THE CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
The implant contains a progestin reservoir which is released in tiny doses during the three years or five years depending on the type to prevent pregnancy. It will need to be replaced after this time as the hormone reservoir will run out.
Many women find that heavy, painful periods are reduced. There can sometimes be irregular bleeding initially, but this should go after the first few months.
Once the implants are removed, the contraceptive effect wears off quickly and you can become pregnant as rapidly as women who have used no contraceptive at all.
The implant is about the size of a thin matchstick, and people have it inserted under the skin of the inner side of the upper arm. It can easily be felt, but it is not very visible, except to someone who is looking for it. There will be a tiny mark at the point of insertion, but this isn’t very visible providing the implant has been inserted by a trained healthcare provider.
Local anesthesia is used so there should be very little pain, and the procedure takes only a couple of minutes. There might be a bit of bruising or soreness afterwards.
After the counseling by your healthcare provider and making sure that you are not pregnant, the implant should be inserted within 7 days after the onset of menstrual bleeding, or immediately or within 7 days after abortion. If the contraceptive implant is inserted at any other time, you will need to use an additional non-hormonal (barrier) method for the following 7 days. In case of questions, please consult with your healthcare provider.
Leaving the implants in place beyond their effective lifespan is generally not recommended if the woman continues to be at risk of pregnancy. The implants themselves are not dangerous, but as the hormone levels in the implants drop, they become less and less effective.
Migration of the implant is very rare, even with vigorous exercise, and is not known to be serious, however have been some reports of pain or discomfort. If you cannot feel the implant where it was originally positioned, then speak to your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure it is located properly or removed if necessary.
Yes, the implant can be removed at any time. But must be removed by a well-trained healthcare provider at the end of three or five years depending on the type or, they can be removed at any time before that, for either personal or medical reasons.
Studies have shown no significant harmful effects on the growth or health of infants whose mothers began to use contraceptive implants six weeks after childbirth. There is no data to support the use of the implants earlier than six weeks after childbirth.
The birth control implant is actually the most effective contraception method available: with 99,95% efficacy, you can really rely on that tiny little rod. Once placed it dependably prevents pregnancy for up to four years by releasing progestin, a hormone that keeps your ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens your cervical mucus to block sperm from reaching an egg.
