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General health

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Original poster

Can you talk to me about the IMPLANT please.

13 replies

Disenchanted3 · 14/02/2010 18:54

How does it work firstly?

If ylou are on it what is your experience?

I've been on the pill for years but want something more reliable as I don't want a pregnancy.

How does it affect your periods?

If you reacted badly to some pills would it be a mistake to try this?

Thanks

OP posts:

daisychainz · 14/02/2010 20:57

The Implant is like a tiny thin stick that is inserted under your skin, most likely under your arm. You can feel it when it is in. It is about a inch long. It is supposed to last for 3 years. Sometimes your periods can stop completely, or you can spot all the way through the month. I have not had this type of contraceptive myself but my sil has it and she says she suffers alot of headaches. She also said that the implant occasionally irritates her in her everyday routine, e.g getting dressed. Hope this helps x x

Original poster

Disenchanted3 · 15/02/2010 10:27

Hmmm thanks Daisy, thats what I'm worried about spotting and headaches.

I've been on about 5 pills and only one (Femodene) has been OK for me but I still get ill on my 7 day break.

I'm not sure its working properly for me anymore but am worried about the implant being put in and making me ill.

OP posts:

allaboutme · 15/02/2010 10:34

The pill tends to give me headaches too and when I tried the implant I found it did the same.
I kept mine in for 7 months and had it removed as was bleeding more often than not. I had a proper period that lasted over 6 weeks constantly when it first went in! then bled for 2 weeks on and then 1 week off after that.
HATED it! and had to wait a couple of months for an appt to take it out plus go to an appt to 'discuss' it before they would agree etc.

On the other hand my SIL has had it for 6 years and never had a period or a problem at all!

Riapwhatyousow · 15/02/2010 10:51

I am in my final year of my first implant and I won't be having another! Bleeding far more on than off here , very heavy, and then with spotting in-between. Also gained 2 stone within a few months of it going in, but have been told as it isn't hormone based the implant can't be blamed for my weight
Also the boys seem to mananged resting on the place where the implant is in my arm when they come into bed for a cuddle, so it's a bit sore.

Original poster

Disenchanted3 · 15/02/2010 10:54

Right don't think I'll be trying this then!

I'm sick of this shite with contraceotion

OP posts:

Piccalilli2 · 15/02/2010 12:56

I've got one and have found it quite good. I did have headaches and periods were a bit unreliable for a few months but I've now had it in about a year and everything has settled down - no more headaches, no weight gain and periods are regular again. It works well for me as I can't take the pill due to blood pressure problems.

orangemoon · 15/02/2010 13:20

I only ever hear bad stories about the implant, however i am on my second one since having ds in 2005 and have not had any periods in 5 years and no side effects whatsoever.

Personally for me it is the best form of contraception ever.

Iklboo · 15/02/2010 13:23

I'm about to get mine replaced after 3 years. No spotting, headaches or weight gain (that I can blame on the implant that is). I haven't had a period in 3 years. For me it's the best contraception I've ever used. Until DS gets the snip that is!

Original poster

Disenchanted3 · 16/02/2010 15:11

DS gets the snip?! lol

I don't know if its worth the risk for me,

My AF started yesterday and Ive been so ill today, migranes, vommiting.

I always have this when I bleed so if I was one of the people who bleed alot for months i would be unable to function properly for all that time.

Part of me wants DH to get the snip but Im unsure.

OP posts:

jofeb04 · 16/02/2010 16:01

Disenchanted,

Before they stick it in, the doctor/nurse should check whether you have had any side effects from progesterone before.

I have had the implant (almost five years). Have had no periods, mood swings or wieght gain. But, I also did not suffer when I was taking the pill. I also had the injection, and similaly, did not have any spotting/periods then.

Hope that helps.

jofeb04 · 16/02/2010 16:03

Also, don't feel the implant(unless I actually look for it iyswim), nor does it affect my day to day stuff. It has never hurt when it has been knocked etc either.

aSilverLining · 16/02/2010 16:15

I have had the implant before and it is my preferred method of contraception, am thinking of having another put in even though I'm single as I had shorter, lighter periods when I had the implant. However when I had it took out (time was up on it) I bled for 6 weeks!

I can't take any oestrogen based contraceptions as they make me very sick (as does pregnancy), am too scatty for progestrogen pill, and injection made me put on 2 stone.

My implant was in for the full time (not sure now but think it was 3 or 4 years??) didn't irritate me, could feel it under my skin but wasn't uncomfortable.

dmo · 22/02/2010 12:29

just had mine taken out 3 mths early

first 2 yrs were okish had bleeding etc but the last yr has been alful bleed for 40days+ so had to take the pill too which did help but pushed the iron out of me big time so kept fainting.

still have stiches in from them taking it out which have to be left for 5 days dry so no showers for me

not sure what our next op is GP said i should be drug free for a month to see how my body is and to see how my iron levels are, but in so much pain at mo and bleeding very heavy

had the injections for 10yrs which were fab but cant have tham any more cause you cant have them for more than 10yrs (think its 5yrs now)

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