What is etonogestrel contraceptive implant?

This contraceptive implant is a thin rod with a diameter of two mm and a length of four cm. The rod is inserted just under the skin on the inside of the upper arm. Only a doctor can insert the contraceptive implant.

The contraceptive implant slowly releases a small amount of the hormone and this prevents ovulation. In addition, the mucus in the cervical canal also becomes tough and impermeable to sperm. The contraceptive implant works for three years. If you want to get pregnant before three years have passed, you can have the contraceptive rod removed with a small operation and you will be able to get pregnant immediately.

When does the contraceptive implant work?

The contraceptive implant works as soon as it is inserted, if the insertion takes place during the first five days after the start of the period. If it is inserted at other times in your menstrual cycle, use a condom for seven days.

If insertion takes place after the time of ovulation, you must be aware of whether you may have  become pregnant before the contraceptive was placed. If you already are pregnant, the pregnancy will continue.

If you change from birth control pills, birth control ring or birth control patch, the birth control stick must typically be inserted on the last day before the bleeding break, or on the day when you were going to start with a new sheet of birth control pills, a new patch or a new birth control ring . If you change from mini-pills, IUDs or birth control syringes, you can continue with the method until the contraceptive implant is inserted.

How do you get contraceptive implant?

You must have a prescription from the doctor for a birth control stick, then buy it and make an appointment with the doctor to insert it.

When the stick is to be inserted, you will first be given a local anesthetic. The anesthetic is placed on the inside of the arm of the arm you use the least - i.e. most often the left arm. The contraceptive implant is delivered in a needle, inside which it is put. The needle is inserted just under the skin in the groove between the two upper arm muscles. The contraceptive implant is then placed under the skin. Both you and the doctor should be able to feel it after insertion.

A birth control stick stays where the doctor has placed it, and cannot wander around in your body. When the birth control stick needs to be taken out again, it is removed by the doctor. Under local anesthetic, a small incision is made over one end of the rod, after which it is removed. If you want to get a new contraceptive implant right away,  it will be inserted in the same place as the previous implant. 

Advantage

• The contraceptive implant is a 100% safe contraceptive method
• You don't have to think about contraception in everyday life
• The contraceptive implant protects in three years
• The contraceptive implant does not cause any interruption in intercourse
• When the contraceptive implant is inserted, you cannot feel it
• In case of previous blood clots, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking or age over 35, you can use a contraceptive implant

Disadvantages

• A contraceptive implant almost always causes irregular bleeding
• Slight side effects may occur, such as acne (unclean skin disease), breast tension, headaches, mood swings and weight gain
• A few women may experience more serious side effects such as depression or suicidal thoughts
• The contraceptive implant does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV and chlamydia
• 60-70% experience bleeding disorders either as ending of menstruation, longer time between periods or slightly less frequent/stronger menstruation