CONTRACEPTIVE

IMPLANT

PROS

• Easy to useexpand_less

  Don’t need to remember to take/use it every day or every time you have sex.

• Not user dependentexpand_more

  Can’t forget to take it or use it in the wrong way. It is also not affected by vomiting or diarrhoea like some methods of contraception.

• Highly effectiveexpand_more

  Is >99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

• Periodsexpand_more

  Can stop periods in some women.

• Reversibleexpand_more

  Upon discontinuation of use, fertility should return to normal.

• Long lastingexpand_more

  Prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years.

• Oestrogen freeexpand_more

  Does not contain oestrogen but does contain progesterone.

• Doesn’t interrupt sexexpand_more

  With the implant in place you don't need to worry about contraception in the moment.

• Breastfeedingexpand_more

  Can be used while breastfeeding four weeks after childbirth.

CONS

• Periodsexpand_less

  Your periods may become irregular, lighter, heavier or longer.

• Contains hormoneexpand_more

  Some women prefer hormone free options.

• STIsexpand_more

  Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• Weight gainexpand_more

  It may cause weight gain.

• Breast tendernessexpand_more

  It may cause breast tenderness.

• Skin/acneexpand_more

  Can cause or worsen acne in some women.

• Moodexpand_more

  Some women experience mood changes, including mood swings, depression, or depressed mood.

• Administrationexpand_more

  It requires a trained healthcare provider to fit and remove the implant.

• WILL THE IMPLANT AFFECT MY PERIODS?expand_less

  Some women may experience lighter, less frequent periods while others may experience heavier and more irregular bleeding. Some women stop having periods altogether. The bleeding pattern experienced during the first three months is likely to continue.

• CAN THE IMPLANT CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN?expand_more

  Some women may experience weight gain and others weight loss whilst using the contraceptive implant.

• CAN THE IMPLANT CAUSE MOOD SWINGS?expand_more

  You may experience mood changes whilst using the contraceptive implant.

• OTHER COMMON SIDE EFFECTSexpand_more
  • Vaginal infection
  • Headache
  • Breast tenderness/Breast pain
  • Increased appetite
  • Libido decreased
  • Dizziness
  • Hot flush
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Flatulence
  • Alopecia
  • Dysmenorrhoea (period pain)
  • Weight decreased
• RISKSexpand_more
  • Scarring - There may be a very small scar where the implant is inserted and removed.
  • Infection - There is a very small risk of infection where the implant has been fitted.
  • Misplacement - Very rarely an implant can be inserted too deeply, which could cause damage to blood vessels or nerves.
  • Migration - It’s very rare, but in some cases the implant may move. You should check your implant regularly. If you cannot feel it seek medical advice.
  • Ovarian cysts - Ovarian cysts can occur but these don’t usually cause any symptoms and tend to go away on their own.