Mythbusters: The Arm Implant Nexplanon

Welcome to another edition of MythBusters, and this time we are talking about the birth control arm implant Nexplanon. The implant is one of the long-acting, reversible contraception (LARC) methods that A Step Ahead Tri-Cities offers for free. The matchstick-size birth control method, commonly called Nexplanon, has become a popular birth control method because it allows for convenience and privacy. However, as is the case with all forms of birth control, there are many misconceptions about the birth control implant. Let’s debunk some common birth control implant myths and show the reality behind each. 

Myth #1- Getting the implant will hurt

Fact: During the insertion of the implant, you will receive numbing medication around the insertion site. It should feel like a pinch when injected and a slight burning sensation a few seconds after. After, you should not feel the implant being placed during the procedure. There are no stitches required and should have no noticeable scarring. Your arm may be sore or bruised a day or two afterwards. If you still feel discomfort a few days later, definitely talk to a healthcare professional.

Myth #2- The implant will get lost inside of me 

Fact: You should be able to feel the implant immediately after insertion. In most cases, the implant will stay in place, and you should feel the implant the entire time it is inserted. The implant may shift, but it would move less than an inch from where it was originally inserted.  If you cannot feel the implant or if the implant starts to come out of the skin, it could be a possible infection or improper insertion. You should return to the clinic to remove and replace the implant and use a back-up birth control method in the meantime. 

Myth #3- The implant will cause birth defects and/or interrupt an existing pregnancy

Fact: The implant works in several ways to prevent pregnancy. It can thicken mucus on your cervix to block sperm from entering the uterus, thin the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting, and prevent your eggs from being released from your ovaries (ovulation). These processes will not affect pregnancy or harm a fetus if a pregnancy is already present. 

Myth #4-The implant causes infertility 

Fact: Once the implant is removed, your fertility returns to its baseline. This means your fertility returns to what it was before the implant. Studies have shown that people who used the implant have similar rates of pregnancy when compared to people who used other birth control methods.3 Most people can become pregnant within the first year after having the implant removed. 

Myth #5- The implant will make you gain weight

Fact: The birth control implant uses one hormone called progestin, which has no direct link to weight gain. That being said, everybody is different and will experience varying side effects on birth control. Many people typically start using birth control during a time when natural weight gain occurs, so it can be easy to blame it on birth control. If you think the implant is causing weight and it bothers you, talk to a healthcare professional to find another type of birth control that works for you. 

Interested in birth control but are concerned about cost, transportation, or provider choice? call/text us at 423-415-0277 or visit us at ASAFTC for more information. 

Source:

1.IPPF. (2019, March 19). Myths and facts about implants. IPPF-International Planned Parenthood Federation. Retrieved July 21, 2022, from https://www.ippf.org/blogs/myths-and-facts-about-implants 

2. Darney P, Patel A, Rosen K, Shapiro LS, Kaunitz AM. Safety and efficacy of a single-rod etonogestrel implant (Implanon): results from 11 international clinical trials. Fertil Steril. 2009 May;91(5):1646-53. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.02.140. Epub 2008 Apr 18. PMID: 18423453.

3. Glasier A. Implantable contraceptives for women: effectiveness, discontinuation rates, return of fertility, and outcome of pregnancies. Contraception. 2002;65(1):29-37.