Contraceptive Implant

What is the Contraceptive Implant?

A contraceptive implant refers to a small, flexible rod nearly the size of a matchstick. The implant consists of a progestogen hormone which offers contraception without woman having to take a daily pill. The rod is put under the skin on woman’s arm. 

How Effective is the Contraceptive Implant?

• The contraceptive implant is over 99% effective. 
• Only around 1 in 2,000 sexually active women utilising the implant will become pregnant each year, often because they were pregnant at the time of insertion.
• If an implant is put in during the first five days of women’s period, women are protected against pregnancy immediately.
• If an implant is put in at any other time during women’s cycle, women are not protected until seven days have passed. 
• Women will require to utilise additional contraception if she wishes to have sexual intercourse during this time.

The contraceptive implant is very safe and serious side effects and complications are rare.

Who can Utilise the Contraceptive Implant?

The contraceptive implant is not suitable for everyone.

The implant may not be suitable if women ever had

• a condition impacting heart or blood vessels (cardiovascular disease), like a stroke.
• a liver condition, such as cirrhosis
• breast cancer
• unexplained vaginal bleeding

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Women can have the contraceptive implant fitted any time after you've given birth.
• If it's fitted prior to day 21 post the birth, women will be protected against pregnancy straight away.
• If it's fitted on or post day 21, women will require to utilise additional contraception like condoms for the next 7 days.
• The implant is safe to utilise while breastfeeding and will not impact baby or milk supply.

Utilising the Implant Post a Miscarriage or Abortion

• If women have had a miscarriage or abortion, women can have the contraceptive implant fitted as soon as women wants to.
• If the implant is fitted within 5 days after a miscarriage or abortion, women will be protected from pregnancy immediately.
• If it’s fitted more than 5 days afterwards, you'll need to use another type of contraception, such as condoms, until the implant has been in place for 7 days.

Medications and the Contraceptive Implant

• Some medications and herbal remedies can impact how the contraceptive implant works. It may not work properly to stop women from becoming pregnant.
• Women should consult a doctor or pharmacist prior to having a contraceptive implant fitted if women consume medicine to treat TB (tuberculosis), epilepsy or HIV.
• Women should also ask for advice if women take griseofulvin (an antifungal medicine), or St John's wort (herbal remedy).

How does the Implant Work?

The implant is two small rods — about the size of matchsticks. The rods are put under the skin in your inner arm. They slowly release a hormone known as progestogen, which can stop body from releasing an egg each month. The implant also thickens the mucus in cervix — so sperm cannot reach an egg.

How Long does the Implant Work for?

The implant is a long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). The implant can be utilised for a few months, or up to five years to prevent pregnancy.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Contraceptive Implant

Millions of women have utilised the contraceptive implant, but its users' opinions on its advantages and adverse effects differ. 

The Advantages of Contraceptive Implant Comprise

• Long term — works for up to five years.
• No daily pill consumption.
• Doesn’t interfere with intercourse.
• No one else requires knowing when woman is utilising it.
• Helpful for those who can’t consume the combined pill — or if it’s tough to remember to take pills or get to appointments.

The Disadvantages of Contraceptive Implant Comprise

• Doesn’t protect women from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
• Women might have irregular periods or periods that last longer. This is quite common in the first 6 months — but it can last if women utilise the implant.
• Women might have a sore or bruised arm post the implant is put in or taken out.
• There is a minor risk of infection.
• It’s not always easy for a healthcare provider to find the implant when women want to have it removed. Women might have to see someone else to get it taken out.

Innovations

A biodegradable long-term contraceptive implant with steady levonorgestrel release based on Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) PLGA microspheres embedded in Poly (caprolactone) PCL-coated implant.

Side Effects of the Contraceptive Implant

The contraceptive implant is very safe and severe side effects and complications are rare.

Alterations to Periods/Menses

It’s very common to have a change in woman’s periods post woman has an implant fitted.

Women may Notice that her Periods

• are lighter.
• are less regular with light bleeding (spotting) between periods.
• are heavier or more painful.
• last longer
• stop completely.

It’s also possible for women’s periods to become more unpredictable, for instance having a heavy Aunt Flo followed by a very light period or missing a period.

Other Reported Side Effects

Other reported side effects of the contraceptive implant comprise pain in the head, sore breasts, gaining pounds, acne/pimples, and thrush or bacterial vaginosis.

There's not sufficient evidence to say whether these side effects are caused by the implant.

Risks of the Contraceptive Implant

The Contraceptive Implant is Extremely Safe, but There are Few Risks Comprising

• infection where implant is put in – this can lead to swelling and pain at the site of the implant.
• the implant moving out of place, typically a few centimetres away from where it was put in.

Unusual, More Severe Risks Comprise

• a blood clots.
• ectopic pregnancy in the unusual case that the implant fails.

In a nutshell, the contraceptive implant offers an effective, convenient, and long-lasting form of birth control for many individuals. With over 99% effectiveness, it's a reliable choice that doesn't need daily attention. However, like any medical intervention, it's significant to consider both its advantages and disadvantages. Innovations in contraceptive technology, like biodegradable implants, offer promising avenues for enhancing this method further. Nonetheless, it's crucial for individuals to weigh the potential advantages against any risks or side effects, and to consult with healthcare providers to assess the most suitable contraceptive option for their requirements.

Ultimately, while the contraceptive implant is usually regarded safe and effective, it's essential for users to stay informed about its potent effects and to seek medical attention if experiencing any concerns or complications.