I’m sure many of us have heard of IUDs (intrauterine devices) as a form of birth control, but what about the implant (also called Nexplanon)? Other countries have been providing folks with the implant for years, but it’s only been approved for use in Canada as of 2020 (1)! New and different birth control methods are always exciting, but it also means that there is more to consider when weighing our options. So, how are IUDs and implants similar? How are they different? Let’s talk about it!
Similarities
Hormonal IUDs, copper IUDs, and implants are all considered “long-acting reversible contraceptives”, meaning that they can stay inserted for years but can be taken out at any point (1)! All three methods are super effective at preventing pregnancy, with the risk being less than 1/100 of people who use them (1, 2). This is great in comparison to birth control pills, but similarly, none of them protect against sexually transmitted infections (2). Finally, you need to have a physician insert both IUDs and the implant, and the same goes for the removal process (1)!
Hormonal IUDs
Both types of IUDs (hormonal and copper) are small and T-shaped, and they’re inserted into the uterus (2). When you have a hormonal IUD, progestin will be released, which is a synthetic version of progesterone (a hormone made naturally in the body) (3)! Basically, the hormones keep eggs and sperm away from each other by stopping ovulation, thickening the mucus in the cervix, and thinning the walls of the uterus (3, 4). There are several different brands of hormonal IUDs, and depending on which one you have inserted, it can last for 3 to 5 years (4, 5).
So, what are the side effects of hormonal IUDs? Much like birth control pills, hormonal IUDs release progestin, which means that potential side effects are similar (4). This could look like spotting between periods, headaches, bloating/weight gain, fluctuating mood, nausea, among other potential side effects (4, 5). The good news is that within 3 to 6 months after insertion, these side effects should reduce or completely go away (2, 5)! Eventually, periods might lighten and cramps won’t be as severe (2, 5).
Copper IUDs
If hormonal birth control methods aren’t for you, then copper IUDs are a great option! Copper IUDs don’t release hormones, instead, they are wrapped in a copper wire that repels sperm cells and stops the implantation of a fertilized egg (2). Depending on the brand, it can stay inserted for 5 to 10 years (longer than hormonal IUDs and implants) (5). Also, copper IUDs can be used as an emergency contraceptive, which you can learn more about here!
It’s great that many hormonal birth control side effects can be avoided with copper IUDs, but they do have other complications. While menstruating, copper IUDs can lead to heavier bleeding and cramping, but this may only last for the first 3 to 6 months after insertion (3). Also, you might experience spotting and/or irregularities in your menstrual cycle (3).
Implant (Nexplanon)
The implant is a small tube that is inserted on the upper arm underneath the skin, and it’s made out of a flexible plastic material (1)! It’s a type of hormonal birth control because it releases the hormone etonogestrel (a type of progestin) into the blood (1). The implant works by stopping ovulation and thickening the mucus in the cervix, and it can last for about 3 years (1).
If you have an implant, initial side effects (headaches, bloating/weight gain, spotting, fluctuating mood, nausea, etc.) can be similar to hormonal IUDs and birth control pills and will most likely decrease after 3 months (6). Menstruation patterns could change during the first 3 months of having the implant, but it is possible that this pattern will continue past 3 months (1). Mensuration could change in terms of frequency, heaviness, and/or length, but generally, most folks will have lighter periods (1, 6)!
Questions?
If you have questions about birth control (any type) or how to access it, please reach out to us! You can message us on Instagram (@southhousehalifax) or email outreach@southhousehalifax.ca or info@southhousehalifax.ca!!
Disclaimer: Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used to substitute medical or treatment advice. Always seek out the advice of a physician or licensed health provider regarding your health!
Sources
Merck Canada Inc. (2020). Nexplanon. https://www.merck.ca/static/pdf/NEXPLANON-PM_E.pdf
Todd, N. (2020). Implant vs. IUD: What’s the difference? https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/implant-vs-iud
Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). What are hormonal IUDs? https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud/hormonal-iuds
Watson, S. (2017). Choosing between intrauterine device (IUD) types. https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control/iud-types
Halifax Sexual Health Centre. (n.d.). Intra-uterine device (IUD). http://hshc.ca/intra-uterine-device-iud/
Halifax Sexual Health Centre. (2020). Contraceptive implant – Nexplanon. http://hshc.ca/contraceptive-implant-nexplanon/