Nowadays there is currently a huge variety of contraceptives, including birth pills, contraceptive patches, intrauterine devices (IUD), condoms, cervical caps, and many more. When choosing a contraceptive method, one will have to consider their health condition and their own preferences. In the UK, contraceptive implants (AKA Nexplanon) is one of the more common contraceptive methods that is considered to be safe and effective.
We have heard a lot about “Pregnancy Sticks”, but what are “Contraceptive Sticks”? Our experienced doctors will answer this question!
A contraceptive implant is a device that’s about the size of a matchstick, it is also known as a “subdermal contraceptive implant”. The doctor will insert a flexible plastic rod under the skin of the inside of your upper arm. The implant will last for approximately three years and will have more than 99% effectiveness. If the contraceptive is implanted the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle, you’ll be immediately protected against becoming pregnant. If it is fitted any other day, you will need to use other contraceptives for 7 days.
Contraceptive implants work by slowly releasing progesterone into the bloodstream. The progesterone will inhibit the ovulation cycle as well as thicken the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperms to enter the uterus and fertilising an egg. It will also thin the lining of the womb, which makes it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant itself into the uterus. This is how the contraceptive effect is achieved.
It should be noted that contraceptive implants cannot prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STI), so condoms should still be used to reduce the risk of infection.
*If you fall into the conditions above or are currently using the listed medications, it is important to use additional contraceptive methods that are not affected by medications. Some drugs will weaken the effectiveness of the contraceptive implant. If in doubt about a medical prescribed, it is important to consult with your doctor about your contraceptive implant.
The doctor will first disinfect and then apply local anaesthetics to the area. They will then create a 2mm long incision to insert the contraceptive implant under the skin of your non-dominant arm. This operation is done in the clinic and will take approximately 15 minutes. Once the procedure is completed, you can resume your daily activities including exercising without any issues.
The contraceptive implant will last up to 3 years and will need to be replaced after. After the removal of the contraceptive implant, it is important that a new one is replaced immediately to maintain the contraceptive effect. If your health permits, you can use contraceptive implants until menopause. If you suspect you are pregnant or if a pregnancy test is positive, please consult with your doctor.