Contraception has always been a hot topic around the world, with many women struggling to find adequate and affordable options. Birth control pills have been the most popular option for decades, but they are not perfect.

They require daily attention, often cause side effects, and many women have trouble remembering to take them. However, a new type of contraception is set to be released in 2018 – a contraceptive chip that can be implanted in women’s arms.

What is the Contraceptive Chip?

The contraceptive chip is a tiny device that can be implanted under a woman’s skin in her arm. It is about the size of a matchstick and contains a small amount of hormones that are gradually released into the bloodstream over time.

The hormones used are the same as those found in birth control pills – progestin and estrogen.

The chip is designed to last for up to 16 years and can be removed at any time if desired. The procedure to implant the chip is quick and relatively painless, and the device is invisible once it is inserted.

How Does it Work?

Once the contraceptive chip is implanted, it begins to release hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones work in two ways to prevent pregnancy. Firstly, they stop the body from releasing an egg, which makes it impossible for fertilization to occur.

Secondly, the hormones cause the cervical mucus to thicken, which makes it difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix and reach the egg.

The contraceptive chip is programmed to release hormones daily, which means that women do not need to worry about taking a daily pill.

This makes it a convenient option for women who find it difficult to remember to take their birth control pills regularly.

Is it Safe?

The contraceptive chip has undergone extensive testing to ensure that it is safe and effective. The device is currently in the final stages of clinical trials and is set to be released in the United States in 2018.

The hormones used in the contraceptive chip are the same as those found in birth control pills, which have been used safely for decades. However, the chip delivers the hormones in a more controlled manner, which may reduce the risk of side effects.

What are the Benefits?

The contraceptive chip offers several benefits over other forms of birth control. Firstly, it provides long-term protection against pregnancy.

Women who choose to use the contraceptive chip will not need to worry about taking a pill or inserting a device every day. Secondly, the chip is discreet – once inserted, it is invisible and cannot be felt. This means that women can enjoy intimate moments without worrying about the device being in the way.

Lastly, the contraceptive chip is more reliable than other forms of contraception.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the failure rate for the pill is around 9%, while the failure rate for the contraceptive shot is around 6%. The contraceptive chip is designed to be over 99% effective, which makes it a much more reliable option.

What are the Concerns?

Despite the many benefits of the contraceptive chip, there are some concerns that need to be addressed. Firstly, as with all hormonal birth control methods, there is a risk of side effects.

However, these are generally mild and include headaches, nausea, and irregular periods.

Another concern is the cost of the procedure. While the price of the contraceptive chip has not been announced yet, it is likely to be more expensive than other forms of birth control.

This could make it less accessible to women who cannot afford the up-front cost.

Lastly, there is a concern that the contraceptive chip may be used as a form of coerced contraception. In countries where women’s rights are not valued, there is a risk that women may be forced to have the chip inserted against their will.

This is a serious concern, and measures need to be put in place to ensure that women are not coerced into using the contraceptive chip.

The Future of Contraception

The contraceptive chip represents a significant breakthrough in the field of contraception. It offers a long-term, reliable, and discreet method of birth control that could revolutionize the way women prevent pregnancy.

As the device is set to be released in 2018, it will be interesting to see how women respond to it and whether it becomes a popular choice for contraception.

Conclusion

The contraceptive chip is a highly anticipated development in the field of contraception. It offers many benefits over other forms of birth control, including long-term protection, reliability, and discretion.

However, there are also concerns that need to be addressed, such as the cost of the procedure and the risk of coerced contraception. Nevertheless, the contraceptive chip represents an exciting new option for women who are looking for reliable and convenient birth control methods.