What Are The Drawbacks Of Using Implant Contraception?
The only licensed contraceptive implant in the UK is ‘Implanon’, a thin and small plastic rod typically inserted just under the skin on the inside of the upper arm. Insertion is usually done under a local anaesthetic so not painful in itself, but the area may be bruised and sensitive for a week or more afterwards. The main side-effect that most women have is erratic periods. This usually only occurs in the first 4 months, but it can be very annoying, especially if the menses are prolonged or come very frequently. Other possible unwanted side effects are loss of libido, skin complaints, mood swings, ovarian cysts, headaches, breast pain, weight gain and nerve damage (if inserted incorrectly). Some women can feel the rod under the skin and are unnerved by that. Few GPs are trained to insert the rod so both insertion and removal will probably have to be done at a family planning clinic. This may not be as convenient as visiting your own GP who can usually help with other forms of contrace
Related Questions
- I am currently using the contraceptive implant, Implanon, for contraception and have been prescribed antibiotics. Will they affect my contraceptive cover?
- I take medications for epilepsy. Could I use the contraceptive implant (Implanon) for contraception?
- Does bleeding when I am using the implant (Implanon ) mean my contraception is not working?
