Nexplanon in Seoul: Cost, Procedure & Removal Guide

Approximate prices, the 2-minute insertion and what removal involves

Quick answer: Nexplanon is available at OB-GYN clinics in Seoul. After a consultation and pregnancy check, the doctor numbs the inner upper arm and places the rod in a few minutes. It protects for about three years, can be removed at any time, and the cost is generally paid out of pocket.

Nexplanon is a popular long-acting contraceptive implant. If you live in Seoul or are staying for an extended period, you may be wondering how to get one, what it costs and what happens when it's time to remove it. This guide walks you through the process.

Quick Overview

• A small rod placed under the skin of the upper arm
• Releases the progestin etonogestrel
• More than 99% effective
• Lasts up to three years
• Can be removed at any time

Before Insertion

Your doctor will review your medical history, discuss changes to your bleeding pattern and confirm you are not pregnant. Timing matters: if inserted during the first days of your period, protection is usually immediate; at other times, backup contraception may be needed for seven days.

The Insertion Procedure

1. The inner upper arm of your non-dominant arm is cleaned and numbed.
2. The implant is inserted under the skin using a preloaded applicator.
3. The doctor checks that the implant can be felt under the skin.
4. A pressure bandage is applied for a day or so.

The procedure usually takes only a few minutes.

Approximate Cost in Seoul

Contraceptive implants are typically paid out of pocket. The total — including the device, insertion and consultation — commonly falls in the range of several hundred thousand won. Removal and replacement have separate fees. Ask the clinic for a written estimate.

Living With Nexplanon

• You should be able to feel the implant under your skin.
• Bleeding may become lighter, absent or irregular.
• Keep a note of your insertion date so you know when it expires.

Removal and Replacement

Removal is done under local anesthetic through a small incision near the end of the implant. It usually takes a few minutes. If you want to continue, a new implant can often be inserted through the same incision. If an implant can't be felt, an ultrasound may be used to locate it before removal.

When to See a Doctor

Contact your clinic if you can't feel the implant, notice changes in its shape, have signs of infection at the site, or experience heavy bleeding, severe headaches or symptoms of pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nexplanon covered by Korean health insurance?

Contraceptive implants are generally not covered by NHIS, so ask the clinic for the total price, including insertion, beforehand.

Can I get my Nexplanon removed or replaced in Seoul?

Yes. Removal and replacement can usually be done at the same short visit.

Will I bleed irregularly on Nexplanon?

Changes in bleeding are common. If bleeding is bothersome, a doctor can suggest treatment options.

Related Guides

• Birth Control Implant in Korea: A Guide to Nexplanon/Implanon
• IUD in Korea: Cost, Procedure & Options for Foreigners
• Birth Control in Korea: A Complete Guide for Foreign Women
• Hormonal IUD vs Copper IUD: Which Is Right for You?
• Complete Guide to Women's Healthcare in Korea for Foreigners

Book an English-Speaking OB-GYN Visit in Gangnam

Sinsoe Women's Clinic is a female-led OB-GYN clinic at 537 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, a short walk from Eonju Station (Line 9, Exit 7) and Yeoksam Station (Line 2, Exit 6). All physicians are female, board-certified OB-GYNs, and consultations are available in English. Message us on WhatsApp (+82-10-9517-5719) to book.

Hours: Mon & Fri 10:00–20:00 · Tue–Thu 10:00–19:00 · Sat 10:00–16:00 · Closed Sundays

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Prices and procedures can change — please confirm details directly with the clinic.