Contraceptive Implant

A contraceptive implant, also known as a birth control implant, is a small, flexible device that is inserted under the skin to provide long-acting contraception. It is a form of hormonal contraception and releases a steady dose of progestin hormone into the body over a specified period. The progestin hormone works by preventing ovulation, thinning the uterine lining, and thickening cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.

How does the birth control implant work?

The birth control implant is a small, flexible rod placed under the skin of your upper arm. It releases hormones, usually progestin, into your bloodstream. These hormones work in several ways to prevent pregnancy: they stop the ovaries from releasing eggs, thicken the cervical mucus to block sperm from entering the uterus, and thin the uterine lining to make it less suitable for a fertilized egg to implant. The implant is effective for up to three years, providing long-term contraception without needing daily attention. It’s a discreet and reversible option for women looking to prevent pregnancy.

Risks of Contraceptive Implant

1. Bleeding Changes: Some women may experience irregular periods, lighter periods, or no periods at all.
2. Pain at Insertion Site: There might be soreness, redness, or swelling where the implant is placed.
3. Infection: There’s a small risk of infection at the insertion site.
4. Mood Changes: Hormonal changes may lead to mood swings or emotional changes.
5. Weight Gain: Some women may notice weight gain while using the implant.
6. Headaches: Hormonal changes can sometimes cause headaches.
7. Ectopic Pregnancy: Though rare, if pregnancy occurs, it may be an ectopic pregnancy, which is a serious condition.

Contraceptive Implant Benefits:

Some benefits of contraceptive iron are the reasons for its popularity. Here are its prime advantages:

• Highly Effective: Contraceptive implants are one of the most effective forms of reversible contraception, with an efficacy rate of more than 99%. 

• Long-Lasting: Contraceptive implants provide up to three years of continuous contraception without the need for daily or monthly routines.

• Convenience: Once put in, you don't think about it. This concept of "set it and forget it" is a huge plus. 

• Reversible: After an implant's removal, return of fertility is swift.

• No Estrogen: It only contains progestin, which is an option for those who can't take estrogen-containing contraceptives. 

• Potentially Lighter or Even No Periods: Many users report having lighter and less painful periods, while some even report having no periods while on the implant.

• Suitable for Use While Breastfeeding: It is considered safe for breastfeeding use.

For Whom Is The Contraceptive Implant Inappropriate?

For many individuals, the contraceptive implant is a safe and effective form of contraception. However, contraindications exist that may make this method inappropriate for some. Here are some situations where contraceptive implants may not be recommended:  

• Pregnancy: Current pregnancy or suspected pregnancy would contraindicate the contraceptive implant.  
• History of blood clots: Pre-existing conditions of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) may constitute a reason to discourage the use of the implant. 
• Liver disease: Severe liver disease and/or liver tumors may act as contraindications.  
• Breast cancer: A history of breast cancer or other progestin-sensitive cancers may contraindicate the implant.  
• Allergies: An allergic reaction to the components of the implant is a reason to avoid it.

The Contraceptive Implant May Be Used By Whom? 

Contraceptive implants are an appropriate option for numerous persons seeking long-term, reversible contraception. A user can be one or more of the following for general guidance in who can use an implant. Here are some details:  

• Long-term contraception seekers: The implant is for women who want effective contraception for up to three years without a daily or monthly routine.  
• Individuals who cannot use estrogen-containing contraceptives: Only progestin is contained in the implant, which makes it a valuable alternative for women who cannot tolerate estrogen for some medical conditions or who report side effects on estrogen-based methods of birth control.
• Breastfeeding persons: It is considered safe for the breastfeeding mother.  
• Highly effective: The high success rate associated with it makes it applicable for someone who attaches very high importance to effectiveness.

Consultation is necessary with a healthcare professional because each needs to be evaluated on individual suitability depending on the medical history for contraindications, lifestyle to suit needs, and personal preferences regarding the application of the implant. Despite the wide application of the implant, individual assessment will still be necessary.

Removing a Contraceptive Implant

Removing the contraceptive implant is fairly simple, but it should always be done by a properly trained health professional. The following is a general picture of how it's done:

Local Anesthesia: First, the healthcare provider will inject a local anesthetic into the area where the implant is located. This numbs the skin so you won't feel pain during the removal.

Small incision: Now that it's numb, a small incision will be made in the skin at the same site it was inserted.

Implant Removal: The provider will gently pull out the implant with forceps through the incision.

Wound closure: Once the implant is out, they will close the small incision with sterile adhesive strips (like steri-strips) or a small bandage. Scars are rarely needed.

Aftercare: You will be told to keep the area dry and clean for some days to reduce the possibility of infection. Some minimal bruising or tenderness can occur at the site of removal.

Have a qualified professional remove the implant; don't do it yourself. Removal can be done at any time and generally swift returns to fertility. Consult with your provider about new options for contraception before removal. Rarely, ultrasound may need to be used to find or remove the implant.

The insertion of a contraceptive implant is a simple and quick procedure that typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what to expect.