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What Causes Vaginal Soreness While Having Nexplanon Birth Control?

Posted on Tue, 17 Nov 2015

Question: My girlfriend has had nexplanon inserted for over 6 months now and we have sex probably alot more often than most. We have had no issues or accidents ,thank god, we absolutely do not want any kids at this time the reason being for nexplanon we were told it was the safest way of birth control and it was next to impossible for an accidents is this true? Also, i was curious as to why she is getting "sore". This is the first time this has happened since we have been so sexually active for so long and she is just now saying that, does that mean anything towards pregnancy or anything unhealthy? We are very active we both work full time workout everyday and sleep very little. Is she getting sore just from her body not recovering?

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nexplanon is 99 percent effective.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.

Nexplanon has a high efficacy rate of 99 percent. Vaginitis is observed as an adverse effect in 14-15 percent of those using the implant while 9-10 percent can experience excessive vaginal discharge. Apart from this soreness of the vagina can also be due to excessive sexual activity, trauma to the vaginal walls, dryness of the vagina etc.

A swab of the vagina and cervix and a pap smear are ideal to rule out any infection. Urinalysis also should be done to exclude any urinary infection. If she is bleeding regularly after insertion of the implant, it is easier to exclude the rare possibility of pregnancy. Otherwise, blood test is needed.

In the meantime as she sees a specialist for further evaluation, avoid intercourse in order to see if this soreness is being caused by excessive sexual activity.

Hope your query has been clarified. Please feel free to contact for further information. I will be happy to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shanti Vennam (4 hours later)

Ever since she has been on nexplanon she has not had a period. We were told that was normal is that true? I had her take a pregnancy test right around the time of her normal period 2 months after nexplanon was inserted. She said it does not bother her at all throughout the day. Just when we had sex last night, she compared it too a rug burn feeling .

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Absence of periods can happen with the implant.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing back.

It is true that menstruation can be absent while on the implant. There are several possible presentations ranging from a complete absence of the period, infrequent periods, scanty bleeding and so on.

Periodic evaluation once in six months is a better idea so long as she is on the implant.

The soreness is likely to be a consequence of vaginal dryness. A speculum exam and swab tests can rule out infections also because a similar picture is produced with infections. Simple dryness can be overcome by using KY jelly.

Hope this helps.

regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shanti Vennam (2 hours later)

So is it safe to say we can rule out pregnancy? That is the absolute last thing we want, our reasoning for nexplanon because we were told it is very affective and anything out of the norm makes me worry pretty seriously. .

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, pregnancy is not a possibility.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing again.

Yes, you can safely rule out pregnancy. The implant is very safe. This soreness could be a side effect and can be treated. So, please do not worry but just take care.

Hope you find this information helpful.

regards,
Shanti.V.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar