My PC's been down for a while, I'm glad to have it back! Jade x
My PC's been down for a while, I'm glad to have it back! Jade x
Member since:24.02.2003
Reviews:43
Members who trust:29
Hi,
As most of you know I had my little boy in July 2002. After I had him I decided that I definatly didn't want any more children for quite a while yet!
As I was breast feeding my baby, you can only have Progesterone only hormones, which don't change (or stop) your milk, so I started to use the Progesterone only Pill (POP) or the Mini Pill as it is better known. You have to take this at the SAME time every day - I couldn't cope with this so I went to my GP and found out about the Depo Provera injection, which I had (see my Depo Provera Op) On the first night of having the injection, I had quite
bad side effects, and I didn't want these again! I made my mind up to try something else.
My friend works at the Family Planning Clinic, she told me about Implanon (the contraceptive Implant) I had heard about this before, but never thought anymore about it.
I went to my Family Planning Clinic to see if they would give it to me, I had a short discussion in private with the advisor, she took my blood pressure, weighed me and informed me in detail about Implanon. She also gave me a very imformative leaflet all about it. I was made an appointment to have it done, although this was at a different clinic with a GP, as the person who does this has to be specially trained.
**A Bit More About It***
Implanon is an implant, it is a plastic rod, 4cm in length, and 2mm in diameter. (sounds scary) it is filled with the hormone Progesterone, which is released in tiny amounts over the three years. It is inserted on the inside of your upper arm, Don't worry, you don't feel a thing as they give you a local anasetic to numb the area, It is then inserted via a large needle - if you're scared of needles, don't look! It lasts for three years, when this time is up, you have to have the implant removed (again they numb your arm) if you wish, they can put another one in at this time.
It is supposed to be very expensive, therefore, they don't like to remove it before it has run out, however, if after 18 months you decided you wanted a baby, they would, as it is your right.
**What They Did To Me**
When I went to have my implant put in, I was called into a room with a couch, I was asked if I knew all about it and if I still wanted it done. I did. I lay on the couch and was asked which arm I wrote with, I am right handed so they did it in my left arm (I don't know why) First they cleaned the area, then they got a very fine needle and gave me an injection to numb the area, three minutes later when this had worked, he put in the implant, this is just like a thicker needle, (you can't feel it) He pushed the needle about 4 cm up my arm, then pulled it back out. That was it! He put a plaster and a really tight bandage on (to stop the bruising)
When I got home I took off the bandage, (even though I was advised to keep it on for two days) I was lucky, I didn't get a single bit of bruising! I kept the plaster on for three days. During the three days, my arm was a bit weak and I found it hard to pick up heavy things, (like my little boy!) apart from that there were no problems at all. When I took off the plaster there was a tiny little red mark where the needle has gone in (about the size of a small spot)
On the fourth day, my arm was completley normal and I could feel the implant when I prodded my arm! Some people think it's disgusting but I like it!
Two weeks on and I have forgotten about it! I love it! no pills, no nothing! It doesn't interfere with sex at all, unlike some other methods. I have to go back to the clinic next week, to see how i'm getting on about it and to have any questions answered. After this, you only have to go back once a year!
**Side Effects**
Some people complain of headaches and feeling sick. Also bruising after the implant is in place for the first week. I didn't get any!
I had mine inserted last week and am really hoping that I wont have any of the nasty side effect. But at least I can have it removed if i do!! Nice review. Em x
armychick 25.07.2005 19:29
Sounds great! I will research a bit more!!!! thanks naomi x
Mayrad 10.08.2003 02:02
I doubt this will become useful for me, but nevertheless very interesting Jade. These sorts of articles brings me back down to earth and to 'real life'. Mayrad
Advantages: Didn't have to remember pills, easy insertion, easy removal. No major changes in periods. Disadvantages: Weight gain (2 stone in 3 years), Hair loss, loss of libido.
Advantages: Safe and effective for women who suffer from migraines or who can't take oestrogens. Disadvantages: None for me so far. Irregular bleeding for some women.
May 23rd, 2003
(Jul 7th, 2003)
very helpful by (100%):
