Birth control implants are becoming increasingly popular for those looking for long-term contraception options.
The implant is a small, flexible rod inserted under your upper arm’s skin.
It releases progestin hormone that prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
It is effective for up to three years and is easily reversible when you stop using it.
Many people like the implant because it is highly effective, easy to use, and requires little maintenance.
Taking a pill every day can be inconvenient, but you don’t need to worry about it with the implant. It is also a discreet option, as the implant is hidden under the skin. Plus, it doesn’t interfere with sex.
The implant is safe and is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, it has to be inserted and removed by a trained doctor.
You can speak to Dr. Himali Maniar, a gynecologist in Bopal, Ahmedabad. She has extensive experience providing reproductive healthcare services to women, including counselling on contraception options like three-year birth control implants.
She can help women determine if birth control implants are the right choice for their needs and provide guidance on their use and management.
How does the implant work?
The birth control implant, is a small, matchstick-sized rod that is inserted beneath the skin of the upper arm.
It releases a progestin hormone called etonogestrel (single rod implant), or levonorgestrel (two rod implant) which prevents pregnancy in a few different ways.
First, the hormone hardens the cervical mucus, making it challenging for sperm to reach the egg.
Second, it thins the uterus lining, making it less receptive to implantation.
Finally, it can prevent ovulation, which means that there is no egg available for fertilization in the first place.
The implant is highly effective at preventing pregnancy, with a failure rate of less than 1%.
It can be left in place for up to three years, after which it must be removed or replaced.
It is a long-acting reversible contraceptive method, meaning it does not require daily attention like other forms of birth control, such as the pill.
How effective is the birth control implant?
The birth control that goes in your arm for 3 years is one of the most effective forms of contraceptive available.
It has a failure rate of less than 1%, making it more effective than methods such as the pill, patch, ring, or even the contraceptive injection.
However, the effectiveness of the implant depends on proper insertion and placement by a doctor.
If the implant is not inserted correctly or has shifted out of place, it may be less effective at preventing pregnancy. You need to consult an experienced gynecologist like Dr. Himali Maniar.
Nevertheless, three-year birth control is a highly effective and convenient form of birth control that can provide up to three years of reliable contraception.
What are the benefits of the implant?
The three-year birth control implant has several benefits that make it a popular choice for women seeking safe and dependable contraception:
- Highly effective with a failure rate of less than 1%.
- The implant can provide up to three years of contraception, meaning that women do not need to worry about remembering to take a pill every day or getting a new contraceptive method every few months.
- It is highly convenient as once the implant is inserted, there is no need for any further attention, making it a low-maintenance option.
- A doctor can easily remove it if a woman wants to become pregnant or switch to a different method of birth control.
- The implant is a safe and well-studied method of birth control with few severe side effects.
What are the disadvantages of the three-year control implant?
While the birth control implant has many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Like all hormonal birth control methods, the birth control that goes in your arm for 3 years can cause side effects such as irregular bleeding, headaches, and acne. Some women may also experience mood changes, weight gain, or breast tenderness.
- While implant insertion and removal are relatively simple procedures, some women may find them uncomfortable or painful.
- The implant does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so individuals should use barrier methods such as condoms to reduce the risk of infection.
- Though the implant is highly effective and can provide up to three years of contraception, it can be expensive upfront. However, it may be more cost-effective in the long run than other methods of birth control that require frequent replacements.
- Some women may experience irregular bleeding or spotting while using the implant. While this is generally not harmful, it can be inconvenient or uncomfortable.
Before opting for the 3-year birth control implant, consider the potential drawbacks and discuss them with a doctor before making a decision.
You can visit Dr. Himali Maniar, an expert gynecologist in South Bopal, Ahmedabad, for guidance at Nisha Women’s Hospital.
Side effects of birth control implant
Some common side effects of the implant include:
- Irregular bleeding
- Headaches
- Mood changes
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Breast tenderness
- Infection
- Vaginitis
- Noncancerous ovarian cysts
Can any woman use the implant?
Most women can use birth control implants safely. However, pregnant women should not use it.
Furthermore, even women with the following condition should not use birth control implants:
- History of blood clots or clotting disorders
- Severe liver disease
- Liver tumors
- Certain allergies
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding or bleeding disorders
It is necessary to discuss any medical conditions or concerns with your doctor before starting to use the implant.
Birth control implant removal
A doctor can easily remove the birth control implant at any time.
The removal procedure is relatively simple and usually takes just a few minutes. A doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the area, make a small incision, and remove the implant.
Some women may experience mild side effects such as bruising, soreness, or mild bleeding.
After the implant is removed, a woman’s fertility will return quickly.
So, if you do not want to become pregnant, you will have to use another form of birth control or insert a new implant during the same appointment as the removal.
Suppose you are interested in the 3-year birth control implant. In that case, you should discuss your options with Dr. Himali Maniar, a gynecologist in Bopal, Ahmedabad, who can guide and advise you on whether the implant is the right choice.