Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which doctor should I consult for knowing more about the Birth Control Implant and to insert the implant?

A General Physician may be consulted to understand the various methods to control pregnancy. Based on the advantages and disadvantages of methods and the conditions suitable for the woman, the GP may recommend consultation with a Gynecologist who can advise on the procedure and then insert the implant.

2. Is it safe to have a birth control implant?

The implant is very safe. However, all medicaments have some side effects. The healthcare provider will be able to advise the conditions under which the implant can be used.

3. What happens while inserting or removing an implant?

Some people may feel a slight pain when being injected with an anesthetic or a numbing shot. After the pain medication wears out, the arm where the implant was placed may ache for a short time. There may be slight tenderness or swelling around the implant for a few days and it may look bruised.

The removal process is very fast and easy. As is the case during insertion, the doctor would numb the area where the implant is located, make a small cut and remove the implant. It does not hurt when the implant is removed.

4. What is the cost of an Implant Insertion?

The birth control implant insertion can cost anywhere around USD 0 to 1,200. However, implants are totally free or at minimal cost under most heath insurance plans or government programs.

5. How does it compare to other long-acting birth control options?

The implant is as effective as other birth control methods like sterilization and use of IUDs.

6. Do the birth control implants protect against STDs?

The birth control implant alone does not protect against STDs. Use of condoms reduce the chances of getting a sexually transmitted infection. Often, a combination of implant and female condom is used to protect from pregnancy and STDs.

7. Is it safe to use an implant when breastfeeding?

Yes, it is safe to use an implant when breastfeeding. It does not affect the breast milk or the baby.

8. Can the implant make you put on weight?

Some reports indicate that implants can cause weight gain. However, evidence shows that the women do not actually gain weight but just experience weight gain.

9. Can you get pregnant while on the implant in your arm?

No, one cannot conceive or get pregnant while on the implant in the arm. However, there are very rare incidences where pregnancy has been reported while on the implant.

10. Is Birth Control safe as a long-term option?

Yes, the birth control chip in the arm is safe long-term.

11. Can the implant be used on anybody?

The implant may not be suitable for someone who has

A history of breast cancer
Unusual vaginal bleeding
History of diabetes or high cholesterol
Severe liver disease
Blood clots in the lungs or legs
Is under a medication that makes the implant less effective
Is not able to take the hormone progesterone

Published on Aug 16, 2018
Last Updated on Sep 25, 2020

Citations

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APA

Jayashree Thakwani. (2020, September 25). Birth Control Implant - Frequently Asked Questions. Medindia. Retrieved on May 29, 2022 from https://www.medindia.net/patientinfo/birth-control-implant-in-arm-faqs.htm.
MLA

Jayashree Thakwani. "Birth Control Implant - Frequently Asked Questions". Medindia. May 29, 2022. <https://www.medindia.net/patientinfo/birth-control-implant-in-arm-faqs.htm>.
Chicago
Jayashree Thakwani. "Birth Control Implant - Frequently Asked Questions". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/patientinfo/birth-control-implant-in-arm-faqs.htm. (accessed May 29, 2022).
Harvard
Jayashree Thakwani. 2021. Birth Control Implant - Frequently Asked Questions. Medindia, viewed May 29, 2022, https://www.medindia.net/patientinfo/birth-control-implant-in-arm-faqs.htm.