Key takeaways

• Birth control implant removal is quick and routine. A trained provider can remove the implant in just a few minutes with minimal discomfort.
• It’s okay to remove your implant early. Whether you’re planning a pregnancy or want to try a different method, you don’t need to wait the full three years.
• Mild side effects after removal are normal. As your hormones adjust, you may notice changes in your period, mood, energy levels, or skin. Most symptoms are temporary.
• Fertility usually returns quickly. If you’re not ready to conceive, make sure to start another birth control method right away.
• You have options for what’s next. From IUDs to the pill, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Nurx providers are here to help you find the method that works best for you.

A simple birth control implant removal guide

Removing a birth control implant is a quick, straightforward procedure—and more common than you might think. The implant, a small device placed just under the skin of your arm, steadily releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. When you’re ready for a change or it’s time to take it out, removal usually happens in your provider’s office within minutes.

Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help ease any nerves. Your healthcare provider will numb the area to keep you comfortable, make a tiny incision, and gently take out the implant. After removal, your hormone levels will naturally balance out, and fertility often returns quickly if you’re planning to conceive.

Reasons for removing your implant

There are many perfectly valid reasons to have your contraceptive implant removed, even before it’s scheduled to expire. Maybe you’re ready to start trying for a family, or perhaps the side effects aren’t fitting well with your lifestyle anymore. Some common reasons include:

• Experiencing side effects like weight gain or mood swings
• Changes in your menstrual cycle that are bothersome
• Unexplained spotting or heavy menstrual bleeding that disrupts daily life
• Developing medical conditions, such as liver disease or breast cancer, that make hormonal contraception unsuitable
• Simply deciding the implant no longer feels like the right birth control method for you

The birth control implant is designed to work for up to three years, but you don’t have to wait that long if it’s not the right fit. 

What to expect during removal

Removing your birth control implant is usually a quick, straightforward process you can feel confident about.

To keep you comfortable, your provider will numb the area with a local anesthetic. You might feel a quick pinch—kind of like when you get a vaccine—but after that, the area will be completely numb, so you won’t feel pain during the removal.

A trained healthcare provider will first locate the implant just under your skin (usually on the inside of your upper arm) by gently feeling for it. They’ll then clean the area well and mark the spot where the small incision will be made.

Step-by-step removal

1. Once the area is numb, your provider makes a tiny incision (about the size of a grain of rice) near one end of the implant.
2. They gently push the implant toward the incision or use special tools to carefully grasp and pull it out.
3. The entire process usually takes just a few minutes and is done as a quick outpatient procedure.

This procedure should always be performed by experienced providers at your local healthcare clinic.

Caring for your arm after removal

Taking good care of your arm after removal helps ensure smooth healing and avoid any complications. Your provider will close the small incision using steri-strips or surgical glue, both methods which help minimize scarring and don’t need to be removed like traditional stitches.

Pressure bandage and dressing

Right after the removal, a pressure bandage will be applied to reduce bruising and swelling. Keep this snug wrap on for about 24 hours. Beneath it, there’s usually a smaller adhesive bandage directly over the incision to protect the area.

Signs of infection or complications

Though complications are uncommon, it’s important to recognize signs that might need attention. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any signs of an infection:

• Increasing pain at the removal site
• Redness spreading beyond the incision area
• Warmth or heat around the site
• Fever
• Pus or discharge from the incision
• Red streaks extending from the area

Side effects after implant removal

The body needs time to adjust after having the implant removed. The synthetic hormone from the implant stops releasing immediately, but it takes time for your natural hormone production to regulate. Most side effects are temporary and resolve within a few months.

Changes in your menstrual cycle

Your menstrual cycle might be unpredictable for several months after removal. Some people get their period within a few weeks, while others might wait a few months. The first few cycles might be heavier or lighter than what you remember from before the implant.

Mood swings and weight changes

Hormonal fluctuations after removal can trigger mood swings. You might feel more emotional or irritable than usual. Weight gain that happened while using the implant doesn’t automatically reverse after removal, though some find it easier to lose weight once the synthetic hormones are out of their system.

Other possible side effects

• Spotting or irregular bleeding can happen as your hormones rebalance. It might feel frustrating, but it usually settles within a few cycles.
• You may notice changes in libido (either an increase or decrease), which is normal as your body adjusts.
• Some people experience breast tenderness or changes in breast fullness during this time.
• Fatigue or shifts in energy levels are common.
• You might also see acne flare-ups or changes in your skin’s texture due to hormonal shifts.

How long do the implant’s hormones stay in your system?

While the physical implant is removed right away, the synthetic hormones it releases don’t leave your body instantly. Most of the progestin clears from your bloodstream within a few days to a week.

Trusted providers and major women’s health clinics will offer safe and effective implant removal. They can guide you on what to expect based on your unique situation.

Getting pregnant after removal

It’s common to wonder about fertility after using the birth control implant. Research shows that natural fertility usually returns quickly once the implant is removed. Many people can conceive right away if they’re trying to get pregnant. Pregnancy rates after implant removal are similar to those who haven’t used hormonal contraception.

If you’re not ready to conceive, it’s important to start using another birth control method right away. A barrier method like condoms is a good option while you figure out your next steps. Since the implant stops working as soon as it’s out, unprotected sex can lead to pregnancy.

Replacing or switching birth control

Switching to a new birth control method after implant removal is a personal decision that benefits from a little planning. Trusted providers at Nurx can guide you through your birth control options and help find the best fit for your current needs.

If you appreciated the convenience of long-acting contraception, an IUD might be a good next step. For those who want more control over their hormones, daily birth control pills could be a better match. Some people choose to use barrier methods temporarily while they decide on their next long-term method.

Finding confidence for your implant removal

Removing your birth control implant is a simple, routine step on your reproductive health journey. Understanding what to expect—from the quick removal procedure to the natural hormonal adjustments afterward—can help you feel empowered and in control. Whether you’re ready to conceive, seeking a new birth control method, or simply exploring your options, it’s important to remember that your experience is unique and valid.

If you have questions or need support choosing your next step, Nurx is here to help. Our licensed healthcare providers offer personalized care, convenient birth control options, and expert guidance, all from the comfort of home.

Ready to take the next step? Visit Nurx today to schedule your consultation and find the birth control that fits your life, on your terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects of removing the birth control implant?

Once your implant is removed, the hormone progestin leaves your system fairly quickly, usually within a few days. As your natural cycle resumes, you might notice temporary changes like mood shifts, breast tenderness, acne, or appetite changes. 

What happens to your body when you get the implant removed?

Most people don’t experience any major side effects from the removal itself. If you had side effects while the implant was in place, they often fade as hormone levels return to baseline. Your period may also change. It might become more regular, heavier, or less predictable for a short time.

Can I get my implant removed for free?

It depends on your coverage. The cost of implant removal typically ranges from $0 to $300. Many health insurance plans and public health programs cover it fully, so for most people, it’s free or very low-cost. 

How long does it take to recover from birth control implant removal?

Recovery is usually quick. The area where the implant was removed may feel numb for a couple of hours. You’ll need to keep a bandage on for two days and leave the small adhesive strips (called steri-strips) on for five days.

The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon this content for medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to a medical professional.