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The contraceptive implant is a very effect method of preventing an unplanned pregnancy.
The contraceptive implant is a small flexible tube about 40mm long that's inserted under the skin of your upper arm. At Kingsbridge GP Clinic our experienced GPs can perform this quick and simple procedure. Once inserted the implant offers contraceptive cover for around three years.
The implant stops the release of an egg from the ovary by slowly releasing progestogen into your body. Progestogen thickens the cervical mucus and thins the womb lining. This makes it harder for sperm to move through your cervix, and less likely for your womb to accept a fertilised egg.
The continuous release of progestogen:
If the implant is fitted during the first five days of your menstrual cycle, you will be immediately protected against becoming pregnant. If it is fitted on any other day of your menstrual cycle, you will not be protected against pregnancy for up to seven days, and should use another method, such as condoms.
The contraceptive implant can be fitted after you have given birth, usually after three weeks:
It is safe to use the implant while you are breastfeeding.
The implant can be fitted immediately after a miscarriage or an abortion, and you will be protected against pregnancy straight away.
Most women can be fitted with the contraceptive implant. It may not be suitable if you:
The main advantages of the contraceptive implant are:
Using a contraceptive implant may have some disadvantages, which you should consider carefully before deciding on the right method of contraception for you. These include:
Your periods may change significantly while using a contraceptive implant. Around 20% of women using the implant will have no bleeding, and almost 50% will have infrequent or prolonged bleeding. Bleeding patterns are likely to remain irregular, although they may settle down after the first year.
Although these changes are not harmful, they may not be acceptable for some women. Your GP may be able to help by providing additional medication if you have prolonged bleeding.
Other side effects that some women report are:
These side effects usually stop after the first few months. If you have prolonged or severe headaches or other side effects, please contact your Kingsbridge GP.
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