Implant over Pill?

[BringMeTea123]

Hi 👋🏼

I had my first baby 8 months ago. I have taken microgynon (not 100% on spelling 🙈) since I was around16/17 years old, im now 25. I missed a month of pills and then my son arrived, was happy about it though.

Since having him though I'm finding forgetting to take them, I take them at night before I go to bed but sometimes I'm so tired I just end up crashing. Obviously we arnt ready for another baby yet so was looking at the implant. Any stories or anything anyone can tell me about it?

•I've always had very heavy periods but they have always been regular.
•will the implant mess my body around make me bleed irregular and how long?
•if I wanted to have it taken out in 2 years time (for another baby) how quickly does fertility return?
•has anyone fallen pregnant while having the implant in?
•what is the procedure like to have it put in?

Thanks in advance for any help x

I have my second implant in and it's the best contraception I've ever used. I used to suffer from really heavy periods, bad cramping and flooding but the implant has completely stopped my periods which is amazing. I only had one period around a week after getting it put in but it was like a light bleed.
My friend got the implant and it made her bleed for most of the month so it can seem to go either way.
Apparently fertility is returned as soon as it's removed, it took me 9 months to fall pregnant after I had it removed although I had very irregular periods after removal with only 2 in the 9 months before i got pregnant.
The procedure is quick and easy, you get a local anesthetic in your arm then it's inserted, your arm will probably be sore for a day or two. Removal was just as easy for me, another local and then a little cut in your skin and removed with tweezer type things.

Thank you imsodizzy, that's really helpful.
I've had periods since I was 14 and they've always ran like clockwork, that's why I took the pill as it seemed not to cause me any disruption and I knew when I did want children I could just stop the pill and I could.

Do I need to book with the doctor or a nurse? I could book for next week and then that gives me time to research a little more. I guess if I don't like it after giving it time to work I could have it taken out and try something new but I'm up for giving it a go x

On my second implant here too, wonderful wonderful things and my absolute favourite form of contraception.
•My periods are slightly more irregular now, used to be really bad flooding but I could tell you when almost to the hour. Now I can tell you when by around a week but they are so light it's more like spotting.
•I had mine in for 2.5 years, 2 months after having it out my periods were back to completely normal and, 6 months after I had it taken out I was pregnant.
• I know of one person who got pregnant on the implant, but most of my friends use it so one in a large number isn't bad considering I've had four relatives get pregnant on the pill.
•As dizzy said to have it put it they numb your arm and just slide it in, its inside like a large hollow needle so they just slip that under the skin IIRC. Taking out is a tiny incision and tweezers. Sore for a day or two and a bit bruised but nothing major, and neither of mine have travelled.
•You can book an appointment with a doctor to have it done or you can go to your local GUM clinic. Personally I go to the clinic. I think you have to have an appointment to discuss it then the actual appointment to have it put in when it's your first one but after that it's just the one approximately 20 minute appointment for another. They definitely give you time to ask any questions you have anyway.
•I think they say to give it six months to let it work before having it out but it is certainly easier to get them to remove one than it is to get them to remove a coil.

Thank you LoveMyLittleSuperhero, I'm definitely going to go for it! Phoned my GP this morning and they can't fit me in until mid July so GUM clinic it is - (although I hate those places) lol x

Phoned the clinic and have an appointment on Tuesday afternoon. From what I have read I don't think they will do it there and then as I've not had it before, they just do the initial consultation and then you go back a few days later. Is that going to be the case? Also am I best leaving my son with someone while I go? And am I ok to drive after too?

Sorry for all the questions but would rather be prepared lol x

can you see it?
i had a disastrous time trying to have the mirena fitted... this could be an option.

Have you considered the non hormonal coil (copper IUD)? I know alot of people love that they have no periods on the implant, but do you feel like that's something you want to interfere with in your body? Changing normal and natural bodily functions can have long term and detrimental effects. I work in sexual health and from professional experience and personal experience, I've met a lot of women who have had many problems with the implant.
Obviously there will be millions of women who use it with no negative side effects at all :) but just read up and weigh up the risks before embarking on pumping your body with hormones!

Hi MissBax

My best friend is using the coil and she's had no end of trouble with it but I'm not sure if it's the hormone one or not. The implant just seems a lot less invasive than the coil. I don't really fancy someone poking around up there lol.

I need some form of birth control as we do not want another baby yet but I'm awful with the pill (hence why I already have 1 baby lol). Just thought I could leave it forget about it and not worry. I don't think condoms etc would work for us.

The pill makes me a complete bitch and my partner has said before one minute you're happy the next you're down or stroppy or crying which it does give me mood swings. And my sex drive is completely down the pan. Not sure if that's just from baby or pill though x

The implant is the same hormones as the pill though - I'm not in anyway trying to dissuade you, but at work we see SO many ladies coming in 6 - 12 months after starting the implant to have it removed. Acne, weight gain, continual bleeding are VERY common side effects. Some women don't stop bleeding after coming off it and have to go back on the pill to regulate them anyway. Others lose their periods all together (which feels great at the time), but then really struggle to get a cycle back and conceive once they come off.
Again, as I said before - there will be equally as many positive stories as negative. But if you've struggled with side effects from the pill, hormones may not be the best for you.
Good luck with whatever you decide though :)

To be fair I'd rather know these things as I am know for being "impulsive" lol. I can't see myself on the pill any longer. From what I've read mood swings are the biggest side effect of microgynon, it's just not for me anymore but as I said we need something to protect us from pregnancy. Definitely don't want anything being messed with from the inside down there if you know what I mean lol. Still haven't been for my smear as I fear for people rummaging down there 🙈. I will get the courage to go soon x

Oh OP!!! Please go and get your smear - you've had a baby, so you're definitely a strong person physically and mentally - smears save lives and are VERY important. :) have a chat to your GUM clinic about the different contraception options. Even if one didn't agree with you, you could try something else - there will be something that suits you! X