Verified Health Resource

Understanding Nexplanon Insertion

Nexplanon is a small, thin rod that a doctor or nurse places just under the skin of your upper arm to help prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years. It is a safe and effective long-term family planning option that you do not have to think about every day. You would visit a clinic to have the rod inserted by a trained health professional in a quick, simple procedure.

Common Symptoms / Concerns for Nexplanon Insertion

Mild pain or soreness at the insertion site on the upper arm
Bruising or swelling around the area where the rod was placed
Irregular periods or changes in your monthly bleeding pattern
Lighter or heavier periods than usual
Spotting or light bleeding between periods
No period at all for several months
Headaches, especially in the first few weeks after insertion
Mood changes or feeling more emotional than usual
Tender or sore breasts
Slight weight gain after the implant is placed

When to Seek Professional Care

Book an evaluation with a healthcare provider immediately if you experience or present with:

  • You can no longer feel the rod under your skin after it was inserted
  • The insertion site becomes red, hot, swollen, or is leaking fluid — signs of infection
  • You have severe pain in your arm that does not improve after a few days
  • You think you might be pregnant while the implant is in place
  • You experience heavy, non-stop bleeding that soaks more than one pad per hour
  • You develop severe headaches, chest pain, or difficulty breathing
  • The rod appears to be moving or feels like it is coming out through the skin

What to Expect During Your Medical Consultation

When you come in for your Nexplanon insertion, the doctor or nurse will first go over your medical history to make sure the procedure is right for you. They will then clean your upper arm and apply a numbing medicine so you feel little to no pain before gently inserting the small rod just under the skin. The whole procedure is quick, and you will be able to go home the same day.

Medical Divisions Vetted for Nexplanon Insertion

Our platform supports multiple clinical specialties capable of providing consultations for this visit type:

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Nexplanon Insertion consultations:

Sexually transmitted disease (STD)

Also known as: STD, sexually transmitted disease

Vaginal Discharge & STI

Sherika

Sherika Abdurahim

150

per visit

Prime: ₵135

Accra5(2)
Highly Rated♥ Loyal PatientsVirtual

I stay at Achimota Mile 7 , married with 2 kid, completed med school in 2020, currently working at ugmc at Obs and gynae

Next available — thu, Jul 23

Lilian

Lilian Micah-Bondzie

200

per visit

Prime: ₵180

TodayVirtual

•Member of Ghana College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists •Member of West Africa College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist

Next available — tue, Jul 21

Nana-K

Nana-K Osei

150

per visit

Prime: ₵135

Accra4.42(24)
Today♥ Loyal PatientsVirtual

A Senior Specialist Obstetrician & Gynaecologist with a passion for helping women achieve reproductive health and safely deliver their dream babies 👶🏽 Find me on tiktok @TheGynaepreneur!

Next available — tue, Jul 21

Josephine

Josephine Idowu

150

per visit

Prime: ₵135

Legon4.82(17)
Today♥ Loyal PatientsVirtual

I’m a medical doctor working in obstetrics and gynecology. My passion is women and all things related to women. Im married with a child for now and currently working at University of Ghana Medical Centre

Next available — tue, Jul 21

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Nexplanon implant prevent pregnancy?

The small rod releases a hormone called progestogen slowly into your body. This hormone stops your body from releasing an egg each month, so there is no egg for sperm to fertilise. It also thickens the fluid at the entrance to the womb, making it harder for sperm to get through. When used correctly, it is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Does the insertion procedure hurt?

The doctor or nurse will inject a small amount of numbing medicine into your upper arm before inserting the rod, so you should feel little to no pain during the procedure. You may feel some soreness, bruising, or swelling at the site for a few days afterwards. Taking a mild painkiller like paracetamol can help with any discomfort.

Will my periods change after getting the implant?

Yes, it is very common for your periods to change after Nexplanon is inserted. Some women have lighter periods or no periods at all, while others may have irregular spotting or longer bleeding. These changes are not harmful, but if the bleeding is very heavy or does not settle after a few months, speak to your doctor.

How long does the implant last, and can it be removed early?

Nexplanon works for up to 3 years. After 3 years, it must be removed or replaced by a trained health worker. If you change your mind and want to get pregnant sooner, or if you experience side effects, the implant can be removed at any time before the 3 years are up. Your fertility should return quickly after removal.

Does the Nexplanon implant protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

No, the Nexplanon implant only prevents pregnancy — it does not protect you from STIs such as HIV, gonorrhoea, or chlamydia. To protect yourself from STIs, you should also use a condom every time you have sex. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about STIs.

Schedule Consultations

Get connected with local doctors. Instantly schedule appointments for Nexplanon Insertion on our HIPAA-compliant, telehealth-enabled platform.

Clinical Divisions
Clinical Governance

Our guides are reviewed by internal medical advisory boards to uphold patient guidelines and reference certified therapies.

Your doctor is only an appointment away.

Feeling unwell? Our friendly healthcare professionals are here to listen, advise, and care for you. Just open the app for quick, expert help. No stress, no fuss.