Just had your implant removed in preparation for trying to conceive (TTC)?
Or maybe you wanted a break from hormonal contraception, but you think you could be pregnant?
Whatever the reason, you may be wondering when’s the best time to take that all-important pregnancy test.
From understanding your hormones to keeping an eye on your cycle, we’ll cover all you need to know about testing after an implant removal in this handy guide. ❤️
In this article: 📝
- How does the contraceptive implant work?
- How soon after implant removal can I get pregnant?
- How soon after implant removal can you take a pregnancy test?
- Which pregnancy test should I choose after implant removal?
How does the contraceptive implant work?
Before we jump into the do’s and don’ts of pregnancy tests post-implant, let’s do a quick refresh on how the implant works!
Usually placed in the top of your arm, the implant (also known as Nexplanon, Implanon, and many other different types of brands) releases hormones to provide long-term protection against pregnancy.
The hormone released is progestogen, which prevents the release of an egg each month during ovulation.
But that’s not all — the implant thickens the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for any swimmers to move through your cervix. 🙅♀️
And, in theory, you can have the implant removed at any time, and your natural fertility can return quickly.
How soon after implant removal can I get pregnant?
The technical answer?
Clinical studies suggest you could become pregnant 7-14 days after having your implant removed. 👩🔬
The real-world answer?
It depends. 🤷♀️
It’s largely up to you, but it’s also a great deal to do with how quickly your menstrual cycle returns, your health, your hormones, and whether you do the deed around your fertile window.
And, of course, if that deed was protected or not!
Sometimes, it can take a while for your body to regulate those pesky hormones again.
And, sometimes, you can quickly bounce back to your previous fertile self, and be pregnant within two weeks!
So, although there are a few factors at play here, in theory, having the implant removed should restore you to your natural state of fertility fairly quickly.
How soon can you get pregnant after Nexplanon removal?
The official word from the manufacturers of Nexplanon, a brand of contraceptive implant, is that you could become pregnant as early as a week after removal.
So, if you’re not looking to get pregnant straight away, it’s best to use other contraception methods, like condoms or diaphragms.
When did you get a positive pregnancy test after Nexplanon removal?
Well, everyone’s experience is different.
That’s why we’ve got a dedicated space on Peanut set up for chats just like this.
Some women say it took them 2-3 months to get pregnant, while others say it took them 6 months.
But having the implant removed won’t be the only consideration of when you conceive — so it’s good to remember that everybody is different, and there’s not one set rule for anyone.
Can you get pregnant with no period after Implanon removal?
Well, yes, it’s possible to get pregnancy very soon after having an implant removed, such as Implanon.
Similar to Nexplanon, Implanon is another brand of contraceptive implant, designed to stop pregnancy by slowly releasing progesterone.
As it’s possible to get pregnant right away, if you’ve had unprotected sex, it’s best to get a pregnancy test about two weeks after ‘doing the deed’ to see if you’ve conceived.
How soon after implant removal can you take a pregnancy test?
Bottom line: if you suspect you could be pregnant, it’s always better to test to give yourself peace of mind, either way.
But, testing less than a week after coming off the implant may be a little early, potentially wasting some of your hard-earned bucks on those not-so-cheap pregnancy tests!
Also, it’s a good rule to not test until the day of your missed period — of course, this could be confusing coming off hormonal contraception as it may take a little while for your period to adjust to normal.
After an implant removal, a full menstrual cycle could take a few weeks.
But it could be a good idea to wait until this has happened, as you’ll know exactly what’s going on with your body then, and what’s not just a result of coming off the implant.
🔍 Ready to start testing? Read up on: When to Take a Pregnancy Test
Which pregnancy test should I choose after implant removal?
Now, there are many different types of pregnancy tests to choose from.
But the most common home pregnancy tests are either:
- Dye tests: You can choose from either pink dye or blue dye pregnancy tests.
- Digital tests: See your test results in word form, with easy-to-read ‘Pregnant/Not Pregnant’, or ‘Yes/No’ — avoiding line eyes. 😵💫
After having your implant removed, it’s best to choose a pregnancy test that can detect lower levels of hCG — the hormone that tests look for to detect pregnancy.
With this sort of test, you’re more likely to pick up a pregnancy in its earliest stages.
Most dye and digital tests have this option, so browse through the shelves of your local drugstore for ‘early pregnancy tests’ to find the best choice for you.
So that’s all there is to know about when to take a pregnancy test after your implant removal!
If you want to talk to other women who have been there (or are right there with you now), join us on Peanut. 🥜
We’re having the conversation.