Birth Control Implant (Implanon)

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  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.

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  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.

  The hormone also thins the lining of the uterus. In theory, this could prevent pregnancy by keeping a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.

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  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 diseases.  Use a latex or female condom to reduce the risk of infection.

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  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 are pregnant or have breast cancer.

  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.

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  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.

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  What Are the Disadvantages of Implanon?

  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

  • change in sex drive
  • discoloring or scarring of the skin over the implant
  • headache
  • nausea
  • 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 bleeding, pus, or increasing redness, or pain at insertion site.
  • You have a new lump in your breast.
  • You have no period after having a period every month.
  • You have unusually heavy or prolonged bleeding from your vagina.
  • The implant comes out or you have concerns about its location.

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  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.

  If you get the implant during the first five days of your period, you are protected against pregnancy immediately. Otherwise, you need to use some form of backup birth control — like a condom, female condom, diaphragm, sponge, or emergency contraception (morning after pill) — for the first week after getting the implant.

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  How Do I Get Implanon? How Much Does Implanon Cost?

  You need to see a health care provider to get Implanon. You can find a provider who has been specially trained in inserting and removing Implanon by contacting your local Planned Parenthood health center or by finding a provider on the Implanon website.

  The cost of the exam, Implanon, and insertion ranges from $400–$800. Removal costs between $100 and $300. The total cost pays for pregnancy protection that can last for three years.

  Planned Parenthood works to make health care accessible and affordable. Some health centers are able to charge according to income. Most accept health insurance. If you qualify, Medicaid or other state programs may lower your health care costs. 
  
  Call your local Planned Parenthood health center to get specific information on costs.

  • Want Implanon?Find a health center