Hormonal Implants

The hormonal implant available in this country is "Implanon"
This is a small flexible rod, which is inserted just under the skin on the inside of your upper arm. A small amount of progestogen is released each day.
This method is over 99% effective

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How does it work?

It releases progestogen, which slowly which prevents your eggs being released from your ovary.
Thickens the mucus at the end of the uterus
The lining of the uterus becomes thinner, making it hostile for an egg to implant.

What affects Implanon?

Medication may make the Implanon less effective. These include medication for epilepsy and tuberculosis and some complementary medicines (St John's Wort)
Always inform the clinic where the insertion is to take place what medication you are on

Not everyone can have an Implant, as well as medication you should let them know the 1st day of last period, if you are suffering from or in the past suffered any liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding. Other cancerous condition such as breast or any cancer of the reproductive tract.
A heart attack or stroke
Previous Ectopic pregnancy

Must be prepared for irregular bleeding or periods stopping

Can increase mood swings.

Side effects such as headaches, acne, bloatedness, weight gain tender breasts

Very rarely having the implant in can cause infection in the arm.

When can I have it fitted?

An implant will usually be put in on the 1st day of your period. You will be immediately protected against becoming pregnant.

If the implant is put in later than 1st day you will need to take extra precautions for 7 days.

You can have the implant fitted 3 weeks after you have had a baby

You can breastfeed while you are using an implant.

How is the Implant inserted?

A local anaesthetic is injected into your non-dominant upper arm. This will numb then part of your arm where the implant will go, so it does not hurt when it is inserted. This procedure is similar to having an injection.

When the site is numb the implant will be inserted, you will notice only a slight puncture wound. You will be asked to feel the implant in situ, so you will know it is in position.

Your arm will be tender for a day or two and may bruised and slightly swollen. A plaster will be placed on the wound, also a pressure bandage to reduce the bruising and swelling at the sight of insertion.

The implant will be effective for 3 years, if the implant remains in after 3 years you will not be covered contraception, you will need to use another method as well as your implant.

Where can I have the implant inserted?

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Removal

Prior to removal you will have to decide whether or not you want to continue with this method. If not, you will have to start another method of contraception 7 days prior to removal. After removal Implanon the effect will disappear within 48 hours. This is a precautionary measure as it has been reported sperm are still alive inside the uterus 7 days later.

The removal procedure is very similar to insertion. A local anaesthetic is given at insertion site, so the removal procedure should not hurt. The removal procedure may be slightly bruised and slightly swollen for a day or two. Steristrips will be applied to removal site, you will need to inform the nurse if you are allergic to plasters, as an alternative product would be use. A dry dressing will need to be kept on for 48 hours.