Contraceptive implant is an innovative method of contraception. It is enough to insert the implant under the skin to protect against pregnancy for up to 5 years. The hypodermic contraceptive implant does not contain estrogen, therefore the indications for its use are quite wide. Unfortunately, like any method of contraception, it also has disadvantages and side effects. How does a contraceptive implant work? Who is it for?

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Contents:

  1. Contraceptive implant - who is it for?
  2. Contraceptive implant - how is it inserted?
  3. Contraceptive implant - price
  4. Contraceptive implant - how does it work?
  5. Contraceptive implant - when does it start working?
  6. Contraceptive implant - is it effective?
  7. Contraceptive implant - how to remove?
  8. Contraceptive implant - disadvantages and side effects

Contraceptive implantislong-termandreversible contraceptive methodin the form of a small, flexible rod with 4 cm long and 2 mm wide. This match-like implant is implanted under the skin, from where onlyprogestin(the hormone that dominates the second half of the cycle) is released, effectively preventing pregnancy. The duration of operation of the implants is from 6 months to 5 years.

Sounds like an ideal method of contraception. Indeed, the contraceptive implant is one of the most reliable methods of contraception today, which does not mean that it does not have any disadvantages.

Contraceptive implant - who is it for?

The World He alth Organization (WHO) has extended the indications for the use of the implant, as absorption through the skin and maintaining a constant, even level of progestogen significantly reduces side effects. The contraceptive implant is especially recommended for women who cannot take birth control pills for various reasons, e.g. because of high blood pressure, diabetes, risk of cancer or thromboembolism ( although in this case additional medical supervision is necessary), as well as smoking or age. (over 35).

Implant, unlike pills, does not release estrogens, which are the most common cause of side effects. There isso much safer than pills. The implantation of the stamen can also be decided by women who, due to their high excess weight (over 90 kg), cannot use contraceptive patches. The implant is also a solution for women who are breastfeeding, because the progestogen it releases has no effect on breast milk. The implant can be inserted 4 weeks after childbirth in women who are breastfeeding or between 21 and 28 days after childbirth for women who are not breastfeeding.

CHECK>>What are the methods of contraception while breastfeeding?

Contraceptive implant - how is it inserted?

The procedure itself resembles an injection. The contraceptive implant is placed under the skin (under local anesthesia) on the inside of the upper arm. In right-handed women, the implant is placed in the skin of the left arm and vice versa. The implant cannot be seen from the outside, but can be felt under the fingers. This allows you to check if it is in place and working.

Doctors recommend that you insert the implant during the first five days of your menstrual cycle (preferably the first day of bleeding). If the implant is implanted at a different date, an additional method of contraception should be used for 7 days after its insertion.

Contraceptive implant - price

The cost of the procedure is about PLN 1000-1200. Implants are available only in selected clinics in major Polish cities.

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Contraceptive implant - how does it work?

The contraceptive effect lasts from 6 months to 5 years. During this time, the implant releases low doses of a progestogen, which passes directly into the blood through the surrounding tissues, and then is distributed throughout the body. Like this:

  • prevents ovulation;
  • thickens the mucus, preventing sperm from reaching the egg;
  • inhibit the cyclical maturation of the endometrium;

After 3 to 5 years, the implant should be removed and replaced with a new one, as the release of the progestogen ends after this time.

Only in rare cases should the implant be replaced early in order to maintain the contraceptive effect. Such a need may arise in obese women, in whom the effective time of the implant may be shortened. Earlier its removalit may also be necessary in case of side effects (e.g. depression).

Contraceptive implant - when does it start working?

The implant starts working a week after its insertion.

Contraceptive implant - is it effective?

The Pearl Index for this contraceptive method is 0.01. Therefore, the effectiveness of the contraceptive implant is over 99%. (remember that no method of contraception can guarantee 100% effectiveness). Doctors agree that the contraceptive implant is currently one of the most reliable methods of contraception.

The implant is certainly more effective than hormonal pills, the correct operation of which depends on their proper intake (every day at the same time), and especially on pills with one hormone (in order to be effective, they must be taken with a watch at the same time). hand). On a statistical scale, in terms of effectiveness, the implant pierces even (though slightly) intrauterine devices (coils).

The effectiveness of this method is so high because the implant constantly releases a small amount of the hormone, so its amount is the same all the time (regardless of, for example, vomiting or antibiotics).

Contraceptive implant - how to remove?

If a woman decides to remove the implant within 3 years of insertion, the doctor may remove it at any time. Then the procedure consists in cutting the skin, removing the implant and putting on a pressure bandage, which should be worn around the clock. Fertility returns in the next cycle after implant removal.

Contraceptive implant - disadvantages and side effects

In a woman who has decided to have an implant, her periods may be irregular (of course, you can try to regulate them with pharmacological measures) or there may be no bleeding at all (this happens in 1/5 of patients). This is one of the more serious side effects. According to experts, the risk of other symptoms, i.e. headaches, vaginal discomfort (vaginal discharge and vaginitis), weight gain, nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, acne, decreased libido, abdominal pain, migraine headaches is minimal.

Please also note that the use of a hormone implant does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Important

Contraceptive implant - contraindications

  • age - under 18;
  • thrombophlebitis or venous thromboembolism;
  • acute liver disease;
  • liver tumors (benign and malignant);
  • or suspected breast cancer;
  • unexplained vaginal bleeding;
  • hypersensitivity to any component of the implant;

Contraceptive implant - expert advice

  • Implant or pills - which is better?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the contraceptive implant and birth control pills? How do hormones work then?

Replies Barbara Grzechocińska

Assistant professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical University of Warsaw. I accept privately in Warsaw at ul. Krasińskiego 16, m 50 (registration is available every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

There is one hormone in a contraceptive implant, and either one or two in pills. Adverse symptoms appear similar, with the exception of acyclic bleeding, which is more common in women who have implants.

The effectiveness of both contraceptive methods is similar. The implant is inserted every five years, and the tablets have to be swallowed every day. If the method is poorly tolerated, the implant must be removed surgically and the tablets can be discontinued overnight.

Contraindications to the use of both methods are decided by a doctor who has the opportunity to examine the patient. Both methods affect the secretion of endogenous hormones.

  • Should I choose an implant as contraception for migraine headache?

I don't use any contraception as it causes migraine headaches and I was taking pills. I always have migraine headaches before menstruation, which last from two days to a week, no pills help me, maybe for a moment, because of this, my body is weakened, I feel sick, I sometimes vomit, I am struck by light and noise.

Then I have my period and pain again, I have strong contractions and pills again, I have been to my doctor and I cannot use any contraception but the implant.

I am wondering about this contraception but I hesitate because as I read other opinions I am terrified of this bleeding. If I decide, when should I get the implant? Are there different types of implants?

Replies Barbara Grzechocińska

Assistant professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical University of Warsaw. I accept privately in Warsaw at ul. Krasińskiego 16, m 50 (registration is available every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

There is one type of implant available in Poland. It is put on at the beginning of the cycle. It contains one type of hormone. Before you decide to use this method of contraception, I would advise you to try taking the single-ingredient "mini pill".

They have a similar effect to an implant. They are much cheaper, they can be used in everyonestop, if you get headaches, you will see how you will tolerate them and then decide to insert the implant.

  • Contraceptive implant - when to insert another one?

Hello, I have my birth control implant removed and I wonder when I can put the next one in. I feel good with him, I have no problems.

Replies Barbara Grzechocińska

Assistant professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical University of Warsaw. I accept privately in Warsaw at ul. Krasińskiego 16 m 50 (registration is available every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

I advise you to talk to your doctor about this. If there are no contraindications, the implant can be inserted immediately after removing the previous one.

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