Are you tired of constantly remembering to take a pill every day for birth control? Or maybe you’re just looking for a more discreet and long-term option. In that case, birth control implants may be the solution you’ve been searching for. These tiny matchstick-sized rods are inserted under the skin and can prevent pregnancy for up to three years. The implant under your skin can be felt by yourself but is usually not obvious to others around.
While they have gained popularity among women as a highly effective form of birth control, like any other method, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider before getting a birth control implant. If you’re thinking about choosing this form of contraception, keep reading to learn about five contraceptive implant advantages and disadvantages that may help make your decision easier.
Advantages of Contraceptive Implants
A birth control implant is placed just under your upper arm’s skin and releases a steady dose of hormones into your body to prevent ovulation. Here are five benefits of this method:
1. High Effectiveness
Contraceptive implants are a form of hormonal contraception that boast an impressive effectiveness rate of over 99% in preventing pregnancy, making them one of the most reliable forms of birth control available. It means that fewer than 1 in 100 women who use the implant will become pregnant each year.
In comparison, the pill requires daily administration and has a typical-use effectiveness rate of about 91%. Methods like condoms, which depend heavily on correct and consistent use, offer around 87% effectiveness. The implant’s superior efficacy stems from its low-maintenance nature, providing long-term protection without requiring daily action or user intervention.
2. Long-lasting Protection
Birth control implants can provide effective birth control for up to three years, offering a hassle-free solution for women who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it method. The implant is a form of hormonal contraception also known as Long Acting Reversible Contraception or LARC. This extended duration of protection eliminates the need to remember daily pills or combined oral contraceptives, minimising the risk of unplanned pregnancies associated with missed doses. It also allows the immediate return to fertility once removed.
3. Convenience and Discretion
The contraceptive implant is typically inserted under the skin of the upper arm. This location is chosen for its convenience and ease of access, allowing healthcare providers to insert and remove the implant with minimal discomfort.
The birth control implant is also invisible once it has been inserted, making it a highly discreet option for contraception. It does not interfere with daily activities, allowing individuals to continue their routines without constant attention to their birth control method. Additionally, there is no need for daily maintenance, providing a hassle-free solution for long-term contraception.
4. Potential Period Benefits
Contraceptive implants may have a potential impact on menstrual periods. Many individuals experience lighter periods, which can be a welcome relief for those who suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding and can lead to reduced menstrual cramps, alleviating the discomfort and pain that often accompany periods.
In some cases, contraceptive implants may even result in the complete absence of periods, known as amenorrhea. This change can significantly improve the quality of life for those who deal with severe cramps and heavy periods, providing a more manageable and pain-free menstrual cycle.
5. Suitability for Most Women
Contraceptive implants are highly suitable for a majority of women, including those who are breastfeeding.
A contraceptive implant also does not contain oestrogen, making it an excellent choice for women who are unable to use oestrogen-based contraceptives due to health concerns or certain medications.
With the birth control implant being a long-acting reversible contraception, it is quick to return to fertility after implant removal, allowing women to plan their pregnancies with greater flexibility and assurance.
Disadvantages of Contraceptive Implants
The contraceptive implant works effectively to prevent pregnancy. However, it also has some disadvantages that should be considered before deciding to use it as a birth control method.
1. Upfront Cost
One of the potential disadvantages of contraceptive implants is the upfront cost associated with their insertion. While the initial investment might be significant, this costs are meant to last for 3 years which eventually still makes the implant a cost effective option compared to other methods like pills.
2. Insertion and Removal Procedure
The insertion and removal of a contraceptive implant are non-invasive procedures typically performed in an office setting. During insertion, a healthcare professional uses a local anaesthetic to numb the upper arm area where the implant will be placed. They then use a specialised applicator to insert the small, flexible plastic rod under the skin. There will be a small scar on the skin where the implant is inserted.
Some patients experience mild bruising, swelling or pain at the insertion site, which usually resolves within a few days.
Removal is similarly straightforward. A healthcare professional administers a local anaesthetic to the area around the implant. They then make a small incision or a small cut to gently extract the rod. Both procedures are quick and can be done in the clinic.
3. Changes in Menstrual Cycle
One of the most common disadvantages of using contraceptive implants is the potential for changes in the menstrual cycle. Many users report experiencing irregular bleeding, which can range from light spotting to moderate bleeding. This unpredictability in menstrual patterns can be inconvenient and distressing for some. This irregular bleeding pattern may typically last for a few months and eventually improves once your body gets used to the hormones.
Managing Irregular Bleeding
Tracking your bleeding patterns can help you identify any irregularities that need to be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Always carry sanitary products to manage unexpected bleeding.
If irregular bleeding becomes a major concern, ask your healthcare provider for possible solutions. They might suggest medication to help regulate your cycle.
Understanding that irregular bleeding is a common side effect can help reduce anxiety related to these changes.
4. Potential Side Effects
The contraceptive implant may cause a variety of side effects in some individuals. Aside from the side effects after insertion, other possible side effects throughout include:
Mood swings
Headaches
Breast tenderness
Weight gain
These side effects vary from person to person and may not be experienced by everyone. If any side effects become troublesome or persist, consult your healthcare provider.
5. No Protection Against STIs
Contraceptive implants do not provide any protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To ensure complete protection, it is recommended to use condoms in conjunction with implants. Condoms reduce the risk of contracting STIs, offering a dual layer of security for your sexual health.
Who Should Consider Contraceptive Implants?
Young Women: Ideal for those in their early twenties to forties who seek a long-term, low-maintenance contraceptive method.
Busy Professionals: Suitable for individuals with demanding careers or busy lifestyles, as it requires minimal follow-up and maintenance.
Women with Health Concerns: Recommended for women who cannot use oestrogen-based contraceptives due to health conditions such as a history of blood clots, migraines, or high blood pressure.
Postpartum Women: An excellent choice for new mothers looking for an effective, hormone-based contraception that can be used while breastfeeding.
Individuals Seeking Reliability: Perfect for those who prefer a highly reliable method of contraception with over 99% effectiveness.
Non-daily Users: Ideal for those who prefer not to remember daily pills or regular contraceptive routines.
Conclusion
By understanding contraceptive implant advantages and disadvantages, you can decide whether a contraceptive implant is right for you.
The advantages of contraceptive implants include being highly effective, long-term protection, minimal maintenance, reversible, and suitable for women who cannot use estrogen-based contraceptives.
However, it’s important to consider the disadvantages, such as the initial expense for insertion, the minor medical procedures for insertion and removal, the potential for menstrual changes and side effects like mood swings, headaches, and breast tenderness, and the lack of protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Always consult first with a healthcare provider to determine if contraceptive implants are the right choice for your specific health needs.
