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SpeakOut is brought to you by doctors at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), a leader in reproductive healthcare and research that works to ensure that young people have accurate and helpful information on birth control and other reproductive health issues.
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FIND OUT IF THE IMPLANT IS THE
RIGHT METHOD FOR YOU!

It’s important to learn about your birth control options and find the right method for you! Ever thought about using an implant? Get to know more about it here.

WHAT’S AN IMPLANT?

The implant (also known as Nexplanon or Implanon) is a tiny, flexible piece of plastic that goes in your arm. It has hormones that make it hard for a sperm to meet an egg and cause a pregnancy. The implant can be left in for up to 3 years.

WHERE WOULD IT BE IN MY ARM?

The implant sits just under the skin of your upper arm. Once it’s in, you can’t feel it unless you try to find it with your fingers.

If you decide to get an implant, your healthcare provider will give you an injection to numb the part of your arm where the implant goes. Then they will insert the implant.

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BENEFITS + SIDE EFFECTS

MANY PEOPLE LIKE THAT IT IS…

  • EFFECTIVE – It’s over 99% effective, so it’s better at preventing pregnancy than other methods like the pill or the shot.
  • CONVENIENT – The implant works by itself. You don’t have to remember to do anything.
  • LONG-TERM – The implant works for up to 3 years!
  • REVERSIBLE – You can have it taken out at a healthcare center any time you want.
  • ESTROGEN-FREE – The implant only has a small dose of the hormone Progestin in it.
  • PRIVATE – It’s teeny tiny, so most people can’t see it once it’s inserted.

AND YOU CAN GET ONE FOR FREE!

Young people in California can get birth control for free, and no one else has to know about it! Ask clinic staff about how to sign up for a confidential program called FamilyPACT.

WHAT ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS?

Side effects are different for everybody. Some people say their implant causes:

  • Lighter periods. Some people will even stop having a period completely. This is totally safe.
  • Irregular bleeding. Up to half of implant users get this, but it can get better over time.
  • Less cramping.

You can ask your provider about all potential side effects when you visit a clinic.

REAL STORIES ABOUT THE IMPLANT

Implant andrea
Andrea chose the implant (known as Nexplanon or Implanon) because it’s great at preventing pregnancy. She loved it so much she got another when her first one’s time was up!
Implant audrey
Audrey wanted a long-term method that she didn’t have to worry about. Her periods are more irregular now, but she thinks it’s worth it because they are lighter and less crampy.
Implant abigail
Abigail decided to get the implant because she wouldn’t have to think about it every day. She says the implant makes it possible prevent pregnancy until she finishes school and is ready.

PREGNANCY ISN’T A
CONCERN FOR ME.
WHY
WOULD I USE THE IMPLANT?

Many people aren’t sexually active or don’t have the type of sex that can cause a pregnancy (you know – penis-in-vagina sex). Even if pregnancy isn’t a concern for you, there are still things to love about the implant:

  • Bye, periods – The implant can reduce and even stop periods. This is totally safe and really awesome for people who don’t want to have a period anymore.
  • Less cramping – The implant can make your cramps better.
  • Long-term plan – If you aren’t sexually active now, maybe you will be later. The implant prevents pregnancy for 3 years, depending on the type you choose, so you’ll have your birth control all figured out if you choose to have sex.

And if you are having penis-in-vagina sex, you can for sure get pregnant without birth control. The implant is over 99% effective, meaning it’s one of the best birth control methods for preventing pregnancy – maybe it’s right for you!

QUESTIONS

You’ve got questions about the implant? We’ve
got answers.
Click the questions below to
learn more about this amazing method.

IS THE IMPLANT SAFE?
Yes. The Implant has been used safely by millions of people in the U.S.
SHOW ANSWER
DOES IT HURT TO GET THE IMPLANT INSERTED?
Everyone is different. Some say it didn’t hurt as much to get an implant inserted as they thought it would.
SHOW ANSWER
CAN I GET PREGNANCY AFTER I USE THE IMPLANT?
Yes! You can get pregnant right away after removing it. The implant will not make it harder to get pregnant in the future.
SHOW ANSWER
CAN IT MOVE AROUND THE BODY?
Nope! Once the implant is inserted, it doesn’t move.
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CAN THE IMPLANT GET INFECTED?
After insertion, it’s important to keep the skin on your arm clean to prevent infection. It takes about a week to heal and then you don’t have to worry about it!
SHOW ANSWER
DOES THE IMPLANT PROTECT ME FROM STIS?
No, implants do not protect you from sexually transmitted infections. Use latex condoms (or polyurethane if you are allergic to latex) to reduce the risk of STIs. Condoms work well to prevent STIs, but they do not protect against STIs 100%.
SHOW ANSWER

SpeakOut is brought to you by doctors at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), a leader in
reproductive healthcare and research that works to ensure that young people have accurate and helpful
information on birth control and other reproductive health issues.

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This tool is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for,
professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you
have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional health care provider.