Lets get real...about Birth Control

I LOVE kids, especially babies. I always tell my mom that I attract two types of people - kids (because I’m a giant kid) and older people (because I was also born 82 years old). BUT as much as I love kids and think that I want a family, myself and my partner are not mentally or financially prepared for that right now. I had taken the birth control pill right out of high school to help with my acne but I am horrible at remembering to take it at the same time everyday. When I got with my partner two years ago I knew being on birth control was necessary as we are young and still in school but I knew I couldn’t trust myself or the pill so I made an appointment at Planned Parenthood to see what my options were. My experience at PP was great and my nurse was super helpful and knowledgeable about the various options (i.e. the pill, the ring, the shot, and the implant). I determined that the implant (mine is Nexlanon) was the best option for me and this is why - it's over 99% effective. The implant is a very small rod which is inserted under the skin of your upper arm.

From Nexplanon’s website:

“NEXPLANON is the birth control implant that goes in the arm. It’s just as effective as the pill, but without the daily hassle. This small, thin, and flexible arm implant is placed discreetly under the skin of the inner, non-dominant upper arm by your healthcare provider. NEXPLANON works using a hormone that stops an egg from being released by your ovary and prevents sperm from reaching the egg. It also changes the lining of your uterus.”

~It’s over 99% effective. *Less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women who used NEXPLANON for 1 year.

~It lasts for 3+years (my doctor quoted me 5 years) without any daily, weekly, or monthly dosing.

~It’s reversible, so if your plans change, it can be removed by your healthcare provider at any time.

It has been very effective and the procedure was relatively painless for me and it lasts for 5 years BUT the side effects can be gnarly. I don't have a very big scar, if one at all and the area where it's implanted isn't painful. BUT, personally I have experienced a VERY irregular periods, long term spotting, yeast infections, and headaches. These are the things I’d want someone to share with me so I know what could happen to me. I wouldn’t trust other birth control currently but just know that it could be difficult to deal with. It has not been easy and as much as it has worked for me, it is not for the faint of heart. Obviously it's going to effect everyone differently and some side effects I experienced, you may not. I think it's very effective and that is GREAT if you want to be VERY sure about preventing unwanted pregnancy and not have to worry about taking a pill everyday but there are other things to consider that come along with it, it's all about tolerance.

Official Nexplanon website: https://www.nexplanon.com/