Contraceptive Implant
Hormonal Method
One or two small hormone-releasing silicone rods are placed under the skin by a healthcare provider.
DETAILS
Contraceptive implants are small flexible rods that are placed just under the skin of your upper arm by a healthcare professional. Depending on the type of implant, one or two rods are implanted.
The rods steadily release the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream, preventing the release of an egg from your ovary (ovulation). This hormone also thickens the mucus in your cervix to stop the sperm from entering your uterus.
The contraceptive implant provides very effective contraception for 3 to 5 years, depending on the type used.
HOW TO
Your trained healthcare provider will inject a local anaesthetic to numb the area on the inside of your upper arm. The implant is then inserted just under the skin. You will not need stitches.
The implant then releases a steady flow of progestogen over 3 to 5 years, depending on the type of implant. You can have it removed at any time by your healthcare provider, and your natural fertility will return very quickly.
PROS
- A very effective form of contraception, with an effectiveness rate of 99.9%.
- It does not interrupt sex.
- It is suitable for women who want to avoid having to remember to take contraceptive pills or injections, and who want a long-acting, reversible contraceptive method.
- It is useful for women who cannot use contraception that contains oestrogen.
CONS
- It has to be fitted and removed by a trained healthcare professional.
- You may feel some bruising, tenderness or swelling around the implant when it is first inserted.
- There may be a change in your periods – they may become irregular, lighter, heavier or longer.
- It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV), so you may need to use condoms as well.
SIDE EFFECTS
You may experience:
Changes in your monthly bleeding patterns, including:
First several months to a year:
Lighter bleeding and fewer days of bleeding
Periods that last longer
Irregular bleeding
Infrequent bleeding
No monthly bleeding
After about one year:
Lighter bleeding and fewer days of bleeding
Irregular bleeding
Infrequent bleeding
No monthly bleeding
These changes in bleeding are normal and are not harmful. If you find them bothersome, speak to your healthcare professional.
Other symptoms include:
Stomach pain
Acne (can improve or worsen)
Changes in weight
Tender breasts
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Dizziness
-
Mood changes
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Nausea
- Headaches
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Contraceptive implants are small flexible rods placed just under the skin of your upper arm by a healthcare professional. Depending on the type of implant, one to two rods are inserted.
The implant is about the size of a thin matchstick, and people have it inserted under the skin of the inner side of the upper arm. Although one can feel it, it is not seen, except if someone is looking for it. At the site of insertion, there will be a tiny mark, but this isn’t very visible as a trained healthcare provider has inserted the implant.
Many women find that heavy, painful periods reduce. There can sometimes be irregular bleeding initially, but this should go after the first few months.
After counselling by your healthcare provider and ensuring that you are not pregnant, the implant should be inserted within seven days after the onset of menstruation, or immediately or within seven days after an abortion. If the contraceptive implant is inserted at any other time, you will need to use an additional non-hormonal (barrier) method for the following seven days. In case of questions, please consult with your healthcare provider.
You will receive local anaesthesia so there should be very little pain. The procedure takes only a few minutes. There might be a bit of bruising or soreness afterwards.
Contraception Methods
CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
CONTRACEPTIVE RING
CONTRACEPTIVE RING
DIAPHRAGM
DIAPHRAGM
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES
FEMALE CONDOM
FEMALE CONDOM
FERTILITY AWARENESS
FERTILITY AWARENESS
INTRAUTERINE DEVICE
INTRAUTERINE DEVICE
INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM-IUS
INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM-IUS
MALE CONDOM
MALE CONDOM
PULL-OUT METHOD
PULL-OUT METHOD
SPERMICIDES
SPERMICIDES
SPONGE
SPONGE
STERILISATION
STERILISATION
THE PILL
THE PILL
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