Nexplanon: the Bullet Birth Control

After the fiasco of my short-lived IUD, which I discussed in this blog post, I started to look into other forms of “hands-off” birth control or birth control that, once inserted, I wouldn’t have to worry about anymore. Besides the IUD, there were two main other forms that fell into this category: the NuvaRing and Nexplanon. From my understanding, the NuvaRing is inserted into the vagina once a month and then discarded and replaced. As a menstrual cup user, I wasn’t afraid of having to get intimate down there while inserting the ring, however, the waste generation of this product turned me off to it. I assume it has at least as much packaging as birth control pills, and then the ring itself is thrown out monthly. My other option became the front-runner: Nexplanon.

What is Nexplanon?

Nexplanon, the most common brand of “implant” birth control, injects into the tricep region of either arm. The implant itself is a rod about two inches long and about the diameter of a Capri Sun straw. Over three years, the implant seeps hormones into your blood to stop ovulation and prevent sperm from entering the uterus. After these three years, it must be replaced or removed.

Insertion and Removal

Yes, I did use the word “inject” when describing how it is inserted. After the doctor injects local anesthetic into the implant region, and a plastic device is positioned over the numbed area to prepare for the injection. The doctor depresses a trigger, and the rod shoots into the arm right under the skin…like a bullet, hence the name of the article. I KNOW this sounds ridiculously painful and terrifying. I won’t lie; I would not recommend this if you are afraid of needles or injections- even though the area is numbed and I consider myself to be brave, this was an uneasy experience.

For the removal of Nexplanon, the area the doctor will numb the area, and a small incision is made at the base of the rod. After the skin is breeched, the doctor will use a tool to pinch the rod and pull it out, and the cut is bandaged shut.

Despite the seemingly horrifying insertion and removal process, getting my Nexplanon proved to be about ten times less painful than getting my IUD. Even though the Nexplanon lasts half as long as my IUD was supposed to, I would choose the arm implant Every. Single. Time. Although the recovery for the Nexplanon was more uncomfortable due to the healing entry wound and tenderness, this pain paled compared to the cramps I endured with my IUD.

Side Effects

Despite how magically I’ve been describing Nexplanon, many women elect to remove the implant sooner than the three-year mark due to the side effects. Of course, the regular birth control side effects are still present, such as mood swings and depression, but many women complain about weight gain and irregular periods while using Nexplanon. I have only had one period since my insertion, so I can’t speak on the irregularity, but I have noticed some pretty severe mood swings, but so far they haven’t impeded my daily responsibilities or goals. I’ll be sure to come and update this article if I notice any other side effects. Additionally, although this isn’t really a side effect, you can feel the implant through your skin; it feels like what it is- a rod that is lodged under your skin. I honestly think it’s really neat, and I enjoy showing it to people.

Is Nexplanon for You?

Due to the intimidating insertion and removal process, I would not recommend Nexplanon to all women. The only reason I tried this form of birth control was because of the failure of my IUD. So far, I have been satisfied with my Nexplanon, so I am fortunate I happened to get one. If you are someone who has struggled with IUDs, but want something long term and “hands-off”, I certainly recommend Nexplanon if you are comfortable with the insertion process. To more clearly outline the benefits and negatives of Nexplanon to determine if it’s right for you, I have created this handy chart:

Pros	Cons
Lasts for three years Less painful than IUD insertion (for me) Doesn’t have a chance of falling out like an IUD Generates less waste than other forms of birth control 99% effective at preventing pregnany	Doesn’t last as long as an IUD Requires needle injection for numbing and implant insertion Requires incision and numbing for removal Chance for irregular periods, mood swings, and weight gain