Factsheet
The Contraceptive Implant (Implanon®)
Date 11 February 2008
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WHAT IS IT?
The only contraceptive implant available in Australia is Implanon®. The implant is a small plastic rod containing the hormone progestogen. It is inserted just underneath the skin of the upper inner arm and provides protection against pregnancy for the three years it is left in place.HOW DOES IT WORK?
It works by stopping ovulation (release of the egg from the ovary) and by making the lining of the uterus thin so that it does not allow a pregnancy to grow.It also makes the cervical mucus at the entrance to the uterus thicker so sperm have difficulty getting through.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT?
It is a very effective method of stopping a pregnancy, with less than 1% failure rate. This is partly because there is no need for the person to remember to take something every day.WHAT SIDE EFFECTS ARE LIKELY?
The most common side effect is irregular bleeding which can vary from no bleeding at all to troublesome frequent bleeding. Other side effects are rare but users sensitive to the hormone in the rod may experience side effects like headaches, weight gain, breast tenderness, acne and depression.WHO CAN USE THE IMPLANT?
- anybody requiring effective, convenient contraception
- those requiring long-term contraception (although the implant can be removed at any time)
- those who want contraception that is quickly reversible
- those that don't mind having injections or something placed underneath the skin
- breastfeeding mothers - baby older than six weeks.
WHO ISN'T SUITABLE FOR IMPLANTS?
- those who don't like injections or the idea of something being placed under the skin for up to three years
- those who would be concerned by an irregular bleeding pattern
HOW IS THE IMPLANT INSERTED AND REMOVED?
The doctor will put a small mark on the skin of the inside of the upper inner arm. After cleaning the skin with antiseptic the doctor injects the area with a little local anaesthetic so the rest of the insertion is more comfortable. This might sting a little. When the anaesthetic has taken effect the doctor will insert the device, which contains the plastic implant, just underneath the skin. A dressing and a bandage are then applied which should be left in place for 24 hours.Some bruising and discomfort around the implant is very common and can last for up to a week.
To remove the implant, a small amount of local anaesthetic is inserted just underneath the end of the implant and a small nick is made in the skin. The end of the implant is then pushed through this nick in the skin or grabbed with a small instrument and removed. This leaves a small mark on the skin. A dressing is then applied for 24 hours.
The contraceptive effect wears off very quickly when the implant is removed with most women returning to a normal menstrual cycle within a month. Some women have fallen pregnant a few days after the implant was removed.
It is very important to have the implant removed after three years as effectiveness of contraception decreases/ceases after that time and leaving it in place longer than this may increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the tube).
It is possible to have another implant inserted at the same time the other one is removed.
HOW DO I GET IT AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
You will usually need to have two visits as the implant must be obtained on a script from a doctor. Most doctors will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the device at one visit and make arrangements for a woman to return for insertion at the correct time in her cycle when the doctor can ensure the woman is not pregnant. The device is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Australia. It is available to those with a current Medicare card for approximately $31.You can have the implant inserted at your nearest Family Planning Clinic or by a doctor who has been trained in inserting the device.
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For further information
- Contact the Healthline on 1300 658 886.
