Starting a family is your personal decision. Many women wish to have a normal sexual life yet they do not want to have additional responsibilities for reasons better known to them.
From shying away from regular sex, using contraceptive pills to birth control implants, there are many options to choose from. Instead of indulging in unprotected sex and suffering from untoward consequences, we recommend making informed decisions about your health and life.
If you’re indecisive, this blog needs all your attention to learn:
- What is a birth control implant?
- How to administer such implants?
- What are the pros and cons of having implants?
- Any other alternatives to birth control implants?
Birth Control Implants
How long you wish to delay pregnancy? A year, 2, 3 or more? A long term birth control option such as Nexplanon has a success rate of nearly 99% with a failure rate of 0.05 percent only.
They are like a miniature size ( almost like a matchstick) device inserted into your arm and delays the pregnancy for upto 5 years.
Mechanism: Typically, the device releases a hormone (Progestin) to stall the usual ovulation of the eggs from the ovaries and hence pregnancy. Also, it builds up a thick lining in the cervical mucus to stop the sperms from getting their passage to the eggs in the uterus.
How to Administer Birth Control Implants?
Birth control implants are to be handled by a licensed health practitioner only. A doctor or female gynecologist will slowly insert the device under the skin of your upper arm.
Slight discomfort or pain while insertion is normal but will subside over the next few days or weeks. For any suspected infection, immediately go for medical consultation.
This device remains effective for upto three years. So you can enjoy complete peace of mind to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
As and when you decide to embrace parenthood, get the device removed from a professional doctor only. Do remember that such procedures need utmost care and consideration. Thus having it performed from any random clinic may have its consequences.
Advantages of Using Birth Control Implants
- The device has been a huge success, especially for working mothers looking for long term birth control method. Generally, the device can work for upto 5 years but Nexplanon needs replacement after every three years.
- They are easy to use. Simply get it implanted on the arm while continuing your regular chores.
- The device hides under your clothes. Enjoy complete privacy with nobody knowing about the birth control implants.
- Expect some breather from body cramps during periods. But it may differ from patient to patient.
- This method uses only one hormone – progestin. Many women experience health issues with another estrogen hormone. Nexplanon gives that added advantage of preventing pregnancy without using estrogen.
- Ready to get pregnant? Remove the implant and walk the road to motherhood.
Disadvantages of Using Birth Control Implants
Most women have shown confidence in using birth control implants. From the encouraging success rate to mild side effects, you can practically feel ok with the birth control implants.
Yet there are some cons that may matter to some women if not all. Without any wait, let’s find out more …
- Irregular blood spots during 6-12 months of the birth control implants are very common. Some may also experience heavy periods for a longer duration. No need to panic if you skip the period as Nexplanon is considered very effective. However, if unsure, undergoing a pregnancy test is recommended.
- The method does not reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). You must use other protections such as condoms to prevent any such untoward situation. Consult your gynaecologist before taking any contraceptive pills or other medicines.
- General side effects include sore breast, nausea, upset stomach, mood swings, headaches, weight gain, ovarian cysts.
Most of the common side effects will fade away in some time. If they persist for unexpected time and compounding other health problems, get in touch with tour gynaecologist.
If Not Birth Control Implant, then what?
Every birth control method has its own set of pros and cons. From the duration, risks to the cost of the treatment, many factors are to be weighed before deciding what’s right for your body.
For women looking for other birth control methods, we have some popular suggestions such as
- Copper intrauterine device (IUD)
- hormonal (progestin) IUD
- Contraceptive pills
While every method comes with its own set of pros and cons, so you must consult an established medical practitioner to learn what works for you!