Factsheet
The Contraceptive Implant
Date 30 January 2009
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BASIC FACTS |
WHAT IS A CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT?
The only contraceptive implant available in Australia is called Implanon®. It is a small plastic rod that contains a hormone, called progestogen, which is slowly released to prevent you from getting pregnant. The implant is inserted just under the skin on the inside of your upper arm.
HOW WELL DOES IT WORK?
The implant can work very well (more than 99% effective) for three years if it is left in place.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Some women get irregular bleeding. Their periods may stop completely, or they may get their periods more often. Other side effects are rare, but some women may get headaches, gain weight, or have sore breasts.
WHO CAN USE AN IMPLANT?
Most women can use an implant. It is good for women who find it hard to remember to take a pill every day. Women who want long-term birth control that works well, but can be reversed quickly can find it suits them. It can be used by women who are breastfeeding babies over six weeks old.
WHO SHOULD NOT USE AN IMPLANT?
Reasons for not using an implant could be: if you don't like injections, you don't want something under your skin, or if you are worried about having irregular periods.
HOW IS AN IMPLANT INSERTED?
The doctor puts a small mark on the skin on the inside of your upper arm. They clean the skin with antiseptic, and inject a little anaesthetic, which might sting slightly, so that the insertion will not hurt. Then the implant is inserted just under the skin, and the spot is covered with a bandage. The bandage should stay in place for 24 hours. There may be some bruising and soreness around the implant that can last for up to a week.
HOW IS AN IMPLANT REMOVED?
The doctor injects a little anaesthetic just under the end of the implant, and makes a small cut in the skin. The end of the implant is either pushed through the tiny cut, or pulled out using a small instrument. Again the spot is covered with a bandage that should stay in place for 24 hours.
The contraceptive effect wears off quickly when the implant is removed. Most women have a normal period within a month. The implant must be removed after three years, as there is a risk of a pregnancy in the tube after this time. A new implant can be inserted as soon as one has been removed.
WHERE CAN I GET A CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT?
You need to see a doctor to get a script for an implant. Most doctors will talk about it on your first visit and ask you to return for another visit to have it inserted. An implant costs approx. $31 for women with a current Medicare card. If you have a Health Care Card it will be cheaper. You can have an implant inserted at a Family Planning clinic or by a local doctor who has been trained to insert it.
For further information
- Contact the Healthline on 1300 658 886.
