Nexplanon/IUD
in Denver, CO
Nexplanon/IUD
Long-term birth control methods can last weeks, months, or even years with little effort on your part - and without surgery. They are safe and effective for most healthy women. These methods offer a consistent way for women to effectively prevent pregnancy.
Daily Apple Clinic
Daily Apple Clinic is located in Congress Park in Denver, Colorado. Paul Reynolds, FNP and Monica Schonteich, FNP and all of the skilled providers here are ready and able to care for your needs. We offer comprehensive long-term birth control and women’s health services for women of all ages. Please call the office to schedule an appointment or book a consultation online today.
What are IUDs and Nexplanon?
IUDs are small, T-shaped devices placed inside your uterus, after giving you a checkup. A device can remain in place for 3 to 10 years, depending on its type, typically five or six years. Once the IUD is in place and you are experiencing no side effects, you don’t have to do anything else to prevent pregnancy. They are about 20 times more effective than pills, patches, or rings. Fewer than 1 in 100 women become pregnant during their first year on the IUD.
Some IUDs release hormones and others are made of copper. The hormonal IUDs release the hormone progestin which prevents sperm from entering the cervix. These hormones can cause irregular periods during the first six months of use. The copper IUDs do not use hormones. Rather, the copper acts as a spermicide and usually has less effect on a woman's menstrual cycle.
The Nexplanon implant is a small, thin, flexible plastic rod about the size of a matchstick that is inserted under the skin of your upper, non-dominant arm. It slowly releases progesterone into your body in the same way the hormonal IUDs do. It typically works for up to three years and is as effective as the IUD. Some women may have irregular bleeding initially, but typically periods become lighter and less frequent.
Why might I need long-term birth control?
While oral contraceptive pills are one of the most popular forms of birth control, they only work if people take them as directed. The pill can be more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, but, with typical use, effectiveness falls below 95%. However, user error is not a problem for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). These devices are more than 99% effective without requiring the person using them to remember to take medication once they are in place.
As well as being the most effective, reversible method of reducing unwanted pregnancies and subsequent abortions, LARCs can also reduce or even eliminate monthly periods, manage the symptoms of endometriosis, and can even be used as a form of emergency contraception.
What should I expect during a visit for long-term birth control?
When you arrive at Daily Apple Clinic for Nexplanon or IUD appointments, you will need to come to the clinic for several visits. For IUDs, your first visit will be a time for you to receive an initial physical exam in order to visualize the cervix and assess for structural problems or disease. Your provider will discuss how your device will work and any possible side effects you may experience from the device or the actual insertion.
When you and your provider have agreed that you would like to proceed, a device will be ordered for you. You will schedule a follow up appointment for the insertion after the device has arrived and any necessary payment has been made. Nexplanon and IUDs are usually placed during the early part of your menstrual cycle. You will likely be asked to take some pain medicine prior to your visit.
After the insertion, you will then typically return to the clinic a week or so later for a follow up visit to make sure you are not experiencing any unmanageable side effects and to answer any follow-up questions you may have.
Which long-term birth control is right for me?
If you have questions about Nexplanon or IUDs, Daily Apple Clinic offers long-term birth control consultations to discuss the details of the best approach for your particular needs. We will review your medical history, family planning goals and conduct a complete physical exam to help you choose the best method for you.
To learn more about Nexplanon and IUD services at Daily Apple Clinic and determine if you’re a good candidate for one of these long-term birth control methods, please schedule a consultation by phone or book an appointment online today.