The contraceptive implant



Do you want a contraceptive method that frees you from having to take a little pill every day? Then perhaps the long-term contraceptive implant is the answer. This factsheet from fpa explains how it works.

What is it and how does it work?

The contraceptive implant is a small, flexible tube that's inserted under the skin in the upper arm. It slowly releases a hormone called progestogen and works for three years. The implant must be fitted by a trained doctor or nurse and is about the size of a hairgrip. It provides a long-term method of hormonal contraception.

The implant is more than 99 per cent effective. This means that using this method, fewer than one woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year.

An implant is usually put in during the first five days of your period and provides immediate contraceptive protection. If put in on any other day, an extra method of contraception must be used for seven days.
Implants work by:

The main way the Implant works is by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). The implant also works by stopping sperm from reaching the egg by thickening the mucus from the cervix and stops an egg from settling in the womb.
Advantages

* It's highly effective.
* It doesn't interfere with sex.
* Fertility returns quickly once it's removed.
* It can be used by women who are breastfeeding.
* Offers some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease.
* You don't have to think about contraception for as long as it works.
* If you change your mind, it can be removed.


Disadvantages

* Many women experience irregular bleeding and changes to their periods. This should settle down after the first year, but it continues for longer in some women.
* Some women experience side effects including weight increase, headaches, acne, breast tenderness and bloating.
* Some women may develop cysts on their ovaries. These aren't dangerous, often have no symptoms and usually disappear without treatment.
* Rarely, having an implant can cause an infection in the arm and sometimes the implant is difficult to remove.


Can anyone use contraceptive implants?

Contraceptive implants don't suit everyone. Reasons not to use them include:

* you think you might be pregnant
* you don't want any changes to your periods


You also shouldn't use an implant if you have now, or have had in the past:

* cancer of your reproductive organs, for example breast or womb cancer
* active liver disease
* unexplained bleeding from the vagina
* a heart attack or stroke


General comments

You'll need a check-up three months after the implant is put in and then once a year after that. Some medicines can affect how the implant works, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Where to get it

Contraception is free on the NHS. Implants are available from family planning clinics and some GPs.