The contraceptive implant, such as Implanon or Organon, is a contraceptive method in the form of a small silicone tube, about 3 cm long and 2 mm in diameter, which is inserted under the skin of the arm by the gynecologist.
This contraceptive method has an efficacy greater than 99%, lasts 3 years and acts by releasing a hormone to the blood, such as the pill, but in this case, this release is done continuously, preventing ovulation without having to take a tablet every day.
The contraceptive implant must be prescribed and can only be inserted and removed by the gynecologist. It is preferably placed up to 5 days after the onset of menstruation and can be purchased at any pharmacy, priced between 900 and 2000 reais.
How the implant works
The implant has a high dose of the hormone progesterone, which is released gradually in the blood over 3 years, which prevents ovulation. Thus, there are no mature eggs that can be fertilized by a spermatozoon if an unprotected relationship occurs.
In addition, this method also leaves the mucus of the uterus thicker, which hinders the passage of the spermatozoa to the fallopian tubes, the place where fertilization usually occurs.
Main advantages
The contraceptive implant has several advantages such as being a practical method with a duration of 3 years, avoiding having to take the pill every day. In addition, the implant does not interfere with intimate contact, improves PMS symptoms, allows the woman to nurse and prevent menstruation.
Possible disadvantages
Although it has many advantages, the implant is not the ideal contraceptive method for all people, since there can also be disadvantages such as:
- Irregular menstrual period, especially in the early days;
- Slight increase in weight;
- Needs to be changed at the gynecologist;
- It is a more expensive method.
In addition, there is still a greater risk of side effects such as headache, skin blemishes, nausea, mood swings, acne, ovarian cysts and decreased libido, for example. These effects usually last less than 6 months as it is the period the body needs to get accustomed to the hormonal change.
Most common questions about implant
Some of the most common doubts about using this contraceptive method are:
1. Is it possible to get pregnant?
The contraceptive implant is as effective as the pill and, therefore, unwanted pregnancy is very rare. However, if the implant is placed after the first 5 days of the cycle, and if the woman does not use a condom for at least 7 days, there is a higher risk of getting pregnant.
Thus, the implant should ideally be placed within the first 5 days of the cycle. After this period, you should use a condom for 7 days to avoid pregnancy.
2. How is the implant placed?
The implant should always be placed by a gynecologist, who numbs a slight region of the skin of the arm and then places the implant with the aid of an injection-like device.
The implant can be removed at any time, also by a doctor or nurse, through a small cut in the skin, after putting a slight anesthesia on the skin.
3. When should I change?
Normally, the contraceptive implant has a validity of 3 years and should be changed before the last day, since after that moment the woman is no longer protected against a possible pregnancy.
4. Is the implant fattening?
Due to hormonal changes caused by the use of the implant, some women may tend to gain weight more easily in the first 6 months. However, if you maintain a balanced diet, it is possible that weight gain does not happen.
5. Can the implant be purchased by SUS?
At this time the contraceptive implant is not covered by the SUS and, therefore, it is necessary to buy it in the pharmacy. The price can vary between 900 and 2000 thousand reais depending on the brand.
6. Does the implant protect against STDs?
The implant only prevents pregnancy because, as it does not prevent against contact with body fluids, it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS or syphilis, for example. For this, one should always use the condom.
Who should not use
The contraceptive implant should not be used by women who have active venous thrombosis, benign or malignant liver tumor, severe or unexplained liver disease, vaginal bleeding without a specific cause, during pregnancy or in case of suspected pregnancy.
