How Does Nexplanon Provide Long-Term Birth Control in Eugene, OR?

Nexplanon is a small, flexible birth control implant placed just beneath the skin of the upper arm. The matchstick-sized implant contains etonogestrel, a progestin hormone, and does not contain estrogen.

The implant primarily prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, which means an egg is not released from the ovary. It also thickens cervical mucus to make it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg and produces changes in the uterine lining.

At Pacific Women’s Center, patients can receive guidance about how Nexplanon works, what insertion involves, and whether a progestin-only contraceptive fits their health needs. Nexplanon does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so condoms may still be recommended when STI protection is needed.

Nexplanon is currently FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy for up to five years. Its approved duration was extended from three years to five years in January 2026, and the implant should be removed or replaced by the end of the fifth year.

During the extended-use clinical study covering years four and five, no pregnancies were reported among participants, and no new safety findings were identified. However, no birth control method is completely risk-free, and individual results may depend on correct insertion and other health factors.

Pacific Women’s Center can help patients track their implant placement date and plan removal or replacement before its approved duration ends. Patients should also contact our team if they cannot feel the implant, believe it has shifted, or experience concerning symptoms.

One important benefit of Nexplanon is convenience. Once inserted, it provides continuous pregnancy prevention without requiring a patient to remember a daily pill, change a weekly patch, use contraception during every sexual encounter, or schedule frequent injections.

Nexplanon is highly effective, reversible, discreet, and free of estrogen. It may be suitable for some patients who prefer a long-acting method or cannot use estrogen-containing contraception, although eligibility must be determined through an individualized medical evaluation.

Pacific Women’s Center helps patients compare the implant with birth control pills, injections, intrauterine devices, patches, rings, and barrier methods. The discussion may also cover possible disadvantages, including unpredictable spotting, prolonged bleeding, lighter periods, or the absence of periods, because bleeding changes are common with the implant.

Nexplanon can be removed before the end of its five-year duration whenever a patient wants to become pregnant, change contraceptive methods, or discontinue the implant. Removal must be performed by a healthcare professional who has been trained in the correct procedure.

During removal, our team locates the implant, numbs the area, makes a small opening, and carefully takes out the rod. A new implant may be placed when appropriate, or the patient can begin another birth control method to avoid a gap in pregnancy protection.

Pacific Women’s Center can discuss replacement contraception before removal so the transition matches the patient’s reproductive plans. Fertility can return rapidly after the implant is removed, making timely contraceptive planning important for anyone who does not wish to become pregnant.

Pacific Women’s Center can provide a personalized contraceptive consultation for patients considering Nexplanon in Eugene, OR. During the consultation, our team considers the patient’s overall health, medications, past contraceptive use, menstrual cycle, desired length of pregnancy protection, and future reproductive plans.

Our team can explain Nexplanon’s five-year duration, effectiveness, insertion and removal process, expected bleeding changes, possible side effects, and situations in which another contraceptive method may be more appropriate. Patients can also ask questions about comfort, recovery, follow-up care, and how the implant may affect their periods.

This personalized consultation allows each patient to explore how Nexplanon compares with other contraceptive methods based on health needs, lifestyle, and future pregnancy plans. A medical consultation is essential because the most suitable birth control method depends on personal health considerations, lifestyle needs, treatment preferences, and reproductive goals. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 911 Country Club Rd. Suite 222, Eugene, OR 97401. We proudly serve patients from Eugene OR, Whiteaker OR, Hendricks Park OR, Springfield OR, River Rd OR, North Springfield OR, Western OR, Fir Grove OR, Bethel-Danebo OR, and the surrounding areas.