Birth control implant Nexplanon prevents unwanted pregnancy by releasing hormones that keep the body from ovulating. Some people, however, report weight gain when using this birth control method.

Nexplanon and Weight Gain: Can A Birth Control Implant Cause Increase in Body Mass?
(Photo: Unsplash/ Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition)

What is Nexplanon?

Nexplanon is a birth control implant about the size of a matchstick. This tiny, flexible, thin rod measures 1.6 inches (4 cm) long and approximately 2 mm wide. It is considered one of the most effective birth control options, with more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

This implant is inserted by a trained healthcare provider under the skin of the inner, non-dominant upper arm. From there, the rod releases a continuous low dose of the hormone progestin into the bloodstream to stop the woman from being pregnant.

Progestin released by the implant prevents pregnancy in two ways. First, it stops the egg from leaving the ovaries in the process called ovulation. Since there is no egg to fertilize, pregnancy cannot happen. Second, it thickens the mucus in the cervix to stop the sperm from reaching the egg in the rare chance ovulation occurs. It can also make the uterine lining thinner, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant.

Nexplanon is just as effective as the pill without the hassle of taking it every day. This small, flexible implant can prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years.

Although this method can last long, it is still not permanent. If a woman decides to get pregnant or does not want to have the implant anymore, the doctor can take it out at any time during the three years. The woman can get pregnant quickly after the implant is removed.

READ ALSO: Does Depo Shot Cause Weight Gain? How Does This Birth Control Method Work?

Can Nexplanon Cause Weight Gain?

Like any hormonal birth control, Nexplanon has many possible side effects. Many people think this implant could cause them to gain weight. Weight gain is one major reason why women stop using the implant.

However, the link between the birth control implant and weight gain is not strong. A study conducted in 2015 revealed an average increase of three pounds or less in body fat among women who used the implants for 12 months, but there is no proof that the weight gain was solely due to the use of an implant.

Doctors point to other reasons women tend to gain weight over time as they age. Most women tend to move less and become less active as they age, causing weight gain that might be blamed on birth control. Diet also plays a crucial role since the human body does not burn the same number of calories as it ages. Certain health issues can cause weight to go up, including PCOS, fatigue, stress, diabetes, and thyroid problems.

Americans generally gain an average of one to two pounds (0.5 to 1 kg) annually from young adulthood into middle age. These are the prime childbearing years in women, which is also when they are most likely to use birth control implants and other contraceptives. Hence, the experts assume that gaining weight through age coincides with birth control use.

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