Implant

The implant (Implanon® or Nexplanon®) is a rod that’s inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It usually can’t be seen once it’s inserted. The implant releases hormones that keep the ovaries from releasing an egg. It also thickens cervical mucus, which helps to block sperm from getting to the egg, and thins the lining of the uterus which may prevent implantation. It reduces the risk of pregnancy for three years.

Effectiveness

The implant is among the most effective methods (99.9%).  This means that statistically less than 1 out of every 100 users will get pregnant using this method in the first year (Cason P, Cwiak C, Edelman A, et al.  Contraceptive Technology, 22nd Edition.  Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2023.)

Cost

Because it can stay in place for up to three years, it averages to about $17 a month.

  • With Medicaid: Free or a small co-pay
  • With insurance: Usually the cost of the co-pay
  • Without insurance: About $600 for device + $100 to insert or remove (clinic or doctor’s office)

Usage

Once the implant is inserted it reduces the risk of pregnancy for up to three years.

In a doctor’s office, a small area of the upper arm is numbed with a painkiller and the implant is inserted under the skin.

To remove the implant, the doctor will numb the arm again, make a tiny cut in the skin, and remove it. Another implant can be inserted at the same time.

Side effects

Irregular uterine bleeding, pain or bruising at the insertion site are the most common side effects of the implant.

Implant contraceptive
99.9%

effective (Cason, et al., 2023)