Contraception Insertion (IUD & Nexplanon)
Expert IUD and Nexplanon insertion services in Frisco, TX. Legacy OBGYN provides long-acting reversible contraception options tailored to your lifestyle and family planning goals.
Overview
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) represents some of the most effective and convenient birth control options available today. At Legacy OBGYN in Frisco, TX, we offer comprehensive LARC services including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the Nexplanon arm implant. We also offer Depo-Provera injections for patients who prefer a quarterly injectable option. These methods provide highly effective pregnancy prevention without requiring daily attention, making them ideal for women seeking reliable, low-maintenance contraception that fits their busy lives. IUDs and Nexplanon are called "reversible" because fertility returns quickly after removal, allowing you to become pregnant when you are ready to start or expand your family. Unlike permanent sterilization, LARC methods give you the flexibility to change your mind about future pregnancies while providing excellent protection in the meantime. Our experienced providers take time to discuss all available options with you, ensuring you choose the method that best aligns with your health needs, lifestyle, and reproductive goals. Whether you are looking to prevent pregnancy for several years, manage heavy menstrual bleeding, or simply want a contraceptive method you do not have to think about daily, LARC may be an excellent choice for you. Our compassionate team at Legacy OBGYN is here to answer your questions, address any concerns, and provide expert insertion and follow-up care in a comfortable, supportive environment.
What to Expect
- A thorough consultation to discuss your health history, contraceptive preferences, and reproductive goals before selecting the right LARC method for you
- Quick in-office insertion procedure typically completed in just a few minutes, performed by our experienced providers
- Local anesthetic or cervical numbing for IUD insertion to minimize discomfort during the procedure
- Brief recovery period in the office with mild cramping that typically subsides within hours to days
- Verification of proper placement through physical examination and, for IUDs, confirmation that strings are accessible
- Detailed aftercare instructions including what to expect in the days following insertion and when to contact our office
- Follow-up appointment in 2 weeks for IUD patients, including an ultrasound to confirm proper positioning
Procedures Offered
Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, Skyla)
Hormonal IUDs are small, T-shaped devices placed inside the uterus that release a low dose of progestin to prevent pregnancy. Mirena provides protection for up to 8 years and is FDA-approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. Kyleena is slightly smaller and lasts up to 5 years, making it a popular choice for women who have not had children. Liletta offers similar protection for up to 8 years. Skyla is the smallest hormonal IUD, lasting up to 3 years and designed for women who have not given birth. All hormonal IUDs work by thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, thinning the uterine lining, and in some cases preventing ovulation. Many women experience significantly lighter periods or no periods at all while using a hormonal IUD.
Copper IUD (Paragard)
Paragard is a hormone-free IUD that uses copper to prevent pregnancy for up to 10 to 12 years. The copper creates an environment that is toxic to sperm, preventing fertilization. Paragard is an excellent choice for women who prefer to avoid hormonal contraception or who have had side effects with hormonal methods. Unlike hormonal IUDs, Paragard does not affect your natural menstrual cycle hormones, though some women may experience heavier periods or increased cramping, particularly in the first few months after insertion.
Nexplanon (Arm Implant)
Nexplanon is a small, flexible rod about the size of a matchstick that is inserted just under the skin of your upper arm. The implant releases a steady, low dose of progestin to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 to 5 years. Insertion takes only a few minutes using local anesthesia. Nexplanon is over 99% effective and begins working within 24 hours if inserted during the first five days of your menstrual cycle. The implant can be felt under the skin but is not visible, and removal is equally quick when you are ready to discontinue use or try for pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does IUD or Nexplanon insertion hurt?
Most women experience some discomfort during insertion, but the procedure is quick and the discomfort is brief. For IUD insertion, you may feel cramping similar to menstrual cramps when the device is placed. We offer options to help minimize discomfort, including over-the-counter pain relievers taken before your appointment, cervical numbing during the procedure, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for additional relaxation and pain relief. Nexplanon insertion involves a small injection of local anesthetic, so you should feel only pressure, not pain. Most women report that the anticipation is worse than the actual procedure, and any cramping typically resolves within a few hours to a few days.
How soon can I get pregnant after having my IUD or Nexplanon removed?
Fertility returns very quickly after LARC removal. For most women, you can become pregnant as soon as your next menstrual cycle after removal. Unlike some other contraceptive methods, there is no waiting period or delay in fertility. If you decide you want to try for pregnancy, simply schedule an appointment for removal, and you can begin trying to conceive immediately. This rapid return to fertility is one of the key advantages of LARC methods over permanent sterilization.
Which LARC method is right for me?
The best LARC method depends on your individual health history, lifestyle, and preferences. During your consultation, we will discuss factors such as whether you want to reduce or eliminate your periods (hormonal IUD may be ideal), whether you prefer to avoid hormones entirely (copper IUD), how long you want protection (ranges from 3 to 12 years depending on method), and whether you prefer a device placed in your uterus or under your arm. Our providers will help you weigh the benefits and considerations of each option so you can make an informed decision that feels right for you.
Conditions We Treat
- Desire for highly effective, long-term pregnancy prevention
- Heavy menstrual bleeding or painful periods (hormonal IUDs can significantly reduce both)
- Need for contraception that does not require daily or monthly attention
- Medical conditions that make estrogen-containing contraceptives unsuitable
- Preference for hormone-free birth control options (copper IUD)
- Spacing pregnancies or delaying pregnancy until the time is right for you
Key Benefits
- Over 99% effectiveness at preventing pregnancy, among the most reliable methods available
- Long-lasting protection ranging from 3 to 12 years depending on the method chosen
- Completely reversible with rapid return to fertility after removal
- Set-it-and-forget-it convenience with no daily pills, weekly patches, or monthly refills
- Hormonal IUDs can reduce menstrual bleeding and cramping, with many women experiencing lighter periods or no periods at all
- Nexplanon provides continuous protection with nothing to remember or maintain
- Safe for most women, including those who cannot use estrogen-based contraceptives