Contraceptive Implant
The contraceptive implant is effective against pregnancy for three years. It works by releasing a hormone slowly into the bloodstream from an implant inserted under the skin.
What is it?
The contraceptive implant is a small plastic rod containing a progestogen hormone, etonorgestrel and is inserted under the skin on the inside of the upper arm. The etonorgestrel hormone is released slowly from the implant into the bloodstream over three years. The contraceptive implant is very flexible and not easily visible.
How does it work?
The contraceptive implant works in three ways:
it stops the body from releasing an ovum (egg) every month
it makes the mucus in the cervix (the entrance of the uterus) thicker, so sperm cannot get through
it changes the lining of the uterus (womb), altering bleeding patterns
How effective is it?
When inserted correctly by a qualified doctor, the contraceptive implant is 99 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy.
Who can use a contraceptive implant?
The contraceptive implant is suitable for women:
- looking for reliable long-term contraception
- who cannot take oestrogen (found in most oral contraceptives)
- who have difficulty remembering to take daily contraception
The contraceptive implant is not suitable for women:
- with severe liver disease
- who think they may be pregnant
- who have abnormal vaginal bleeding
- unable to take progestogens
Women who have recently had a thrombosis (blood clot) in the leg or the lung should discuss this contraceptive method with a doctor before use.
Insertion and removal
The contraceptive implant should be inserted between day one (first day of bleeding) to day five of a woman’s menstrual cycle. If inserted at this time the contraceptive implant is effective immediately.
Insertion by a doctor takes a couple of minutes. A local anaesthetic is given to numb the skin before inserting the contraceptive implant through a small hole, with no stitches required. A pressure bandage is then placed on the arm to reduce bruising. When the anaesthetic wears off some women may experience tenderness and bruising for a few days after.
A small layer of tissue forms around the contraceptive implant which will keep it in place. The contraceptive implant should be easily felt by a light touch to the skin.
It is recommended that the contraceptive implant be removed and replaced every three years. It is useful to make a note of the contraceptive implant insertion date.
The contraceptive implant can be removed at any time by a doctor. It is important to consider future contraceptive needs before removing the contraceptive implant, as its contraceptive effects will cease upon removal. Your doctor can discuss this with you further.
Advantages:
- can be removed at any time with pre-existing fertility returning rapidly
- contraceptive effect lasts for three years
- can cause light periods or no periods at all
- is very cost effective
- is suitable for women who cannot take oestrogen
- women don’t have to remember to take daily contraception
- unlike the contraceptive pill is not affected by stomach upsets (vomiting, diarrhoea) and antibiotics
Disadvantages:
- many women experience irregular bleeding
- few women experience frequent (usually light) bleeding
- some women experience side effects such as weight gain or acne
- a small number of women have reported side effects such as mood swings, abdominal pain, painful periods and hair loss
Is there anything else I need to know?
You do not need to have a follow-up appointment with a doctor unless you are experiencing problems with the contraceptive implant which can be checked during your routine Pap smear.
Evidence so far suggests that it is safe for breastfeeding women (three to four weeks after birth), and that its contraceptive effectiveness is unlikely to be reduced by variations in body weight.
There have been no reported breakages of the contraceptive implant.
If you are taking medication for epilepsy or tuberculosis, hormonal contraception can be affected - see a doctor for more information.
The contraceptive implant does not protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
Page last updated Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:15