Types of Implants and Patches

 

Implants are small flexible rods that are placed under the skin in the upper arm, it is a surgical procedure that must be performed by a trained professional for both administration and removal. 

Active ingredients: implants only contain progestin-like hormones such as levonorgestrel (LNG) or etonogestrel (ETG)

Action: hormones prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries, hindering ovulation and additionally, thickens the cervical mucus, blocking sperm from reaching an egg

Effectiveness:  Highly effective contraceptive with approximately 1 pregnancy expected per 1000 woman in the first year of use, and less than 1 in 100 woman for the following years. In women weighing more, effectiveness may decrease near the end of the implants duration, so they are advised to replace implants sooner than later

Protection against STIs: None

Benefits: Implants are long-term birth control, with one administration lasting 3-5 years depending on the type of implant. This combats daily pill-taking, reducing risks form user error and they are immediately reversible, with no effects on fertility. Therefore, implants are beneficial for family planning, with no interference on personal sex-life. Given its insertion under the skin, implants are confidential of the woman's contraceptive use, providing added security

Side Effects: Bleeding patterns in the first year are irregular, however after a year they become lighter, less frequent and often stop altogether. Users also may experience headaches, abdominal pain, acne, weight change, breast tenderness, dizziness, mood swings and nausea. Additionally, with a surgical implant, complications like infection at the insertion site may occur if not properly treated and less commonly, the implant may become difficult to remove or migrate to other parts of the body with improper practices

Patches are small thin squares of flexible plastic worn externally on the body. 

Active Ingredient: two natural hormones including a progestin and an estrogen 

Action: Continuously releases hormones directly to the bloodstream through the skin barrier, this prevents the release of eggs from the

ovaries, thereby hindering ovulation

Effectiveness: A new patch is applied for 3 weeks then removed for a week during menstruation. Because of this schedule, effectiveness is highly user dependent. In the first year of use, 7/100 pregnancies are expected, and with no delay in patch application, this frequency decreases to less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women. Additionally, pregnancy rates may be slightly higher among women weighing 90kg (approximately 200lbs) or more. 

Protection against STIs: None

Benefits: As a prescription drug, patch use is controlled by the woman and can be stopped at anytime without doctor consultation. The length of application curbs the need to daily pill-taking if thats not desired, and additionally, there are many locations a person can apply the patches according to preference including the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso, arms and lower back. This can allow for confidentially with contraceptive use as many of these location can be covered by clothing and the locations don't interfere with personal sex-life. Patches don't delay the return of fertility after use so it can be beneficial for future family planning

Side effects: Given this administration is via a patch, women might experience irritation in the applied area or a rash in some rare cases. Common experiences among women include headaches, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, abdominal pain and vaginitis which is inflammation of the vagina. When it comes to bleeding, often it is lighter, less frequent and might be irregular for the first year of use. 

Let us know if you chose one of these forms of birth control, why, and how it worked for you in the comments below!

 (1) Huff, M. B. (2009). Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 22(2), 135–135. Link.