Birth Control Question

**malita** · 06-12-2006 12:57

I was just wondering how many people out there had used the Implanon implant in there arm as a method of birth control, and if so what (if any) side effects have they had. Has it been effective??

I went to my GP yesterday looking for contraception and she suggested that this would be the best way to go as I am still breastfeeding (DS is 9 months) and cant take the Pill until I finish - and I'm not sure when this may be. I must admit the thought of something under my skin gives me the ebby geebys!! Am thinking I may just wait until I finish BF and then just try the pill.

What sort of contraception does everyone else use???

Thanks for listening!!

**BeachBaby3** · 06-12-2006 13:39

I havent used the implant but even when breastfeeding you can take the mini pill. Was this option given to you?

I take it and I'm still feeding. Bubs was a bit fussy on the breast at first but soon got used to it

**malita** · 06-12-2006 19:21

Yeah, she did suggest Mini Pill, but said that this was quite unreliable and I am hopeless at remembering to take a pill every day - let alone at the exact time every day, which I understand you have to do with the mini-pill. Does anyone else use the mini-pill??

**OJandMe** · 06-12-2006 19:29

Hi There!
I don't know what kind of body you have (easy to medicate or react to everything) but I got the implanon and it was an absolute disaster for me! I weighed 52kgs when I got it in, and after 9 months I had skyrocketed to 86kgs! I was moody all the time, and it's still messed up my metabolism, which was normal, but is not very very slow! I had very irregular periods, from anywhere as often as every fortnight, to as infrequently as about 45 days between. They varied in flow, and were sometimes light, and then a fortnight later were very heavy. After I got it out (and after i had the boys) I took Yasmin, which I thought was fantastic, no side effects, if anything it helped me lose weight.

The implanon is fine if you're body can take it... but if you do I reccomend keeping a close eye on your weight and if you put on any more than 5 kgs..TAKE IT OUT!!

**mum2peanut** · 06-12-2006 21:37

I know a couple of girls who had the implanon put it, and then when they got it removed to ttc, it took them ages, and these were young girls too. I just think it's too new to know any real side affects, maybe once I finish having kids and it's been around for longer I would do it. We're just using condoms as we plan on ttc mid next year and didn't see the point in going on the pill again.

**kelnjord** · 07-12-2006 08:15

Originally Posted by malita

I was just wondering how many people out there had used the Implanon implant in there arm as a method of birth control, and if so what (if any) side effects have they had. Has it been effective??

Hi Malita
i myself have had the implanon about 3months after my DS was born it was the weirdest thing to have put in but i cant recommend it either, i suffered from chronic post natal depression or so the shrink said, it wasnt til the 3rd script for anti-depressants

that i took matters in to my own hands and thought mayb its bcoz of the implant, i had it removed and i was fine thank goodness

... So my advice would b contemplate it carefully bcoz i would hate for anotha woman to get it and then a week later be contemplating killin herself and her child

! Which is wot i was doin!!!
Sorry im so morbid grls and dont forget this is only my story.... But woteva u choose good luck!

**Jel** · 09-12-2006 21:21

A girl I know had the implanon for about 3 months. During that time she became very anxious, paranoid and stressed - along with irregular periods

**Leah82** · 09-12-2006 22:01

Originally Posted by gret_bliss

Hi There!

The implanon is fine if you're body can take it... but if you do I reccomend keeping a close eye on your weight and if you put on any more than 5 kgs..TAKE IT OUT!!

Is that why I've gained weight!! Either the implanon or the late night chocolate snacks! hehe

I had it put in during october and have bled constantly (not heavy) up until now still. It's actually been longer than for how long I bled after having my children.

I'm so **** at remembering to take the pill tho that I felt that this was my only option.

I actually have a dr's appt next week to ask if the bleeding is normal and if not - I think I'll get it taken out.
Also, I don't know if it was a coincidence or not but after getting it inserted I found it very difficult to get to sleep for about 1 week.

**Issey** · 09-12-2006 22:22

I have had implanon for about 6 months with no side effects and have not had weight gain (i have actually lost about 5kg that is 5kg lighter than what I was when I first became pregnant) despite my chocolate eating

. I personally haven't looked back.

At the womens health centre I went to they recommended it to me, although they don't recommend to everyone. I hadn't had my periods back when I had it put in and have not had any bleeding or side effects. Prior to being pregnant I used a low dosage pill.

I would recommend getting it inserted by a womens health centre rather than a GP as they have more experience putting them in and removing them, as you say your feel a bit squeemish, it isn't that bad though!! The best thing is though if it doesn't suit you, you can get it removed. It is worth a try.

**♥Heaven Sent♥** · 09-12-2006 22:26

I got implanon put in a few years ago and it lasted roughly 3 months,reasons being that i had abnormal bleeding,mood swings and bad headaches and was also very tired.

I am getting the Mirena IUD put in on monday hopefully and this lasts 5 years with very few side effects,and i am also bf.