Why it's done

Contraceptive implants offer effective, long-term contraception. Among various benefits, a contraceptive implant:

• Can be removed at any time, followed by a quick return to fertility
• Eliminates the need to interrupt sex for contraception
• Contains no estrogen

Contraceptive implants aren't appropriate for everyone, however. Your health care provider may discourage use of a contraceptive implant if you:

• Are allergic to any components of the implant
• Have had serious blood clots, a heart attack or a stroke
• Have liver tumors or liver disease
• Have known or suspected breast cancer or a history of breast cancer
• Have undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding

Although the label for etonogestrel (Nexplanon) says it shouldn't be used by women with a history of blood clots, it isn't clear whether the contraceptive implant affects the risk of blood clots. The warning comes from studies of combination birth control pills that contain the same progestin as is used in the contraceptive implant.

Talk to your health care provider if you have any risk factors for blood clots, including a history of blood clots in your legs or a prior diagnosis of a blood clot in your lungs (pulmonary embolus).

In addition, tell your health care provider if you have a history of:

• An allergic reaction to anesthetics or antiseptics
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Gallbladder disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol or high triglycerides
• Seizures or epilepsy

The contraceptive implant isn't contraindicated for use in women who are overweight. However, it's possible the device may not be as effective in women with a body mass index (BMI) above 30.

Certain medications and herbal products may decrease the levels of progestin in your blood, which can decrease the contraceptive implant's effectiveness. Medications known to interact with the contraceptive implant include some seizure medications, certain sedatives, some HIV medications, as well as the herb St. John's wort. Talk with your doctor about your contraceptive options if you take any of these medications.