Implanon NXT: Pros and Cons
If you really don’t want to have a baby, you might consider using the most effective birth control available. That was one of the reasons why I decided to give Implanon NXT a shot. Well, that and the fact I was sick and tired of taking the pill every single day and was a little spooked by the possible side effects and horror stories I heard about good-ole Diane, which was the birth control I was using for the past 6 years.
Implanon’s active ingredient is etonogestrel, which is a synthetic molecule that plays the part of the natural hormone progesterone. The goal is to prevent ovulation and to make the cervical mucus thicker, thus preventing fertilization.
Implanon has over a 99% efficacy rate, which makes it probably the most reliable birth control method and you get 3 years protection from the insertion date. The implant is a 4cm rod inserted below the skin and the process should be quick and painless, but if you are scared of needles you might want to look away. The rod shouldn’t move but you will be able to feel it under your skin.
This is the actual size of the implantThe fact that you don’t have to remember taking the pill every single day, by itself, is a huge plus. Also, since I got the implant I haven’t had any severe PMS symptoms and the cramps and joint pain that I used to get while on Diane have pretty much disappeared.
Another good thing about Implanon is that it can be used by people who are allergic to estrogen and is much more effective than the progestin-only pill.
The main side-effect of the implant is irregular bleedings. Basically, you just bleed whenever and, in my case, I was bleeding on and off for about three months. After a while, your periods stop almost completely and you should have some spotting here and there.
For me, a big downside was acne. With Implanon a started breaking out much more frequently, which was probably due to the fact that Diane is a combined pill and it is frequently indicated for women who suffer from acne. Therefore, going for a super clear skin to having pimples was difficult for me and it was the only reason why I would think about removing the implant.
Some of the more frequent side effects include headaches, mood swings and hair loss. Still, the main reason for the early removal of the implant by most women is abnormal menstrual patterns. It is also important to keep in mind that the hormonal implant does not have any protective effect against sexually transmitted diseases, so the use of male or female condoms is still necessary.
There are so many options out there that choosing a contraception method might feel overwhelming. In that case, I would advise you to go to your general practitioner and discuss the best methods for you.
Sources:
1.http://www.mydr.com.au/medicines/cmis/implanon-nxt-implant
2.https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/021529s004lbl.pdf