Contraceptive implant (2024)

FAQs

Contraceptive implant? ›

Disadvantages of the birth control implant

Your periods may become irregular, heavier, lighter, longer or shorter. It may make acne worse. It doesn't offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Your provider has to remove it once you're done with it.

Disadvantages of the birth control implant

Your periods may become irregular, heavier, lighter, longer or shorter. It may make acne worse. It doesn't offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Your provider has to remove it once you're done with it.

The contraceptive implant is a small plastic rod, around 4 cm long, that a doctor or nurse puts under the skin of your arm. It prevents pregnancy by releasing the hormone progestogen. This stops the ovaries releasing an egg each month. The contraceptive implant is not suitable for everyone.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the number of pregnancies per 100 women within their first year of using the pill is nine. For the implant, that number is only one. Like implants, birth control pills do not protect you from sexually transmitted infections.

The birth control implant is a highly effective form of contraception that is easy to fit and remove and is long lasting. Using a birth control implant does come with a few risks, such as infection and changes to the menstrual cycle, and it does not protect against STIs or HIV.

The most common side effect is irregular bleeding (aka spotting), especially in the first 6-12 months. But most people on the implant get lighter periods, or their periods stop altogether while they have the implant. Other possible side effects that aren't as common include headaches, breast pain, and nausea.

The birth control implant (AKA Nexplanon) may cause weight gain in some people while they're using it, but this doesn't happen to everyone. It's not a very common side effect, and many people use the implant without gaining weight. Everyone's body is different, so birth control affects everyone a little differently.

Since weight gain may be a side effect of being on the implant, it's possible that when it's removed, some women could find it easier to lose that weight, similar to how other side effects resolve as well.

Dryness is a common side effect of hormonal birth control. This includes oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), arm implants, shots, skin patches, and vagin*l rings.

Do you get periods with implant? ›

Disrupted periods

Around 20% of people using the implant will have no bleeding, but almost 50% will have infrequent or prolonged bleeding. Bleeding patterns often remain irregular. If the bleeding is a problem speak to your GP, nurse or sexual health service for advice.

Nexplanon works for up to 5 years, and a nurse or doctor must remove it. Of course, you can get your implant taken out at any time before it expires if you want to get pregnant, switch birth control methods, or just stop using it.

Implantable contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Couples having sex must always use condoms along with the implant to protect against STDs.

IUDs and hormonal implants are both equally effective methods of birth control, with pregnancy occurring in fewer than 1 out of 100 women with typical use. There are two types of IUDs, hormonal and non-hormonal. Depending on the type, these T-shaped birth control devices can either stop your period or make it heavier.

The contraceptive implant is over 99% effective. Less than 1 in 100 women who use it for a year will get pregnant. The implant will protect against pregnancy immediately if it's fitted during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle.

Implants such as Nexplanon and shots such as Depo Provera are considered long acting, with the implant lasting up to three years and the shot three months. These methods, which can also be used to help control heavy, painful, or irregular periods, should not affect long-term fertility.

NEXPLANON works by preventing ovulation

NEXPLANON works by using a hormone that stops an egg from being released by your ovary and prevents sperm from reaching the egg. It also changes the lining of your uterus.

Some people experience other side effects, like changes to their moods or skin. These are important if they happen to you, but no research supports a direct link with the implant yet. These side effects will not have an effect on your health, but they can be difficult to live with.

Estrogen in birth control pills, patches, implants, rings and injections can cause blood to clot easier, which can cause a heart attack if the clot blocks blood flow to the heart, or can cause a stroke if the clot blocks blood flow to the brain.