Methods of Contraception - Assignment Example

The implant is significantly used as a means of controlling pregnancy. It is characterized by a thin and elastic implant that is similar to a matchstick (Planned Parenthood, 2014). It is positioned beneath the skin of the upper arm where it prevents pregnancy for about three years (Planned Parenthood, 2014). It is available in the market is available as Implanon and Nexplanon. This method works by releasing a hormone known as progestin. The released hormone works in two ways. First, it prevents the eggs from leaving the ovaries and hence pregnancy is stopped by having no egg to come into contact with the sperm (Planned Parenthood, 2014). Secondly, the hormone keeps the cervical mucus thicker, and this further prevents the sperm from coming into contact with the egg (Planned Parenthood, 2014).

Birth control has several advantages. The advantages are that this method is safe, simple, and convenient for those that use it. Moreover, it is a long-lasting method of birth control and no medicine is required to be taken daily (Planned Parenthood, 2014). The method also has some disadvantages. First, it may cause some side effects to some women. An example of side effects is irregular bleeding (Planned Parenthood, 2014). There are also challenges of the period. In some cases, the period gets lighter and may fail to occur while in other instances women may have a prolonged one (Planned Parenthood, 2014). Also, some women complain of more spotting and light bleeding between periods.

Some caution is also required while using this method. The method should not be used by those women suffering from breast cancer (Planned Parenthood, 2014). The method should also not be used when severe cases are reported. Such cases may include pain at the insertion site, lack of period, and prolonged bleeding (Planned Parenthood, 2014). On the other hand, the method has no appropriate age group. It can be used by any person of the productive age.

The method is also effective in controlling pregnancy. The effectiveness is seen as only about one per cent of women that use this method get pregnant in a year (Planned Parenthood, 2014). However, the method is not effective in offering protection against sexually transmitted diseases (Planned Parenthood, 2014). Hence, one is required to use other methods that are effective for providing this protection. The method also allows the pregnancy to take place in the future. One can get pregnant immediately after stopping using the implant (Planned Parenthood, 2014). The cost of this method is favourable as it takes a longer period before getting another one. The cost of having this method ranges from $0 to $800 (Planned Parenthood, 2014). However, there are additional costs when removing the implant.