How safe and effective are hormonal birth control implants like Implanon?

Doctor's Answers 1

Implanon NXT is 99% effective as a form of contraception and is meant to be inserted superficially just under the skin on the inner aspect of the upper arm so that it can be felt but not seen. It is literally a "fit-and-forget" form of contraception that lasts for 3 years.

gynaecologist inserting contraceptive implant into woman

Side effects of Implanon

It is safe and has been around for some time but like all hormonal contraceptives, some women may experience side effects (although uncommon) like:

  • headache
  • mood changes
  • breast tenderness
  • bloating

It is not associated with weight gain, however.

After the insertion, some women may experience bruising or discomfort over the insertion site but this is usually temporary. In very rare cases, the Implanon NXT gets inserted too deep or it may be displaced from its original insertion site and may require minor surgery to remove it.

Who should not get Implanon?

Implanon NXT is contraindicated for any women with a previous history of deep vein thrombosis or is at risk of this. Women with renal or liver impairment cannot use Implanon NXT (or any form of hormonal contraception, for that matter).

Similar Questions

Is the long term use of birth control pills bad for our bodies?

My opening advice is to encourage you to use a reliable family planning method at all times, if you are sexually active and are not planning to start a family. Of all reversible methods of contraception, the hormonal methods are the most effective; and the birth control pill is one such method. The birth control pills are far more reliable than the normal use of condom. As with all medications, birth control pills have their fair share of side effects. The majority of the listed side effects are infrequent.

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How do breast implants affect breastfeeding?

Breast implants used for breast augmentation these days are most commonly cohesive gel silicone implants. The polymer used is of medical-grade as opposed to industrial-grade silicone, and therefore much more biologically inert and safe. The question I often get asked by my patients with regards to breastfeeding are: Will the silicone leak into the breast milk and make it unsafe for my baby? Will engorgement be worse? Will I be able to breastfeed with the implant in place or will the milk supply be affected? The answer to the first question is a DEFINITE NO.

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Dr Samuel Ho

Plastic Surgeon

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