What Is a Birth Control Implant?

A birth control implant is a small, flexible rod about the size of a matchstick that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm by a healthcare provider. The implant releases a low, steady dose of the hormone progestin into the body, which helps prevent pregnancy.

Implants offer a convenient, highly effective solution for those seeking long-term contraception without the need for daily or even monthly maintenance. The effectiveness of the birth control implant is over 99 percent, making it one of the most reliable contraceptive options available.

How Does the Birth Control Implant Work?

The implant continuously releases progestin, which provides redundant birth control protection.

Progestin is highly effective at suppressing ovulation and preventing the release of an egg that could be fertilized. While ovulation suppression works for most users most of the time, it is not 100 percent guaranteed. Progestin also naturally thickens cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to reach an egg in the rare event ovulation occurs despite the birth control implant.

Because the implant provides consistent hormone levels, it is effective for up to three years. After three years, the implant must be replaced to maintain contraceptive effectiveness.

Benefits of Choosing the Birth Control Implant

Birth control implants offer a range of benefits that make them a popular choice for individuals seeking a low-maintenance, long-term contraceptive method.

Some of the primary benefits include:

• High Efficacy: With a failure rate of less than one percent, the implant is one of the most effective birth control methods.
• Long-Lasting Protection: The implant offers protection for up to three years but can be removed earlier if desired.
• Quick Return to Fertility: Fertility typically returns quickly after the implant is removed, allowing individuals to conceive shortly after discontinuation if they choose.
• Convenient and Private: The implant is discreet and requires no daily or monthly action, providing a “set it and forget it” solution.
• Suitable for Many Individuals: The implant can be a good option for those who prefer a non-estrogen-based contraceptive, particularly individuals who have experienced side effects from estrogen-based birth control methods or have contraindications to estrogen use.

The Implant Insertion Process

The process of implantation is quick and minimally invasive, usually taking only a few minutes in a clinical setting.

Here’s what to expect during your appointment:

• Consultation and Counseling: Our providers will review your medical history and contraceptive needs and answer any questions you may have about the implant.
• Numbing the Area: The area of the arm where the implant will be inserted is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
• Insertion: Using a specialized applicator, the provider will insert the implant just beneath the skin on the inside of the upper arm.
• Post-Insertion Care: After insertion, a small bandage is placed over the site. We’ll provide instructions for any aftercare, such as avoiding heavy lifting with the arm for the first 24 hours. Most individuals experience minimal discomfort during the procedure, and any soreness or bruising typically resolves within a few days.

Side Effects and Considerations

While the birth control implant is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects, particularly during the initial months after insertion.

Potential side effects include:

• Changes in Menstrual Cycle: Irregular bleeding, spotting or changes in the menstrual cycle are common with the implant. Some users may experience lighter periods, while others may have no periods at all.
• Headaches: Some individuals report headaches, though they are typically mild.
• Mood Changes and Acne: Hormonal changes can sometimes cause mood swings or acne, though this varies by individual.
• Weight Changes: Weight gain is reported as a side effect for some individuals, though it is generally minimal.

Our providers at St. Hope Healthcare take the time to discuss potential side effects in detail and answer any questions about managing or mitigating them. For most users, side effects lessen over time as the body adjusts to the implant.

Removing or Replacing the Implant

The birth control implant can be removed at any time by a trained healthcare provider. Removal is a quick process that involves making a small incision in the arm to extract the implant. If you decide to continue with the implant as your chosen contraceptive method, a new implant can be placed immediately following removal for continuous coverage.

Once the implant is removed, fertility typically returns quickly, often within a few weeks. For those considering pregnancy after removal, our team is available to provide guidance on pre-conception health and family planning options.

Is the Birth Control Implant Right for You?

Deciding on the best contraceptive method is a personal choice that involves considering factors such as health history, lifestyle and family planning goals. The birth control implant may be an ideal choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, long-lasting contraceptive option with high efficacy.

At St. Hope Healthcare, we are committed to helping you explore all available options and find a method that aligns with your reproductive health needs.

Find Out if a Birth Control Implant is the Right Option for You

At St. Hope Healthcare in Houston, TX, we’re here to support your reproductive health journey every step of the way with our women’s healthcare services.

Contact us through our website or give us a call at (713) 778-1300 to discuss how the birth control implant could fit into your health and lifestyle, and take the first step toward long-lasting, effective contraception.