The Contraceptive Implant (Nexplanon)

• Over 99% effective
• lasts 3 years
• Upon removal, immediate return to fertility
• A small plastic rod is placed under the skin in your upper arm and releases the hormone progesterone into the blood stream slowly which prevents the release of an egg each month (ovulation) as well as thickening cervical mucus making it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb. It also thins the lining of the womb so an egg is less likely to implant.

Benefits:

• Lasts a long time & works within 7 days
• No interruption of sex and can be used during breastfeeding
• It can help those with heavy or painful periods
• It can be used by those who can’t use combined contraception eg migraines, overweight
• Your fertility returns to normal as soon as the implant is removed

Drawbacks:

• Periods  may become irregular or stop completely (advantage)
• Some experience temporary side effects in the first few months: headaches, nausea, breast tenderness or mood changes
• You may develop acne or your acne can worsen
• Doesn’t protect against STDs
• Some medicines can make it less effective e.g.:
  • • Treatment for HIV, epilepsy and TB
    • Complementary remedies e.g. St John’s Wort
    • Antibiotics such as rifabutin or rifampicin
  • You would need additional contraceptive cover if using any of these medicines

• Think you are pregnant
• Don’t want your periods to change
• Take medicines that interfere with its effectiveness
• Have unexplained bleeding between periods or after sex
• Have arterial disease or a history or heart disease or stroke
• Have liver disease
• Have breast cancer or had it in the past
• Have a medical condition that may affect which contraception you can use