- How the implant works
- Main advantages
- Possible disadvantages
- Most common questions about the implant
- 1. Is it possible to get pregnant?
- 2. How is the implant placed?
- 3. When should you change?
- 4. Does the implant get fat?
- 5. Can the implant be purchased by SUS?
- 6. Does the implant protect against STDs?
- Who should not use
The contraceptive implant, like 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 introduced under the skin of the arm by the gynecologist.
This contraceptive method is more than 99% effective, lasts 3 years and works by releasing a hormone into the blood, such as the pill, but in this case, this release is done continuously, preventing ovulation without having to take a compressed every day.
The contraceptive implant must be prescribed and can only be inserted and removed by the gynecologist. It is placed, preferably, up to 5 days after the start of menstruation and can be purchased at any pharmacy, with a price between 900 and 2000 reais.
How the implant works
The implant has a high dose of the hormone progesterone, which is gradually released into the blood over 3 years, which prevents ovulation. Thus, there are no mature eggs that can be fertilized by a sperm if an unprotected relationship occurs.
In addition, this method also thickens the mucus in the uterus, making it difficult for sperm to pass into the fallopian tubes, the place where fertilization normally occurs.
Main advantages
The contraceptive implant has several advantages such as the fact that it is a practical method and lasts for 3 years, avoiding having to take the pill every day. In addition, the implant does not interfere with intimate contact, improves PMS symptoms, allows women to breastfeed and prevents menstruation.
Possible disadvantages
Although it has many advantages, the implant is not the ideal method of contraception for all people, as there may also be disadvantages such as:
- Irregular menstrual period, especially in the early days; Slight increase in weight; Need to be changed at the gynecologist; It is a more expensive method.
In addition, there is an even 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 that the body needs to get used to the hormonal change.
Most common questions about the implant
Some of the most common questions 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 pregnancies are very rare. However, if the implant is placed after the first 5 days of the cycle, and if the woman has not used a condom for at least 7 days, there is a higher risk of becoming pregnant.
Thus, the implant should ideally be placed in the first 5 days of the cycle. After this period, you must 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 on the arm and then places the implant with the help of an injection-like device.
The implant can be removed at any time, also by a doctor or nurse, through a small cut on the skin, after placing a slight anesthesia on the skin.
3. When should you change?
Normally, the contraceptive implant has a validity of 3 years, and must be changed before the last day, since after that moment the woman is no longer protected against a possible pregnancy.
4. Does the implant get fat?
Due to hormonal changes caused by the use of the implant, some women may be more likely to gain weight in the first 6 months. However, if you maintain a balanced diet, it is possible that weight gain will not happen.
5. Can the implant be purchased by SUS?
At the moment, the contraceptive implant is not covered by SUS and, therefore, it is necessary to buy it at 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 contact with body fluids, it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS or syphilis, for example. For this, the condom should always be used.
Who should not use
The contraceptive implant should not be used by women who have active venous thrombosis, in case of benign or malignant liver tumor, severe or unexplained liver disease, vaginal bleeding without specific cause, during pregnancy or in case of suspected pregnancy.
