What does a contraceptive implant look like?
It’s a small rod the size of a matchstick, 4 cm long by 2 mm in diameter. It contains 68 mg of etonogestrel, a derivative of the hormone progesterone, which is also used in certain pills and in the contraceptive ring.
How it works
The contraceptive implant releases a small amount of hormone every day to prevent ovulation.
Effectiveness
- The pregnancy rate is very low with this contraceptive method since it suppresses ovulation and there is no chance of forgetting to take it. According to Health Canada, the efficacy rate is 99.95% for 3 years, but according to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, it could extend to as long as 5 years.
- The implant is effective 7 days after insertion.
- Fertility returns immediately after it is removed.
Indications
- Women who want an effective contraceptive and don’t want to worry about taking it regularly.
- Women who don’t want or can’t take contraceptive pills containing estrogen.
- The implant is compatible with breastfeeding because it doesn’t decrease milk production.
Contraindications
The implant is suitable for almost all women, except those who are pregnant, who are being treated for or have been treated for breast cancer, and those with severe liver disease.
Placement
The implant can be placed at any time – as long as you are not pregnant – by a trained healthcare professional.
It’s placed under the skin of the inner upper, non-dominant arm.
A local anesthetic is administered at the insertion site.
The implant is inserted in a matter of seconds, using a specially designed device. The woman palpates the upper arm to locate the implant after insertion. A bandage is then applied to maintain light compression for 24 hours.
Removal
The implant can be removed at any time.
The healthcare professional first locates the rod, then administers a local anesthetic at the removal site.
The implant is then grasped and removed with small forceps.
Butterfly bandages are applied for three days, and a compression dressing is kept on for 24 hours.
Complications
After insertion or removal, bruising, pain or minor skin infection of the arm can occur.
In rare cases, when the implant has been inserted too deeply, it can be more difficult to locate. However, as it is radio-opaque, it can be quickly located by X-ray or ultrasound.
It can then be removed by an experienced healthcare professional.
Cost
The price ranges from $325 to $400, depending on the pharmacy.
Making your choice
Talk to a healthcare professional. They will answer all your questions and help you to choose the contraceptive method that’s right for you.
The contraceptive implant is newly available in Canada, but has been used in most countries for several years.
This means that it carries very few health risks, and is highly effective.
Last update : June 2023