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Implants are small plastic rods which contain a progestin reservoir. They are placed under the skin on the inside of the left upper arm (or the right upper arm if you are left-handed) under local anesthetic using a special needle. The implants can be felt under the skin and can be removed at any time by making a small skin incision of about two millimeters.
One or two rods are implanted depending on the preparation and the manufacturer. The rods are between 3 and 4 cm long and 2 mm thick.
Action and effectiveness of implants
The hormone is slowly released from the progestin depot of the plastic rods. If the implant is inserted at the beginning of the cycle it offers very reliable contraceptive protection from the first day onwards. If the preparation with one rod is chosen this contraceptive protection lasts three years. Preparations with two rods remain effective for up to five years.
The contraceptive action of the implant derives mainly from the fact that the cervical mucus becomes impenetrable for sperm and that the build-up of the uterine lining is suppressed. Ovulation is not always suppressed.
Implants do not provide protection against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. If you want to have sex with a partner you know little about you should also use a condom.
Advantages of implants
Implants are particularly suitable for women who desire long-term contraception and for women who cannot use estrogens.
You don't have to think about contraception any more for 3 or 5 years. This gives you plenty of room for spontaneity in your love life. Women who have difficulty taking the pill regularly also benefit from the implants because they no longer have to remember to take a pill every day.
Some implants can also be used by women who are breast feeding. Although hormonal contraceptives are not the method of choice for these women, progestin-only preparations can be used. Very small amounts of the progestin are secreted into the breast milk. But we know from experience that this does not harm the child.
Your doctor will tell you when you can start using an implant. The intrauterine system, the three-month injection and the minipill are also suitable methods of hormonal contraception after giving birth.
Side-effects and risks of implants
Implants are highly potent medical devices which can have side-effects. The following information gives a general outline of the side-effects and risks of implants. However, in case of conflicting information the product information of the preparation you have been prescribed always takes precedence. It is therefore important to read the pack insert carefully and follow any advice given by your doctor.
The unwanted side-effects of implants include headaches, weight gain, breast tenderness and in rare cases mood swings or changes in libido (sexual desire).
Bleeding abnormalities, such as spotting and breakthrough bleeding and irregular periods, are a common side-effect of implants.
Periods can also cease altogether (amenorrhea).
Another disadvantage of the implants is that insertion and removal involve a minor surgical procedure. This can leave small scars.
Who is the implant not suitable for?
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