Birth Control Implant Cost and FAQ: What to Know About Nexplanon

Nexplanon is a small, flexible birth control implant that goes just under the skin of your upper arm and prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years. Placement takes a few minutes, and we use local anesthesia to numb your arm before starting the process. It’s available at carafem health centers in Atlanta, and the Chicago, and Washington, DC areas. Insurance may cover your visit and implant. We accept Medicaid at our Chicago-area and Washington, DC-area health centers. Without insurance, Nexplanon costs $1200, plus a $185 insertion fee at carafem. If your needs change or you want to try a different form of birth control, a provider can remove it at any time.

How much does the birth control implant cost? 

Without insurance, the Nexplanon implant costs $1200 at carafem, plus a $185 insertion fee. With insurance, your visit and the implant may be covered depending on your plan. carafem accepts insurance from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, and Medicaid at our Chicago-area and Washington, DC-area health centers. Please call us at (855) 729-2272 at least 24 business hours before your appointment so we can check your insurance benefits and provide an estimate of what you’ll pay.

How can I get the implant for less without insurance? 

If you don't have insurance, you may qualify for Medicaid and a discounted cost. carafem accepts Medicaid at our Chicago-area and Washington, DC-area health centers. You may also qualify for a discounted Nexplanon implant through the Direct Relief program if you meet income guidelines. Requests are reviewed case by case, availability may vary, and getting an implant through the program can take a couple of weeks. Call us at (855) 729-2272 to learn more. 

If you're not ready for an implant yet or would like to explore a lower-cost option, you can learn more here about other birth control options we offer. You can also call (855) 729-2272 to talk through what you'd pay before you schedule your appointment. 

How is the implant placed and removed?

Your provider places Nexplanon, a small, flexible rod about the size of a matchstick, just under the skin of your inner upper arm. They numb the area with a local anesthetic before inserting or removing it. Each procedure takes a few minutes. To remove the implant, your provider makes a small opening in the skin and takes out the implant. During your appointment, we’ll walk you through each step so you know what to expect. Looking for Nexplanon near me? Find a carafem health center that offers implant insertion and removal.

How long does it take to place an implant?

Your appointment at carafem usually takes less than an hour, and placing the Nexplanon implant takes just a few minutes. The rest of your visit includes reviewing your medical history, answering your questions, and preparing for the procedure.

Does getting the implant hurt? 

Everyone experiences pain differently, but most people feel pressure rather than pain when the Nexplanon implant is placed. Your provider will numb the area with a local anesthetic before inserting the implant to help keep you comfortable.

Afterward, it's normal to have some soreness, bruising, or tenderness around the insertion site for a few days. Your provider will walk you through the process and answer any questions before getting started.

What is Nexplanon removal like? 

Similar to having it inserted, removing your Nexplanon implant is usually quick and straightforward. First, your provider will numb the area with a local anesthetic. Then, they'll make a small cut near the end of the implant and gently remove it. You may feel some pressure or tugging, but let your provider know if you feel pain so they can help keep you comfortable. Removal usually takes just a few minutes.

You can have Nexplanon removed whenever you want. Once it’s out, you can have a new implant inserted or switch to a new method of birth control if you’d like to stay protected from pregnancy. If you want to keep using Nexplanon, a new implant can be placed at the same visit.

How much does it cost to remove Nexplanon?

Without insurance, the self-pay removal fee is $200 at carafem. There may be an additional office visit cost of $50 if you wish to start a new method during that visit. 

Can I have my implant removed early?

Yes! Nexplanon works for up to 5 years, but you decide how long you want to use it. If you don’t like it, your needs change, or you want to try a different type of birth control, a provider can remove it at any time. You don’t have to wait until it expires.

Will the implant leave a scar? 

Yes, it's possible to have a small scar on your inner upper arm after Nexplanon is inserted or removed. How noticeable it is depends on how your skin heals, but any scarring is usually small and may fade over time.

Do I need to be on my period to get an implant?

No, you can get a Nexplanon implant at any point during your menstrual cycle. If it's placed more than 5 days after your period starts, you'll need to use a backup birth control method, like condoms, for the next 7 days.

Your provider will help you understand when your implant starts protecting you against pregnancy.

How do I know if the implant is in the right place? 

After your Nexplanon implant is placed, your provider will show you how to feel it beneath the skin of your upper arm. If you can no longer feel your implant, contact your provider and use a backup birth control method, like condoms, until they confirm it's in the correct position.

How does Nexplanon work?

The Nexplanon birth control implant releases a low, steady dose of progestin, a hormone that helps prevent pregnancy in two ways. First, it stops your ovaries from releasing an egg, a process called ovulation. Without an egg, sperm can't fertilize it and cause pregnancy. Second, it thickens the mucus in your cervix, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.

Together, these effects make Nexplanon more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

How well does the implant work?  

Nexplanon is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and works for up to 5 years, which makes it one of the most reliable birth control options available.

That means less than 1 in 100 people using the implant will become pregnant in a year.

One of the biggest reasons it works so well is that you don’t have to think about it. There are no daily pills to take or prescriptions to refill. Once it's placed, Nexplanon works continuously for up to 5 years, providing long-lasting pregnancy protection without the daily effort.

How long does the implant last? 

Nexplanon is a long-acting birth control option that works for up to 5 years after insertion. After that time, it should be removed and replaced if you want to stay protected from pregnancy. carafem can remove the old implant and place a new one during the same visit. 

You don’t have to keep it the full 5 years, though. You can have it removed any time you want.

How long does Nexplanon take to work?

How quickly Nexplanon starts working depends on when it’s placed during your cycle. If it’s inserted within the first 5 days after your period starts, it works right away. You’re protected immediately. If it’s inserted at any other time in your cycle, you’ll need to use a backup method, like condoms, for the first 7 days.

Your provider will help you time your insertion so you know exactly what to expect.

What are the side effects of the implant?

Like any birth control method, Nexplanon can cause side effects, and everyone's experience is different. The most common side effect is a change in your period.

Changes to your period:

• Some people have lighter, shorter, or less frequent periods.

• Some people stop getting a period altogether. This is safe and normal.

• Some people have unpredictable bleeding or ongoing irregular spotting.

For some people, irregular bleeding improves after the first few months. For others, it may continue while the implant is in place. These changes aren't usually harmful, but they can be frustrating.

Other possible side effects:

Side effects can be different for everyone. Possible side effects of Nexplanon include:

• Acne

• Changes in appetite or sex drive

• Nausea, headaches, or breast tenderness

• Mood changes 

• Temporary soreness or bruising where the implant was placed

If you experience side effects that don't improve or just aren't working for you, talk with your provider. Remember, you're never stuck with Nexplanon. You can have your implant removed whenever you choose.

Does the implant protect against STIs? 

No. The Nexplanon implant prevents pregnancy, but it doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Using condoms every time you have sex can help lower your risk of STIs like HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Regular STI testing is also an important part of taking care of your sexual health.

Is the implant safe?  

Yes, Nexplanon is safe for most people and more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It also doesn’t contain estrogen, so it can be an option for many people who can’t or prefer not to use birth control with estrogen. Like any medication, it has possible side effects and risks. Your provider will review your medical history to help make sure it’s a good fit for you.

Who can get an implant? 

Nexplanon can be a good birth control option for many people, whether or not they've given birth before. Because it contains only progestin and no estrogen, it may also be a good choice for people who can't or prefer not to use birth control that has estrogen in it. 

How soon can you get pregnant after Nexplanon removal? 

You can get pregnant as early as a week after your Nexplanon implant is removed. Your fertility returns quickly, and using Nexplanon doesn't affect your long-term ability to get pregnant.

If you don't want to become pregnant, it's important to start using another birth control method right away.

Is the implant safe while breastfeeding?

Yes, the implant is safe to use while breastfeeding. You can even get it placed right after giving birth, either directly after delivery or during a postpartum checkup.

Can the implant bend or break?

Yes, Nexplanon can bend or break, but this is very rare. If you notice that your implant has changed shape, broken, or moved from its original position, contact your provider. They can check that it's in the right place and help you understand what to do next.

Get the birth control implant at carafem

The birth control implant is one of the most effective, low-maintenance birth control options available. Once it's in place, it works for up to 5 years without a daily pill or regular appointments to keep it working.

At carafem, you can get the implant in a comfortable, private health center with a provider who listens, answers your questions, and helps you decide if it's the right fit for you. Our team is here to make your experience feel welcoming, supportive, and free of judgment.

carafem offers birth control implant insertion and removal at our health centers in Atlanta, and the Chicago, and Washington, DC areas. Schedule your appointment online, or give us a call at (855) 729-2272.