IMPLANTS

I guess by now some people would be making up their minds or reconsidering their choice of contraceptive.

IMPLANTS
An implant is a small rod that is placed under the skin in your upper arm. It releases progestogen into the bloodstream. It works for up to 3 years.

It works mainly by stopping ovulation. It thickens the mucus at the neck of the cervix thereby preventing sperm from entering the womb. It makes the lining of the womb thinner. This means that if an egg were to fertilize, it would not be likely to be able to attach to the womb.

It should be fitted during the first five days of your period. It can be put in 3 weeks after childbirth.

Do not use an implant if:

• you have arterial disease or history of stroke 
• you have breast cancer 
• you have unexplained vagina bleeding 

ADVANTAGES

• You don't have to remember to take a pill daily.
• It can be used when breastfeeding. 
• It does not interfere with sex.
• May reduce period pain. 
• It may help protect against pelvic infection.
• Fertility will return to normal as soon as implant is taken out.

DISADVANTAGES

• Irregular bleeding. 
• Periods may be heavier and longer. 

SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache 
• Fluid retention 
• Breast tenderness 
• Mood changes 
• Weight gain.

It is over 99 percent effective.