PROGESTIN IMPLANT (IMPLANON™)
| What is the implant? | The implant is a thin plastic tube about the size of a paper matchstick. It is inserted under the skin of your upper arm. |
| How does it work? | It prevents pregnancy by releasing a small amount of progestin (a hormone). It prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years. After 3 years, you can get a new implant if you want one. (You can remove it at any time if you don't like it.) |
| How well does it work? | The implant works better than the pill, the patch, the ring, and the shot. It prevents pregnancy in 99% of women who use it. |
| Is it safe? | Yes. |
| How is it inserted? | After numbing your skin, a medical provider inserts the implant under the skin of your upper arm. This takes a few minutes. It is done in the office or clinic. |
| How is it removed? | A medical provider numbs your skin and makes a small cut to remove the implant. This takes a few minutes. The implant can be removed at any time if you don't like it or want to become pregnant. It is removed in the office or clinic. |
| What are the benefits? | The implant is safe, effective, and easy to use. Once you have it, it works on its own - you don't have to do anything. You can use it while breastfeeding. It's great for many women who can't use birth control pills, patch, or ring. |
| What are the side effects? | The implant causes periods to change. Most women have off-and-on spotting. Spotting may last until the implant is removed. A few women have: • mood changes • weight gain • headache • acne • skin changes in the upper arm. Most side effects go away when the implant is removed. |
| Can people see it? | Most people can't see it, but you can feel it if you touch the skin over the implant. |
| How much does it cost? | Insertion costs $400-800, and removal costs $75-150. Most insurance plans cover the implant. |
| Does it protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections? | No, it does NOT protect you from sexually transmitted infections. Unless you and your partner have sex only with each other, you should use a condom every time you have sex (even with the implant in place). |
| Is it easy to get pregnant after the implant is removed? | Most women get pregnant quickly after a medical provider removes the implant. |