A new way to plan your family: Everything about the Contraceptive Implant!

Are you thinking about family planning ? Or are you not so satisfied with the method you are currently using? Then we are going to tell you about a new and very effective birth control method that may be very important to you. It is a small stick that is placed under the skin, or to be more precise, a `` contraceptive implant`` . Shall we talk about this in detail?

What is this contraceptive implant? To put it simply…

This is a very small, flexible, stick-like device. It is about the size of a matchstick. It is usually inserted by a doctor under the skin on the inner side of your upper arm. It contains a hormone called progestin . This hormone gradually builds up in your blood and prevents pregnancy for up to three years. It is currently known in Sri Lanka under the brand name `Nexplanon®`. The most important thing to remember is that it must be inserted and removed by a trained doctor. It can be considered one of the most effective birth control methods available.

How big is this stick?

Imagine, this is 1.6 inches (about 4 centimeters) long, and about one-eighth inch in diameter. That's very small. You can even touch it with your hand, it's that close to the skin. But it's not visible from the outside.

How do these birth control pills work?

This really works amazingly. Let's see how it works.

1. Stopping Ovulation : The hormone progestin released by this pill stops your ovaries from releasing an egg, which is called ovulation. Simply put, if there is no egg, there is no fertilization.

2. Thickening of Cervical Mucus: Another thing is that this hormone thickens the mucus lining of your cervix. This makes it very difficult for sperm to travel into the uterus. Even if an egg is released, the chances of sperm finding it are very low.

3. Thinning of the uterine lining: Also, the hormone progestin thins the inner lining of the uterus, where a fertilized egg implants. So, even if an egg is fertilized, it loses its ability to stay in the uterus and grow.

This is how this little stick protects you from pregnancy for up to three years.

How successful is this method?

This is the most important question. In fact, this birth control pill is a method with a success rate of more than 99%. That means it is the most secure of all birth control methods available (the other is the `IUD`, that is, the loop ). If used correctly, the risk of pregnancy is very low.

How do I insert this contraceptive? Will it hurt?

A question many people have is whether it will hurt when you put it on. Don't worry, I'll explain it.

Your doctor will insert this in his office. Here's how to do it:

1. First, you will be made to lie down on an examination table and asked to bend your arm at the elbow into an “L” shape.
2. Then, a local anesthetic is injected into the area you have chosen to insert the needle on the inside of your upper arm. This will help you feel no pain. Some people say that the injection feels like a small ant stinging them.
3. This is usually placed on the hand you don't use much, but the doctor will ask you which hand you prefer.
4. Then, these rods are very carefully inserted under the skin using a special tipped instrument.
5. Stitches are not required. However, the doctor will apply a small bandage to the area. This will stop the bleeding and sometimes reduce the slight blueness.
6. This entire process only takes a few minutes.

So, there's no real pain. But the area where the stitches were inserted may feel a little stiff for a few days, and may feel a little sore when touched. That's normal.

How do you remove the stick?

This implant is currently approved for a period of three years. However, some studies suggest that it may be effective for up to five years. However, you can remove it at any time. Discuss this with your doctor.

A doctor also removes the splinter:

• Just like when inserting a needle, the area is first numbed with a local anesthetic .
• Then, a very small incision is made and the stick is pulled out with a tool like pliers.
• This doesn't need stitches either. The doctor will bandage the area as well.
• This too will be over in a few minutes.

What are the side effects of this?

Like most birth control methods, some people may experience minor side effects. But don't worry, most of the time these will subside on their own after a few months.

The most common side effects are:

• Menstrual irregularities: There may be light bleeding during menstruation (spotting), or the amount of bleeding may vary from day to day.
• Headache.
• Acne.
• Breast pain or tenderness.
• Mood swings.

If these side effects don't go away after a few months, talk to your doctor. There may be ways to treat them. Or, if you want, you can remove the splint and switch to another method.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the birth control pill?

It's important to know the pros and cons of any birth control method before choosing one. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of this method.

Will this make you bigger?

No. Research has shown that birth control pills do not directly cause weight gain. However, some people say they feel bloated or gain a little weight. This can vary from person to person.

When should I see a doctor?

If you are using a birth control pill, see a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Pain, swelling, or redness in the legs.
• Chest pain.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Sudden severe headache.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
• Excessive menstrual bleeding.
• Signs of infection at the insertion site (redness, swelling, pus, severe pain).