A Teenage Girl’s Guide to “The Implant”

Written by Gigi Frankowski

If you hate remembering to take a pill, and are concerned about the pain and permanency of an IUD, the birth control implant, also known as Nexplanon, might be exactly what you need.  This guide covers the basics of Nexplanon, the tiny but powerful birth control rod that goes in your arm.

The Birth Control Implant (Nexplanon): The implant is a tiny rod (about the size of a matchstick) that a doctor inserts under the skin of your upper arm. It slowly releases a hormone called progestin, which thickens cervical mucus to block sperm and also stops eggs from being released (ovulation). Once it’s inserted, you’re protected for up to 5 years.

The insertion only happens one time and the area is numbed before, so many view it as a less painful, semi-permanent, option. And if you ever want to get pregnant or switch methods, you can have it taken out anytime. Once removed, your fertility comes back quickly.

Pros: 

✔ Super effective (over 99%) 

✔ Lasts up to 5 years 

✔ No daily maintenance 

✔ Private (not obvious)  

✔ Can be removed anytime

Cons: 

✘ Does not protect against STIs 

✘ Insertion/removal requires a doctor 

✘ Possible side effects: spotting, irregular periods, or no period at all 

✘ Some people experience headaches, mood changes, or weight gain

Quick Tip: The implant doesn’t protect against STIs, so pairing it with condoms is a smart move if you want full protection.

Interview: 17-year-old on Nexplanon (period control)

Why did you choose this method of birth control? I decided to get birth control to help manage my period because I was getting it very frequently and my flow was really heavy. I chose Nexplanon because it can help make your period lighter and less frequent, and I liked that I wouldn’t have to remember to take anything once it was implanted.

What do you think about this method of birth control after taking it/having it consistently? I’ve really liked Nexplanon, it’s definitely helped manage my period, and it’s super easy since there’s nothing to remember day-to-day.

What symptoms, if any, did you experience after using this birth control? The only symptom I had was irregular bleeding. For about 8 months I didn’t get a regular period, just some occasional spotting. Now my period comes more consistently, but it’s not as bad as it was before.

Have you tried a different method before, if so why did you change methods? No, I haven’t tried any other methods of birth control.

Would you recommend other teenagers to use this form? I would definitely recommend Nexplanon. It has minimal side effects, and once it’s in, you don’t have to think about it. The only thing I do is go in for a check-up once a year.

Do you think birth control is talked about enough with/between teens? Not really. I think people still get weird talking about it, even though so many girls use it for reasons other than sex. I didn’t know much about my options until I went to the doctor. It would be helpful if it was just a normal thing to talk about,like periods or any other part of health.

Sources:

Planned Parenthood: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-implant-nexplanon

The Bedsider: https://www.bedsider.org/birth-control/implant