Implantable contraceptive agents release a hormone called progesterone in decreasing doses slowly over time. It is effective as a contraceptive for three to five years, depending on the type of implant. Desirable effects of this form of contraception include pregnancy prevention and absent or less frequent menstrual bleeding. Undesirable effects associated with implantable contraception include excessive or frequent vaginal bleeding, weight gain, acne, headaches, pain or skin changes at the site of insertion and development of ovarian cysts.
Pregnancy prevention
Implantable contraceptives are very effective in preventing pregnancy. According to Schering-Plough, the manufacturer of Implanon which is the only injectable contraceptive available in the United States, fewer than 1 in 100 women will get pregnant while using Implanon in the first year of use. It is as effective as, or more effective than using an intrauterine device or undergoing surgical sterilization with a tubal ligation.
Lighter or absent periods
Women using implantable contraception may experience heavier or irregular bleeding in the first three to six months after placement according to a review article published in the Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health. However, by six months after implantation the majority of women will have either stopped having periods or have less frequent menstrual bleeding.
Frequent or prolonged bleeding
Dr. Spencer and colleagues report in the June 2009 issue of The American Journal of Medicine that almost one-half of women experience some irregular bleeding initially. In about 20 to 30 percent of women using implantable contraception, the heavier or more frequent bleeding persists beyond six months. This is the most common reason that women request early removal of the device.
Weight gain
Injectable contraceptives, like other hormonal methods, can cause weight gain. Women may see a small increase in their body mass index. A small percentage of women choose to stop using implantable contraception because of weight gain.
Acne
If a woman has acne before using implantable contraception, she is most likely to experience either no change or an overall improvement in acne after it is placed according to a review article published in the March 2010 issue of Seminars in Reproductive Medicine. A small percentage of women reported they noticed worsening acne once they started using this form of contraception.
Other effects
Women may experience other effects from implantable contraception. These include headaches, mood changes, nausea, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, pain or irritation at the site of implantation or vaginal irritation or discharge. Women with a history of painful periods are likely to notice an improvement.
References
- The American Journal of Medicine; Helping Women Choose Appropriate Hormonal Contraception: Update on Risks, Benefits, and Indications;Abby Spencer, Rachel Bonnema, Megan McNamara;June 2009
- Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health; Implanon: A Review of the Literature with Recommendations for Clinical Management;Kate Adams and Margaret Beal;March/April 2009
- Seminars in Reproductive Medicine; Contraceptive Implants;Raegan McDonald-Mosley and Anne Burke;March 2010
- Implanon: Discover implantable contraception
Member Comments