How fast does it start working after you get it, and what happens if it “runs out” before you replace it—like do you need backup protection right away?

Q: How fast does it start working after you get it, and what happens if it “runs out” before you replace it—like do you need backup protection right away?A: How fast the implant works depends on *when* you get it. If it’s put in during the first 5 days of your period, it usually protects you immediately. If you get it at any other time in your cycle, you need 7 days of backup (condoms, abstaining, etc.) while the hormone fully shuts down ovulation.It’s officially approved for 3 years. After that, the hormone level slowly drops and your ovaries can wake back up. There is no dramatic "ding, you’re fertile again" feeling when it runs out. You can absolutely get pregnant if you leave it in past its effective window.If you’re close to or past that 3-year mark, yes—get backup protection and plan a replacement or removal.If you’re trying to figure out your timing without doing mental gymnastics, talk it through with Gush and map out what “safe” actually looks like for you.

How fast does the implant start working and what if it runs out?

How quickly the birth control implant starts preventing pregnancy

The implant starts releasing hormone as soon as it’s in your arm, but your risk depends on where you are in your natural cycle when it goes in.Most guidelines say:- Put in during days 1–5 of your period (day 1 = first real bleed):- You’re protected right away.- No backup needed.- Put in *any other time* in your cycle:- Use backup for the next 7 days.- That gives the implant time to block ovulation and thicken cervical mucus.Why 7 days? Because if your body has already started growing a follicle and prepping an egg, the implant needs time to override that process and prevent the LH surge that would release it.

How timing collides with your natural cycle

Let’s line this up with your actual phases so it’s not just numbers.- Menstrual phase (days 1–5ish):- Hormones are low.- Your brain is just starting to send out FSH.- If the implant goes in here, it crushes that process early. Easy shutdown.- Follicular phase (post-period to ovulation):- FSH is growing a follicle.- Estrogen is climbing.- If the implant is inserted mid-follicular phase, your body may already have an egg almost ready.- The implant has to get in there fast enough to block the LH surge.- Ovulation:- If you get the implant *right* around ovulation, there’s a chance that egg already left the building.- That’s why backup + sometimes emergency contraception are discussed in that window.- Luteal phase:- After ovulation, you’re either headed for a period or pregnancy.- The implant going in now won’t undo an ovulation that already happened, but it will protect you for the next cycle.So no, the implant isn’t a time machine. It’s strong, but it can’t un-pop an egg.Your cycle, your sex life, and your timing don’t always line up neatly. If your insertion date and last period feel like a mess on your calendar, run it by Gush and get a personalized read instead of guessing.

How long the implant actually lasts before it “runs out”

On-label, Nexplanon is approved for 3 years.What that means:- The rod is designed to release etonogestrel at a strong dose at first.- Over time, the release rate slowly decreases.- Around 3 years, the level is still protective for most people, which is why that’s the official limit.Some studies suggest it may stay effective for up to 4–5 years in many bodies, but:- That is not the official guidance.- Protection may be less predictable the longer you go past 3 years.- If a pregnancy would be a huge issue for you, banking on "maybe it still works" is not a vibe.Bottom line: treat 3 years as the hard boundary unless a trusted provider is *very* explicitly helping you extend it and you’re okay with the risk.

What happens in your body when the implant is wearing off

There’s no buzzer that goes off when it’s done. But hormonally, this is what’s happening:- Etonogestrel levels slowly drop as the rod empties.- Your brain starts sending stronger GnRH pulses again.- FSH goes up.- Follicles wake up in the ovaries.- Estrogen rises.- Once it’s high enough, LH can surge.- Ovulation comes back.You might notice:- More cycle-like patterns.- PMS symptoms returning.- Bleeds feeling more like your pre-implant periods.Or… you might notice nothing obvious. Which is why using "I feel the same" as a fertility test is unreliable.

Do you need backup protection if your implant is close to or past 3 years?

If you’re:- Not at 3 years yet:- You’re still considered protected.- Schedule the replacement or removal a bit before the expiration date if possible.- At or just past the 3-year mark:- Assume protection is *not* guaranteed.- If you’re having penis-in-vagina sex and don’t want pregnancy, use condoms or abstain.- Book removal/replacement ASAP.- Getting a new implant the same day your old one comes out:- If it’s done on time (before or at the 3-year mark), you’re covered with no gap.- Late getting a new one:- If there’s a gap of days or weeks, your ovaries can wake up.- Use backup for 7 days after the new one goes in.

What if you had unprotected sex after your implant “ran out”?

If you’re past the 3-year mark and had unprotected sex:Options to consider quickly:- Emergency contraception pill (like levonorgestrel or ulipristal) within 3–5 days, depending on the type.- Copper IUD within 5 days of unprotected sex, which is the most effective EC.Then:- Take a pregnancy test 2–3 weeks after the unprotected sex or if you get pregnancy-like symptoms.- Decide on your next long-term method: new implant, IUD, pill, patch, ring, etc.You’re not irresponsible for losing track of an expiration date. The world expects you to manage your life, body, and a literal device in your arm like a walking health app. You deserve support, not shame.

How fast fertility returns after removal or expiration

Once the rod is removed, the hormone level drops quickly.What usually happens:- Ovulation can come back as soon as 7–14 days.- Many people ovulate within a month.- Periods often return within 4–6 weeks, though if you were irregular before, that might continue.If you’re not trying to get pregnant:- Have a new method ready *before* removal.- Or use condoms from the moment it comes out.If you *are* trying to get pregnant:- You don’t have to "wait for your body to clear the hormones." Once it’s out, your body takes over fast.- Tracking ovulation (with LH strips or symptoms) can help you see when your natural cycle restarts.