Use of the Birth Control Implant is On the Rise

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released data confirming there’s been a dramatic increase in implant use among sexually active teenagers. More specifically, implant use increased over 13% between 2015 and 2019.

So, why the uptick in implants?

(P.S.:  To find out if an implant is right for you, make an appointment to talk to a provider at your nearest The Right Time health center).

First, like the IUD, the hormonal implant is up to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and totally private (the only one who knows it’s inside your body is you). But the insertion process is different—getting an IUD often involves receiving a pelvic exam from a provider, which some people find invasive or uncomfortable. The implant usually only involves the brief insertion of a needle into the skin on the upper arm (no pelvic exam required), and this might make it more appealing to some than the IUD.

Another possible reason behind increased implant use is that it’s considered a “get it and forget it” method, meaning once it’s in your arm, it starts working and that’s it. Unlike other hormonal methods that must be taken or inserted or removed at specific times (such as the Pill, the Ring, and the Patch), once the implant has been placed, it will protect against pregnancy for four years without the user doing anything else.

There are many things to consider when choosing a method of birth control, and you don’t have to do it alone. The providers at your nearest The Right Time health center are there to help you learn about each method, compare all your options, and choose a method that supports your lifestyle and preferences. You can also get free or low-cost access to all the methods of birth control, and anything you discuss with your provider is totally confidential.