Can You Get Pregnant the Day Your Nexplanon Expires?
Can You Get Pregnant the Day Your Nexplanon Expires?
Quora offers a wealth of information and perspectives that can be quite surprising. For instance, regarding Nexplanon, the highly effective hormonal birth control implant, there are certain nuances to consider. Here's an explanation based on healthcare advice provided to patients:
Understanding the Risks
Your healthcare provider can remove the implant at any time. According to the information provided, you can become pregnant as early as the first week after removal of the NEXPLANON implant. If you do not want to get pregnant after the removal, it's recommended to start another form of birth control immediately.
Assessing Pregnancy Risks
Your question is slightly different in that you're wondering about pregnancy risk when the implant is still in place. Logically, there would be a debate about a grace period beyond three months, but if you have concerns about pregnancy, it might be wise to add an alternate birth control method, have the implant removed, and a new one inserted.
Technically, you can get pregnant on any day when using Nexplanon. The birth control implant is highly effective at averting pregnancy, with a success rate of over 99 percent. However, like any contraceptive, there is a possibility of failure. The worry is often not about the exact day of expiration but rather a cumulative risk over time.
The NEXPLANON Expiration Date
Nexplanon is manufactured by Organon, and they provide an expiration date of three years after insertion. This may seem overly cautious and is likely an estimate aimed at ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements rather than a strict limit. Several studies suggest that implants remain equally effective beyond three years, extending to at least five years.
Prolonging Implant Effectiveness
Research indicates that implants continue to be highly effective well beyond the initial three-year mark. In a 2020 study by the World Health Organization (WHO), it was found that the failure rate remains below one percent even in the fourth and fifth years of use. This underscores the long-term reliability of Nexplanon.
To mitigate potential risks and ensure peace of mind, it's advisable to schedule an appointment to have your implant changed. While there's no urgent necessity, regular check-ups are a good practice in any medical field, and this applies to hormonal contraceptive implants as well.
Conclusion
While the immediate risk of pregnancy on the date of expiration isn't any higher than at any other time, prudent healthcare practices suggest maintaining regular check-ups and ensuring your birth control method remains effective. By staying informed and proactive, you can significantly reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.