Medically reviewed by Alan Lucks | MD, Alan Lucks MDPC Private Practice - New York on January 28th, 2026.
Over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
Provides continuous protection for up to three years
Requires minimal maintenance after insertion
Quickly reversible with immediate return to fertility potential
Birth control options continue evolving, offering women increasingly sophisticated and convenient contraceptive methods. The arm implant represents one of the most innovative approaches to long-term pregnancy prevention. By providing a discreet, highly effective solution, this small device has transformed reproductive healthcare for millions of women seeking reliable birth control alternatives.
Modern contraception demands solutions that fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles. The birth control arm implant meets this need by offering comprehensive protection without daily management. With its impressive effectiveness and minimal intervention requirements, this method has gained significant popularity among healthcare providers and patients alike.
The contraceptive arm implant, commercially known as Nexplanon, is a slender rod approximately 4 centimeters long and 2 millimeters wide. This tiny device contains etonogestrel, a synthetic progestin hormone that prevents pregnancy through multiple sophisticated mechanisms.
Hormonal release occurs consistently over three years, suppressing ovulation by signaling the ovaries to pause egg production. Additionally, the implant thickens cervical mucus, creating a natural barrier that prevents sperm from reaching potential eggs. These dual-action approaches make the implant remarkably effective at preventing unintended pregnancies.
Insertion represents a quick, minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed by trained healthcare professionals. The process begins with local anesthetic application to the inner upper arm, ensuring patient comfort. Using a specialized applicator, the provider carefully places the implant subdermally, a process that typically takes only a few minutes.
Patients might experience slight pressure or momentary discomfort during insertion, but most report minimal pain. After placement, a small bandage covers the insertion site, and patients can resume normal activities almost immediately. Control options like this implant offer unprecedented convenience compared to traditional contraceptive methods.
While highly effective, the arm implant can produce various side effects that women should discuss with their healthcare providers. Common experiences include:
Irregular menstrual bleeding
Potential mood fluctuations
Temporary weight changes
Occasional headaches
Acne
Most side effects diminish over time as the body adjusts to hormonal changes. However, individual experiences vary significantly. Women with specific health conditions should consult their physicians to determine implant suitability.
Method |
Effectiveness |
Duration |
Hormonal |
Insertion Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Arm Implant |
99.9% |
3 years |
Yes |
One-time |
Birth Control Pill |
91% |
Monthly |
Yes |
Daily |
Copper IUD |
99.2% |
10 years |
No |
One-time |
Condoms |
85% |
Single use |
No |
None |
Fertility typically returns immediately after implant removal, making it an excellent option for those planning future pregnancies.
No. Birth control methods like the implant prevent pregnancy but do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
The implant is typically not visible but can be felt as a small, flexible rod just beneath the skin's surface.
Most women report minimal discomfort due to local anesthesia during the brief procedure.
With parental consent, many healthcare providers recommend the implant as a safe contraceptive option for adolescents.
Choosing the right contraception is a personal journey that requires careful consideration of individual health needs and lifestyle factors. The birth control arm implant offers an innovative, highly effective solution for those seeking long-term, low-maintenance pregnancy prevention.
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Birth control options continue evolving, offering women increasingly sophisticated and convenient contraceptive methods. The arm implant represents one of the most innovative [...]
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