Contraceptive implant
What is it and how does it work?
A small flexible tube (about the size of a hairgrip), which is placed just under the skin on the woman's inner upper arm. The implant steadily releases progestogen into the bloodstream over a period of three years.
Works mainly by thickening the mucus from the woman's cervix which makes it difficult for the sperm to reach an egg. It also causes changes in the woman's body which make it less likely that the womb will accept a fertilised egg, and sometimes stops the woman's ovaries from releasing an egg.
Possible side effects
Possible side effects include:
- changes in periods
- weight gain
- headaches
- acne
- tender breasts
- bloating
Who can use them?
Not everyone can have a contraceptive implant, and a doctor or nurse will ask you about your own, and your family's medical history. You should mention any illness or operation you have had.
Where can you get them from?
Fitted by a doctor or nurse who has been trained to fit implants. They may use a local anaesthetic first to numb the part of your arm where the implant will go. The area may be tender for one or two days and may be bruised or slightly swollen. Try not to knock the area. The doctor or nurse will put a dressing on to keep the area clean and dry - this should be left on for a few days.
Don't worry about knocking the implant once the area has healed - it won't break or move around your arm. You will have to have check-ups every 3 months after the implant is inserted. After that you need to have an annual check-up. If you have any problems between check-ups, contact your doctor or nurse.
The implant works for 3 years, although it can be removed before then. Despite this, the implant is not designed to be a short-term method of contraception, and if you are not sure you want contraceptive protection for 3 years, other methods of contraception might be more suitable for you.
When the implant stops working it will need to be removed by a specially trained doctor or nurse. It may be more difficult to remove the implant than to put it in, though the doctor or nurse will give you a local anaesthetic injection. If you want to continue using the contraceptive implant, another can be inserted when you have the last one removed.
How effective is it?
The contraceptive implant is 99% effective.
Some prescribed medicines, including medicines to treat epilepsy and tuberculosis, may make an implant less effective. Some complementary medicines may also affect how an implant works. Therefore you should always say that you are using a contraceptive implant if you are prescribed any medication.
Contacts
The contacts database contains details of organisations that may be able to offer information or assistance on this issue.
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Other forms of contraception:
Adapted from information produced by the FPA - www.fpa.org.uk
