Nexplanon is a hormonal birth control implant that offers a reliable and convenient contraceptive method for women. The implant, inserted in the upper arm, lasts for up to three years and is 99 percent effective. It delivers a small amount of progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone, to prevent pregnancy.
When the time comes to remove Nexplanon, whether due to the end of its effectiveness, a desire to switch birth control methods, or family planning reasons, it's natural to wonder about the changes your body might experience. This article explores the potential effects of Nexplanon removal, focusing particularly on weight loss and other common symptoms.
Nexplanon Removal: A Quick and Simple Procedure
Removing Nexplanon is typically a smooth and relatively painless process, often completed within five minutes. The doctor will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area on the inside part of your upper arm where the implant is located. A small incision is made, and the Nexplanon rod, about the size of a matchstick, is gently pushed toward the incision and removed with tweezers. The cut is then closed, and a pressure bandage is applied to minimize bruising.
Complications during removal are rare and usually not serious. Soreness, swelling, and bruising may occur but generally subside within a couple of weeks.
Potential Side Effects After Nexplanon Removal
Any side effects experienced while using Nexplanon, such as headaches and acne, usually disappear within a week after removal. However, some women may experience a range of symptoms as their bodies readjust to normal hormone levels.
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Hormonal Readjustment and its Effects
Nexplanon contains progestin, which prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. After removal, progestin levels drop, and the body resumes its natural hormonal cycle. Ovulation typically returns within two to six weeks. This hormonal shift can lead to several symptoms:
- Irregular Bleeding: Spotting, breakthrough bleeding, or heavier periods may occur as the body readjusts. These changes usually normalize within a few months.
- Mood Swings: Fluctuations in hormone levels can cause mood swings, irritability, or anxiety, which are generally temporary.
- Breast Tenderness: Breast pain or swelling, similar to premenstrual symptoms, may occur due to hormonal changes.
- Acne Breakouts: Some women experience acne breakouts as Nexplanon's removal can lead to temporary changes in oil levels.
- Headaches: Headaches are a common side effect of hormonal changes and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Other Possible Symptoms
Besides the more common side effects, some women might experience weight fluctuations or changes in appetite after Nexplanon removal. Fatigue and decreased libido are also possible but less frequent. The severity and duration of these symptoms vary depending on individual factors and the length of Nexplanon use.
Weight Loss After Nexplanon Removal: Is It Possible?
Research on the direct link between Nexplanon and weight changes is limited. Some women experience weight gain while using the implant, while others do not. Similarly, weight loss after removal varies among individuals.
One study in Nigeria found a broad variability in weight gain with the use of implants. Since weight gain may be a side effect of using the implant, it's possible that when it's removed, some women could find it easier to lose that weight, similar to how other side effects resolve as well.
Data from self-reported reviews indicates that some women have experienced weight loss after Nexplanon removal. However, it's important to note that individual experiences can vary greatly.
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What to Do After Nexplanon Removal
After Nexplanon removal, your doctor will place sterile bandages over the incision site to prevent infection and wrap your arm with a pressure bandage to control bleeding and bruising. Keep the bandage dry and in place for at least 24 hours. Soreness, bruising, and itching at the site are normal and should subside within a few days.
Considerations for Future Birth Control
Fertility returns quickly after Nexplanon removal, so it's crucial to use another form of birth control immediately if you don't want to get pregnant. If you wish to continue using a birth control implant, a new Nexplanon can be inserted during the same appointment. Discuss your birth control options with your doctor to determine the best method for your needs.
Preparing for Removal
Talking to your doctor beforehand about potential post-removal symptoms can help you feel prepared and manage expectations. Here are some additional tips:
- Discuss Your Plans: Let your doctor know if you plan on switching to another form of birth control or if you're trying to conceive after Nexplanon removal.
- Pain Management: Ask your doctor about pain management options for the removal procedure itself and any potential post-removal soreness.
- Consider a Support System: Having a supportive partner or friend can be helpful as your body adjusts to the hormonal changes after removal.
Nexplanon Compared to Other Birth Control Methods
Birth control implants are highly effective, with a 99 percent success rate. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the most effective birth control method is sterilization surgery, which is permanent. In terms of options that are temporary, the two most effective - causing less than one pregnancy per 100 women - are IUDs and the arm implant. Birth control implants are more effective than other options like oral contraceptives, a patch, a vaginal contractive ring, a diaphragm, sponge with spermicide, cervical cap with spermicide, male condom, and female condom. The product that is least effective, with 28 pregnancies per 100 women, is spermicide alone.
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