LM answered Saturday May 31 2014, 7:28 pm: I think it's a wonderful idea for anyone who can use hormonal birth control. It's actually even better than combination pills in this regard, because it only contains one hormone, a progestin, and it is the synthetic estrogen that gives many women ssues. Also, it's implanted under your skin and continuously releases hormones - eliminating user error that can happen with oral contraceptives.
Check out Nexplanon.com for more prescribing information.
An advantage that implants have over pills is that they bypass the digestive system - if you puke or have diarrhea after taking a pill, it can pass without being absorbed (and it's like you never took it.)
Your arm will bruise at the injection site for a bit, and you can feel the rod in your arm if you're touching it - but it shouldn't hurt.
Some women actually stop having their period entirely from the implant. Others experience irregular bleeding or spotting, while others remain regular. Just another thing to consider.
If your body doesn't like it, it can be removed anytime during the three-year time period it's effective, and you should immediately start using an alternative contraceptive if you're using it for those properties.
Your doctor's office or clinic will have to implant it, so you'll have to discuss this at some length with them. They can also discuss other methods with you. A lot of doctors will actually use IUDs (intrauterine devices) in women who haven't yet had children, so if you're interested in an IUD just ask around! Mirena is good for five years and is the same type of hormone as Nexplanon (progestin only) and Paragard is copper, non-hormonal, and effective for ten years.
Check out mirena.com and Paragard.com for more information. Oh - Skyla is another IUD that is basically a smaller Mirena, but it's only good for three years.
Also, if you're outside the US, these products might go by a different name but Google should redirect you!
Inbox me if you have more questions. I personally have only used combination birth control (with "perfect" use - I set an alarm and take it at 9pm on the dot) since I was sixteen and have successfully relied on it as contraception for about two and a half years. I also know family members and friends who have used the other devices I discussed.
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