Birth Control Implant

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KEY POINTS

• A birth control implant is a small, thin rod containing progestin. An implant is about the size of a cardboard matchstick. The implant prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years.
• A birth control implant may increase your risk for headache, acne, breast tenderness, and weight gain.
• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause and what you should do if you have side effects. Ask if any of your other regular medicines may affect the birth control implant as a contraceptive.

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What is a birth control implant used for?

A birth control implant is a small, thin rod containing progestin. An implant is about the size of a cardboard matchstick. Your healthcare provider will numb your skin with medicine and then insert the implant under the skin of your upper arm.

Implants are effective for preventing pregnancy for up to 3 years. At the end of 3 years, the implant should be removed. It can be replaced if you want to continue using that form of birth control.

You will be able to get pregnant right away after the implant is removed.

A birth control implant is one of the most reliable forms of birth control.

How does it work?

A birth control implant contains a form of the female hormone progestin. Progestin is one of the hormones used in birth control pills. With an implant, the high level of progestin in the body keeps the ovaries from releasing an egg. If the ovaries don’t release an egg, you cannot get pregnant. The hormone also causes a thickening of the mucus on the cervix and changes the lining of the uterus. These changes also help prevent pregnancy.

When you use a birth control implant, your periods may be lighter and less painful. For some women, their periods go away completely after about a year. Some women have heavier periods.

What else do I need to know about this medicine?

• Follow the directions that come with your medicine, including information about food or alcohol. Make sure you know when to replace your implant. Remember that you may not be protected from pregnancy if you do not replace your implant on schedule.
• This medicine does not keep you from getting AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases. If you are sexually active, latex or polyurethane condoms are the only method of birth control that can protect against the HIV virus and AIDS.
• Many medicines have side effects. A side effect is a symptom or problem that is caused by the medicine. The most common side effects for the implant are bleeding between periods, headache, acne, breast tenderness, and weight gain. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about these side effects and what you should do if you have side effects.
• Keep a list of your medicines with you. List all of the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all of the products you are taking.
• Some medicines may interfere with the effectiveness of the birth control implant. Try to get all of your prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your medicines are safe to take together.
• If you have any question about the effectiveness of the birth control implant, use another method of birth control such as a condom until you can talk to your healthcare provider.

You should discuss the risks and benefits of a birth control implant with your healthcare provider. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Be sure to keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.