A Step Ahead Chattanooga

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WHAT IS A BIRTH CONTROL IMPLANT?

An implant is a tiny rod that is inserted under the skin in the upper arm by a healthcare provider. It is about 1.6 inches in length and 2mm in diameter (about the size of a matchstick). The tiny rod may be felt under the skin if it is touched. The implant works by slowly releasing a hormone called Levonorgestrel (Progestin) into your body over time. This hormone is pretty similar to the one that our bodies make naturally, called progesterone. If you’re breastfeeding/chestfeeding, you don’t have to worry about your milk supply dropping because this type of birth control doesn’t have any estrogen.

And bonus, it can also make your periods less of a pain if they’re usually heavy or crampy. Double win!

WHAT KIND OF BIRTH CONTROL IMPLANTS ARE THERE?

In the U.S., we’ve got one solo player when it comes to birth control implants, and that’s Nexplanon.

NEXPLANON
This matchstick sized rod has got you covered for up to 3 years.
And here’s the cool part: you’re not stuck with it for the maximum time. You can say “see ya” to your birth control implant whenever you’re ready to have it removed, by having a healthcare provider that does implant removals remove it for you. After your implant is removed, your fertility should return to what’s normal for you pretty quickly.

HOW DOES THE BIRTH CONTROL IMPLANT WORK?

THICKENS CERVICAL MUCUS
The implant uses a hormone, Levonorgestrel (Progestin) to make the cervical mucus thick. This mucus barrier makes it really hard for sperm to swim up and meet an egg.
STOPS OVULATION
The implant stops eggs from leaving your ovaries (called ovulation), so there’s no egg to fertilize. No egg to fertilize mean you can’t get pregnant.

HOW DO YOU USE A BIRTH CONTROL IMPLANT?

If you are looking to get a birth control implant, the first thing you’ll need to do is schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider that does implant insertions.

The implant can be inserted any time of the month. Before your appointment, you can take a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, to help with possible discomfort after the insertion. Your arm will be numbed prior to insertion.

After the implant is in, there’s really not much you have to do.

p.s.- If you have experienced trauma or an injury to your arm near the insertion site, and think the implant has shifted or broken it’s best to contact your health provider to have it checked.

When it comes to birth control, there are pros and cons for each method, and remember, everyone’s body is unique, so what works for you might not be the same for your friends. The birth control implant is usually pretty safe and well-tolerated, but it’s a good idea to chat with your healthcare provider. They’ll help you figure out if it’s right for you based on your needs, health, and what you prefer.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF A BIRTH CONTROL IMPLANT

HEALTH BENEFITS
They come with a lower risk of certain conditions like ovarian cysts and endometrial cancer, which is pretty awesome.
LONG-LASTING
Nexplanon can stick around for three years. Once its inserted, there’s no need to maintain anything else. It’s a set-and-forget-it.
NO ESTROGEN, NO PROBLEM
Perfect for those avoiding estrogen-based methods, including breastfeeding/chestfeeding parents.
PERIOD PERKS
A lot of folks on the Nexplanon notice lighter or even no periods – a potential monthly relief.
SUPER RELIABLE
The Nexplanon is a very reliable contraceptive. It has a 99% success rate at preventing unintended pregnancy.
TOTALLY REVERSIBLE
Want to plan a baby in the future? No problem! When you get your implant removed by a healthcare provider that does implant removals, your fertility should return to what’s normal for you pretty quickly.
ZERO EFFORT NEEDED
Once it’s in, you’re good to go. No daily routines, just low-key protection.

POSSIBLE DOWNSIDES OF A BIRTH CONTROL IMPLANT

DIFFICULTY WITH REMOVAL
In rare cases, healthcare providers may have difficulty locating the implant for removal. This can make the removal process a bit more challenging and might need extra steps.
INSERTION SITE PAIN
After the implant is placed in the arm, some people might notice a bit of bruising, pain, or tenderness around the implant spot. But don’t sweat it, it’s usually temporary.
IRREGULAR BLEEDING
Irregular bleeding or spotting is a common side effect, and some individuals may have prolonged or frequent bleeding episodes. But the good news – this tends to chill out over time.
SIDE EFFECTS
Like any hormonal birth control, the implant can sometimes bring along mood swings, tender breasts, or a surprise acne breakout. But the side effects vary among individuals.

DOES THE BIRTH CONTROL IMPLANT WORK FOR STI/STD PREVENTION?

The birth control implant is super effective and convenient for preventing pregnancy, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To reduce the risk of getting or spreading STIs, it’s a good idea to use condoms every time you have sex, even if you have an implant. We offer condoms mailed directly to anyone who is 18+ and lives or goes to school in our service area. Click here to request free condoms.

HOW CAN I GET A FREE BIRTH CONTROL IMPLANT?

If you live or go to school in our 18-county service area and are looking for a birth control method, you can give us a call at 423-265-7837 to schedule an appointment. If you want to speak with one of our Health Educators on the phone or if you’d like for us to call you back on a certain day to schedule an appointment for birth control, you can fill out the request form linked here, and we will call you back on your preferred date.