Getting pregnant after nexplanon: What to expect, how long it takes & tips to conceive

In this guide, we’ll break down what to expect before and after getting your implant removed, and tips for getting pregnant after Nexplanon. 

Note: Throughout this guide, we may refer to “you removing your birth control implant” for simplicity. Please keep in mind that the implant is always removed by a trained healthcare provider in a medical office — it is not something you can take out yourself. 

What is the birth control implant?

The birth control implant is a tiny, flexible plastic rod — about the size of a matchstick — that’s placed just beneath the skin of your upper arm. It prevents pregnancy by releasing a steady, low dose of the hormone progestogen (a synthetic progesterone hormone — etonogestrel in the case of Nexplanon). This hormone stops your ovaries from releasing egg cells (a process known as ovulation). If you don’t ovulate, there’s no egg cell for sperm to fertilize, so you can have unprotected sex without the risk of pregnancy. The hormone released by the implant also helps prevent pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus, which may help prevent sperm from reaching an egg cell, as well as changing the lining of the uterus [3].

The implant — which we’ll refer to by its brand name, Nexplanon — is a long-acting form of birth control that works for up to three years. It’s extremely reliable in preventing pregnancy (over 99% effective with both typical and perfect use, as it requires no work from the user) [4]. 

When should I get the birth control implant removed?

Getting your birth control implant removed is a personal decision that depends on a variety of factors. You may choose to remove your implant if you’re hoping to get pregnant. Others may decide to remove it because they want to switch to a different form of birth control, or go off birth control completely.

It’s important to know that pregnancy after Nexplanon removal can happen quickly — for some people, their fertility returns right away. While others may find it can take a little longer (several months) for their cycle to return. If you’re not getting your period, you’re likely not ovulating yet, and therefore not fertile [1, 2]. 

Since it’s impossible to predict exactly how your body will respond, some people choose to have their implant removed a few months before they plan to conceive. During this time — which acts as a buffer while your cycle returns — you can switch to a non-hormonal form of birth control, such as condoms or Natural Cycles. Natural Cycles prevents pregnancy naturally by measuring body temperature to identify non-fertile days. And when you’re ready to get pregnant, Natural Cycles helps you conceive faster (more on that below).

How is the birth control implant removed? 

Removing the implant is quick, straightforward, and mostly painless. The procedure takes place in your healthcare provider’s office, and is similar to getting the implant in your arm. The process usually takes just a few minutes, and you can go home right after. 

Nexplanon removal procedure: 

• Your healthcare provider will numb the area with a local anesthetic 

• They’ll make a small incision in your skin and gently slide the implant out

• The area is then covered with a small bandage or a sterile strip 

Nexplanon removal aftercare: 

• Keep the area clean and dry, and follow your provider’s instructions for changing bandages
• Take over-the-counter medication (as directed by your provider) to manage mild pain
• Light activities are generally fine, but avoid situations where your arm could be bumped or pressed for a few days
• If you notice anything unusual — like fever or signs of infection — be sure to contact your healthcare provider 

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How does it feel to get the birth control implant removed?

You may feel slight pressure or a brief sting, depending on the local anesthetic used, but most people experience little to no pain. After your procedure, your arm might feel a little tender as the numbing medication wears off. But you should be able to go about your day normally, including moving your arm and driving [5].

What should I expect after I get my implant removed?

Overall, recovery is quick and smooth. Paying attention to your body, resting when needed, and taking care of the site will help things heal comfortably.

Arm soreness: After your Nexplanon implant is removed, it’s normal for your arm to feel a little sore and tender. Bruising is also common. 

Hormonal side effects: Any side effects you experienced while using the implant, such as headaches, changes in weight, or mood fluctuations, generally start to fade as your body readjusts to its natural hormone levels. This can be a gradual process, so it’s completely normal if some symptoms linger.

Getting your period: You may notice changes in your menstrual cycle as your natural hormones take the lead again. For many people, periods will return in the days or weeks following implant removal. By three months, most people’s cycles will have returned to how they were before the implant was fitted [2, 5, 6].  

How soon can I get pregnant after getting the implant removed?

The timeline of getting pregnant after Nexplanon varies from person to person, since fertility returns at a different pace for everyone:

• For some, fertility can return quickly, meaning it’s possible to get pregnant several weeks after Nexplanon removal [1].
• For others, it can take several months for their cycles to reset. Most people’s periods return to their usual pattern within about three months of Nexplanon removal [2].

The good news: research shows that most people — about 83% — conceive within a year after stopping birth control [7]. 

That said, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for pregnancy after Nexplanon removal. Factors like age, irregular cycles, and overall health all play a role. That’s why tracking your cycle with Natural Cycles can be key to getting pregnant. The FDA-cleared app helps you understand your ovulation and identifies your most fertile days, which can help you get pregnant faster [8].

Tips for getting pregnant after Nexplanon removal

Since your fertility may rapidly return to normal after removal, there are no specific tips for getting pregnant after Nexplanon. However, there are a number of healthy steps you can take to support your body and increase your chances of conceiving. 

1. Get to know your cycle
   Tracking your cycle is a useful tool for getting pregnant. It helps you understand when you’re ovulating and pinpoint your fertile window — which is only a few days each month [9].
   
   There are several ways to track your cycle, including traditional fertility awareness methods like the cervical mucus method, and the first FDA-cleared app of its kind, Natural Cycles. By measuring your basal body temperature and pinpointing your ovulation, Natural Cycles gets to know your unique cycle to predict your most fertile days. Identifying this window can help you conceive faster — research shows that couples using Natural Cycles get pregnant in three cycles on average [8].
2.  Start (or keep) taking prenatal vitamins
   It’s recommended to start taking a prenatal vitamin before you get pregnant, so if you haven’t already, now is a great time to add daily prenatals to your routine. One of the key nutrients in prenatal vitamins is folic acid, which plays a crucial role in the early stages of pregnancy by helping to prevent neural tube defects. Prenatals can also provide other essential nutrients (like iron, calcium, and vitamin D) that support both your health and your baby’s growth. Learn how to choose the right prenatal vitamin for you [10, 11]. 
3. Nourish your body with whole foods
   Eating well is a simple but powerful way to support your body when trying to conceive. Choosing nutrient-rich foods helps you maintain a healthy weight, which plays a role in fertility (being underweight or overweight can decrease your chances of getting pregnant). So, what should you eat if you’re trying to get pregnant? Unfortunately, there’s no single “fertility fruit” that can guarantee results. However, research shows that a Mediterranean diet — rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats — correlates with higher fertility. On the flip side, a diet containing significant quantities of foods high in trans fats, refined carbs, and added sugars correlates with lower fertility [12, 13]. 
4. Avoid pregnancy-unsafe substances (including alcohol and tobacco)
   While you’re trying to conceive, it’s best to avoid anything that could be unsafe for a developing pregnancy. There’s no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, so it’s recommended to skip drinking. If you smoke or use substances, now is the time to get support to quit, as these habits can increase the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and other health issues. Cutting back on alcohol and quitting smoking are also beneficial for your overall health [13]. 
5. Find ways to manage stress
   Your body thrives when it’s rested and relaxed — which can be good for your fertility, too. Keeping stress in check is important both as you try to conceive and during your pregnancy, since stress can disrupt your hormones, throw off your cycle, and potentially affect your developing baby. For this reason, it’s important to get enough sleep and find ways to unwind — whether it’s meditation, a brisk walk, or catching up on your favorite reality show. Anything that helps you feel calmer is worth it [14, 15]. 
6. Move your body
   You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s true: regular movement is one of the best things you can do for your body. Staying active helps manage stress, balance hormones, and boost your mood, all of which support your chances of conceiving. Exercise also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which plays a key role in getting pregnant. Find ways to move your body that make you feel good, strong, and centered, such as yoga, swimming, or walking [13]. 
7. Involve your partner
   Conception is a team effort, so encourage your partner to get involved in the process — from learning about fertility to adopting healthy habits. Sperm health is also an important factor in getting pregnant, so your partner may need to make lifestyle changes (like limiting alcohol and smoking, in particular). Think of it as a nice opportunity to establish new routines together — cooking nutritious meals, taking evening walks, or finding ways to relax as a couple can support both of you through the process [16].
   
   If you don’t have a partner, you can still find support and build healthy habits. Join a workout class with a friend, for instance, or engage with an online community forum. Surrounding yourself with care and encouragement makes the journey easier.

The takeaway: Pregnancy after Nexplanon removal

Pregnancy can happen soon after Nexplanon removal, though everyone’s timeline is different. Trying to conceive can be exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between, so give yourself grace along the way. Tuning into your cycle, caring for your body, and making time for self-care can help support a healthy, positive journey toward pregnancy.

Get pregnant faster with Natural Cycles

If you’re trying to conceive, Natural Cycles can help. The app tracks your body temperature, predicts ovulation, and highlights the days you’re most fertile, giving you more insight and control over your fertility. Research shows that couples using Natural Cycles to plan pregnancy typically conceive within three cycles. Whether you’re trying to get pregnant, seeking non-hormonal birth control, or navigating postpartum, learn more about how Natural Cycles can work for you.