Contraceptive Implant Procedure
Overview
A contraceptive implant is a small, flexible rod that fits just under the skin of the upper arm. It works by slowly releasing progestin, a hormone that helps prevent pregnancy. This method is also known as implantable contraception or a birth control implant.
How It Works:
- Stops ovulation so eggs are not released.
- Thickens cervical mucus to block sperm.
- Thins the lining of the uterus to make attachment difficult.
These implants provide long-term protection against pregnancy and are reversible. Since they contain only progestin, people sometimes consider them an option similar to the progestin-only pill but choose them because they last longer and do not require daily use.
Reasons People Choose Contraceptive Implants
Contraceptive implants offer a reliable way to prevent pregnancy. Many people pick this method because it is easy to use and lasts a long time. Unlike birth control pills, the implant does not require daily attention. A healthcare provider places it under the skin of the arm, and it can help prevent pregnancy for up to three years.
Key Benefits:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Long-lasting | Works for up to 3 years without daily upkeep. |
| Reversible | Can be removed at any time if plans change. |
| Minimal hormone exposure | Contains progestin but no estrogen. |
| Quick return to fertility | Possible to get pregnant soon after removal. |
| Discreet | No one needs to know except the person using it. |
| Hands-off | No regular action needed between appointments. |
More Control Over Birth Planning
Implants give the user more control. There’s no need to interrupt sex, buy extra supplies, or rely on a partner’s approval. For those who don’t want to think about birth control each day or month, this hands-off approach stands out.
Health Considerations
Because the implant does not use estrogen, people worried about blood clots may find it a safer option than some other types. Using only progestin, it avoids some risks that can come with combined hormone methods. Still, some health conditions can make using the implant risky. Not advised if you have:
- Allergies to the material in the implant
- Ongoing liver problems
- Breast cancer (now or in the past)
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Previous heart attack, stroke, or serious blood clots
Special Situations
Breastfeeding people may want a reversible and hormone-friendly option like the implant. Also, for those with busy lifestyles or who have trouble remembering daily pills, the implant provides steady protection from accidental pregnancy without daily effort.
Limitations and Precautions
The implant does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs or STDs). People should use condoms with the implant if there is any risk of STIs. Some medicines and herbal supplements can lower how well the implant works. Certain seizure drugs, HIV medicines, sedatives, and herbs like St. John’s wort may reduce its effectiveness.
People using emergency contraception or these other medicines should talk with their doctor about possible interactions. Individuals should work with their healthcare team to weigh personal health status, medicines, and plans for future pregnancy before choosing an implant.
Possible Problems and Side Effects
Using a contraceptive implant can lead to some unwanted effects. Common issues include headaches, weight gain, acne, breast tenderness, and changes in menstrual bleeding. Periods might become irregular, lighter, heavier, or even stop altogether (called amenorrhea). Some people notice increased spotting or vaginal discharge.
Other possible side effects are mood swings, depression, and dizziness. Some report a lower sex drive or nausea. The area around the implant might bruise or feel sore. Though rare, people can experience benign ovarian cysts and mild resistance to insulin.
The implant may not be suitable for those with a history of liver disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. People who smoke or have a history of hormone-related cancers, such as breast cancer, also face higher risks. Infection or swelling at the placement site can occur. Less commonly, people may develop blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.
How You Get Ready
Before the procedure, a medical professional checks overall health to make sure it’s safe to move forward. They look at your medical history, current health, and any medicines you take. Choosing the best time for the implant depends on your menstrual cycle and any current birth control you use.
A pregnancy test may be needed before the appointment. This helps confirm you’re not pregnant before placing the implant. Sometimes, additional medical tests are suggested depending on your health needs. It’s important to know when you do or do not need backup birth control after the implant placement:
| Timing of Implant Placement | Need Backup Birth Control? |
|---|---|
| First 5 days of menstrual cycle | No |
| First 7 days after hormonal pills, ring, or patch (used correctly) | No |
| While using minipill daily | No |
| When due for contraceptive shot | No |
| When switching from another implant or IUD | No |
| Any other time | Yes, for 7 days |
Pack any needed medicines, health records, and questions for your provider. Eat and drink as you normally would unless told otherwise. Dress in loose, comfortable clothes for the appointment.
What You Can Expect
What Happens While Getting the Implant
When someone goes in to have a contraceptive implant placed, the process usually takes just a few minutes. The person will be awake and lying on their back. The arm chosen for the implant—usually the non-dominant one—will be positioned to show the inside part of the upper arm.
A health care provider finds a spot between two muscles in the upper arm. Before putting in the implant, the provider uses a numbing injection so the area does not hurt.
Once the skin is numb, the provider inserts the small rod that holds the hormone progestin (etonogestrel) just under the skin with a special device. If the device goes in too deep, removing it later can be harder.
Tip: The actual insertion feels like a quick pinch because of the numbing medicine. The whole preparation and placement usually takes less than 15 minutes.
What to Expect After the Device Is In
After placement, the provider gently presses on the arm to check if the implant is in the right place. Sometimes an X-ray or ultrasound confirms its location under the skin. Both the person and provider should be able to feel the rod just beneath the skin.
To help reduce swelling or bruising, a pressure bandage may be wrapped over a smaller one at the site. The larger bandage can be removed after 24 hours, while the small bandage should stay on and the area should be kept clean for a few days.
Possible Effects in the First Week
| Symptom | How Common? |
|---|---|
| Bruising | Frequent |
| Mild pain | Frequent |
| Small scar | Possible |
| Light bleeding | Possible |
People should contact their care provider if they notice unusual symptoms, such as a lump in the breast, very heavy or ongoing vaginal bleeding, pain or swelling in the leg, yellowing of the skin or eyes, signs of infection around the implant, or any early signs of pregnancy.
The implant starts working soon after insertion and releases a steady dose of progestin to prevent ovulation and pregnancy. A professional removes the device using a process similar to the insertion.
Outcomes
The contraceptive implant protects against pregnancy for up to three years. After three years, you need to change it to keep it effective. Some health conditions, such as migraine with aura, heart disease, stroke, uncontrolled high blood pressure, jaundice, or significant depression, may require early removal.
Removal Procedure
- The healthcare provider uses a local anesthetic to numb the area under the skin of your arm where the implant sits.
- The provider makes a small incision and gently pushes out the device.
- Once the implant tip becomes visible, the provider removes it with forceps.
- The provider covers the cut with a bandage and then applies a pressure bandage.
- Most removal procedures take under five minutes.
If you need continued birth control, the provider can place a new implant immediately. If not, you should use another form of contraception right away to avoid unintended pregnancy.
