How to get the Implant
Where can I get the birth control implant?
The implant has to be put in your arm by a doctor or nurse who knows how to do it. Call your gynecologist, or your local BFLA Center to find out more.
How is the implant inserted?
First, your doctor or nurse will ask you some questions about your health to see if the implant is a good method for you. They may also give you a physical exam.
The doctor or nurse gives you a shot to numb a small area of your arm. Then, they use a special inserter tool to slide the implant under your skin. Putting the implant in only takes a few minutes.
How does it feel to get an implant inserted?
Most people just feel a little pinch or stinging when they get the numbing shot. After that, you shouldn't be able to feel the implant being inserted. After the pain medication has worn off, your arm may ache a little where the implant was inserted, but it goes away quickly.
You may have some tenderness or swelling around the implant for a few days and it may look bruised for a week or two. Your doctor or nurse will tell you how to wash and take care of the skin around your implant for the first couple of days.
How soon after getting the implant can I have sex?
You can have sex right away after getting the implant. But if you don't get the implant during the first 5 days of your period, you should use some other type of birth control (like condoms) for the first week after getting your implant. (If you do get the implant during the first 5 days of your period, you're protected from pregnancy right away.)
When should I get the birth control implant removed?
The implant works for 3 years, and a nurse or doctor must remove it once it expires. You can also get your implant taken out any time before then if you want to get pregnant or stop using it.
If your implant has expired and you still don't want to get pregnant, you need to replace it (or pick another birth control method). You can get a new implant when you have the old one removed.
How does it feel to get the birth control implant removed?
The implant removal only takes a few minutes, but the process is a little longer than getting it put in.
Just like with the insertion, a doctor or nurse gives you a shot to numb a small area of your arm. Then they make a small cut and remove the implant. You usually just feel a little pinch or stinging when you get the numbing shot. After that, it shouldn't hurt when they make the incision or take the implant out.
If you want to continue using Nexplanon, you can get another implant put in during the removal of your old one.
How soon can I get pregnant after getting the implant removed?
It's possible to get pregnant right away. If you get your implant removed and you don't want to get pregnant, use another method of birth control.
What should I expect after I get my implant removed?
Overall, you should feel completely normal after getting your implant taken out. Your arm may feel tender or swollen around where the implant was for a few days. It may look bruised for a week or two. Your doctor or nurse will tell you how to wash and take care of your skin for a couple of days after removal.
Unless you start another hormonal birth control method after removing the implant, your period will go back to how it was before you got the implant.