The contraceptive implant is a small plastic rod which is inserted underneath the skin on the inside of the upper arm. It can stay there for up to three years and slowly releases the hormone progestogen.
How does it work?
• It stops the ovaries from releasing an egg each month.
• It thickens the mucus at the entrance to the uterus (cervix) to stop sperm from moving into the uterus.
How well does it work?
The implant is 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy with both perfect and typical use
What are the benefits?
• You don’t have to remember to do something, like take a pill, every day.
• The implant is immediately effective if inserted during the first five days of your period.
• It’s not obvious that you have an implant.
• It lasts for three years but if it doesn’t suit you, you can have it removed.
• It’s safe to use if you’re breastfeeding or if you can’t take oestrogen.
• Fertility returns as soon as it’s taken out.
What are the downsides?
• The contraceptive implant does not protect against STIs, including HIV, but can be used at the same time as condoms.
• Regular period patterns will change and you can get unpredictable or irregular bleeding. If this happens, talk to your health care provider about this as there are many ways to manage it.
• The implant can only be inserted or removed by a trained professional in a minor surgical procedure.
• Insertion and removal can cause bruising and some soreness.
• It may leave a very small scar.
Are there side effects?
You may experience:
• Tender breasts
• Headaches
• Mood changes
• One in five women can experience irregular vaginal bleeding, although some have no bleeding at all
Can anyone use the implant?
Serious health problems are very rare with the implant. You can’t use it if you are taking some kinds of medicine – talk to your health care provider about what you’re taking.
Where do you get it?
The implant must be inserted by a specially trained doctor or nurse. You can access IUDs from any nursing station, health centres, clinic hubs and NGO clinics (Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji Clinic situated at Garden City Raiwai, Suva, or Medical Services Pacific see locations in support services tab).
Implant