When it comes to contraception, many people are familiar with pills, IUDs, and condoms. But there’s one method that often goes unnoticed unless you’ve personally used it or know someone who has—the birth control stick. If you’ve ever seen one and wondered what it is, you’re not alone. Let’s dive deep into this discreet yet highly effective form of birth control.
What Is the Birth Control Stick?
The birth control stick, also known as the contraceptive implant, is a small, flexible rod inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm. This tiny device releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for several years, making it one of the most convenient long-term birth control options available.
Unlike birth control pills that require daily intake or patches that need to be changed weekly, the implant offers a hassle-free solution. It’s a “set it and forget it” kind of birth control—ideal for those who don’t want to worry about contraception on a daily basis.
How Does It Work?
The implant slowly releases a hormone called progestin into the bloodstream. This hormone primarily works in three ways to prevent pregnancy:
- Stopping Ovulation – If an egg isn’t released from the ovaries, sperm has nothing to fertilize.
- Thickening Cervical Mucus – This makes it difficult for sperm to swim through the cervix and reach an egg.
- Thinning the Uterine Lining – Even if an egg were to be fertilized, a thinner uterine lining makes implantation highly unlikely.
Because it operates on multiple levels, the birth control stick is one of the most effective contraceptive methods available, with a success rate of over 99%.
The Process of Getting It Inserted
Many people feel uneasy about the idea of having something placed under their skin, but the insertion process is quick and relatively painless. Here’s what to expect:
- A healthcare provider numbs a small area on your upper arm.
- A tiny incision is made, and the flexible rod is inserted just under the skin.
- The entire process takes just a few minutes and requires no stitches—just a small bandage.
Most people experience little to no discomfort after the procedure, and the implant starts working almost immediately if inserted at the right time in the menstrual cycle.
Who Should Consider the Birth Control Stick?
This form of birth control is ideal for those who:
- Want long-term protection against pregnancy without daily maintenance
- Cannot use estrogen-based contraception (like some birth control pills)
- Prefer a highly effective, reversible option
- Have busy lifestyles and don’t want to worry about forgetting to take a pill
However, it’s not for everyone. Some women may experience side effects, such as irregular bleeding, headaches, or changes in mood. It’s important to discuss with a healthcare provider whether this method is right for you.
Common Misconceptions About the Birth Control Stick
Because the implant isn’t as well-known as other birth control methods, several myths surround its use. Let’s debunk some of the most common ones:
- “It’s painful to get inserted.”
The insertion process is quick, and most people only feel a slight pinch when the numbing agent is applied. - “It can travel through your body.”
The implant stays in place under the skin. It does not move around your body or get lost. - “It makes you infertile.”
Fertility typically returns quickly after the implant is removed. Many women are able to conceive within a few months. - “It’s visible under the skin.”
While you may feel the implant if you press on the area, it is not visibly noticeable.
How Long Does It Last?
One of the biggest benefits of the birth control stick is its longevity. Depending on the brand, it can last anywhere from three to five years before needing replacement. If at any point you decide you want to conceive, it can be removed, and fertility usually returns within weeks or months.
The Removal Process
Just like insertion, removal is a straightforward procedure. A small incision is made in the same area, and the implant is gently taken out. Some women may experience a bit of bruising or tenderness, but recovery is usually quick.
Final Thoughts: Is the Birth Control Stick Right for You?
The birth control stick is a game-changer for many women who want a low-maintenance, highly effective contraceptive. If you’re tired of remembering to take a pill every day or dealing with other short-term birth control methods, this might be the perfect option.
Of course, every person’s body reacts differently to hormonal contraception, so it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider before making a decision. But if you’re looking for convenience, effectiveness, and long-term peace of mind, the birth control stick might just be the best-kept secret in contraception.
Reba McEntire remembers the day she lost her band in a horrific plane crash 32 years ago
Reba McEntire won the Country Music Association’s “best singer” award four times in a row following her breakthrough in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Naturally, she is also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
However, Reba has also had her fair share of personal traumas, so life has not always been easy for her, even with her amazing profession and wealth.
Reba’s mother Jacqueline, at 93 years old, lost her fight with illness in 2022.
She was completely prepared to pass away and had lived a lovely, long, and healthy life. The country music performer posted on social media, “The cancer may believe it has won the fight, but we’re giving God all the credit for choosing the time for her to go home to Him.”
Jacqueline McEntire’s desire of becoming a professional country singer was always realized when she taught Reba to sing, fulfilling her dream via her daughter.
We all know how much she loved us, and she left knowing how much love she had.Reba remarked, “We have so many amazing memories, but we’re going to miss her.
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Reba is well aware of the suffering associated with loss and grief.
Thirty-two years ago on March 16, she lost her tour manager in a horrific plane crash after a concert, along with seven other band members.
I recall that 1991 day. I heard about the crash on the radio as I was heading to work. I felt my heart skip a beat, thinking that Reba was on the plane too.
She wasn’t, though.
After playing in San Diego on March 16, 1991, Reba and her band were on their way to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for their next tour stop.
At the airport in San Diego, two flights were waiting; Reba, her husband, and manager spent the night in San Diego, while the band members and tour manager traveled on ahead.
Ten miles east of the airport, the first aircraft tragically met its demise.
Reba has frequently honored her deceased friends throughout the years.
She opened out about the day her band broke up in an emotional 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey.
“Everyone on board was killed when the airplane’s tip struck a rock on the side of Otay Mountain,” McEntire said to Winfrey.
“Our pilot was contacted, and Narvel, Reba’s manager, went to meet with him to inform us of what had occurred. When Narvel returned to my hotel room at two or three in the morning, he informed me that one of the planes had crashed. I said, “Are they okay?” In his words, “I don’t think so.” “But you’re not sure?” I asked. I don’t think so, he said.
Reba remembered the events of the disaster, tears welling up in her eyes.
“Narvel was calling from room to room while holding a phone,” she started, stopping when tears welled up in her eyes. “I apologize, but even after 20 years, it seems like it will never stop hurting,” she remarked. But that chamber is visible to me. Narvel is moving back and forth, as I can see.
It’s been 32 years since the crash. She recently recalled the terrible events of that day by sharing a picture of her band on Instagram.
She shared another homage to her friends in 2020.
“I lost my pals in a plane tragedy 29 years ago today. It seems fitting that Mama passed away on that anniversary,” she writes.
“I am aware that they are all together in Heaven, looking out for one another. Let’s continue to look out for one another while we’re still on this planet and never take a moment for granted to spend with our loved ones.
Soon after, Reba’s admirers rallied behind the country music icon.
Many folks sent prayers and good vibes.
“Reba I’ve always admired your music, our mutual love of horses, and now that I follow you on Instagram.May God bless you and your mother. A fan wrote.
Reba showed once more this year, in 2023, that she still grieves the terrible loss of her pals and that she will never forget them.
She posted a video of the group performing together along with the message, “Their love for music and the stage gives us all the strength to go on.”
I apologize, Reba. You are an amazing woman; stay strong. You make so many people happy that there is a reason God has preserved you on this planet. Keep grinning!
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