While it’s always best to stay on schedule with birth control, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: we doctors like to cover our bases. The manufacturers of Nexplanon suggest removal after 3 years. However, there are many studies that have shown it can be effective even longer…like up to 5 years. Some doctors who have a lot of experience with Nexplanon support removal after 3 years while others support removal after 5 years. The ultimate decision should be between you and your doctor, but the facts are that:

• its efficacy is not supported by the manufacturer beyond 3 years

• studies show efficacy up to 5 years