What Is It?
Implantable contraception is a small, flexible plastic tube
containing hormones that doctors insert just under the skin of the
upper arm. The hormones delivered in this way can help protect
against pregnancy for several years.
One form of implantable contraception is currently available in
the United States. It is a matchstick-sized flexible tube that can
be left in place and protects against pregnancy for up to 3
years.
How Does It Work?
The implanted tube slowly releases low levels of the hormone
progestin to prevent pregnancy. It primarily works by
preventing ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly
cycle). If a girl doesn't ovulate, she cannot become pregnant
because there is no egg to be fertilized. The progestin released by
the device also thickens the mucus around the cervix. This helps
prevent sperm from entering the uterus and also thins the lining of
the uterus so if the egg is fertilized it may be less likely to
attach to the wall of the uterus.
How Well Does It Work?
Experts believe the type of implantable contraception now
available in the United States to be a very effective method of
birth control. Over the course of 1 year, fewer than 1 out of 100
typical couples using implantable contraception will have an
accidental pregnancy. The chance of getting pregnant will increase
if a girl waits longer than 3 years to replace the tube. Because if
this, it's important to keep a record of when tubes were
inserted and switch to another method of contraception or get a new
contraceptive implant.
In general, how well each type of birth control method works
depends on a lot of things. These include whether a person has any
health conditions or is taking medications or herbal supplements
that might interfere with its use. For example, antibiotics or an
herb like St. John's wort can interfere with the effectiveness
of implantable contraception.
How well a particular method of birth control works also depends
on whether the method chosen is convenient - and whether the person
remembers to use it correctly all the time. This means the implant
must be in a good position and working properly, and that a girl
needs to remember to have it replaced on time. The only way to be
100% sure that you won't become pregnant or get an STD is to
not have sex at all (called abstinence).
Protection Against STDs
Implantable contraception does not protect against
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
. Couples having sex must always use
condoms
along with implantable contraception to protect against STDs.
Possible Side Effects
Many young women who get contraceptive implants will notice a
change in their periods. Other side effects that some girls have
include:
- irregular or no menstrual periods
- weight gain, headaches, acne, and breast tenderness
- irritation, infection, and possible scarring where the tubes
are inserted
- depression
Some of these side effects may improve with time.
Smoking cigarettes while using implantable contraception can
increase a girl's risk of certain side effects. This is why
health professionals advise young women who use this type of birth
control
not
to smoke.
Who Uses It?
Young women who have a hard time remembering to take birth
control pills and who want long-term protection against pregnancy
may be interested in implantable contraception.
Not all women can - or should - use implantable contraception.
In some cases, health conditions make it less effective or more
risky to use. For example, implantable contraception is not
recommended for women who have had blood clots, liver disease,
unexplained vaginal bleeding, or certain types of cancer. Talk to
your doctor if you have diabetes, migraine headaches, depression,
high cholesterol, high blood pressure, gallbladder problems,
seizures, kidney disease, or other medical problems.
Anyone who thinks she might be pregnant should not have
contraceptive implants inserted.
How Do You Get It?
Implantable contraception is only available through a doctor or
other medical professional who has been trained in how to insert
it. Some local health clinics may also be able to insert
implantable contraception. A doctor may require two office visits:
one to examine you and talk about implantable contraception and one
to insert the tube itself. How soon the doctor is able to insert
the implant depends on when a girl had her last period and what
type of birth control she is currently using.
After numbing the inside of the upper arm, the doctor will use a
small needle to insert the tube just under the surface. The whole
process only takes a few minutes. After the tube is put in, a girl
shouldn't do any heavy lifting for a few days.
A medical practitioner must remove the tube after 3 years - it
cannot be left in a girl's arm, even after it is no longer
working. To remove the tube, the medical practitioner numbs the
area, makes a small cut in the arm and pulls out the tube. The tube
can be removed any time after insertion - there's no need to
wait the full 3 years, but you must go to the doctor to have it
removed. To avoid an unplanned pregnancy, it's important to
keep a record of when the implant was inserted and to either switch
to another method of birth control or get a new implant inserted
after 3 years.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of implantable contraception varies widely based on
location and insurance coverage. It can range from several hundred
dollars to over $1,000. Although there is a charge for removal,
some doctors will remove the tube even if you cannot pay.
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: March 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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