Implanon Contraceptive System - Page 12

• Implanon is a small, flexible rod (about the size of a matchstick) that is inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper, non-dominant arm by a healthcare provider. Implanon provides pregnancy prevention for up to three years.

• Implanon contains synthetic progestin that prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, thickening the cervical mucous and thinning the lining of the uterus. Implanon does not contain estrogen and may be used by women who are breast feeding.

• Implanon is highly effective (99%) and is easy to use because a woman (or couple) does (do) not need to think about birth control on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

• Implanon has not been tested on many very overweight women, and may not be as effective for these women.

• Implanon is a newer form of contraception to be approved in the United States, but has been used by women in other countries since 1998.

• Implanon, like all other medications, has many potential side effects. Each woman's response to the medication will differ, depending on her own body chemistry. It is impossible to predict who will or will not experience a certain effect. Most side effects go away within the first few months of use. If unpleasant side effects persist, however, you can talk with your healthcare provider about having the Implanon rod removed. After removal of Implanon, any side effects experienced will go away.

• Once your healthcare provider removes Implanon, your ability to become pregnant may return quickly. After removal, the medication is cleared from the body by 1 week. If you do not want to get pregnant after Implanon is removed, you should use an alternate form of birth control right away.

Side Effects

• Menstrual Changes - This is the most common side effect experienced. The amount of bleeding may vary from irregular or unpredictable spotting and light bleeding to no bleeding at all.

• WEIGHT GAIN may occur. Appetite may increase.

• HEADACHES may occur. Contact your provider if they are severe, occur daily or don’t respond to over-the-counter medication.

• Pain or scarring at the site of insertion.

To Start Implanon:

• Implanon is not currently available at McKinley Health Center.

• You must have a current physical exam and will need to meet with a health care clinician for screening and instruction.

• The best time for insertion is during the first five days of your period, or within the first five days after childbirth (unless you are breast-feeding) or termination of pregnancy.

• If IMPLANON is inserted with the first five days of a normal menstrual period or following childbirth, no back-up method of birth control is needed. If inserted at other times, you should use an additional method of birth control such as condoms, for seven days after insertion.

Additional Information:

Implanon

 

<<previous     next >>