I've done this review after reading a review by kimjohumphreys, It sparked off my own memories of apprehension when i first decided to go for a contraceptive implant.
Ok it's January 2001, 2 months after giving birth to my second child, and after a difficult premature birth (almost had to have an emergency hysterectomy) was advised by gynaecologist not to have any more babies. I have a gynaecological problem in that I have a double uterus.
I have always had a problem taking the oral contraceptive pill in that I would forget to take it quite often and would be fretting from one month to next whether or not I was pregnant! Also because of my problem
my periods were all over the place anyway.
I went to my GP who suggested the monthly or tri-monthly injections but I didn't fancy these as I hate needles (ugh) He then suggested the implant which would keep me safe for up to 3 years ( because I was overweight he suggested 2 and half yrs….better safe than sorry!) This sounded the perfect option, so he went into detail about it explained all the most common side effects i.e. • Possible weight gain/loss • Possible erratic periods • Acne • Breast tenderness Rarer side effects include • Hair loss • Mood swings • Painful periods • Changes in libido
Implanon is a progestogen-only contraceptive implant which is inserted in the inner upper arm. It is a small flexible rod which slides just under skin. (a small incision will be made, but this is done in the GP surgery usually. You will get an injection to numb arm before hand) It releases a small amount of the progestogen every day. If is done by a competent GP then it should be quick and painless (the discomfort after the anaesthetic wears off can differ from person to person but for me was moderate) I couldn't let anything touch my arm for a couple days and had to sleep with arm out of bed for fear of my partner hurting me.
Another thing to note is that it is effective from day 1 of insertion and that when removed it is possible to become pegnant straight away, although I would imagine this to be different for everyone too. (please note i doubt you will want to be trying out this theory on day one anyway as your arm will be sore and you will probably still be bleeding)
I had a bit of bruising all around the area where the rod was inserted but it died down after a week or so, It felt kinda weird because you can feel the rod under your skin at first, and you keep thinking it is going to get lost( it doesn't) I also bled for about a week after the implant, it was quite a painful heavy period but after the week it had stopped and I never bled again!!!!
After a couple of months you do forget it's there and get on with your daily life with no worries, no oral contraceptive pills to forget, So I was happy with it. For me it meant the end of my periods, I was worried about this but my doctor assured me this was normal and would cause no harm. I do still get tender breasts and bloatedness around the time my period would be due though so no all perfect lol. I would love to blame my weight on this too but to be honest i've always had a fluctuating weight problem so this hasn't really made any difference. I was hoping for the weight loss actually lol
So 2 and a half years later I make the trip back to the GP (trembling with fear I might add, because I was worried about the removal and re-insertion of new implant) I needn't have worried! My doctor (a lovely German man) was very gentle and reassuring. He gave me the anaesthetic, joking with me all the time….. And before I even knew it the old implant was out (mild discomfort but not pain) Now I had the choice whether to have the new implant inserted in same place which would mean more bruising or in the other arm which would mean both arms hurting…. I chose the same arm again! Be daft not to really
The procedure was the same as first time and over in minutes. And about half an hour later (because I felt a bit dizzy) I was allowed to go home and get on with the next 3 years pregnancy free!
This is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers and I only got mine after my daughter wouldn't take to breastfeeding.
I hope this review is helpful to anyone thinking of getting this implant but please be aware that everyone's bodies are different and that what worked for me may not be the same for you! Always get advice from your GP and ask to speak to the GP who will be performing the procedure to make you feel at ease. A very helpful website which explains all about it is
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
Sgathach 17.03.2006 22:03
No good for me I'm allergic to pain.
tammyL129 01.12.2005 13:44
No periods sounds like heaven and with the added bonus of no unexpected babies! Great review, Tam -x-
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.
Sep 25th, 2005
exceptional by (6%):
very helpful by (94%):
