Contraceptive implants are an attractive option for women who want a contraceptive method that is “set and forget”. Once you the implant set, you don’t have to worry about contraception before intercourse.
- Success Rate: 99.986%
- Average Cost: $400 – $800 upfront (but lasts many years)
- Frequency of Use: Replaced every 3-12 years
- Prescription Required?: Yes
Benefits of Contraceptive Implants:
- Long Term – Once implanted, user doesn’t need to worry about contraception for 3-12 years
- Easy to Reverse – Once implant is removed, the ability to become pregnant returns quickly
- Low Long Term Cost – While the contraceptive implant cost is quite high up front, it is very cost effective in the long term considering it lasts many years
- Can be used while breastfeeding
- Can be used by women who can’t take estrogen
Negatives of Contraceptive Implants:
- No long term studies – No guarantees of long term safety
- Requires a trained doctor to perform implantation
- High Upfront Cost – While contraceptive implants are cost effective in the long term, there is a significant up front cost
- Potential Side Effects – Includes irregular bleeding, increased spotting and light bleeding between periods, cramping, backache, as well as more rare, but serious side effects.
What Are Contraceptive Implants?
Contraceptive implants, also known as birth control implants, are small little strips of plastic that contains birth control hormones that stop ovulation. The hormones that are released also make the mucus of the cervix thicker making it difficult for sperm to pass through.
Contraceptive implants can go under the skin in the arm, or they can be inserted into the uterus. A contraceptive implant that is inserted into the uterus is known as an intrauterine device, or IUD implant.
Is The Contraceptive Implant Permanent?
No. The contraceptive implant can be removed anytime. The removal process is simple, you would be injected with local anaesthetic, and the implant would be removed through a small incision (like it was inserted).
What Types Of Contraceptive Implants Are Available?
IUD Implant
IUD implant - Paragard
Single Rod Birth Control Implant
The Implanon implant is another type of contraceptive implant currently available in the United States that goes under the skin of the upper arm. It is effective against pregnancy for up to 3 years.
Some contraceptive implants that were popular but are no longer available for use in most jurisdictions include the Norplant implant.
What Are Some Contraceptive Implant Side Effects
Most of the common side effects reported with contraceptive implants are mild. These can include:
- Irregular periods
- Irregular spotting or bleeding between periods
- Mild to moderate pain when implant is inserted
- Cramping or backaches for a few days
There is also a potential – although very rare – for more serious side effects & problems with Contraceptive Implants. For IUD Implants, these include:
- IUD slipping out of the uterus
- The IUD could cause an infection if bacteria gets into the uterus during implantation. An untreated infection in the uterus could lead to sterility
- IUD could push through wall of uterus – though this is extremely rare.
If a contraceptive implant is something you would like to consider, contact your health care provider. Be sure to find a health care provider that has been specifically trained for the insertion and removal of the type of contraceptive implant you will be using.