The contraceptive implant refers to a small, flexible plastic rod about 4 cm long, which a healthcare professional inserts beneath the skin of your arm. It helps prevent pregnancy by producing the hormone progestogen, which stops the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries. This implant is, however, not ideal for everybody.
Generally, the contraceptive implant lasts up to three years, after which it should be replaced to maintain effectiveness. With replacement every three years, it is considered more than 99% effective. A trained physician or nurse can take out the implant at any time if you don’t want it, and your chance of becoming pregnant will return to normal immediately after removal.
When considering contraception, it’s advisable to compare various methods based on effectiveness, potential side effects, and your personal needs.
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The majority of women can opt for the contraceptive implant, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Your doctor or nurse will discuss it with you to determine if it’s right for you.
Overall, you should avoid using the implant if:
Certain medications may reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive implant, including:
If you are using any of these, you will require more contraception or may consider an alternative method that won’t interfere with these medications. It’s always important to inform your physician that you have a contraceptive implant when being prescribed new medications.
The implant can lead to some side effects, and it’s important to consider these before you decide if this method is suitable for you.
Irregular bleeding: Menstrual changes are common with contraceptive implants. About 20% of women may experience no bleeding at all, while nearly 50% may have infrequent or lengthy bleeding. Also, the bleeding patterns tend to remain unpredictable.
Consult your nurse, GP, or a sexual health clinic if this becomes a concern.
Some women may notice other side effects, such as:
Usually, the side effects get better after a few months. However, if more side effects or persistent severe headaches occur, consult your healthcare provider for assistance
Contraceptive implants provide several advantages:
The implant can be fitted at any point in your menstrual cycle as long as you aren’t pregnant. If it is inserted during the first 5 days of your period, it provides immediate protection against pregnancy. However, if it is placed on any other day, you may be required to use condoms or internal condoms during the first 7 days and take a pregnancy test following insertion.
As soon as your arm heals, you’ll be able to carry out all your usual activities. Also, the implant won’t be visible.
It’s possible to conceive as early as three weeks following childbirth. The contraceptive implant can thus be fitted anytime post-birth. It provides immediate protection if inserted within three weeks, but if placed later, you will be required to use additional contraception for at least 7 days. It is also safe to breastfeed with the implant.
After an abortion or miscarriage, pregnancy is usually possible within two weeks. Therefore, the implant can be placed right away in these cases to give immediate protection.
The implant, almost the size of a matchstick, is inserted underneath the skin on the inner part of the upper arm. Normally, a trained physician or nurse can place the implant.
During the procedure, a local anesthetic shot will be administered to numb the skin. After that, a special tool is used to put the implant beneath the skin. The wound will then be dressed and will quickly heal, as with any other minor cut.
The insertion often takes a few minutes, and you may experience bruising or tenderness around the area for a few days afterward.
To remove the implant, a trained GP or nurse will numb the area with a local anesthetic, make a small cut, and gently pull out the implant. They will then dress the wound, which should remain covered for a few days. Steristrips® (paper stitches) may be used.
If the implant is hard to feel below the skin, you may be referred to an expert who can use an ultrasound scan to locate and remove it. If you wish to continue using an implant, a new one can be inserted immediately after removal to ensure uninterrupted contraceptive protection.
Usually, the implant’s contraceptive effects stop immediately once it’s removed. Moreover, it can be taken out at any time, whenever you want.
Hormone-based contraception is associated with a slightly high long-term risk of breast cancer compared to non-hormonal options. However, it’s unclear if this applies to the implant. There is insufficient evidence on whether it increases the risks of ovarian, cervical, or endometrial cancer.
Aside from minor bruising and soreness, rare complications that may occur include a local infection at the insertion site or a small scar. It’s essential to feel the implant underneath the skin after it’s placed to confirm proper insertion. This is because there’s a slight risk that it may not be positioned correctly per the procedure.
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