All of us who need birth control want to find the method that is best for us. And every woman has different needs when choosing a method. Whether you’re thinking about starting Implanon, you’re using Implanon, you’re a concerned partner, or you’re just someone who’s curious about it, you may have many questions.
Here are some of the most common questions we hear women ask about Implanon. We hope the answers help you decide if it is right for you.
What Is Implanon?
Implanon is a thin, flexible plastic implant about the size of a cardboard matchstick. It is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It protects against pregnancy for up to three years.
How Does Implanon Work?
Like several other methods of birth control, such as the birth control shot, Implanon releases a hormone — progestin. Hormones are chemicals made in our bodies. They control how different parts of our bodies work.
The progestin in Implanon works by keeping a woman’s ovaries from releasing eggs — ovulation. Pregnancy cannot happen if there is no egg to join with sperm. The hormone in the implant also prevents pregnancy by thickening a woman’s cervical mucus. The mucus blocks sperm and keeps it from joining with an egg.
Some people say that the implant works by keeping a fertilized egg from attaching to the lining of the uterus. But there is no proof that this actually happens.
How Effective Is Implanon?
Effectiveness is an important and common concern when choosing a birth control method. Implanon is very effective. Less than 1 out of 100 women a year will become pregnant using Implanon. It lasts up to three years.
Certain medicines and supplements may make Implanon less effective. These include
- the antibiotic rifampin — other antibiotics do not make Implanon less effective
- certain medicines that are taken by mouth for yeast infections
- certain HIV medicines
- certain anti-seizure medicines
- St. John’s wort
Keep in mind Implanon doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex or female condom to reduce the risk of infection.
How Safe Is Implanon?
Most women can use Implanon safely. But all medications have some risks, so safety is a concern when choosing a birth control method. Talk with your health care provider about your health and whether Implanon is likely to be safe for you. You should not use Implanon if you might have or have had breast cancer or if you might be pregnant.
There are many other methods of birth control that may be safe for you if you cannot use Implanon. Read about other methods to find one that may be right for you.
What Are the Benefits of Implanon?
Using Implanon is safe, simple, and convenient. Women like the implant because
- the ability to become pregnant returns quickly when you stop using Implanon
- it can be used while breastfeeding
- it can be used by women who cannot take estrogen
- it gives continuous long-lasting birth control without sterilization
- there is no medicine to take every day
- nothing needs to be put in place before vaginal intercourse
What Are the Disadvantages of Implanon?
Many of us like to weigh the benefits against the risks of taking a medicine. Now that you’re familiar with the benefits, let’s look at the possible disadvantages.
Some women may have undesirable side effects while using Implanon. But many women adjust to it with few or no problems.
Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect, especially in the first 6—12 months of use.
- For most women, periods become fewer and lighter. After one year, 1 out of 3 women who use Implanon will stop having periods completely.
- Some women have longer, heavier periods.
- Some women have increased spotting and light bleeding between periods.
These side effects are completely normal. Some woman may worry that they are pregnant if they do not have a regular period. But when Implanon is used correctly, it is very effective. If you are concerned about a possible pregnancy, you can always take a pregnancy test.
Less common side effects of Implanon include
- acne
- change in appetite
- change in sex drive
- cysts on the ovaries
- depression
- discoloring or scarring of the skin over the implant
- dizziness
- hair loss
- headache
- nausea
- nervousness
- pain at the insertion site
- sore breasts
Serious Side Effects of Implanon
Many women have concerns about the possible risks of taking hormones in birth control. Serious problems do not occur often.
Serious problems usually have warning signs. Tell your health care provider immediately if
- You have arm pain.
- You have bleeding, pus, and increasing redness or pain at insertion site.
- You have a migraine or other severe headache.
- You have a new lump in your breast.
- You have severe pain in the stomach or abdomen.
- You have unusually heavy or prolonged bleeding from your vagina.
- The implant comes out.
How Is Implanon Inserted and Removed?
After taking your medical history and giving you a physical exam, your health care provider will numb a small area of your arm with a painkiller. Implanon is inserted under the skin. Insertion takes only a few minutes.
After insertion, be sure to tell any health care provider you may see that you are using Implanon.
The implant is effective for three years after it is inserted. After that, it should be removed. Even though it stops working, it may interfere with your period.
Implanon can be removed at any time. Your health care provider will numb the area with a painkiller and will usually make one small cut to remove the implant. Removal usually takes just a few minutes, but it generally takes longer than insertion. A new implant may be inserted at this time. Pregnancy can happen anytime after the implant is removed.
