Etonogestrel Implant (Nexplanon®) Removal

Over the next 3 months, your periods may be irregular if you do not start other birth control. This is normal. They should become more regular and normal over time.

Care of the removal site

• Small bandages, called steri-strips, were put on your skin. They help prevent infection.
  • You can cut them back as needed if they start to peel off.
  • Remove them in 7 days if they have not fallen off.
• A small bandage was put over your implant removal site. Your arm was wrapped with a pressure bandage.
  • Leave this on for at least 24 hours. It will help stop bruising.
  • Do not get this bandage wet.
• You may have bruising, minor pain, and itching on your arm near where the implant was removed. This is normal and will go away.
• You can get pregnant right away after the implant is removed.
  • Start other birth control if you do not want to get pregnant.
  • It is safe to try if you want to get pregnant.
    • We recommend waiting 1 cycle so we know the dating of your pregnancy.
    • It may be hard to get pregnant until your periods are normal. This may take a few months.
• Call the clinic or your provider right away if you have signs of infection, such as:
  • Worsening pain
  • Redness or swelling at the site

Call:

• Obstetrics Gynecology Clinic at (319) 356-2294.
  • Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• For urgent questions or concerns
  • Call toll-free at 800-777-8442, 24 hours a day.
  • Ask for the gynecology resident on call.
  • You may be asked some questions when using the toll-free number. 

Send a MyChart message for non-urgent questions or concerns.