Contraceptive Implant (Implanon)

This article is on implanon. 

What is a contraceptive implant (implanon)?

It is a soft plastic, thin, 4cm rod that is injected just underneath the skin of your inner arm under local anaesthesia, where it release progesterone hormone slowly over 3 years. It is a birth control method that is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy by prevent egg release (ovulation) and thickening the cervical mucus. It also has additional functions of treating heavy periods and bad menstrual cramps.

It can be inserted (or removed) in the clinic as long as you are not pregnant, and takes 7 days to start working. It has not been shown to be associated with weight gain. 

The implanon does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – you should use condoms in addition for that.

What are the risks of implanon?

Common (affecting 1-5% of patients):

• Discomfort, bruising and/or bleeding at insertion/removal site
• Menstrual disturbances especially in the first 3-6 months (e.g. light/heavy periods, long periods, bleeding in between periods, irregular periods, menstrual cramps). 

Uncommon (affecting 0.1-1% of patients)

• Infection at insertion/removal site
• Scarring or fibrosis at implant site 
• Abnormal blood clot formation (deep vein thrombosis)

Rare (affecting <0.1% of patients):

• Deep insertion: this can require surgery for removal and lead to numbness or bleeding if there is damage to nerve or blood vessels
• Broken/bent/migrated implant
• Allergic reaction 
• Failure rate (getting pregnant on implanon)

How soon can I have implanon after giving birth?

You can have an implanon inserted immediately after giving birth, although most women will wait until they recover from childbirth before having one inserted.

What should I take note of when I have an implant inserted?

There should be no change required in your lifestyle – you should be able to go back to work and your usual activities (including shower) on the day of implanon insertion. Remove the pressure bandage the evening of insertion, and  the waterproof dressing a few days later. You may resume your arm exercises after the initial discomfort and bruising following insertion have stopped. 

See your gynaecologist earlier for a check-up if you:

• have menstrual disturbances that persist or worsen beyond a few months after implant insertion
• suspect that you may be pregnant  

When can I try for pregnancy after my implant is removed?

You can try for pregnancy immediately after your implant is removed as there is no delay to your fertility returning. Do take note of preconception care.