Effectiveness of the Implant
The implant is one of the best birth control methods out there — it's more than 99% effective. That means fewer than 1 out of 100 women who use it will get pregnant each year. It doesn't get much better than that.
The implant is so effective because there's no chance of making a mistake. Since it's in your arm, you can't forget to take it, or use it incorrectly. It protects you from pregnancy all day, every day for up to 3 years. If you decide you want to get pregnant, a nurse or doctor can take it out and you can get pregnant right away.
The implant doesn't protect you from STDs, so use condoms along with the implant to help protect you from both pregnancy and STDs. That's how you make sex worry-free.
How long does it take for the birth control implant to work?
If you get the implant during the first 5 days of your period, you're protected from pregnancy right away.
If you get the implant at any other time in your cycle, use some other form of birth control (like condoms) during the first week. After that first week, the implant starts working and you're protected from pregnancy for up to 3 years. That's why it's called get-it-and-forget-it birth control.
Can I get the birth control implant?
Most people can use the implant safely, but you shouldn't use it if you've had breast cancer. Talk with your nurse or doctor about any other health conditions you have and you can decide together if the implant is a good fit for you.
What are the risks of using the birth control implant?
Serious problems with the implant are rare, but they include arm pain that lasts for longer than a few days, an infection in the arm that needs medicine, or a scar on your arm where the implant goes.
Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of the following while using the implant:
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Bleeding, pus, redness, or pain in your arm where the implant was inserted that doesn't go away
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Yellowing of your eyes and skin
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Much heavier or longer than normal bleeding from your vagina
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The implant seems to have moved
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You can always call your doctor or your local BFLA Center if you have any concerns about your implant. They can help with any questions you may have.