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Original poster

Quick contraceptive implant question

15 replies

clemette · 07/05/2009 12:32

I know this comes up every now and again but I was just after a quick survey of impalnt users - would you recommend it?

Bit if background - have been off the pill since TTC DD five years ago. Between DD and DS used the diaphragm (rarely!). Since DS has been born we have used condoms but I accidentally fell pregnant using them (later miscarried). So I want something reliable but don't want to go back on the pill.

I have read about all the horror stories but wondered if anyone was happy using it...?
Thanks, Sam

OP posts:
MissSunny · 07/05/2009 13:53

Message withdrawn

LadyPinkofPinkerton · 07/05/2009 13:58

Didn't work for me unfrotunately. Was going to be my saviour, but unfortunatley gave me migraines.

cuntish · 07/05/2009 14:02

I had it in for 7 months. Bled pretty much most of that time, had terrible headaches and felt so hormonal I actually thought I was pregnant!
I had it taken out a month ago and feel MUCH better all round.

Original poster
clemette · 07/05/2009 16:10

Not sounding too good then...

OP posts:
LtEveDallas · 07/05/2009 16:15

I had it in for 2 years with no problems all round, slight weight gain (to be expected) but no bleeding / headaches / side effects. Had it taken out when we decided to TTC and 'caught' on 2nd attempt (less than a week after removal)

Had it put back in when DD was 3 months. Fine again for 3 yrs.

Had it changed at 3 yr point, fine for 6 months but recently had a MMC followed by 2 V heavy bleeds - am just waiting and seeing at the moment.

So mixed bag from me - on the whole would recommend.

HTH

purpleflower · 07/05/2009 16:19

I have it and I'm more than happy with it. I had it put in about 4 months ago and had a tiny bit of bleeding the first week and nothing since. I am breastfeeding though so I'm not sure if that makes a difference with the bleeding.

I have got PND but I don't think it's anything to do with the implant as I had it after DS aswell.

I would definitely have it put in again

minko · 07/05/2009 18:39

I had it for nearly a year and again I bled virtually continuously. I was put on the pill to control the bleeding which worked but was a rather belt and braces approach for my minimal contraceptive requirements (iykwim )

So had it taken out, and am having a coil put in next week. Not a mirena one as apparently I would be likely to have the same bleeding issues as it's the same hormone in both.

So cross fingers. Wish I could get DH to have a vasectomy!

muggglewump · 07/05/2009 18:44

I have had mine for almost two years. No weight gain or bad moods but I do have irregular periods. It's not an issue for me as I'm single and since I've bought a mooncup they are hassle free anyway.

I was sterilised a year ago so could have it out at anytime but I'm just going to leave it till the three years are up.

I'd reccommend it.

mrsmalumbas · 07/05/2009 18:57

I have one and quite like it, it's just there and I don't think about it. I do have slightly irregular periods, which can be annoying, and still get sore boobs before each period which is a bit of a pain. I was on the mini pill before and kept forgetting to take it so for me this is better.

piximon · 07/05/2009 18:57

I'm having mine out shortly (replacing with a copper coil). I've had it for almost a year.

I had severe mood swings for a few months after it went in, stupidly I didn't associate the link till much later as it's been an incredibly stressful year. I still don't feel I have my shine back. I've not had a period since it was put in but also experienced phantom pg symptoms so never have peace of mind.

Overall I would say you have nothing to lose by giving it a go, if you don't like it they can easily take it back out and it if does suit you it's fantastic not having to faff around with pills etc.

emma1977 · 07/05/2009 21:17

The most common side effect is irregular light bleeding or no bleeding at all- both completely normal. However, approx 1/5 users experience heavier, annoying bleeding in the first 3-6 months. Other side effects can include breast tenderness, spots, headaches and mood changes- but these occur in less than 2% of users.

The failure rate is 1/1000- it is the most effective method of contraception that is reversible. Compare that with 1-2/100 for 'perfect' pill use and 1/200 for sterilisation. Once an implant is removed, fertility should be back to normal within a couple of days (unlike depo, which can take months).

At my surgery, they are proving very popular. Nearly 80% of women are still using it happily at 1 year, which is way above most other methods. Give it a try.

Jaquelinehyde · 07/05/2009 21:21

Had mine in since September 2007 after a miscarrige. Bled once for two weeks in Dec 2007 nothing since.

I will have it removed some time this year as I was to TTC, but without a doubt will go straight back in if we are succesfull.

The best decision I have made contraceptive wise.

Jaquelinehyde · 07/05/2009 21:22

*as I want to not was to

mamadiva · 07/05/2009 21:33

I had mine put in October 2006 so almost the full three years now and I have been pretty happy with it!

It hurt a little getting it in but nothing bad really.

I have'nt had many side effects at all did'nt bleed to start with and in between the 2 and a half years I've had it I think I've had 4 periods, all of which were just my normal really.

I don't hink I've had mood swings or anything although I am a stroppy, highly strung bitch anyway

I was on the pill years ago but I am useless at remembering things like that so after I had my DS iw got this put in and I am glad I did, I will probably get it replaced when I have to get this out in October as DP does'nt want more kids

Original poster
clemette · 08/05/2009 13:29

Thank you everyone.

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