Health Chasinglions

This is a small flexible thin rod or a capsule one and a half inches or four centimeters long (The size of a match stick). Contraceptive facts state that the contraceptive implant is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. It is usually placed under the woman’s skin in her upper inner arm. The implant usually contains the artificial hormone progestin. An implant last for three or more years.

Its mode of operation is similar to that of the contraceptive pills and injections. The implant keeps releasing a small amount of hormone into the body at a steady pace. Before deciding to get the implant, one must ensure that they are not pregnant. To ensure this the implant must be inserted within the first five days of a woman’s period

The implant must be inserted in a doctor’s office or a clinic. This procedure is done under local anesthesia. After application of some numbing medicine, the skin is pierced with a special tool known as an inserter and the implant is slipped under the skin. During removal, a small half-inch incision is made just under the skin and the implant is then removed with the use of forceps.

The implant inhibits ovulation and also prevents the sperm from penetrating the cervix by thickening the mucus at the entry of the cervix.

WHY GO FOR IT?

A contraceptive implant lasts for three years and the user does not have to remember to use it everyday. There is absolutely no interruption with sexual intercourse and it is relatively cheap. This method is best for those who cannot remember to swallow pills. It is possible to get pregnant immediately after the implant is removed meaning secondary infertility is not likely with this method.

However like all other hormonal methods, implants may cause changes in menstruation. Some women will experience absent periods while others bleed heavily. Apart fro alteration of menstrual periods, other possible side effects of implants are vaginal dryness, breast tenderness, back pain, nausea and dizziness. Also women with histories of blood clots, heart attack / stroke, liver disease or breast cancer should avoid implants. Some medications and herbal products can affect the working of the implant. Women using implants as their choice birth control method have a higher chance of ectopic pregnancy. It is important that users keep track of the removal dates because the implant will be ineffective after the removal date has passed.

IT’S NOT PERFECT!

A contraceptive implant will not in any case protect against sexually transmitted infections and therefore it is important for the users of implants to practice safe sex. A back up method e.g. condoms should be used beginning immediately after insertion up to about two weeks. The bruising associated with the insertion of an implant may cause some discomfort for a few days. There is yet to be a consensus on whether or not contraceptive implants do cause weight gain. Some people argue that since it is a hormonal method of birth control, it is bound to cause weight gain while others disagree based on experiences.