Risks

The contraceptive implant doesn't offer protection from sexually transmitted infections.

Fewer than 1 out of 100 women who use the contraceptive implant for one year will get pregnant. If you do conceive while using a contraceptive implant, there's a higher chance that the pregnancy will be ectopic — when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. However, because a contraceptive implant prevents most pregnancies, women who use it are at lower risk of having an ectopic pregnancy than are other sexually active women who aren't using contraception.

Side effects associated with contraceptive implants include:

• Abdominal or back pain
• An increased risk of noncancerous ovarian cysts
• Changes in vaginal bleeding patterns, including absence of menstruation (amenorrhea)
• Decreased sex drive
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Mild insulin resistance
• Mood swings and depression
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Potential interaction with other medications
• Sore breasts
• Vaginal inflammation or dryness
• Weight gain