Everything You Need to Know About the Contraceptive Implant
The contraceptive implant is a small, flexible rod that’s placed under the skin of your arm. It’s a highly effective form of birth control that can help prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years! In this guide, we’ll cover how it works, the benefits, possible side effects, and things to consider if you’re thinking about getting it.
How Does It Work?
Once the implant is in place, it releases a hormone called progestogen into your bloodstream. This hormone does a couple of important things:
Prevents Ovulation: It stops your ovaries from releasing eggs, which means there’s nothing for sperm to fertilise.
Thickens Cervical Mucus: It makes the mucus in your cervix thicker, making it harder for sperm to swim through and reach any eggs that may be waiting.
Given how effective it is, the implant has a less than 1% chance of getting you pregnant if it’s inserted correctly!
Benefits of the Implant
Long-Lasting: The implant works for up to 3 years, so you don’t have to think about daily or monthly birth control.
Good for Many People: It can be a great choice for those who can’t use oestrogen or who want a hassle-free form of contraception.
Reversible: If you decide you want to get pregnant, you can have the implant removed, and most people’s fertility returns to normal quite quickly.
No Daily Routine: No more worrying if you’ve taken your pill or not; once it’s in, you can just forget about it!
Possible Side Effects
Like any medication, the implant can come with side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Some common side effects include:
Irregular bleeding or changes in your periods
Headaches
Breast tenderness
Mood swings
Weight changes
Most side effects improve after a few months. If you find that the side effects are bothering you, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider who can help.
Changes to your periods
It’s very common to have a change in your periods after you have an implant fitted.
You may notice your periods:
are lighter
are less regular with light bleeding (spotting) between periods
are heavier or more painful
last longer
stop completely
It’s also possible for your periods to become more unpredictable, for example having a heavy period followed by a very light period, or missing a period.
These changes are not usually anything to worry about, but if they become a problem for you contact a GP or sexual health clinic.
Getting the Implant
If you’re considering getting the contraceptive implant, here’s what you can expect:
Consultation: You’ll first have a chat with a healthcare professional. They will discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and any questions you might have.
Insertion: The implant is inserted during a quick procedure, usually in your arm. Don't worry; it’s done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel much discomfort.
Check-Ups: After the insertion, you may have a follow-up appointment to make sure everything is okay, typically around three months later.
Things to Consider
Cost: The contraceptive implant itself is often available for free from healthcare providers and free in the UK, but check how it fits into your local healthcare system. But even if it is free, try to keep it for at least a few months as they are not free for your health service.
Regular Checks: It’s a good idea to regularly check that the implant is still in place, especially after any significant impacts to your arm.
Conclusion
The contraceptive implant is a fantastic option for many people looking for reliable and long-term birth control. By understanding how it works and considering the benefits and potential side effects, you can make an informed choice that’s right for you. If you have any more questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance.