Years ago women mostly had the option to take a daily pill to prevent pregnancy and this was seen as a medical triumph, as women had more ways to control their wellness. But remembering to take tablets every day at more or less the same time didn’t and still doesn’t work for some, and if this sound familiar then you may find the contraceptive implant works better for you.
Under your skin
Getting an implant can sound a bit intimidating, giving visions of surgery or delicate medical procedures, but having the implant inserted shouldn’t cause any serious wellbeing problems, apart from some minor bruising or tenderness for some. The contraception lies just beneath your skin and can be removed at any time. It’s just 4cm long and once it’s removed your fertility returns quickly. Newer types can be seen on x-rays and via CT scans, but work in the same way as those inserted before October 2010.
Hormone happy
The implant is a hormone-based method that is 99 per cent effective. It reduces the chances of you getting pregnant by releasing progestogen into your bloodstream over a three-year period, where it is replaced by another implant that also lasts for three years. Progestogen is made naturally by our bodies and when we take it as a contraceptive it makes changes that stop pregnancy occurring. These include preventing ovulation and making mucus around the cervix thicker so sperm cannot reach the womb.
One-of-a kind
Some other contraceptives use both progestogen and oestrogen to make these kinds of small changes in the body, but not all women can safely take oestrogen, especially if you are over 35 and smoke. The contraceptive implant is a sexual health option, if this applies to you, although as with most methods there are side effects. Some women find that their periods change, particularly following the first year of using the implant. They can get longer, shorter or disappear altogether, but usually settle down after the first 12 months of use.
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