Contraceptive implant is a very effective long term family planning method and can last for 3 – 5years. It is reversible and does not cause delay in return to fertility.

About contraceptive implants

Contraceptive implant is a small plastic rod about the size of a match stick. It is inserted under the skin of the upper arm by a trained health worker. It contains hormone (progesterone) which serve as the active component that prevents pregnancy. This hormone is released steadily into the blood over a period of 3 – 5years.

How does contraceptive implant works?

It helps to prevent ovulation and also function by thickening cervical mucus thereby making it unfavorable for sperm to pass through. It also thins out the inside of the womb. This in turn prevent any attachment of a fertilized egg to the womb.

What side effects can be experienced from use of contraceptive implants?

1. You might have pain, bruising or swelling when its first inserted. This will resolve after a few days. If site of insertion is not properly managed, it can be infected.
2. You might experience irregular, lighter, heavier or no menses at all.
3. You might gain weight.
4. You could also experience pain in the breast, back pain or headache.
5. You can have ovarian cyst.
6. It can make your pimples get worse.

When can contraceptive implant be inserted?

It can be inserted at any time in your menstrual cycle. If inserted within the first 5days of your menstrual cycle, you do not need a backup family planning method. If inserted after the first 5days of your menstrual cycle, a backup family planning method will be required for 7days.

For a woman who just delivered, the contraceptive implant can be inserted at any time after delivery if she is not breastfeeding. If breastfeeding, it’s inserted 6weeks after delivery. You also need to note that if contraceptive implant is inserted within the first 21days after delivery, no backup family planning method will be required. If inserted after first 21days of delivery, a backup method will be required for 7days.

After a miscarriage, contraceptive implant can be inserted anytime. If inserted within the first 5days after a miscarriage, no backup method is required. If inserted more than 5days after a miscarriage, a backup method will be required for 7days.

What you need to know about contraceptive implant insertion and removal?

You do not need to be afraid of this procedure. It is done in a way by which it causes less discomfort and pain. An injection will be given to you at the point where it will be inserted and the procedure usually lasts only a few minutes. Ensure you keep the site dry at home during the first few days to prevent infection.

Contraceptive implants is usually removed after 3 or 5years depending on the type inserted although this can also be done on request. Removal must be done by a trained health personnel and it only takes a few minutes.

Who should avoid contraceptive implants?

1. Those with stroke or heart disease.
2. Those with liver disease.
3. Those with breast cancer

When you should see your physician?

Once contraceptive implant is inserted, you do not need any regular visit to your health facility except for some reasons. This include:

1. You are ready to be pregnant. The implant will be removed for this purpose.
2. You continue to experience pain at the site of insertion which doesn’t get better with time.
3. The insertion site becomes infected.
4. You have prolonged heavy menses.