My Insurance Was Running Out And I Didn’t Want To Risk Not Having Birth Control
I got the Nexplanon implant in October of 2016. I was 25 and had it in for around a year and a half. At the time, my insurance through my parents was running out and I didn’t have a full-time job. I didn’t want to risk not having birth control if I didn’t get a full time job, so I got the implant to be on the safe side. Not because I wanted to. I loved the pill I was on.
Getting it in wasn’t bad because the area was numbed, but there was pain in my arm afterwards, which lasted for a few daysâlike someone punched me really hard in the arm. There werenât any mood swings, but there was HORRIBLE acne. I always had almost perfect skin before, then I started to break out every other day, and nothing cleared it up. My period was completely irregular too. I would bleed for three to four months straight, then not get a period for three months, and then it would be back for months again. It was horrible. My period was light most months, but I use a cup exclusively so things got sore inserting a cup every day for months on a light flow. I had to switch back to pads/liners, and I hated using them again.
When Do You Get Your Period On Birth Control Pills
Once youve started your seven-day break from the pill each month, youll usually start to bleed two to four days into the pill-free week. This varies for each person, but birth control tends to make cycles very regular. That means that after a few months on the pill, youll probably find that your period usually starts on the same day of that week every month.
Youll probably be getting your withdrawal bleeding every 28 days, but even after your body has gotten used to the pill, you can still experience late “periods” on birth control.
Keep in mind that your birth control only works effectively if you take it correctly. If youve forgotten to take three or more non-placebo pills, you could experience withdrawal bleeding before your seven-day break is scheduled. This would mean that you are no longer protected for the month and that you need to use a backup method of birth control and start a new pack.
What Are The Chances Ill Have Some Scary Issue With My Implant
While implants are extremely safe and effective, no method is 100% perfect. Most people have no issues with their implant but just like any medication or device, some will. The most commonly reported side effect of the hormonal implant is irregular bleeding, especially during the first 6-12 months after it is inserted. Bedsider elaborates: This could mean spotting in between periods or having longer, heavier periods. Some women have irregular bleeding the whole time the implant is in. On the other hand, some women get no periods at all, at least for a while. A little unpredictable, but most women seem to do okay. Bottom line: you need to be okay with irregular periods if you are thinking about the implant.In rare cases, some people experience serious issues with the implant. Again this can be said about almost any medication or medical device. To see a full list of possible, though rare, issues with the hormonal implant, check out Nexplanons site.
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How Long Does An Implant Protect You From Pregnancy
According to Nexplanon, who manufactures the implant, the hormonal implant is effective for up to 3 years but new research shows it is good for up to 4. The implant is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy meaning its on-par with the IUD and more effective than birth control pills when it comes to pregnancy prevention and can be removed at any time prior if you want to get pregnant or switch methods of birth control.
Number : Do You Even Need A Menstrual Period At All
Heres a fun fact: Monthly menstruation isnt really necessary. In hunter-gatherer times, women were having babies one after the other, and they breastfed for long intervals, which suppresses ovulation and menstruation. Prehistoric women had about 50 menstruations, while modern women have about 450 periods!
With a 28-day cycle , the traditional birth control pill has no basis in biology. The makers of the pill decided to go this route to mimic the natural menstruation cycle to be more acceptable to society.
We know what youre thinking: Can I just take birth control pills and not have my period at all? The answer is yes youre allowed to skip your periods using birth control pills. You should ask your doctor if youre interested. We got all the information in our previous article on how to delay your period.
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Fertility Does Not Equal Pregnancy
You may not get pregnant right away even after your fertility returns. Some people become pregnant within a month. Others may try to get pregnant for a long time.
At this point, your ability to get pregnant has nothing to do with previous birth control use. Your age, health, and lifestyle can all make it harder to get pregnant. You may also experience infertility.
You may have concerns after you stop birth control. Talk to your healthcare provider if:
- Your period doesnt come back after three months
- The number of days you have your period changes
- Your cycle is irregular
- There is a major change in how heavy your bleeding is
- You are younger than 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for 12 months
- You are over 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for six months
What Will I Notice
You will be able to feel the implant under your skin.
Your period might change. You might bleed very often or not often at all, or have light but persistent bleeding. Or you could have a normal period or no period at all.
This is all safe for your body. If your bleeding becomes a problem, there are pills you can take that will help.
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How Well Does The Implant Work
- The implant is a very reliable form of contraception.
- It is usually 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, which means that about one out of every 100 women who use the implant will get pregnant each year.
- The advantage of the implant is that it lasts for up to 5 years but it can be removed at any time.
- Once the implant is removed there is an almost immediate loss of contraceptive effect and you are at immediate risk of getting pregnant.
When Does It Start Working
Its immediately effective if inserted during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle, which starts with the first day of bleeding.The implant is effective after 7 days if it is inserted at any other time in the menstrual cycle. Other contraceptive measures such as condoms should be used for these 7 days. If changing from the Pill or another method of contraception discuss the best time for insertion with your doctor.
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Symptoms Of Missed Period On Birth Control
When you miss your period on birth control, it is important to be aware of other symptoms. A missed period may occur in tandem with symptoms that are similar to premenstrual symptoms or early pregnancy, such as:
If you miss your period and experience any additional symptoms, plan on taking a pregnancy test and following up with your primary care physician.
How Much Does A Birth Control Implant Cost
How much youll pay for a birth control implant depends on whether or not youre insured.
The Affordable Care Act requires that birth control is covered without a copayment or coinsurance, regardless of your plan type and whether youve met your annual deductible. Other services, however, like administration and fees of the insertion or removal of an implant are not specified in the ACA.
According to the Planned Parenthood site, the birth control implant can cost up to $1,300, but its often covered for free under health insurance plans.
Removal of the implant can cost up to $300, but that too may be covered for free under health insurance plans. Prices can change unexpectedly, so if you have any questions, its best to ask before your visit.
Most people who have Medicare or Medicaid dont pay anything at all for the implant. Those that do have to pay an out-of-pocket share may pay up to $1,030, which is the current list price for the device.
If you dont have insurance, the ACA Marketplace offers private insurance plans for people who dont have coverage through their employer. Birth control is covered by the plans sold on the marketplace.
If you dont have insurance and dont qualify for Medicaid, you may still be able to get the implant at a lower cost or even for free.
Many family planning clinics and health centers have programs that can help you pay for the implant. For example:
- LGBTQIA+ centers
Consult with a healthcare professional right away if you:
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When Should The Implant Be Put In
You can have an implant fitted at any time in your menstrual cycle if it is certain that you are not pregnant.
- If the implant is put in during the first five days of your period you will be protected against pregnancy immediately.
- After day 5 and if you haven’t had unprotected sexual intercourse since your last period, the implant can be inserted immediately but you should avoid sexual intercourse or use a barrier method of contraception for 7 days.
- If you have had unprotected sexual intercourse since your last period you may need a pregnancy test and emergency contraception. You should discuss this with your clinician.
If you have recently had a baby the implant can be put in at any time after the birth. If the implant is inserted on or before day 21, your contraceptive protection starts straightaway. If it is fitted later than this and you have had unprotected sexual intercourse, you may need a pregnancy test and emergency contraception. You should discuss this with your clinician.
If you have had a termination of pregnancy or a miscarriage the implant can be put in at the same time, or in the first five days, and is effective immediately.
How Do I Change To The Implant From An Injectable Contraceptive
If you put the contraceptive implant in whilst your injection is still active , you are covered immediately.
If you have ‘gone over’ the 14 weeks by a day or more, you can still have the contraceptive implant but need to use additional precautions for seven days. If you had unprotected intercourse in the interval, you should also take emergency contraception, and if you do not have a period, you should do a pregnancy test three weeks later.
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Who Can Get An Implant
Almost anyone, at any age, can have an implant.
It is good if you forget pills, appointments for injections, or if you have a medical reason that stops you using the combined pill.
If you have had breast cancer or you are taking some medications, you should not get the contraceptive implant. Tell the nurse or doctor if you are taking regular medication.
How Do I Change To The Implant From The Combined Pill
If you are taking the regular, combined hormone contraceptive pill, the implant can be inserted on the first or second pill-free day after you finish the packet. Protection is then continued without a break.
If you have the implant inserted during the remaining days of the pill-free interval you should use additional protection for the first seven days. If you have had unprotected sex during the gap, you are also advised to restart your CHC for at least seven days, taking it when you would normally have done so.
If you have the contraceptive implant inserted in the first seven days of your pill packet, you should either avoid sex, continue taking your CHC for a further seven days, or use an additional barrier method.
If you have the contraceptive implant inserted when you are more than seven days into your CHC pill packet, and have not missed any pills, you are covered immediately and do not need to finish your pill packet.
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I Dont Have Insurance And Cant Afford To Pay The High Out
If you dont have insurance, we recommend looking into the option of getting an implant from your local Title X clinic, which may offer sliding scale prices for services depending on your income. Title X clinics receive government funding for family planning, which means they can sometimes offer lower prices to people who need assistance. You can refer to this list to find a Title X clinic near you or by doing a quick Google search. carafem also offers birth control pills for $12 a month for uninsured folks so even if an implant isnt affordable right now, we can keep you protected from pregnancy until it is.
When It Starts To Work
You can have the implant put in at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you’re not pregnant.
If the implant is fitted during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle, you’ll be immediately protected against becoming pregnant.
If it’s fitted on any other day of your menstrual cycle, you’ll need to use additional contraception for 7 days.
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What Is Birth Control
Birth control comes in many forms. One of the most common is hormonal birth control pills which use various combinations of estrogen, progesterone, or synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. You may take the pill every day, with placebo pills during your period receive a shot or utilize some form of implant.
Many women take birth control as a form of family planning and contraceptive. Others take it as a way to manage other health issues, such as uterine fibroids or hormonal imbalance. While some forms of birth control suppress menstrual periods, many regulate it. On many forms of birth control, you will still have your regular menstrual period. Birth control may even make your period more consistent.
It can be stressful to miss your period, especially when youre taking your birth control consistently. There are several reasons why you might miss your period on birth control, including stress, changes in diet or lifestyle, changes in exercise routine, or the long-term effects of using birth control.
If you miss your period, you should consider taking a pregnancy test and following up with your doctor to determine any underlying causes.
How Do I Get An Implant
For a few women, the medications they’re taking mean the implant may not be right for them.
Watch our video to see if the implant is right for you.
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How Quickly Do Birth Control Implants Start Working
How fast a birth control implant starts working depends on where you are in your menstrual cycle when its inserted.
It starts to work right away if its inserted during the first 5 days of your cycle.
If its inserted on any other day of your cycle, youll need to use a backup method of birth control, like condoms, for the next 7 days.
Having been pregnant before also impacts how quickly a birth control implant starts to work. Heres what to expect in different scenarios:
- If youve given birth: You can get the implant inserted any time after giving birth. If its inserted within the first 21 days after delivery, it will start working immediately. If its fitted on or after day 21, youll need to use a backup method of birth control for 7 days.
- If youve had a miscarriage: You can get a birth control implant anytime after a miscarriage and will be protected right away.
- If youve had an abortion: You can get the implant inserted anytime after an abortion and protection will start immediately.
Some people experience side effects from the implant, but many people dont. Irregular menstrual bleeding is the most common side effect. Periods may also become lighter, heavier, or stop altogether.
Other side effects can include:
What Should I Do If I Get Frequent Or Heavy Bleeding
Irregular bleeding is a common side effect and will usually settle down within 3 months. Whatever your bleeding pattern, the implant is still effective.
If the bleeding does not settle or you are unhappy with the bleeding you can see a doctor for medications that can help with this. You dont have to wait until 3 months to do this.
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