The contraceptive implant is suitable for you if you are looking for a convenient, long acting, reversible form of birth control and have no intention of conceiving within the next few years.  

It is specifically suitable for individuals who need to avoid estrogen which is found in other forms of contraceptives. 

It is not suitable for individuals who have preexisting medical conditions such as serious blood clots, heart attacks or strokes, liver disease, breast or hormonal related cancers, or undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, or if you are allergic to any components in the implant.  

It may also be less effective in women with a body mass index (BMI) above 30. 

Pros:

• It is a highly effective and convenient form of contraception that lasts up to 3 years 
• It allows for sexual spontaneity without worrying about unplanned pregnancy 
• For women with heavy or painful menses (menorrhagia or dysmenorrheal), it can help alleviate these symptoms
• It can be removed anytime should you wish to conceive

Cons:

• Getting the implant involves a minor procedure (insertion and removal), which comes with certain risks (see below), but this can usually be done easily and quickly in clinic
• If you experience unpleasant side effects, you may end up having to remove the implant earlier than expected 
• The contraceptive implant does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
• Should you get pregnant while using the contraceptive implant, you have a slightly higher chance of an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy occurring outside the womb), which can be a medical emergency

Tag: Contraceptive Implants Singapore

The most common side effect is irregular menstrual bleeding which may include spotting in between menses, longer or shorter menstrual periods. Some women may stop having their periods altogether (amenorrhea). Irregular menstrual bleeding is one of the most common reasons why some women may choose to remove the implant prematurely. 

• Mood changes
• Possible weight gain
• Headaches
• Skin changes like acne 
• Headaches
• Nausea 
• Benign (noncancerous) ovarian cysts

Insertion of the implant is done in a clinic setting and should take no longer than 10-15 minutes. The implant is inserted under the skin of your inner, upper arm, about 5-10cm or so above your elbow. After preparation, your doctor will administer a local anaesthetic injection to numb the skin. The implant is then inserted under the skin. 

Risks of insertion include pain, bleeding, bruising, possible skin infections and scarring. 

Removal is done similarly in a clinic setting. After numbing the skin, a small cut is made and the implant is removed through the small cut. 

In the rare situation that the implant breaks or if it cannot be located prior to removal, you may need to go to a hospital for removal. 

The optimal time to get the contraceptive implant inserted is within the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle. 

Insertion can still be done anytime during your menstrual cycle. However, you will need to use an additional form of protection such as condoms for 7 days before the implant becomes fully effective in preventing pregnancy. You can begin having unprotected intercourse without fear of unplanned pregnancy after these 7 days. 

About 1/5 women will stop getting their periods altogether, but a larger proportion may experience irregular but lighter bleeding/spotting. If you experience unpleasant or inconvenient spotting while on the implant, there are oral medications which can be prescribed to help reduce this.