
Disadvantages of the Implant
The implant can have negative side effects.
Some people have side effects after getting the implant, but many adjust with few or no problems at all. Negative side effects usually go away after a few months, once your body gets used to your implant.
The most common side effect is irregular bleeding (aka spotting), especially in the first 6-12 months. Sometimes the implant causes long-term spotting, or periods get longer and heavier. But for most people, the implant makes their periods way lighter — 1 in 3 people with the implant stop getting their periods at all after a year.
It's totally safe to not get a period while you're on the implant. And you don't need to worry about being pregnant even if you don't get a period, because the implant is really, really effective birth control. (You can always take a pregnancy test if you want to be sure.)
Other possible side effects that aren't as common include:
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Headaches
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Breast pain
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Nausea
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Weight gain
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Ovarian cysts
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Pain or bruising where the implant was inserted
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An infection where the implant was inserted
Birth control implants don't protect against STDs.
Birth control implants are one of the best methods of birth control out there, but they don't protect you from sexually transmitted infections. Luckily, using condoms every time you have sex really reduces your chances of getting or spreading STDs. So using condoms + the implant is the best way to protect yourself from pregnancy and STDs.