What are birth control implants?
A contraceptive implant is an implantable medical device used for the purpose of birth control. The implant may depend on the timed release of hormones to hinder ovulation or sperm development, the ability of copper to act as a natural spermicide within the uterus, or it may work using a non-hormonal, physical blocking mechanism. As with other contraceptives, a contraceptive implant is designed to prevent pregnancy, but it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
Nexplanon
The birth control implant (AKA Nexplanon) is a tiny, thin rod about the size of a matchstick. The implant releases hormones into your body that prevents you from getting pregnant.
How do birth control implants work?
The hormones in the birth control implant prevent pregnancy in two ways:
Progestin thickens the mucus on your cervix, which stops sperm from swimming through to your egg. When sperm can’t meet up with an egg, pregnancy can’t happen.
Progestin can also stop eggs from leaving your ovaries (called ovulation), so there’s no egg to fertilize. When eggs aren’t released, you can’t get pregnant.
Do they prevent STDs?
Nexplanon doesn’t protect against STDs. Luckily, using condoms or female condoms every time you have sex does lower your chances of getting or spreading STDs. So using condoms with your implant is the best way to prevent infections.
A birth control implant can be in place for up to 3 years before it needs to be removed or replaced. There is usually little to no preparation needed before this procedure but your healthcare provider might still prep you a little bit.
What is the procedure for inserting birth control implants?
For Nexplanon,
You will lie on your back with your non-dominant arm out and bent up so your hand is near your head. Your healthcare provider will feel the area to find the implant. If he or she cannot feel the implant, an x-ray or ultrasound will show the exact location. Your healthcare provider will mark the area on your arm where the implant is located. You will be given a shot of local anaesthesia to numb the area.
One end of the implant will be pressed down so the other end lifts up, a small incision near the lifted end will also be made. A gentle push will be applied on the implant towards the incision until the tip is seen and afterwards pulled out.
Overall, you should feel completely normal after getting your implant taken out. Your arm may feel tender or swollen around where the implant was for a few days. It may look bruised for a week or two. A detailed explanation will be given to you on how to wash and take care of your skin for a couple of days after removal.
References
- Webmd. Birth control implants. Accessed on 23rd September 2018
- Drugs.com. Removal of birth control implant. Accessed on 23rd September 2018