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According to the Guttmacher Institute, “some 62% of all women of reproductive age are currently using a contraceptive method.” While the pill is one of the most popular forms of birth control, there are many other choices that can be used to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

As with most medicines, there are some risks to using different types of birth control, however there are also many benefits! Many hormonal methods can help with menstrual bleeding and pain, as well as acne. Each type of birth control is different, and may not be the right choice for everyone.

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) are birth control methods that can last multiple years and are easy to use. Unlike sterilization, LARCs are reversible and can be removed at any time if a woman wants to get pregnant. The most common types of LARCs are:

• Nexplanon
• Intrauterine device (IUD)

Nexplanon is a small flexible rod that is placed in the arm by a health care provider. This method can last up to 3 years and prevents pregnancy more than 99% of the time. An IUD is a small device placed inside the uterus by a health care provider. Depending on which type of IUD a woman chooses, it can prevent pregnancy anywhere from 3-10 years. Unlike the pill, neither of these options require you to do anything once they are placed. However, neither of these options protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI).

Other popular forms of birth control, that are not long acting are:

• Depo-Provera Shot
• Pills
• Patches
• Vaginal Rings.

The Depo-Provera Shot is a shot that a woman gets at her health center every 3 months. You must get the shot every 3 months to prevent pregnancy. When done correctly, the shot prevents pregnancy more than 97-99% of the time. Birth control pills are taken once a day by mouth. The patch is placed on the body and changed weekly. The vaginal ring is placed by you in your vagina and changed monthly. All of these methods prevent pregnancy 92-99%. Unlike Nexplanon and IUD, these methods require work from the user. If used incorrectly or irregularly, they aren’t as effective in preventing pregnancy. None of these methods protects against STIs.

Condoms are the only type of birth control methods that protect against STIs. They prevent pregnancy 85-98% of the time. Any time you have sex without using a birth control method, you can get pregnant. This is true even if you just had a baby, are breastfeeding or do not have regular periods. If you do not want to be pregnant right now, choose the method that best works for you.

To learn more about birth control options, make an appointment at a HealthNet location near you.

The percentage is even higher for young girls and for minorities. As long as people are sexually active, there will always be a chance that a pregnancy will occur. Certain methods of birth control are much more effective than others. Women and girls who do not want to get pregnant or who should not get pregnant due to health issues should be encouraged to look into LARCs.

LARC stands for Long Acting Reversible Contraception. Examples of LARCs include IUDs and hormonal implants. At HealthNet, many of our providers are trained to insert IUDs such as the Mirena, Paragard, and Skyla as well as the Nexplanon implant.

• The Mirena is a 5 year intrauterine device that contains the hormone progesterone.
• The Skyla is very similar, but it is smaller and only lasts for 3 years.  This is a good option for patients who have never had a baby.
• The Paragard is also an Intrauterine Device, but it does not have hormones.  It is made of copper and works for 10 years.
• The Nexplanon is a rod that is placed in the arm and slowly releases a hormone.  This method can offer protection for up to 3 years.

Why use long acting reversible contraception?

Long active reversible contraceptives are very effective forms of birth control.  Currently only about 6% of women and girls in the United States are using this method compared to 20-30%  in European, African and Asian countries.  The most common form of birth control in the United States is the birth control pill.  Unfortunately, this is considered one of the least effective forms of hormonal birth control.

One of the biggest problems with the most commonly used birth control methods is compliance. We live busy lives. We forget to take the pill or show up for our Depo appointment or to change out the ring. With LARC devices, we see these issues less often because once it is placed, it works whether we remember it or not.  If you are not planning on having a baby in the near future, a LARC device can be the most effective method available.  Another advantage of these LARC devices is that they can be used for most women. Some women are not able to use certain birth control methods due to medical issues. Now we have options for these women. According to the CDC, these patients should be counseled about LARC methods and encouraged to use them to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Why are LARCs important? 

By increasing the use of LARCs, we can reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancies.  By reducing unintended pregnancies we can also help keep young girls in school and help give these girls the chance to attend college or begin their careers. We have to continue to provide access to birth control for these ladies. Plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace must cover family planning services.  If you are interested in talking with someone about your birth control options, contact a HealthNet location near you to make an appointment with one of our midwives or OBGYN doctors!

Post by Megan McDonald, CNM

How long is Nexplanon effective? Nexplanon is effective for up to 3 years. It can be removed before 3 years or a new implant can be inserted at the same time the old one is removed. It releases a progestin hormone called etonogestrel. Nexplanon does not contain estrogen.

How effective is Nexplanon?
Nexplanon is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. 

How does Nexplanon actually work?
Nexplanon keeps the egg from being released by your ovaries and prevents sperm from reaching the egg by delivering a steady, low dose of hormones into your bloodstream.

How is Nexplanon placed ?
A small amount of numbing medication is placed at the site of insertion (inside your upper arm), the Nexplanon is then placed under the skin, a pressure bandage is applied. The actually time to do the insertion is a matter of minutes.

How is Nexplanon removed?
A small amount of numbing medication is placed near the insertion site, a small incision is made in the skin, the rod is then removed and a pressure bandage is applied. Again, the removal is very quick and easy.

Who do I know if I am a good candidate for Nexplanon? Almost anyone is a good candidate! Anyone who cannot use estrogen containing birth control methods, breastfeeding moms, teenagers, peri-menopausal women and most anyone in between.

You should not use Nexplanon if you know you are pregnant, have or have had blood clots, liver disease, a liver tumor, breast cancer, or any other cancer that is sensitive to Progestin, or are allergic to anything in Nexplanon.

There are some risks related to insertion and removal, which can include pain, irritation, swelling, bruising, scarring, infection at site, or breaking of the implant. Common side effects also include a change in your normal menstrual bleeding pattern which includes, longer or shorter bleeding duration. Spotting between periods can also occur or you may stop your periods all together. Other possible side effects are acne, mood swings/depression, breast pain and pain at insertion site.

Interested in Nexplanon? Nexplanon is currently available at HealthNet Southwest Health Center. Please call 317-957-2500 to make an appointment.