How Much Does Implanon Cost?
Implanon, a branded tiny plastic birth control device, about four centimeters long, is implanted beneath the skin, often inside of the upper arm.
When implanted, the device works by slowly releasing a female hormone known as progesterone into the bloodstream over a period of three years.
While the device will not protect you from any sexually transmitted diseases, it can work in three ways by temporarily preventing ovulation, thining the uterus room to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to it as well as thickening the discharge from within the cervix to prevent the sperm from reaching the uterus.
As long as the device is properly inserted, it is 99 percent effective in preventing a pregnancy.
How much does Implanon cost?
The cost of Implanon will greatly depend on the doctor you use and what type of insurance coverage you have as there’s a good chance your policy will cover a good portion of the procedure. With these factors in mind, the costs of Implanon without any insurance, from what we researched online, often was in the $600 to $850+ range for both the exam and implant and another $300 to $500~ to have it removed in the future. Again, these are price estimates for those who have no insurance coverage.
However, those who have health insurance or even federal assistance will find out they can often get the Implanon implant for as little as nothing as long as you go to a doctor in your insurance company’s network and meet the income eligibility requirements if on state/federal assistance. Even if you do not have any health insurance, Planned Parenthood, for instance, can work with you on a sliding income scale to help drop the costs.
This BlueCross BlueShield of Texas list, for instance, noted Implanon was covered.
How does Implanon work?
The tiny rod, once inserted, is able to release hormones, progestogen, daily into the bloodstream and does not contain any estrogen, making it a good choice for women who often struggle with estrogen. This hormone is similar to the natural hormone your body produces inside the ovaries. The device is simply designed to prevent the body from releasing eggs, stopping eggs from sticking to the womb and preventing any sperm from entering the uterus since the hormones will thicken the mucus at the cervix. Being 99.9% effective, it can last up to three years.
When implanted, it’s injected beneath the skin of the inner upper arm, either by your doctor or a trained nurse. During this process, a local anesthetic is used to avoid feeling any pain. Once injected, it can take up to seven days for the device to become effective.
The pros of Implanon
- A very convenient option since you do not have to remember to take anything
- It can last up to three years
- It’s known to be quite effective as long as properly inserted
- Can be easily removed in the future and fertility returns to normal
- Insertion is quick, taking an average of 1.1 minutes, according to Planned Parenthood
- No estrogen
- Able to use while breastfeeding
The cons of Implanon
- Will not protect you from any sexually transmitted diseases, meaning condoms should still be used
- It can alter the menstrual cycle, causing irregular periods or spotting
Implanon side effects
The most common side effects reported often include a changing bleeding pattern, making menstrual cycles either more often and/or irregular at odd times. According to the FPV, about 20 percent of women do report noting any bleeding at all, but even with frequent bleeding suspected, it may get better with time.
Other reported side effects include bloating, changes to the skin, headaches, sore breasts, weight gain and/or mood changes. In extremely rare cases, if the implant were inserted too deep, a minor surgery may be required to remove it.
As with any side effects, always consult with your doctor with any questions/concerns.
Implanon reviews
Over 1,600 members on Drugs.com gave the implant a 6.1 out of 10, with many of the negative reviews complaining about the side effects such as feeling aggravated, a change in attitude and/or irregular menstrual cycle.
EverydayHealth.com members, about 125+ of them, gave the implant a 2.5 out of five rating, with the positive reviewers noting it was working, even though there were some side effects, but as for the negative reviews, just like the Drugs.com members, were the side effects such as mood swings, irregular periods and weight gain/loss, to name a few.
Implanon vs Nexplanon – the difference?
Like Implanon, Nexplanon is also an implant, but there are two key differences, according to Bedsider.org. For starters, the Nexplanon is said to be radiopaque, which simply means it’s easier for your health care provider to make sure the implant is in the right place after being inserted as the implant can show up in CT scans, x-rays, ultrasound scanning and MRIs. The second key difference, the insertion, is said to be much quicker for Nexplanon due to a new applicator, but Implanon is said to be painless as well, so some may not agree this is a big difference.
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Average Reported Cost: $0
