Birth control and you – The implant

IF you are searching for a birth control method that is inconspicuous, long- lasting and effective, then you might want to consider getting an implant inserted to prevent pregnancy.

The birth control implant is a small plastic rod, the size of a matchstick, that is placed under the skin of your upper arm. It is considered to be 99 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy, and is perfect for those women who might not be able to use other available contraceptive options for various reasons. The implant can work for up to five years depending on the brand, and works by releasing a progestogen hormone which essentially stops a woman’s ovaries from releasing an egg each month. In addition to thickening the mucus in the cervix so that it would be difficult for sperm to get through, it also makes the lining of the womb thinner, thereby reducing the chances of a fertilised egg being accepted.

One of the most common implant brands in Jamaica is Jadelle, which is available to women at clinics operated by the Jamaica Family Planning Association (FAMPLAN Jamaica). According to obstetrician/gynaecologist Dr Charles Rockhead, an average 20,000 of these implants are ordered per year. In the case of Jadelle, it is two rods that are implanted as opposed to one.

“Its use is quite common,” said Dr Rockhead. “You don’t have to insert it or take a tablet for the day, so compliance is 100 per cent.”

“This method is for women who are looking for a long-term contraceptive as opposed to the pill, where you have to remember all the time. Once it is placed in by the doctor, you don’t really have to think about your contraceptive again,” said Kristina Morgan, a representative of FAMPLAN Jamaica.

Implants must be inserted by a gynaecologist or medical professional. Insertion is generally pain-free because a local anaesthetic is used to numb the area selected and the small wound made is then closed with dressing instead of stitches. The implant can also be taken out prior to the usual three-year replacement time within just a few minutes. However, once it is removed, a woman is no longer protected against pregnancy.

Advantages

1. It is very useful for those women who don’t want to risk getting pregnant for a while. Once the implant is in place, you won’t have think about being pregnant for another three years at least.

2. Once the implant is removed, your natural fertility will return immediately.

3. The implant is a great alternative for those women who can’t use birth control methods that contain oestrogen.

4. It can be used by breastfeeding moms.

5. It can be used to reduce painful and heavy bleeding.

Disadvantages

1. The implant does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. You would need to use a condom to minimise the possibility of this.

2. It is not suitable for women who are already pregnant or who take certain medications.

3. Most women experience changes in their menstrual cycle during the first year of using the implant. Some do not have any periods, others have irregular periods or longer-lasting periods.

4. It cannot be used by those who have a history of heart disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding or who had breast cancer within the last five years.

5. Can result in side effects such as headaches, breast tenderness and mood changes.

— Nadine Wilson