Nexplanon is a type of birth control called a long-acting reversible contraceptive, or LARC, implanted under the skin of the upper arm. This small, flexible rod releases the progestin hormone etonogestrel to prevent pregnancy. When you decide to start a family, a healthcare provider can remove the Nexplanon implant in a simple procedure. Understanding the body’s recovery timeline and implementing targeted strategies can help maximize the chance of a rapid pregnancy.
Immediate Post-Removal Expectations
The active hormone in Nexplanon, etonogestrel, clears from the body very quickly once the implant is removed. Because this hormone does not suppress the menstrual cycle long-term, fertility can return almost immediately. Some individuals may ovulate and become pregnant within a week or two of the removal procedure. While the hormone clears fast, the return of a regular, predictable menstrual cycle may take longer. For most people, the pre-implant cycle pattern typically resumes within about three months. During this adjustment period, the first few cycles may be irregular or even anovulatory, meaning ovulation does not occur.
Maximizing Conception Chances
The most effective strategy for conceiving quickly is identifying and timing intercourse around the fertile window. This window is the six-day interval ending on the day of ovulation. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, meaning intercourse in the days leading up to ovulation offers the best chance of fertilization. Tracking physical signs is a detailed way to pinpoint the fertile window, even before a regular cycle returns. Monitoring cervical mucus is one method, where a clear, stretchy, “egg-white” consistency indicates peak fertility. Another precise technique is using ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), which detect a surge in Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in urine 12 to 36 hours before an egg is released. Basal body temperature (BBT) charting can also confirm ovulation retroactively. To maximize sperm availability, a frequency of intercourse every one to two days during the fertile window is recommended. Consistent cycle tracking and regular intercourse are the most direct actions for a fast conception.
Supporting Fertility Through Lifestyle
While tracking methods focus on timing, general health preparations support a receptive environment for pregnancy. Starting a prenatal vitamin that contains at least 400 micrograms of folic acid is recommended immediately upon planning conception. Folic acid supports the baby’s neural tube development, and it is beneficial to have adequate levels built up before pregnancy is established. Maintaining a healthy weight, which is neither underweight nor overweight, contributes to the hormonal balance necessary for regular ovulation. Excessive body fat or too little can disrupt signals between the brain and the ovaries. Moderate, consistent exercise supports overall health. Managing stress levels is also helpful, as chronic stress can elevate cortisol, which may interfere with reproductive hormones. Simple practices like sufficient sleep or mindfulness can help mitigate stress.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
While many people conceive quickly after Nexplanon removal, knowing when to seek professional guidance is important. If you are under the age of 35 and have not become pregnant after 12 months of timed, unprotected intercourse, a consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended. This timeline shortens to six months if you are 35 or older. Contact a doctor sooner if your menstrual cycles do not return within three to six months following the implant removal. This check can rule out other underlying health conditions that may be affecting ovulation. Immediate consultation is also necessary if you have a known pre-existing reproductive condition or experience severe pelvic pain.