. You and your doctor can decide if Nexplanon is right for you.
Nexplanon is a form of hormonal birth control that’s implanted (inserted) in your arm. It’s approved to help prevent pregnancy.
You shouldn’t need to use any other forms of birth control when you’re using Nexplanon unless:
- it’s the first week after your doctor implants Nexplanon
- you need to take certain medications
In these cases, talk with your doctor about the best form of birth control for you. For more details about using Nexplanon, view this article. To learn about what drugs interact with Nexplanon, see this article.
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