Birth Control Implants: What You Should Know

Birth control is an entirely personal choice, and what may be best for others may not be what is best for you. It’s essential to understand your options before you make a decision. Each birth control method has its own benefits and risks to consider. Birth control implants are no exception.

What are Birth Control Implants?

These implants are small, flexible rods about the size of a matchstick. They are inserted under the skin of the upper arm. They work by slowly releasing hormones into the bloodstream. This prevents pregnancy for up to three years.

How Does a Birth Control Impact Work?

Birth control implants work by slowly releasing a hormone called progestin into the body. Progestin prevents pregnancy in two ways. First, it thickens mucous on the cervix to prevent sperm from being able to reach and fertilize an egg. Secondly, it prevents ovulation, meaning the ovaries cannot release an egg.

How Effective is a Birth Control Implant?

A birth control implant is very effective. Especially since you don’t have to remember to take a daily pill. These implants are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for up to three years. If you want to get pregnant before the three years are up, your doctor can remove the implant. Your fertility will return almost immediately.

How is the Implant Inserted?

Birth control implants are inserted during a simple procedure at your doctor’s office. Your doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the area of your arm where the implant will be placed. Then, the implant is inserted into your arm using an applicator. After placing the device, your doctor will cover the area with an adhesive dressing to allow the skin to heal.

Birth Control Implant Side Effects

As with any hormonal birth control, side effects are possible. Most commonly, women with birth control implants may experience:

Irregular bleeding, especially in the first 6-12 months of receiving the implant.
Shorter or nonexistent periods
Headaches
Mood swings
Breast pain
Weight gain

Benefits

There are a number of benefits to choosing implants as your birth control method, including:

They are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Birth control implants are convenient, with no need to remember to take a pill daily.
It’s effective for three years.
Periods are often less painful.
Acne may improve.
Does not interfere with breastfeeding.
They are easy to remove.
Fertility is restored quickly after removal.

Disadvantages

As with any medication, there can be some downsides. Each birth control method may have some downsides. You must weigh them all when deciding if it’s right for you.

It can cause irregular menstrual cycles.
There is no protection against sexually transmitted infections without the addition of condoms.
Risk of hormonal birth control side effects.