Hello. Thanks for passing by. I did a post on how to choose the most effective family planning method. I explained to you the types of both hormonal and non-hormonal family planning methods and their effectiveness. Now, most of you my great fans have requested I look into each family planning method in depth. I have decided to discuss this every Thursday. So you need to like and follow this page to stay informed. Without much a do, lets dive in to the first family planning method which is IMPLANT. What is Implant? The contraceptive implant (Implanon NXT®) is a soft plastic stick about 4 cm long. The implant slowly releases a hormone, progesterone, into your body. Progesterone is similar to the hormone produced by the ovaries. How effective is implant? It is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can last for up to three years. How is implant use? The implant is inserted (injected) under the skin of your inner upper arm by a trained doctor or nurse. A local anesthetic is used to prevent pain during the insertion. The process takes less than 5 minutes! How does implant work? The implant works by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. This explains why most women who use it do not receive their monthly periods. It also thickens the fluid around the cervix, (opening to the uterus/womb). This helps to prevent the sperm from entering. When does it start working from insertion? When the implant is first inserted into the arm it can take up to seven days to start working to prevent pregnancy. I advise women to abstain for those 7 days just to be safe. What is good about implant?

• Most effective method of contraception. 99% effective.
• Effective for three years. You can enjoy sex without worrying. After three years, you can remove and replace immediately.
• No periods! If dread periods this is the family planning for you. And if you receive period, it’s going to be very light and less cramps. By the way, not having periods with implant is not harmful for your body!
• Safe for breastfeeding moms since it only contain progestin hormone
• Once removed, fertility goes back to normal and most women conceive almost immediately.

What are the side effects of using implants? For the women who receive their periods, the cycle may change making them irregular. Some women may experience heavy bleeding. When this happens, consult your doctor. Other effects include mood swings, headaches and weight gain. What happens if you get pregnant and still have implant? If you belong to the 1% of people who conceive with implant on, don’t worry. Implant does not harm the pregnancy. You can remove it you want. After the expiry period, use condoms to prevent pregnancy or just replace. Additional information about implant?

• Implants does not prevent Sexually transmitted Infections
• If you have been treated or diagnosed with any form of cancer, avoid using implant or any other hormonal contraception.

There you have it guys. I hope it’s simplified. Do you have any other question that I have not addressed? Throw it in the comment below or in my Facebook inbox and I will respond right away. If you like, share it. Next Thursday we look at IUD-COIl. Stay right here by liking and following my Facebook page, twitter and Instagram by just clicking their respective icons below. I appreciate your company.