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Birth Control Implant in Busan

The contraceptive implant is a small flexible rod placed under the skin of the upper arm. It is one of the most effective and lowest-effort methods there is. In Korea the available implant is Implanon NXT (임플라논), the product sold as Nexplanon in some countries.

What it is

The rod releases etonogestrel, a progestin, which stops ovulation. It is more than 99% effective, labeled for up to 3 years, and can be removed at any time with a quick return to fertility. It contains no estrogen.

Is it right for you?

  • Good for: people who want reliable contraception without daily pills or an IUD, and those who can't take estrogen.
  • Consider alternatives if: you would find irregular bleeding hard to tolerate, or you have current breast cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding or serious liver disease.

Compare it with hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs at a birth control consultation .

Insertion and removal

  • Insertion takes a few minutes under local anesthetic on the inner upper arm. A small bandage stays on for a day or so.
  • Depending on cycle timing, you may need backup contraception for 7 days.
  • Removal uses a tiny incision under local anesthetic. A new implant can go in through the same spot.
  • In Korea, insertion and removal are performed by clinicians who have completed manufacturer training. Ask whether the clinic has a trained doctor and the implant in stock.

Side effects

  • Changes in bleeding pattern are the main downside. Bleeding may become infrequent, absent, frequent or prolonged, and it's hard to predict.
  • Some people get headaches, acne, breast pain or mood changes.
  • Bruising at the insertion site is common and temporary.

Cost and insurance

For contraception, the implant is generally self-pay and not covered by National Health Insurance (NHI). Ask for a quote that includes the device, insertion and eventual removal. More in our cost guides .

Tips for foreigners

  • Bring your ARC or passport.
  • If your implant was inserted abroad, bring its insertion date. Many Korean clinics can remove it, but call ahead.
  • See our international patients guide , or use 1330 for interpretation.

Related

Elsewhere in Korea

When to get help sooner

Contact a doctor if you can't feel the implant under your skin, the site becomes red, swollen, hot or pus-filled, or you get a positive pregnancy test. Seek emergency care for chest pain, a swollen painful leg, or sudden severe headache or vision changes.

OB/GYN clinics in Busan to ask about the implant

Not every clinic offers implants, and we have not verified which ones do. Call ahead and ask whether they insert Implanon NXT.

Clinic Area Phone Listed features
Jamo Women's Hospital (Gwangan Jamo Hospital) Gwangan-dong (Gwangalli) 051-760-0600 Female doctor, Delivers, Sat, IUD
Roaen OB/GYN Clinic Seomyeon (Bujeon-dong) 051-804-3000 Sat, Evenings, STD tests
Centum Eroom Women's Clinic Centum City (U-dong) 051-758-8275 Sat, Fertility
Eve & Adam Women's Clinic Centum City (U-dong) 051-743-7585 Sat, Evenings, STD tests
Ms For You Women's Clinic Jwa-dong (Jangsan) 051-636-7975 Sat, Evenings
Dongnae Bom OB/GYN Clinic Oncheon-dong 051-711-2060 Sat, Evenings
Seoul Samsung OB/GYN Clinic Yeonsan-dong 051-714-3500 Sat
Jini OB/GYN Clinic Jangjeon-dong (Pusan Natl Univ) 051-582-8275 Sat, Evenings
Mari Women's Clinic Daeyeon-dong (Kyungsung-Pukyong Univ) 051-626-1009 Sat, STD tests
She's Bon OB/GYN Clinic Suyeong / Millak area Not listed Sat, STD tests
Rose Women's Clinic Nampo-dong 051-245-7911 Sat, Evenings

Birth control implant: FAQ

  • Which implant is available in Korea?

    Implanon NXT, an etonogestrel implant, the same product as Nexplanon. Ask the clinic whether they stock it.

  • How long does it last?

    It is labeled for up to 3 years and can be removed earlier at any time.

  • Will people see it?

    It sits just under the skin of the inner upper arm. It's usually not visible, but you can feel it with your fingers.

  • Is it covered by NHI?

    Generally not for contraception. Ask for a self-pay quote that includes removal.