THE CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
A SKIN-DEEP METHOD WITH LONG-ACTING PROTECTION.
ARM YOURSELF AGAINST UNPLANNED PREGNANCY
The contraceptive implant is as effective as other hormonal methods of contraception. It is a small, flexible plastic rod that contains a reservoir of the hormone progestin, which is constantly released through the entire body. The hormone prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs, and also thickens the cervical mucus, making it harder for the sperm to move.
You should consult your doctor or nurse when deciding if the contraceptive implant is right for you. If you do decide to get one fitted, your doctor or nurse will do this for you. A local anesthetic will take the pain out of the procedure, in which the implant is placed under the skin of your inner upper arm. Once that's done, there's little to do or remember. The implant will release hormones for up to three years, so it's a good choice for all women who want a reliable, long-acting contraceptive. Should you decide to return to fertility, another minor surgery will remove the implant, and its effects will wear off very quickly.
HOW IT MEASURES UP
CAN YOU FEEL THE CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT, OR SEE IT FROM THE OUTSIDE?
The contraceptive implant is a small, flexible plastic rod that is placed under the skin of the inner side of the upper arm. There will be a tiny mark at the point of placement, but this isn't very visible.
IS HAVING A CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT PLACED PAINFUL?
Your doctor or nurse will use local anesthetic to minimise discomfort, and the procedure takes just a couple of minutes. Some women experience bruising or some soreness afterwards, but this will fade in time.
CAN SOMEONE WHO DOES A LOT OF SPORT OR EXERCISE HAVE A CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT?
Even after vigorous exercise, movement of the contraceptive implant is very rare and is not known to have serious implications. However, there have been reports of some women experiencing discomfort. If you cannot feel your contraceptive implant and think it may have moved, consult your doctor or nurse to ensure it is positioned properly.
WHAT IF I DECIDE TO HAVE A BABY?
After the removal of a contraceptive implant, women can become pregnant as quickly as women who have used no contraceptive at all.
WHEN SHOULD THE CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT BE PLACED?
After consulting your doctor or nurse and checking that you are not already pregnant, the contraceptive implant should be placed within seven days after the start of menstrual bleeding, or within seven days after abortion, if you have had one. If it is placed at any other time, you will need to use an additional non-hormonal method of contraception for the first seven days.
HOW DOES THE CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT WORK?
The contraceptive implant is a small plastic rod that’s placed under your skin. It releases the hormone progestogen into your body, which prevents pregnancy. It can remain there for up to three years.
HOW IS THE IMPLANT REMOVED?
You can have it removed at any time during a minor procedure by a qualified doctor and your natural fertility cycle will restart relatively quickly.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Make an appointment with your doctor or nurse today.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Make an appointment with your doctor or nurse today.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
1
Small silicone rod release hormones into the body.
5
MINUTES
The amount of time it takes to have one placed.
45 OR
OLDER
At this age, it can be left in until you reach the menopause or no longer need contraception.
- It can stay in place for up to three years, but can be removed at any time.
- Allows spontaneity and doesn’t interrupt sex.
- Can offer an alternative to women who experience negative effects from the hormone estrogen.
- Some women experience lighter periods.
- Can be used when breastfeeding six weeks after childbirth.
- A doctor or nurse must perform the placement and removal.
- Irregular bleeding after placement is common.
- Some women experience weight gain, and pain in the breasts and abdomen.
- It doesn’t protect against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.
Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that meets your needs.
