Do you find it a hassle to remember to take birth control pills every day? Or do you feel a little scared and hesitant when thinking about a family planning method? So today, let's talk about a birth control method that is popular among many, very convenient, and provides protection for several years at a time. This is the 'Contraceptive Implant'.
What is this Contraceptive Implant?
Simply put, it's a small, thin, flexible stick about the size of a matchstick, about 4 centimeters long . It's inserted under the skin on the inside of your upper arm. It's usually placed on the hand you don't use the most.
This small implant contains a female hormone called progestin . Once inserted under the skin, it releases a very strong, steady dose of this hormone into your bloodstream. This can protect you from pregnancy for up to three years. The most commonly used brand name in Sri Lanka and around the world is Nexplanon® .
The most important thing is that this birth control method must be used and removed when the period is over by a trained doctor or physician.
How does this work inside the body?
The hormone progestin released from this small rod prevents pregnancy in three main ways.
1. Stopping ovulation: The main thing this does is stop your ovaries from releasing an egg each month, which is called ovulation . If an egg is not released, there is nothing for a sperm to fertilize, so pregnancy will not occur.
2. Thickening of the cervical mucus: The mucus lining the cervix thickens. This makes it very difficult for sperm to travel into the uterus. It's like closing off a road.
3. Thinning of the uterine wall: The inner wall of the uterus, where a fertilized egg implants, is thinned. So, even if an egg is fertilized, it has no room to implant and grow in the uterus.
Because of these three methods, the birth control implant is considered to be more than 99% effective . It is one of the most effective birth control methods available.
How to insert and remove the implant
Many people are a little scared about this process, but it's actually very simple and takes just a few minutes.
How is the implant placed?
This is something that can be done in the doctor's office/clinic.
- First, you will be made to lie down on an examination bed and asked to bend your arm at the elbow.
- Then, a local anesthetic is injected into the area where the implant will be placed. This means you won't feel any pain. You'll just feel a tingling sensation, like a small ant stinging you.
- After the area is numb, the doctor uses a special, needle-like instrument to insert the implant under the skin.
- There is no need for stitches. A small plaster or bandage is applied to the area. This also reduces the risk of bruising.
- The entire process takes only a few minutes.
How do you remove the implant?
After three years (or maybe longer), you can remove it if you want to have a baby before then. Removing it is just as simple as inserting it.
- A numbing medicine is injected again into the area where the implant is.
- Then, a very small incision is made and the implant is pulled out with something like forceps.
- This one doesn't require stitches either, just a bandage is applied to cover the wound.
Extremely important: Do not attempt to remove this yourself, for any reason, at any time. This should only be done by a trained doctor. Failure to do so may result in serious infection or other complications.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this method?
Before choosing any birth control method, it is important to know both its pros and cons.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Protection is provided continuously for up to 3 years (sometimes up to 5 years). | Temporary side effects (headaches, acne) may occur in the first few months. |
| You can "set it and forget it." There's nothing to remember every day. | The menstrual cycle may become irregular and the number of days of bleeding may vary. |
| There are no obstacles to sexual intercourse. | There is no protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). |
| It's under the skin so it's not visible from the outside. It's very secretive. | You definitely need to see a doctor to have it inserted and removed. |
| It can also be safely used by breastfeeding mothers. | May interact with some medications (e.g., those used for epilepsy). |
| It is possible to get pregnant again immediately after removal. | Very rarely, an infection can occur at the site of the implant. |
Some common questions you may have
Will periods stop completely after the implant is inserted?
This doesn't happen to everyone. Some people may stop menstruating altogether. Others may have irregular periods, meaning they may change from month to month, or they may have light spotting. This won't harm your body. But if you don't like this change, talk to your doctor about it.
Will this make you bigger?
This is a question that many people ask. Research has not directly proven that the implant causes weight gain. However, some women say that they feel watery or gain a little weight while using it.
Can this break or get lost in your hand?
The chances of this happening are very, very low. The implant is made of a flexible material. It won't break unless there's a serious accident or an assault. It's also very rare for it to move to another location inside the body.
If you have these symptoms, see a doctor.
If you experience any of the following symptoms while using the implant, see your doctor without delay.
| Symptoms to watch out for |
|---|
| Pain, swelling, or redness in the legs. |
| Sudden chest pain or difficulty breathing. |
| Sudden severe headache. |
| Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice). |
| Abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding. |
| Signs of infection at the implant insertion site (redness, swelling, pus). |
In conclusion, the birth control implant is a very convenient, effective, and long-lasting method of contraception. However, it is not suitable for everyone. You need to decide which method is best for you based on your health, lifestyle, and needs. So, to learn more about this, and to get your questions answered, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- The Contraceptive Implant is a convenient, "set-it-and-forget-it" method that protects against pregnancy for up to 3 years, is over 99% effective, and can be used for up to 3 years.
- You should definitely see a trained doctor to insert or remove this. Never try to remove it yourself.
- This does not provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). It is important to use a method such as a condom.
- It is normal to experience side effects such as irregular menstrual cycles during the first few months. If they persist, seek medical advice.
- Before deciding whether this method is right for you, talk openly with your doctor about all your birth control options.
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