Contraceptive implant (Implanon)

What is the contraceptive implant (Implanon)?

The contraceptive implant is a white plastic rod that is inserted under the skin of the inner, upper arm, to stop pregnancy by releasing small amounts of progestogen into the body. The brand of implant most commonly used in Australia is Implanon.

How does it work?

Progestogen is a hormone which works by:

• Stopping the release of an egg by the ovary
• Making mucus at the entrance of the uterus thicker so sperm can’t get through
• Changing the lining of the uterus so a fertilised egg can’t grow

The implant is effective as contraception for 3 years after which it should be taken out and replaced.

How do I get it?

You need to have two doctor’s appointments to have it all sorted. The first appointment is with your doctor or sexual health clinic to discuss the method and get a prescription. The second appointment is with a doctor trained in the procedure to insert the implant.

The upside-

•  The implant is a super effective form of contraception with a 99.9% effectiveness rate.
• It’s also relatively cheap, as contraceptives go. The prescription is the cost of a standard prescription (around $30) plus whatever your doctor charges for appointments.
• It’s suitable for most women, from young women to women around menopause. It’s also relatively safe for heavy smokers and diabetics to use.
• It is reversible so you can quickly return to being fertile.
• It lasts for 3 years, so that’s 3 full years where you don’t have to remember to use other forms of contraception (except for condoms which should be used as protection from STI’s).

The downside-

• It can have side effects similar to other hormonal contraceptives including changes in bleeding patterns, weight gain, headaches and acne.
• It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections.
• It involves a minor surgical procedure and two doctors appointments to put in, plus another appointment after 3 years to remove it.

References:

Sexual Health information networking and education SA

Family Planning NSW

Scarleteen

For some more helpful info on sexual health, why not browse through some ReachOut.com fact sheets and stories...

• Condoms(Fact sheet)
• What does safer sex even mean?(Fact sheet)
• My decision(Story)