Implants are small plastic rods or capsules, each about the size of a matchstick, that release a progestin like the natural hormone progesterone in a woman‘s body. With this method, a trained health worker puts small, soft tubes of progestin under the skin of a woman‘s arm. The implant then prevents pregnancy for 3 to 5 years, depending on the type of implant. Following are the available different types of subdermal contraceptive implants:

Norplant

Six (6) rods implant and effective for seven years. Its production stopped in 2004, but those women who had the Norplant inserted previously can continue to use for seven years starting from the date of insertion.

Jadelle

Two (2) rods implant and effective for five years, available in a sterile pack. This method is in use in Ethiopia, and is provided by many trained health professionals in Health Centres and hospitals but not at health post level

Sino-implant

Two (2) rods implant and effective for four years, available in a sterile package.

Implanon

Has 1 rod, and is effective for three years. Over the three years, use of Implanon less than one pregnancy per 100 women (1 per 1,000 women) will occur. Implanon is registered in Ethiopia and has been approved by the ministry of health to be provided by health extension workers at health post level.

Next, you will learn more about this method, its advantage, disadvantage, how to insert and manage its side effects.

Implanon is a new implant with only one rod or capsule that can be inserted just under the skin of the upper arm to deliver progestin into the blood stream. Implanon is easy to use and has longer protection (3 years). It covers a broad range of clients and fertility returns immediately after removal. Implanon makes insertion and removal much easier and produces fewer side effects for users as compared with other implants. Implanon is inserted using a special designed preloaded applicator that eliminates the need for a separate incision and it takes less than one minute for a trained health professional

Fig. Implanon package.

How effective is Implanon?:

Implanon provides effective, reliable and reversible contraception for a maximum of three years, after which time the implant should be removed and replaced with a new one if the client still doesn‘t want to become pregnant and comfortable with the method. Implanon has proved to be extremely reliable in preventing pregnancy. This exceptional efficacy is mainly achieved by ovulation inhibition /ability to prevent release eggs from ovaries/, and thickening cervical mucus prevents entrance of sperm into the uterus.

Who can use Implanon?:

Women of any reproductive age or parity including women who:

Have or have not had children, or are not married.
Are of any age, including adolescents and women over 40 years old.
Have just had an abortion, miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancy.
Smoke cigarettes, regardless of age or number of cigarettes smoked.
Are breastfeeding (starting as soon as six weeks after childbirth).
Have anaemia now or in the past.
Have varicose veins.
Have HIV infection, whether or not taking antiretroviral medications

Who cannot use Implanon?:

Breastfeeding a baby less than six weeks old.
Has a blood clot in lungs or deep in legs.
Ever had breast cancer.
Unexplained vaginal bleeding: if the bleeding suggests a serious condition, help her choose a method without hormones to use until unusual bleeding is assessed.
Severe liver disease or jaundice (yellow skin or eyes).
Take pills for tuberculosis (TB), fungal infections, or seizures (fits).

When to start using Implanon?:

She can start any day of the menstrual cycle if she is certainly sure of not pregnant.
If fully (or nearly fully) breastfeeding, can start from 6 weeks after childbirth.
If partially breastfeeding, best to start six weeks after giving birth.
After childbirth, if NOT breastfeeding: Can start immediately after childbirth.
Can start immediately after abortion or miscarriage.
If switching from pills, now is the best time to start.

Possible side-effects and its management

Light spotting or bleeding and irregular bleeding may be common among Implanon users and this usually settled after one year.
No monthly bleeding but not harmful.
Less common side effects: Headaches ( Can take paracetamol or ibuprofen for a headache), lower abdominal pain, dizziness, breast tenderness, upset stomach (nausea), nervousness, acne or rash, change in appetite, weight gain.
Does not prevent STIs.