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  1. Home
  2. Student Life
  3. Student Services
  4. Health Center

Nexplanon

How It Works

Nexplanon is a hormonal implant containing progesterone. It is a flexible plastic rod the size of a matchstick that is put under the skin of your arm in an office procedure. Implanon prevents pregnancy primarily by suppressing ovulation or release of the egg from a woman’s ovary.

Effectiveness:

Implanon is considered 99.95% effective.

Benefits:

  • Highly effective.
  • Ease of use. Once inserted it provides 3 years of birth control without daily attention.
  • Discreet. Does not require contraceptive supplies. In most users the rod is not visible under the skin.
  • No estrogen and few clinically significant metabolic effects so able to be used by most women even when combined hormonal contraceptives (such as the pill) are contraindicated due to medical concerns.
  • Relief of menstrual cramps.
  • Over time this method is very cost-effective.

Disadvantages:

  • Irregular bleeding that is unpredictable and may include prolonged bleeding, frequent bleeding, infrequent bleeding or no bleeding at all. While not dangerous this side effect can be inconvenient.
  • Minor side effects. While uncommon symptoms such as headache, emotional liability, loss of libido, vaginal dryness and weight gain have been reported.
  • Rare insertion complications such as local skin infection or rod expulsion.
  • Clinician-dependency. Implant must be inserted and removed by a clinician.
  • Lack of protection from sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Initial cost is higher, however many insurance plans will cover the cost of an IUD.

Appointments

Appointments can be made in person or by phone. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call and cancel. Otherwise you will be charged for the visit.

To schedule or cancel appointments, call: 814-898-6217.


This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. This information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

Contraceptive and Pregnancy Services

  • Abstinence
  • Birth Control Pill
  • Combined Hormonal Contraceptive (CHC)
  • Condoms and Spermicides
  • Depo-Provera
  • Emergency Contraceptive Pill
  • IUD - Intra-Uterine Device for Contraception
  • Mini Pill
  • Nexplanon
  • Ring Contraception
  • Sterilization

See Also

  • Health Services
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Behrend highlighted

Penn State Behrend

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, offers the learning opportunities of a major research university in a welcoming, student-centered campus environment.
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