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Implants, Patches

If you are in a serious, committed relationship and are not ready to have children, or simply want to have a modest family size, you might want to consider your birth control options in Singapore.
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Contraceptive Hormonal Implant

If you are in a serious, committed relationship and are not ready to have children, or simply want to have a modest family size, you might want to consider your birth control options in Singapore. While there are many types of birth control methods in Singapore, the contraceptive hormonal implant is a friendly and cost-effective option for working adults.

What is the contraceptive hormonal implant?

Contraceptive hormonal implant is a non-oral, long-lasting birth control method. It is a small, thin, flexible plastic rod-shaped device inserted discreetly underneath the skin of your upper arm.

Other things to know about contraceptive hormonal implant:

  • It contains the hormone etonogestrel, which is released into your body slowly.
  • It helps prevent unplanned pregnancies for up to 36 months.
  • It has a 99% efficacy rate and is one of the safest birth control methods.

What are the benefits of the hormonal contraceptive implant?

  • 99% efficacy rate
  • Effective for 36 months
  • Works well for women who have difficulty remembering to take their birth control pill daily
  • Doesn’t impact sex in any way
  • Ideal for women who cannot use contraception that is estrogen-based
  • Can be taken out at any time and your ability to get pregnant will be safely reversed
  • Can potentially help alleviate severe period pain as well as heavy menstrual flow

How does the contraceptive hormonal implant work?

The contraceptive hormonal implant works in two ways:

  1. Interruption of the ovulation process
    The implant releases a reproductive hormone called progestogen into your bloodstream. This hormone works by suppressing a woman’s ovulation, thereby preventing the periodic or monthly release of an egg.
  2. Thickening the mucus of the cervix
    This inhibits sperm mobility and thins the uterine wall, significantly minimising the chance of implantation of a fertilized egg.

What can I expect during insertion?

The contraceptive hormonal implant is extremely easy to insert – the procedure is carried out in your doctor’s office and takes less than 10-15 minutes.

  • The implant is inserted underneath your inner, upper arm, nearly 5-10cm above your elbow.
  • After preparing the site of insertion, your doctor will administer a local anesthetic injection to help numb your skin.
  • Your doctor will thereafter insert the implant in your skin.

When is the best time to get the contraceptive hormonal implant and when can one start having unprotected intercourse?

While there is no right time to get this birth control implant inserted, it is widely accepted that the best time to get the contraceptive hormonal implant is during the first five days of your menstrual cycle.

However, the device can still be inserted anytime during your menstrual cycle.

But you will have to use an additional form of protection such as condoms for seven days before the implant becomes fully effective in preventing pregnancy.

What are the side effects of contraceptive hormonal implant?

Side effects of contraceptive hormonal implant itself include:

  • Irregular menstrual bleeding (shorter or longer menstrual periods or spotting in between menses)
  • Some women may stop experiencing periods altogether
  • Mood swings
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Possible weight gain
  • Benign or noncancerous ovarian cysts
  • Skin allergies such as acne

Potential side effects of insertion may include;

  • Possible skin infections
  • Bruising
  • Scarring
  • Pain
  • Bleeding

How effective is the hormonal implant after birth, abortion, or miscarriage?

Contraceptive hormonal implant can be inserted immediately after you have given birth, had a miscarriage, or had an abortion.

  • It is instantly effective if it’s inserted within the 21-day period after giving birth
  • If it is inserted after the 21 days have elapsed, you will have to take additional contraceptive protection for a week
  • It is immediately effective after a miscarriage or an abortion
  • It is safe for breastfeeding mothers

Who is eligible for the contraceptive hormonal implant?

Any woman can use contraceptive hormonal implants provided she hasn’t attained the age of menopause.
It is however not recommended if you:

  • Suffer from a condition that can potentially impact your choice of contraception
  • Suspect that you are expectant
  • Take drugs that may impact the implant’s efficacy
  • Usually, bleed either after sex or between periods.
  • Are a cancer survivor or have breast cancer
  • Want your menstrual cycle to remain regular

When should you consider removing the hormonal implant?

It is highly recommended that you seek immediate medical attention should you:

  • Find out that you are pregnant.
  • Feel that the shape of the implant has changed.
  • Feel that the implant isn’t underneath your skin
  • Realize that the skin around the hormonal implant is discolored.

Note: the implant is intended to remain in your system for a period of 3 years and your doctor will issue a card with your date of removal.

Will I get my period after the implant is inserted into my body?

While nearly 20% of women will stop having their periods altogether, a larger percentage of women will experience irregular but lighter spotting or bleeding instead.
Should you experience inconvenient or unpleasant spotting while on the hormonal implant, you should consult your doctor, who may prescribe oral medications to curb this problem.

FAQ

Is the implant insertion procedure painful?
Most women will experience a pinching or stinging feeling, which is quite similar to having an injection. Your physician will administer a local anesthetic to numb the insertion site, ensuring you don’t feel any pain at all.
Can the hormonal implant break inside my arm?
Contraceptive hormonal implant is made from a highly flexible plastic, and this makes it highly unlikely for it to break while in your arm.
Can the hormonal implant stop working?
The hormonal implant will only stop functioning after its three-year expiry period. Your doctor will safely remove the implant after three years, and you have the option to be fitted with another one.
How much does it cost to get contraceptive hormonal implant?
In Singapore, contraceptive hormonal implant costs $500 on average. While this might seem expensive, remember that this is a one-time investment that lasts for three years.
Can you still become pregnant with the implant?
The implant has a 99% efficacy rate – this means while it is still technically possible to get pregnant, chances are extremely low.

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