IMPLANON should be removed no later than 3 years after it was inserted. You may have it removed earlier than that if you wish. Before IMPLANON is removed, you and your healthcare provider should determine whether you plan to continue using IMPLANON, switch to another form of birth control, or attempt to become pregnant.

Removing IMPLANON is a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes. If you have questions or concerns about IMPLANON or the removal procedure itself, please ask. Gettting complete information helps you stay at ease and makes the removal process easier.

What to expect:

For the removal procedure, you will be asked to lie on the exam table with your arm up by your head, just like when you had IMPLANON inserted. Your healthcare provider will locate the IMPLANON rod by feeling for it below the skin. Once its location has been confirmed, the site will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A local anesthetic will be injected just under one end of the IMPLANON rod. You may feel a quick pinch or a brief stinging sensation as the anesthetic is injected. After a few seconds, the area will be numb, and you will only feel a pressure sensation - no pain.

A tiny incision will be made near the end of the rod so IMPLANON can be removed. You will feel pressure on the end of the rod opposite from the incision as your provider holds it steady in order to grasp the rod. It only takes a few minutes or so to remove IMPLANON, and it is not painful. Once the rod has been removed, the site will be covered with an adhesive bandage. The site will also be wrapped in a dressing to hold pressure on the incision.

When the anesthetic wears off, you may feel some mild soreness or tenderness at the incision site. You may also have some bruising. The soreness shouldn't last more than a day or two, and it shouldn't interfere with normal daily activities. Any bruising should gradually fade over the next several days.

Following IMPLANON removal:

• Leave the pressure dressing in place for 24 hours. Keep it dry during that time.
• Leave the adhesive bandage in place for 3-5 days.
• If you have soreness at the incision site, you may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil) as directed on the bottle.
• Avoid heavy lifting for 1-2 days. Let us know if you need a work excuse.
• Call if any of the following occurs:
• Severe pain at the incision site
• Redness, warmth, or drainage at the incision site

If you wish to continue using IMPLANON, your healthcare provider can insert a new rod in the same location by using the tiny incision that was made for removal.