Contraception
Implanon implants
The contraceptive implant, called implanon (the only
one available in the UK)
is a small tube that is put under the skin which contains a progestogen
hormone. This hormone is released slowly into the bloodstream and works mainly
by stopping ovulation (the release of the egg from the ovary). It also thickens
the mucus made by the cervix which forms a 'mucus plug' in the cervix. This
stops sperm getting through to the uterus (womb) to fertilise an egg. It also
makes the lining of the uterus thinner. This means that if an egg was to
fertilise, it is not likely to be able to attach to the uterus.
How effective is the
contraceptive implant?
It is more than 99%
effective. This means that less than 1 woman in 100 who uses this method of
contraception will become pregnant each year.
Advantages of using
Implanon:
-
You do not
have to remember to take a pill every day.
-
You only
have to think about contraception every 3 years.
-
It does not
interfere with sex.
-
It can be
used when breastfeeding.
-
Period pain
is usually less than usual.
-
It can used
by some women who cannot take pills that contain oestrogen.
-
It may help
protect against pelvic infection. (The mucus plug in the cervix may help to
prevent bacteria from travelling into the uterus.)
Disadvantages of
using Implanon:
-
The release
of progestogen will usually cause changes to the pattern of periods. During the
first year it is common to have irregular bleeding. Sometimes periods are
heavier and longer than before. They usually settle back into a regular pattern
after the first year, but may remain irregular.
-
In some
women the periods become infrequent
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