Birth Control Methods

Implant

Nexplanon, Implanon

Emergency Contraception

External Condoms

Hormonal IUD

Implant

Internal Condoms

Non-Hormonal IUD

Patch

Ring

Shot/Injection

Sterilization – Female

Sterilization – Male

The Pill

About

The implant, like Nexplanon and similar types, is a tiny rod about the size of a matchstick that a doctor puts under the skin of your upper arm. You’ll get something to numb the area first, so it doesn’t hurt. Once it’s in, you usually can’t see it.

This implant releases a hormone called progestin which helps prevent pregnancy. It mainly works by making the mucus in the cervix thicker, which makes it tough for sperm to meet an egg. It’s approved by the FDA to prevent pregnancy for up to three years, although studies show it can work for up to five years. If you decide you want it taken out sooner, you can do that too.

Effectiveness

99%

Over 99% effective

Mechanism of Action

The birth control implant works to prevent pregnancy using a hormone called progestin. Here’s how it does this:

Suppresses ovulation in most users: It usually stops the ovaries from releasing eggs.
Changes cervical mucus: The implant makes the mucus in the cervix thicker, which makes it harder for sperm to get through.
Thins the lining of the uterus: It also makes the lining of the uterus thinner, which reduces the chances of a fertilized egg attaching to the uterus.

Benefits

Discreet method

Can be removed at any time

Set it and forget it

Highly effective

Improves cycle symptoms

Immediate return to fertility

No estrogen

Using an Implant has several benefits besides preventing pregnancy, and here’s how they can be helpful:

The hormones in the implant can make your periods lighter and less painful.
It can help lessen cramping and the mood swings or discomfort often associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Once the implant is placed, you don’t have to think about daily birth control, as it works continuously.
If you decide you want to try to get pregnant or just prefer to stop using it, the implant can be easily removed by a healthcare provider.
The implant is placed under the skin and isn’t visible, making it a private option for birth control.
Your ability to become pregnant returns very quickly once the implant is removed.
The implant releases a hormone called progestin and doesn’t contain estrogen, which is beneficial for those who might be sensitive to estrogen or have health risks related to estrogen use.

Start Method

Backup required

You can have sex immediately after getting the birth control implant, but you might need to use extra protection, like condoms, for the first week.

If you get the implant within the first five days of your period, it starts working to prevent pregnancy right away.

If you get the implant at a different time in your cycle, be sure to use another form of birth control, such as condoms, for the next seven days if you have vaginal sex.

Potential Side Effects and Concerns

When using the implant there are some potential side effects and concerns to keep in mind, including:

Headaches.
Breast pain.
Nausea.
Weight gain.
Ovarian cysts: Small sacs filled with fluid can form on the ovaries.
Small scar after insertion: There might be a tiny scar where the implant was put into your skin.
Infection at the insertion site: Sometimes the spot where the implant was inserted can get infected.

If you don’t like the way the implant makes you feel after you’ve had it for a few months, talk with a nurse or doctor.

Who Should Not Use This?

The birth control implant should not be used by people with the following health conditions:

Breast cancer or history of breast cancer: If you currently have or previously had breast cancer.
Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
Blood clots: If you have a history of blood clots.
Liver disease or liver tumor: If you have any liver problems or tumors.
Unexplained vaginal bleeding: If you have bleeding that hasn’t been explained by a doctor, it’s important to find out the cause before using the implant.