Should You Consider Implant Birth Control?

Should you consider implant birth control? This method of contraception is for you if you’re looking for an effective, low-maintenance way to prevent pregnancy. Learn more about hormonal arm implants and intrauterine devices and decide which is best for you.

Dr. Daniel Kushner and our team of highly skilled specialists in White Plains, New York and Kew Gardens, Queens, NYC will review your medical history and discuss whether implant birth control is right for you. There are two different options available, the well-known intrauterine device and the lesser-known hormonal arm implant.

What is an intrauterine device?

An intrauterine device (IUD) is implanted directly in the uterus. It is small and T-shaped, and it comes in two types: one with hormones and one without. The IUD without hormones is made of plastic and copper. It works by two methods: 1) it causes a mild inflammatory response that makes it unlikely a fertilized egg could implant in the uterus lining or survive once implanted, and 2) it releases copper ions, which are toxic to sperm; it kills them before they can even reach an egg. Even though IUDs cause an inflammatory response, the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) considers IUDs a safe and effective form of birth control.

The hormonal IUD releases progestin, a hormone that prevents eggs from being released by the ovaries. Both the non-hormonal and hormonal versions also cause the cervical mucus to thicken, making it nearly impossible for sperm to get through. IUDs have a 99% success rate and can remain in place for about 3-10 years. Dr. Kushner positions and implants the IUD in a quick, in-office procedure, and it can be removed at any time.

What is a hormonal arm implant?

Hormonal arm implants are a thin, plastic rod about the size of a matchstick that’s placed under the skin in your upper arm in a quick, in-office procedure. Like the hormonal IUD, the implant contains progestin that both thickens the cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining so sperm can’t reach an egg and eggs can’t implant. Hormonal arm implants are more than 99% effective and can be removed at any time. When it’s time to remove the old implant, you can choose to have another one inserted during the same procedure if you want.

Benefits:

• Lighter or fewer periods
• Maintenance-free birth control for about three years
• Improvement in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms
• Can be removed at any time in our office
• Results are temporary; you can try to get pregnant as soon as you’re ready

Are there any special considerations?

• IUDs and hormonal arm implants don’t protect you from sexually transmitted diseases or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). You’d still need to practice safe sex with a partner and use a condom.

• You may not be a good candidate for these implants if you have certain health conditions like an allergy to the materials from which they’re made, a history of blood clots or breast cancer, or vaginal bleeding that can’t be explained.
• Some women who use implant birth control have irregular periods, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, or weight gain. Other side effects include mild pain, redness, bruising, or swelling at the insertion site on your arm. Everyone is different, so there’s no way to know for certain how you’ll respond. Talk with your doctor about your concerns.

When you’re ready to go on birth control or want to try a new method, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kushner. He’ll review your health history, discuss your reproductive goals, and let you know if one of these implant birth control methods is right for you. For your convenience, we have an online booking tool. Or, you can call the White Plains office at 914-236-5175 or the New York City office at 917-341-5419.