Implanon Insertion
Implanon, a type of contraceptive implant, is a popular choice for women seeking long-lasting, reliable birth control with minimal maintenance.
What is Implanon?
Implanon, also known as the contraceptive implant, is a small, flexible rod that is inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It releases a steady dose of the hormone progestin (etonogestrel) into your bloodstream, providing up to three years of continuous contraception.
How Implanon Works:
Prevents Ovulation: The hormone in Implanon primarily works by preventing ovulation, meaning that no egg is released from your ovaries.
Thickens Cervical Mucus: Implanon also thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and fertilise an egg.
Thins Uterine Lining: The implant thins the lining of the uterus, which reduces the likelihood of a fertilised egg implanting.
Benefits of Implanon
Implanon offers numerous advantages, making it an appealing choice for many women:
Long-Lasting: Once inserted, Implanon provides up to three years of continuous pregnancy prevention.
Highly Effective: Implanon is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, one of the most reliable methods of contraception.
Convenient: After insertion, there is no daily maintenance or attention required, making it ideal for women with busy lifestyles.
Reversible: Fertility generally returns quickly after Implanon is removed, making it a flexible option for women who may wish to conceive in the future.
Safe for Most Women: Implanon is a good option for women who cannot use estrogen-containing contraceptives.
The Implanon Insertion Process
Implanon insertion is a quick, straightforward procedure performed in a healthcare provider’s office. Here’s what to expect:
Consultation: Before the procedure, your healthcare provider will discuss your medical history, contraceptive needs, and answer any questions you may have. This is to ensure that Implanon is the right contraceptive choice for you.
Preparation: Your provider will clean the area on your upper arm where the implant will be inserted. A local anesthetic is applied to numb the area, ensuring you feel no pain during the procedure.
Insertion: Using a special applicator, your healthcare provider will insert the Implanon rod just under the skin of your upper arm. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes and is usually painless due to the local anesthetic.
Post-Insertion Care: After insertion, your provider will apply a bandage to the insertion site. It’s common to experience some minor bruising, swelling, or soreness in the area for a few days, but these symptoms usually resolve on their own.
Follow-Up: A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to check the placement of the implant and ensure there are no complications. You’ll also receive instructions on how to care for the insertion site.
Side Effects and Considerations
While Implanon is safe and effective for most women, it can cause some side effects:
Changes in Menstrual Cycle: The most common side effect of Implanon is changes in your menstrual cycle. Some women may experience irregular periods, spotting, or even the absence of periods. These changes are generally not harmful and often stabilise over time.
Other Side Effects: Some women may experience headaches, breast tenderness, mood swings, weight gain, or acne. These side effects are usually mild and tend to improve over time.
Insertion Site Issues: While rare, some women may develop an infection or experience discomfort at the insertion site. If you notice severe pain, redness, or swelling, contact your healthcare provider.
Not Suitable for Everyone: Women with certain health conditions, such as a history of blood clots, liver disease, or certain cancers, may not be candidates for Implanon. It’s important to discuss your full medical history with your healthcare provider.
Removing or Replacing Implanon
Implanon can be removed at any time, especially if you wish to become pregnant, experience side effects, or decide to switch contraceptive methods. The removal process is similar to insertion:
Removal Process: A healthcare provider will numb the area with a local anesthetic and make a small incision to remove the implant. The procedure is quick and usually takes less than 10 minutes.
Replacing Implanon: If you want to continue using Implanon for contraception, a new implant can be inserted immediately after the old one is removed.
Fertility After Removal: Most women experience a rapid return to fertility after Implanon is removed, with ovulation typically resuming within a few weeks.
Common Myths About Implanon
Despite its effectiveness and convenience, there are several myths and misconceptions about Implanon:
Myth: "Implanon causes infertility."
Fact: Implanon does not cause infertility. Fertility returns quickly after the implant is removed, allowing you to conceive when you’re ready.
Myth: "The implant can move around the body."
Fact: Implanon stays in place under the skin of your arm and cannot migrate to other parts of your body. Rarely, it may move slightly from its original position, but this is generally not a cause for concern.
Myth: "Implanon insertion is painful."
Fact: The insertion process is quick and generally painless due to the use of local anesthetic. Most women report only mild discomfort during and after the procedure.
Is Implanon Right for You?
Choosing a contraceptive method is a personal decision that should be made based on your lifestyle, health, and reproductive goals. Implanon is an excellent option for women seeking long-term, low-maintenance contraception that is both effective and reversible. However, it’s important to consider your individual needs and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
At Elysian Women’s Health, we are here to help you navigate your contraceptive options and find the best solution for your unique needs. Our experienced team is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to ensure your reproductive health is supported every step of the way.