FAQs

I’ve recently had a contraceptive implant (Implanon®) inserted in my arm and ever since my body hasn’t felt like having sex. Could this be caused by the implant?

Answer

Lowering of libido can be an unwanted effect of progestogens, the type of hormone present in the implant. It can be an unwanted effect of any hormonal contraception in some women.

As with any of the hormonal contraceptives, if unwanted effects are experienced at first, they may disappear or become less noticeable over a few months of use as your body adjusts to the different hormone level.

If you can tolerate any unwanted effects you may experience at first, it's probably worth persevering for 3-4 months to see if they improve. If not, you may need to weigh up the benefits against any disadvantages and make a decision about whether to continue.

Of course, the other thing to consider is whether there's anything else that has changed in your relationship, or in your life/partner's life at the same time as you got the implant.