I’ve had Nexplanon for almost 8.5 years, currently on my third implant which is due to be replaced in December.

*The insertion & removal process is typically quick, easy, and painless as they numb the area beforehand. But, afterwards, once the numbness wears off, ur arm will be sore & will likely bruise… this should improve over the first few days, but can sometimes take up to 1-2 weeks to completely go away.

*It’s 99.9% effective.

*Per the manufacturers & FDA, it’s effective for 3 years at a time. (Apparently newer studies show it *may* last 4/5 years, so some places, including planned parenthood, are prescribing them for that long… but, the manufacturers & FDA have NOT approved of that yet!).

* It’s a progesterone/progestin-only method, which are most known for causing irregular bleeding/spotting patterns. That can include longer time frames with or without bleeding (including no bleeding at all), random bleeding, frequent bleeding, lighter bleeding, or heavier bleeding, at any given time. It just depends on how ur individual body reacts to the implant.

* it’s also possible & normal to experience other common side effects at any given time as well, whether u bleed/spot or not.

*like any hormonal birth control, one of the possible side effects is changes in ur sex drive. Or, it may not affect it at all. In my personal experience, it’s increased my sex drive.

* the hormone level starts slowly decreasing after the first year or two, which can result in side effects, including changes in bleeding patterns. It also decreases the closer it gets to expiring, which again, can result in side affects. That said, this does NOT lessen it’s effectiveness against pregnancy!! It’s still 99.9% effective until it actually expires.

If there’s anything else that comes to my mind, I’ll add it. And, feel free to ask me any questions u may have (definitely ask ur doctor as well!).

Sex Education