The birth control implant is a form oflong acting reversible contraception(LARC).
But, unlike tubal ligation, it is completely reversible if you decide to have children.
The implant does not contain estrogen.
Therelease of the hormone progestinhelps prevent ovulation, meaning a woman does not release an egg to be fertilized.
The most common forms of the implant have been Norplant, Implanon, and, most recently, Nexplanon.
Norplant also used a different throw in of progestin than newer generation implants use.
Additionally, there were questions about the efficacy of Norplant and it was discontinued.
Implanon was a newer generation implant that used onlya single, matchstick sized implantto release progestin slowly over time.
It wasupgraded to Nexplanonin 2011, which utilized a more efficient method of insertion.
By and large, Nexplanon has replaced Implanon in recent years because of its advantages during insertion and removal.
And while the implant is long acting, it isn’t permanent.
Eventually, the implant is no longer considered effective and must be removed.
Because the implant lasts for up to three years, the initial cost pays for itself over time.
Research has shown that the implant is more cost effective than birth control pills at any stage.
One study showed thatafter 12 months, the implant is half the cost of oral contraceptives.
This is important becauselack of compliance and improper useof contraceptives are the major causes of failure.
Because the implant is thin and flexible, it generally does not cause visible protrusions in the skin.
“My whole upper arm was bruised.”
“I was back to swimming within a week and running even faster.”
It is considered very safe
The implant particularly newer generation implants like Nexplanon are considered quite safe.
Laura E. from Las Vegas, Nevada, discovered that the implant can be used for even more.
“I was having severe migraines almost daily and pain from fibroids,” she said.
“Nexplanon was recommended as the best way to treat both issues.”
She also remarked that not having a period anymore is “amazing.”
The most common of all these side effects is irregular menstrual bleeding.
Preparing for removal
For the vast majority of women who have the implant, removal is easy.
These instances are rare, but it is important to know that they exist.
Is the implant right for you?
Like all forms of birth control, the implant may not be right for everyone.
