Contraceptive implant
What is it?
A small flexible rod that is about the size of a hairgrip. There is only one type that is prescribed in the UK at present, it is called Nexplanon.
It contains the hormone progestogen, which is slowly released. It is inserted under the skin, in the upper part of the arm and a local anaesthetic is usually required to carry out this procedure.
The implant can be removed at anytime but will immediately lose its effect so another form of contraception should be used. Unless you are trying to get pregnant another form of contraception should also be used for 7 days before its removal.
The implant should only require replacing after three years but regular check ups with your doctor or nurse are required.
How it works
The implant slowly releases progestogen into the bloodstream preventing ovulation from taking place (releasing of an egg) and thickens the mucus around the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to get into the uterus.
It also makes the lining of the uterus thinner so that it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.
Advantages
- Does not interrupt sex
- Works for up to three years
- Can be used when breastfeeding
- You don’t have to remember to take it like the pill
- It can be used by women who cannot take pills containing oestrogen
- Fertility returns immediately after the implant is removed
- Can reduce heavy, painful periods
- Can help protect against pelvic inflammatory disease
Disadvantages
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Requires a small procedure to fit and remove the implant
- Can cause mood changes and breast tenderness
- Periods may be irregular or stop altogether
- Can cause headaches and skin problems
How effective is it?
The implant is 99% effective.
What makes it less effective?
Some prescribed and complementary medicines.
Contraceptive Injection
What it is?
An injection containing the hormone progestogen.
There are two types of injectable contraceptive:
- Depo-Provera which lasts for 12 weeks
- Noristerat which lasts for 8 weeks
The injection is administered in your upper arm or buttocks.
How it works
The hormone progestogen stops ovulation (release of an egg) and thickens the mucus around the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to get into the uterus.
It makes the lining of the uterus thinner, so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.
Advantages
- Does not interrupt sex
- Women do not have to remember to take a pill
- May protect against cancer of the uterus
- Not affected by other medicines
Disadvantages
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Periods may be irregular or stop altogether
- Can cause headaches, skin problems, mood changes and breast tenderness
- As the injections last for several weeks, so will the side effects should you experience any- the side-effects can also last for sometime afterwards
- Can take a year or more after stopping the injection for regular periods to return
- Depo-Provera works by lowering levels of the female hormone oestrogen and this can cause slight thinning of the bones by reducing bone mineral density
How effective is it?
Injectable contraception is 99% effective.
What makes it less effective?
- Some prescribed and complementary medicines
- Follow-up injections must be given on time
Intrauterine system (IUS)
What it is?
An IUS is a small plastic ‘T’ shaped contraceptive device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is also called Mirena.
How it works
The IUS contains the female hormone progestogen, which it slowly releases into the body. This thickens the mucus from the cervix making it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg.
It also thins the lining of the uterus to prevent an egg from implanting. In some cases it can stop a woman from ovulating.
A trained doctor or nurse should fit the device. They will usually fit it during or just after your menstrual cycle to ensure that a pregnancy is not present. The procedure can take between 5 and 15 minutes and may cause some discomfort. Painkillers or a local anaesthetic can be requested prior to the procedure.
The procedure is similar to a smear test where as the vagina is held open. The IUS is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus.
The IUS will have one or two fine threads that come through the cervix opening and rest on top of the vagina. This enables you to make sure that the device is still in place and should be checked on a monthly basis.
Advantages
- Does not interrupt sex
- Works immediately
- Your periods normally become lighter, shorter, less painful and can stop completely after 12 months of use
- Works up to 5 years and can be removed at any time
- Fertility will return to normal once the device is removed
- Is not affected by other medicines
Disadvantages
Some temporary side effects that can occur are:
- Light bleeding or spotting between periods
- Headaches
- Acne
- Mood changes
- Breast tenderness
You should seek medical attention from your GP if you experience any of the following:
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Abnormal smelling discharge
- High temperature
These symptoms are signs of an infection that can occur within the first 20 days of having the device fitted.
You may also experience ovarian cysts. They are not dangerous and do not usually require treatment.
How effective is it?
Over 99% effective.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
What it is?
An IUD is a small plastic or copper ‘T’ shaped device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is similar to the IUS and is also referred to as a coil or loop.
How it works
The IUD releases copper into the body, causing an increase in white blood cells in the cervix. These kill the sperm in the uterus, cervix or fallopian tubes and will, therefore, prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. It can also make it difficult for the egg to travel through the fallopian tubes, stopping the egg implanting in the uterus.
A trained doctor or nurse should fit the device. They will usually fit it during or just after your menstrual cycle to ensure that a pregnancy is not present. The procedure can take between 5 and 15 minutes and may cause some discomfort. Painkillers or a local anaesthetic can be requested prior to the procedure.
The procedure is similar to a smear test where as the vagina is held open. The IUD is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus.
The IUD will have one or two fine threads that come through the cervix opening and rest on top of the vagina. This enables you to make sure that the device is still in place and should be checked on a monthly basis.
Advantages
- Does not interrupt sex
- Works immediately
- Works for between 3-10 years depending on the type of IUD fitted
- Can be used as emergency contraception for up to 5 days after unprotected sex
- Is not affected by other medication
Disadvantages
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- The insertion process may cause some discomfort
- Periods may become heavier and more painful during the first few months of the IUD being fitted
How effective is it?
IUD is 99% effective.
