Are you tired of pregnancy scares but still unable to consistently take the pills?
That's the beautiful thing about contraceptives—there's at least one for everyone.
If oral contraceptives are not for you, you can try out other methods, like contraceptive implants.
What are contraceptive implants?
A contraceptive implant is a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC). It is a plastic rod placed in the skin of the nondominant upper arm of a woman to prevent pregnancy. Basically, it's a contraceptive that's implanted in the arm, hence its name.
How do implants work?
It releases progestogen, a hormone, into one's body at a slow, steady rate. Unlike the progesterone your body naturally releases, which rises, peaks, and falls at different phases of your menstrual cycle, progestogen is released slowly and continuously, which prevents pregnancy.
This steady release of progestogen does the following:
- It prevents ovulation, which means eggs aren't released from the ovaries.
- It thickens the cervical mucus, preventing sperm from swimming past it.
- It thins the uterine lining, such that if the two processes above are bypassed and fertilization occurs, a fertilized egg will be unable to be implanted in the uterus.
Implants prevent pregnancy using these methods and are very effective.
How effective are implants?
Studies show that they're more than 99% effective.
Can I put it in myself?
No, you cannot. A healthcare practitioner, like a doctor or nurse, inserts it for you.
Is it a painful process?
Most likely not. An anesthetic is used to reduce sensation in your upper arm before it's implanted, so it doesn't hurt.
Someone used it and still got pregnant. Why?
Implants are one of the most effective forms of contraception. If someone got pregnant, which is very unlikely, then they fall under the category of the "less than 1%."
What is more likely is that they had unprotected sex immediately after it was put in and got pregnant that week. Depending on the phase of your menstrual cycle, you can get pregnant within 7 days of getting an implant.
It is advised to use condoms within the first 7 days of getting your implant inserted.
How long does a contraceptive implant last?
It lasts for 3 years but may be effective for up to 5 years.
The pros
- It is reversible, which means that once it's removed, you can get pregnant.
- It is more than 99% effective.
- Unlike the pills, you don't have to remember to use them. It's self-sufficient like that!😄
- It reduces menstrual cramps; welcome implant, bye cramps!
- It may cause lighter bleeding, and your period may stop entirely.
- You can use it while you’re breastfeeding.
- You can use it without anyone knowing besides your healthcare provider.
The cons
- You cannot insert it or remove it yourself.
- It doesn't prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
- You may experience side effects like nausea, pain when your breasts are touched, abdominal pain,and headaches during the first few months of insertion.
- It may interfere with certain drugs.
- Your menstrual bleeding may become irregular.
- Your acne may get worse.
Who cannot use implants?
Implants are safe for most women. However, if you have any concerns, talk to your healthcare provider before having it inserted.
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My name is Chidinma Ekekeh, and I'm a health writer. I help healthcare companies, magazines, and hospitals create consumer content for their patients and readers.
I also write about health matters affecting women around the world.
