THE BIRTH CONTROL IMPLANT
A skin-deep implant – which may be visible in some – with long-acting protection
ARM YOURSELF AGAINST UNPLANNED PREGNANCY
The birth control implant is as effective as other hormonal methods of birth control. It is a small, flexible plastic rod that contains a reservoir of the hormone progestin, which is constantly released through the entire body. This hormone analog of body’s natural progesterone prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs, and also thickens the cervical mucus, making it harder for the sperm to move.
You should consult your doctor or nurse when deciding if the birth control implant is right for you. If you do decide to get one fitted, your doctor or nurse will do this for you. A local anesthetic may take the pain out of the procedure, in which the implant is placed under the skin of your inner upper arm. Once that's done, there's little to do or remember. The implant will release hormones for up to three to five years, so it's a good choice for anyone who wants a reliable, long-acting birth control. Should you decide to return to your normal fertility, another minor procedure will remove the implant, and its effects will wear off very quickly.
HOW IT MEASURES UP
Why does a birth control implant have to be replaced after three to five years?
The birth control implant contains a reservoir of a progestin hormone, which is released in tiny doses to prevent pregnancy over three to five years. It will need to be replaced after this time because the amount of the hormone in the reservoir will run out.
Can you feel the birth control implant, or see it from the outside?
The birth control implant is a small, flexible plastic rod that is placed under the skin of the inner side of the upper arm. There will be a tiny mark at the point of placement, but this isn’t very visible.
Is having a birth control implant placed painful?
Your doctor or nurse will use local anesthetic to minimize discomfort, and the procedure takes just a couple of minutes. Some experience bruising or some soreness afterwards, but this will fade in time.
Can someone who does a lot of sport or exercise have a birth control implant?
Even after vigorous exercise, movement of the birth control implant is very rare and is not known to have serious implications. However, there have been reports of some people experiencing discomfort. If you cannot feel your birth control implant and think it may have moved, consult your doctor or nurse to ensure it is positioned properly.
What if I decide to have a baby?
After the removal of a birth control implant, you can return to pre-existing fertility.
When should the birth control implant be placed?
After consulting your doctor or nurse and checking that you are not already pregnant, the birth control implant should be placed within seven days after the start of period, or within seven days after abortion, if you have had one. If it is placed at any other time, you will need to use an additional non-hormonal method of birth control for the first seven days.
How does the birth control implant work?
It releases the hormone progestin into your body and prevents pregnancy by stopping the release of eggs from the ovaries, and thickening the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to move.2
How is the implant removed?
You can have it removed at any time during a minor procedure by a qualified doctor. Similar to the time of fitting, local anesthesia will be used, and no stitches are usually needed.2,3
(this procedure comes with risk of complications)
Can implant placement and removal leave scars?
The implant is placed right under your skin through a minor incision. So generally no stitches are needed, and no noticeable scarring is expected. If you receive stitches, a small scar may form after removal of the implant and once your skin has healed.2-4
(this procedure comes with risk of complications)
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Start preparing for the next appointment with your doctor or nurse today!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
1-2
YEARS
Small silicone rods release hormones into the body.
5
MINUTES4
The amount of time it takes to have one placed.
45 OR
OLDER6
At this stage, it can be left in until you reach the menopause or no longer need birth control.
PROS
- Highly effective and can be used for several years after a one-time placement experience.
- No need to remember using it once placed
- Allows spontaneous sex and does not interrupt it.4
CONS
- No protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- You have to see a doctor or nurse to place and remove it.
- Weight gain, mood changes, and nausea can be experienced by some people.4
EFFECTIVENESS
IUS
- The small, flexible T-shape
- Use 3-8 years
2 PREGNANCIES
PER 1000
people in the first year of typical use1
THE COPPER IUD
- AKA the copper coil
- Use 5–10 years
8 PREGNANCIES
PER 1000
people in the first year of typical use1
THE IMPLANT
- The small rod that goes under
the skin - Use 3–5 years
1 PREGNANCy
PER 1000
people in the first year of typical use1
RETURN TO FERTILITY
IUS
- The small, flexible T-shape
- Use 3-8 years
Immediate
THE COPPER IUD
- AKA the copper coil
- Use 5–10 years
Immediate
THE IMPLANT
- The small rod that goes under
the skin - Use 3–5 years
Immediate
IMPACT ON PERIOD
IUS
- The small, flexible T-shape
- Use 3-8 years
Can cause spotting and irregular
patterns, and make them lighter,
shorter, or stop altogether.
THE COPPER IUD
- AKA the copper coil
- Use 5–10 years
Can make them heavier, longer, or
irregular, and increase
pain and cramps.
THE IMPLANT
- The small rod that goes under
the skin - Use 3–5 years
Can cause irregularity, followed by
lighter, less frequent bleeding, or
no bleeding at all.
HORMONES
IUS
- The small, flexible T-shape
- Use 3-8 years
Yes. No estrogen, but a low dose of
progestin.
THE COPPER IUD
- AKA the copper coil
- Use 5–10 years
No. Only copper.
THE IMPLANT
- The small rod that goes under
the skin - Use 3–5 years
Yes. No estrogen, but progestin.
Is It Okay?
CONSIDER THIS
It’s totally normal to feel worried about placement pain. Rest assured your doctor or nurse will be able to talk you through the procedure – that way, you can feel more in control by knowing what will happen.
