My Doctor Online The Permanente Medical Group
Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
The Birth Control Implant
The birth control implant is a small flexible rod the size of a matchstick. It is placed just under the skin of your upper arm. The implant will work for 3 years before it needs to be replaced. Once it's there, most women cannot see it at all.
The implant releases a hormone called etonorgestrel that prevents ovulation, thins the lining of the uterus, and prevents sperm from reaching the egg. It works by thickening the mucus barrier in the cervix.
Risk of pregnancy
This is a very effective method of birth control. The risk of pregnancy if you use the implant is less than 1 percent.
The studies done by the manufacturer that looked at failure rates excluded women who are very overweight. Therefore, we do not have a lot of information on whether the implant is as effective in very overweight women. We can discuss whether the implant would be a good option for you.
Advantages
- It's a very effective method of birth control.
- It's convenient: there’s nothing for you to remember.
- Once the implant is removed, you have the same chance of getting pregnant as other women your age.
- The implant is safe if you are breastfeeding.
Disdvantages
- The implant does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Your menstrual period might change with the implant. You may experience unpredictable bleeding throughout the month. Some women will stop having a period completely.
- Other less common side effects include acne, breast tenderness, mood swings, weight gain, headache, or depression.
- After the implant is inserted, you might have pain, swelling, bruising, or infection at the site of insertion.
- The implant may not be as effective in very overweight women.
Having your implant inserted
- Let us know if you're thinking about getting the implant.
- When it's time to insert the implant, we will inject a small amount of local numbing medicine in your arm which feels like a pinch and burn. After that, most women do not feel any pain.
- We will insert the implant under your skin.
- You'll have a small bandage that you can wear for a day or two. You will not need stitches.
After the implant is inserted
- Some women need to use a back-up form of birth control for a week or two. We can tell you if this applies to you.
- After it's inserted, your birth control implant will work for up to 3 years.
- You will be able to feel the implant when you touch your skin, but it is not visible to others.
- Studies show that women who use the implant may gain a few pounds over the 3-year period of use. You can maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly and by eating a diet with a lot of vegetables and fruits. It's a good idea to avoid sodas, sugar, and junk food.
Having your implant removed
- The implant will work for 3 years before it needs to be replaced.
- For removal, we will give you local numbing medicine and then make a small cut to remove the implant.
- You will be able to get pregnant after the implant is removed.
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.