Contraceptive Implant - Implanon
Implanon is a contraceptive implant effective against pregnancy for three years. It works by releasing the hormone etonorgestrel (a progestogen) slowly into the bloodstream from an implant under the skin.
What is it?
Implanon is a progestogen only contraceptive implant. It consists of a small plastic rod about the size of a matchstick which is inserted just under the skin on the inside of the upper arm. The rod is very flexible and not likely to be visible. The hormone is released slowly from the device into the bloodstream over three years.
How does it work?
Implanon works in two ways:
• It stops the body from releasing an ovum (egg) every month (this is its main action)
• It makes the mucus in the cervix (the entrance of the uterus) thicker, so sperm cannot get through, while also changing the lining of the uterus (womb), altering bleeding patterns
Picture shows actual size of Implanon rod
How effective is it?
When inserted correctly by a qualified doctor, Implanon is highly effective at preventing pregnancy (over 99%).
Who can use Implanon?
Implanon is suitable for most women looking for reliable long-term contraception. It is particularly useful for women who cannot take oestrogen, which is contained in most oral contraceptives. Women who have difficulty remembering to take daily contraception may also prefer this method.
You should not use this method if you have severe liver disease, think you may be pregnant, or have abnormal vaginal bleeding. Women who have recently had a thrombosis (blood clot) in the leg or the lung should discuss this method with a doctor before use. Implanon is not suitable for women unable to take progestogens.
Insertion and removal
Implanon should be inserted between day 1 (first day of bleeding) to day 5 of a woman’s menstrual cycle, to ensure that pregnancy has not already occurred. If this is not possible, another method of hormonal contraception (eg the Pill) should be used until the day of insertion. Your doctor can discuss this further with you. If inserted between day 1-5 of the cycle, Implanon is effective immediately.
Insertion only takes a couple of minutes. Local anaesthetic is given to numb the skin and the rod is inserted through a small hole in the skin, using a needle. No stitches are required. A pressure bandage is placed on the arm to reduce bruising. When the anaesthetic has worn off, there may be some tenderness and bruising for a few days but there should be no restriction in movement.
Soon after the rod has been inserted a small layer of tissue forms around the implant which should keep it in place. After the skin has healed the rod should be easily felt by a light touch to the skin.
It is recommended that the implant be removed and replaced with a new one when three years has passed. It may be useful to make a note of this date somewhere.
Implanon can be removed at any time by a doctor. It is important to consider future contraceptive needs before the rod is removed, as its contraceptive effect will cease upon removal.
Will it affect fertility in the long term?
A woman’s existing level of fertility should return soon after removal of the implant. Most women will ovulate within one month and for many it will be much sooner.
What are the advantages of Implanon?
Implanon:
• can be removed at any time and pre-existing fertility returns rapidly
• is very effective at reducing the risk of pregnancy for three years
• can cause light periods or no periods at all
• is very cost effective
• is suitable for women who cannot take oestrogen
• is one alternative to remembering to take daily contraception
• unlike the Pill, is not affected by stomach upsets (vomiting, diarrhoea)
What are the disadvantages of Implanon?
Many women will experience irregular bleeding, and a few women will experience frequent (but usually light) bleeding.
Some women may 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 unless you are experiencing problems with the implant. It can be checked when you have your routine Pap smear
• Evidence so far suggests that Implanon is safe for breastfeeding women (3-4 weeks after birth), and that its effectiveness is unlikely to be reduced by variations in body weight
• There have been no reported breakages of the implant
• If you are taking medication for epilepsy or tuberculosis, hormonal contraception can be affected. See a doctor for more information
• Implanon does not protect you from sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
Practising safe sex reduces the risk of contracting HIV
and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
Page last updated Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:13