The Top 5 Contraceptive Implant Pros and Cons
The contraceptive implant is a long-acting reversible form of birth control. It’s a thin, flexible rod that’s inserted under the skin of your upper arm.
It releases the hormone progestin, which prevents pregnancy. The implant is one of the most effective forms of birth control with a failure rate of less than 0.05%. This means that if 100 women use the contraceptive implant for one year, fewer than one will get pregnant.
The contraceptive implant can stay in place for up to three years. After that, it can be removed and replaced if you want to continue using it. One advantage of the contraceptive implant is that it doesn’t require a daily or weekly routine like taking a pill or getting a shot.
Once it’s in place, you don’t have to do anything else to prevent pregnancy. However, there are some downsides to the contraceptive implant. As a basic rule of thumb, it is important that you know both the pros and cons before making a decision about any form of contraception, and the contraceptive implant is no different.
What are the Pros of a Contraceptive Implant?
There are many benefits to using an implant for contraception. Of course, the main one is that it’s an incredibly effective way to prevent pregnancy – in fact, it’s estimated that the implant is more than 99% effective at doing so. Here are a few more advantages that may pique your interest:
* It’s a long-acting method of contraception, so you don’t have to remember to take a pill
For most people, the implant lasts for up to three years before it needs to be replaced. That means once it’s in, you don’t have to worry about contraception for a long time.
* You can get pregnant as soon as you stop using it
Unlike some other contraceptive methods, such as the Depo Provera injection which may leave a lingering contraceptive effect lasting for upto 1.5 years, the contraceptive implant doesn’t affect your future fertility. So, if you do want to get pregnant at some point after stopping the use of the implant, you should be able to do so without any trouble.
* It may help with heavy or painful periods
The implant can actually help to lighten or stop your periods altogether, which some women find is a real bonus. In addition, it can also reduce period pain.
What are the Cons of a Contraceptive Implant?
The implant is a very effective form of birth control, but it does have some minor drawbacks. These include;
* Risk of infection: There is a small risk of infection from the insertion of the implant, which can be treated with antibiotics if necessary.
* Changes to your menstrual cycle: Some women experience changes in their menstrual cycle when using the implant. This is most likely when you first start using the implant, but it can go away after a few months.
* Risk of scarring: In very rare cases, the insertion of the implant can cause scarring or a build-up of fluid around the implant.
* You can’t take it out: One of the biggest downsides of the implant is that once it’s in, it can’t come out. If you want to become pregnant in the future, you’ll need to have it removed by a doctor.
Who Should Not Use the Contraceptive Implant?
Before you use the implant, make sure you are not pregnant or have any health conditions that could make it unsafe for you to use. Women who have an increased risk of health issues due to their age, weight, health conditions, or other factors should talk to their doctor about other birth control options that may be more appropriate for them.
The implant is not a good choice for women who may be breastfeeding, or have had unexplained bleeding from their uterus. It may also not be a good idea to use the contraceptive implant if you have unexplained weight gain, liver disease, have had blood clots in the past, have an allergy to progestin, have a heart valve infection, or have an inherited blood disorder such as sickle cell anemia.
How do you Insert and Remove an Implant?
Contraceptive implants are easy to use and convenient. To insert the implant, your doctor or nurse will use a local anesthetic to numb the area.
When they insert the small, flexible rod, they will probably use a special tool that helps them guide the rod into place. The implant will sit just under your skin between your shoulder and your waist and will be fully effective to prevent pregnancy immediately. Your doctor or nurse will remove the implant 3 years after it was inserted, and they’ll likely use the same local anesthetic to numb the area.
How Much Does an Implant Cost and is Insurance Covering It?
The cost of an implant will depend on where you live, where you go for care and the type of health insurance you have. It is a long-acting reversible contraceptive, and it works well for women who do not have regular sex.
When compared to other types of contraceptives for women, the implant comes with a low-cost maintenance fee. The implant can cost between $800 and $1,300 upfront.
However, most health insurance plans are required to cover the implant. It’s important to note that insurance coverage may vary based on your individual plan.
If you have health insurance, you should check with your insurance provider to see if they cover the cost of the implant. If your insurance covers the implant, your costs will depend on your specific plan.
Some insurance plans may require you to provide a referral from a doctor before you can have the implant inserted. Other plans may have a copay, a coinsurance payment, or a deductible that you’ll have to pay before your plan starts covering the rest of the costs.
The Bottom Line
The implant is an effective, long-term method of birth control that can be used by women of all ages and is usually covered by insurance. It can be inserted and removed quickly and with little to no side effects. It’s important to discuss your options with your doctor and to understand the benefits and risks of each method before making a decision.