The birth control implant, such as Nexplanon, is a highly effective and convenient form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). This small, flexible rod, inserted under the skin of the upper arm, continuously releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for up to three to five years. While popular for its ease of use and efficacy, the implant eventually needs removal due to expiration, a desire for pregnancy, or changing contraceptive needs. The removal process is a straightforward procedure performed by trained medical professionals.
Finding a Qualified Healthcare Provider
Locating a qualified healthcare provider is the initial step for implant removal. Obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) are specialists in women’s reproductive health and are highly experienced in both the insertion and removal of contraceptive implants. Family planning clinics, such as Planned Parenthood or local health department clinics, also specialize in reproductive health services. These clinics often provide implant removal services, sometimes at reduced costs or on a sliding scale, making them an accessible option. General practitioners or family doctors who have received specific training and certification can also remove implants, particularly if they were the providers who initially inserted the device.
To find a suitable provider, individuals can begin by contacting their insurance company to inquire about in-network options and coverage for the removal procedure. Online provider search tools, often available through insurance websites or health organization directories, can also help locate trained professionals in the area. Additionally, the implant manufacturer’s website may offer a list of certified providers.
The Removal Procedure and Recovery
The implant removal procedure is typically quick, often taking less than five minutes. The healthcare provider first cleans the area on the inner upper arm where the implant is located. A local anesthetic is then administered to numb the skin, ensuring the patient feels only a slight pinch or stinging sensation. After the area is numb, the provider makes a small incision near the end of the implant. The implant is then gently pushed towards the incision and extracted using small forceps.
Once the implant is removed, the incision is closed, often with sterile strips or a single stitch, and covered with a small bandage and a pressure bandage. Following the procedure, mild discomfort, soreness, or bruising at the removal site is common and usually resolves within a few days. The pressure bandage should be kept on for 24 hours, and the site should be kept clean and dry for three to five days.
Fertility can return quickly after removal, often within a week, as hormone levels drop rapidly. Menstrual cycles may take a few months to return to their pre-implant pattern, and temporary hormonal changes like mood swings or breast tenderness may occur as the body adjusts.
Important Considerations Before Your Appointment
Before the implant removal appointment, consider future contraception options. Discussing immediate or alternative birth control methods with the provider is important, especially if pregnancy is not desired immediately after removal. This ensures continuous protection.
Understanding the financial aspects of the procedure is also beneficial. Patients should check with their insurance provider beforehand to determine coverage, as many plans cover birth control services, including removal, with no out-of-pocket costs. If insurance coverage is limited or absent, inquiring about the cost of the removal procedure directly with the clinic is a practical step.
Preparing a list of questions for the healthcare provider can also be helpful. These questions might pertain to the specifics of the procedure, post-removal expectations, or potential hormonal changes. Arranging transportation is rarely necessary due to the minimal downtime, but can provide peace of mind.