Progestin Implant (Implanon and Nexplanon)

Disadvantages: You may experience irregular bleeding; many women have continual light spotting. A few women have longer, heavier periods. You may have pain or possibly an infection at the site where the implant is inserted or removed, and some women will have discoloring or scarring at the site. Other less common side effects include change in sex drive, mood swings, headache, nausea and sore breasts. It is not recommended if you are pregnant or have breast cancer. As with other forms of hormonal birth control, there is a slightly increased risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots. Certain medicines and supplements may make the implant less effective, including the antibiotic rifampin, certain oral medicines taken for yeast infections, some HIV medicines, some anti-seizure medicines and St. John's wort. In some cases removal of the rod may be difficult and require surgery if rod breaks or becomes embedded too deeply, but this is unlikely if you choose a health care provider who is specially trained in inserting and removing the implant. Serious complications are rare, but always talk with your health care provider about risks and benefits.

Availability: Requires visits to your health care provider for insertion and removal.

Cost: $400 to $800; lasts 3 years.*

Notes: All women should consider not smoking when using hormonal birth control. The rod is usually inserted within the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle because you should not be pregnant when it's inserted. It is not reliable birth control after it has been in for 3 years.