The contraceptive implant is a small plastic cylinder measuring 4 cm long and 2 mm in diameter. It contains the same hormones as the mini-pill, except that is is diffused directly into the bloodstream and prevents ovulation. It lasts for three years, and is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. So what are the advantages, the inconveniences, and the risks?
The advantages of the contraceptive implant
- Excellent efficacy: 99%.
- Affordable
- Long lasting: providing three years of contraception
- Generally well tolerated
- Doesn’t contain oestrogen: no risk of stroke. But the progestins prevent ovulation and modify the vaginal secretions in order to block sperm.
- Immediate effect: you are protected from 24 hours after the implant is inserted
- You can use it while breastfeeding.
- Once you have it removed, your fertility levels rapidly return to normal, which happens in less than a week.
The inconveniences of the contraceptive implant
- After applying an anaesthetic ointment, the implant is inserted under the skin on the inside of arm, with a special needle.
- It leaves a scar after it is removed under local anaesthetic.
- Even if they generally disappear after 6 months, the contraceptive implant is linked to problems with the menstrual cycle. Periods are irregular, they come unexpectedly or they disappear completely.
- It is linked to weight gain
- It can cause spots or acne
- More rarely, it can cause nausea, breast sensitivity and headaches.
- Sometimes, you can find it irritating.
The contraceptive implant: the risks and contra-indications
The implant is contra-indicated in the cases of:
- evolutionary venous thrombo-embolism: phlebitis or pulmonary embolism
- a tumour that is sensitive to the reproductive hormones
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
- presence or history of severe liver disease
- genital haemorrhages
- hypersensitivity to the active ingredients or indeed any of the substances contained in the implant.