Key features of the Nexplanon implant

The Nexplanon implant has several key features that may be considered beneficial.

• Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)
  Nexplanon is a form of LARC that is recommended by National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence as a potential means of reducing the number of unintended pregnancies in the UK.^{2, 3}
• Reliable contraception for up to 3 years
  Nexplanon is a very effective (>99%) contraceptive method that provides consistent contraceptive cover for up to 3 years.^{1, 6} Nexplanon primarily inhibits ovulation, with additional secondary contraceptive effects.^{1, 10}
• Progestogen-only method of contraception
  Nexplanon contains only the progestogen etonogestrel and no estrogen. Nexplanon is therefore suitable for women who are not able, or who do not want, to take estrogen-containing contraceptives.^{15, 16}
• Radiopaque implant
  The Nexplanon implant is radiopaque enabling localisation by X-ray and CT Scan.¹
• Simple to insert and remove after training
  The insertion and removal of Nexplanon by a trained healthcare professional is a relatively quick process, making it suitable for use in a primary care setting.^{5, 17}
• Easy to switch to from no or another form of contraception
  Starting or switching to Nexplanon is easy, with the timing dependant on whether or not hormonal contraception is currently being used and the type.¹
• Generally well tolerated
  As a progestogen-only form of contraception, Nexplanon may be associated with changes to menstrual bleeding. However, Nexplanon is generally well tolerated and any bleeding irregularities should lessen with time^{7, 8} and may be managed by good pre-insertion counselling.^{11, 18–21}
• Good user acceptability
  Nexplanon does not interfere with sexual spontaneity and its use is independent of any regular user action. Nexplanon is also associated with good user acceptability and compliance and continuation rates.²² 
• Rapid return of fertility after removal
  Fertility rapidly returns after the removal of the Nexplanon implant, which is commensurate with a woman’s age and her levels of fertility before the implant was inserted.^{6, 8–10, 23}
• Cost-effective contraception
  The contraceptive implant is more cost-effective than combined oral contraceptives even at 1 year of use.^{2, 14}
   

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