A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT

What is a Contraceptive Implant ?

A small flexible tube(s) which is placed just under your skin. It releases a progestogen hormone over a number of years. There are two different types of implant, Implanon and Norplant®. Other varieties are expected shortly. Implanon is a very small, flexible rubber tube, about the size of a hairgrip. It is placed just under the skin of your inner upper arm. It steadily releases a progestogen hormone into your bloodstream. It works for three years. Norplant® is made up of six tubes and works for five years. From October 1999 it is no longer available in the UK, but as it works for five years many women still have it in place. Not everyone can have an implant and your doctor or nurse will need to ask you about your own and your family's medical history. Do mention any illness or operations you have had.

How does a Contraceptive Implant work ?

It thickens the mucus at the entrance of the womb (cervix). This makes it difficult for sperm to move through it and reach an egg. It also makes the lining of your womb thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg and may also stop your ovaries releasing an egg each month (ovulation).

How effective is it a Contraceptive Implant?

It is over 99% effective in the first year of use. This means that less than 1 woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year.

What are the advantages of a Contraceptive Implant ?

You don't have to think about contraception for as long as you have the implant and it does not interfere with sex. You can breastfeed if you have an implant and it is useful if you cannot take oestrogens, like those in the combined pill. Your usual level of fertility will return as soon as the implant is taken out and it offers some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease.

What are the disadvantages of a Contraceptive Implant?

Your periods will probably change. In the first year of using an implant, most women have irregular bleeding. This is usual. Most women have regular periods after the first year, but some women will still have irregular bleeding. Some women have heavy and prolonged bleeding, a few women will not bleed at all. These changes may be a nuisance but they are not harmful. Other possible side-effects include headaches, acne, putting on weight, tender breasts and bloating. Although research has not shown that implants cause depression and mood changes, some women do experience these symptoms.Very rarely, having the implant put in can cause an infection in the arm and it can sometimes be difficult to remove the implant(s). Some women may develop small fluid-filled cysts on their ovaries. The cysts are not dangerous and do not usually need to be treated. Often there are no symptoms, but some women may have pelvic pain. These cysts usually disappear without treatment.An implant does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, so you may need to use condoms as well.

How is a Contraceptive Implant used?

An implant will usually be put in on the first day of your period or during the first five days of your period. You will be immediately protected against becoming pregnant. If the implant is put in on any other day you will not be protected against pregnancy for the first seven days. So use another method of contraception, such as condoms, during this time. You can have an implant six weeks after you have a baby. If you have sex before the implant is put in, you will need to use another method of contraception. You can breastfeed while you are using an implant. An implant must be put in by a doctor or nurse who has been trained to fit implants. They may give you a local anaesthetic to numb the part of your arm where the implant will go, so it doesn't hurt to have it put in. It is similar to having an injection. The area will be tender for a day or two and may be bruised and slightly swollen. The doctor or nurse will put a dressing on to keep it clean and dry. Keep this dressing on for a few days and try not to knock the area. Don't worry about knocking the implant once the area has healed. It won't break or move around your arm. Most women can feel the implant with their fingers. It won't affect you moving your arm. Implants work for three or five years depending on type. Then a specially-trained doctor or nurse must take it out. The doctor or nurse will give you a local anaesthetic injection. It may be more difficult to remove the implant than to put it in. If you want to carry on using an implant, the doctor or nurse can put a new one in at the same time. You don't have to keep an implant in for three or five years. If you decide you want to stop using it, see your doctor or family planning clinic and ask them to take it out. You will stop being protected against getting pregnant immediately the implant is removed. If you do not want to become pregnant, use another method of contraception for seven days before it is taken out, as sperm can live inside your body for up to seven days.

Can anything make a Contraceptive Implant less effective?

Some prescribed medicines may make an implant less effective. These include medicines that treat epilepsy and tuberculosis. Always say you are using an implant if you are prescribed any medicines. Any medicines you buy over the counter at a pharmacy in the UK will not affect the implant.