The contraceptive implant is an effective, reversible contraceptive method that provides protection 24 hours a day for up to five years. The implant is a set of six small tubes filled with a synthetic ~hormone~ (levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin) found in many types of oral contraceptives (the pill).
This implant requires an in-office minor surgical procedure using a local anesthetic by a qualified medical professional. The whole process takes about 15 minutes. Six thin |capsules| are placed in a fanlike pattern just under the skin of the upper arm. After the incision has healed, the |capsules| are usually not visible. They cannot move around or break. After five years, the old |capsules| must be removed. If |contraception| is still desired, a new implant set can be inserted at the same time.
Contraception is provided in the same manner as an oral contraceptive (the pill). The ~hormone~ released very slowly, interrupts the message sent by the |brain| telling the |ovary| to release an egg. If inserted within the first seven days of the |menstrual cycle|, the contraceptive effect begins 24 hours later. If a woman wishes to become pregnant before the five years are completed, the implant can be removed at any time by a qualified medical professional. Fertility returns shortly after removal.
Who Can Use The Implant: As with any medication, it is important that you consult with your physician as to which method is best for you. In general, any woman requiring an effective, convenient, reversible form of birth control that allows for spontaneous and/or uninterrupted sex may use the implant. Also, those that are unable to use the ~estrogen~ based oral contraceptives could benefit from this alternative.
Who Should Not Use The Implant: While most women can use the implant safely, some should not. The following conditions should eliminate the implant as a choice of contraceptive: ~Blood~ clots in the |lungs|, legs, or |eyes|; Known or suspected breast |cancer|; |Liver| tumor (benign or cancerous); Unexplained vaginal |bleeding|; or Known or suspected |pregnancy|.
Advantages: Used correctly, less than one woman out of every 100 get pregnant in a given year while using the implant. The implant is convenient and does not interfere with or interrupt intercourse. Reversible, long-term protection (5 years) against |pregnancy|. Short of |sterilization| or abstinence, it is one of the two most effective means of |contraception|.
Disadvantages: Requires minor surgery by a qualified medical professional to place and remove. Certain other medications can affect the effectiveness of the implant.
Side Effects: Common - |headaches|, nervousness, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, weight gain, |bleeding| between periods, missed periods, and |acne|.
