IMPLANON

[KAZ]

Does anyone have any advice or experiences regarding the contraceptive implant 'Implanon'??

[lisa74656]

The only problem with implants is that if you want to come off it to have a baby it can take up to a year for everything to go back to normal in order to get pregnant. I opted for evra patches. You go back to normal cycles a week after you stop using them. I don't have any side effects and you only need to remember to change them once a week!

[Picky]

I've had the Impanon implant since November 2002 and I've found it ok. My local family planning clinic told me that fertility would return pretty much as soon as it's removed, which is different to the depo injection, which can take up to a year. I have had the depo injection too, and much prefer the implant. I've not had it removed yet, but putting it in wasn't as bad as you might think. I don't even notice it anymore and there is only a really tiny mark where it went it. I spent ages going through the options with the FPC and it ofcourse depends on the reason you require it. Mine was I had awful 'lady pains' but touch wood, I've been ok since! Have a chat with the FPC, they are normally very helpful. Good luck!

[Nic4115]

I have been on it for 8 months now. Up until the start of this month everything was going great. I had no periods at all, not even a little bit of spot bleeding. Then I got my period out of the blue. It was only very light but lasted for about a week. 6 days later it started again and has now been going for 9 days straight.

[Kaz Hume]

Hi Kaz

I had the Implanon implant put in place May 2004.  I had a little girl in the April.  Initially I wasnt really aware of many changes other than spotting/irregular small bleeds and slight pain every now and then where the impant is.  Earlier this year I was aware of my weight going up and up (although I did struggle before birth).  I have tried many diets, still the weight is going on.  I was then informed by an ex nurse that my implant has been inserted in the wrong place......yes, it is in my inner arm but bends round my elbow!! I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in June and prescribed Prozac.  I am no better (probably worse) and am now awaiting counselling.  I feel so stressed and angry 99% of the time.  I have also heard that you should have it checked every 3 months.  Do you know if this is true?  Has it affected your relationships?

[KAZ]

Hi Kaz

I had my Implanon implant put in shortly after I posted this question (May 2004, same as you!) I have found no problems with it at all. The first period I had on it lasted longer than usuhal but from then on my periods have stopped altogether its great!! As for mood changes, I was concerned about this as I do have a history of anxiety and depression, infact  when I first had the implant I was tempted to blame it for every time I felt low but I do not feel this now, I don't even think about it most of the time. If you are suffering from depression, I highly recommended Congnitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) This changed my life!. Back to the implant....I also do not feel my weight has been affected, I had a check up 6 months after having it put in and my weight had actually gone down!. I don't go for check ups now, Iwas told I didn't need to unless I was worried about anything. I cannot really report any bad effects from Implanon, I am sorry that you have had some difficulty with it, I hope that things work out for you, hope this info was useful

Best wishes,

Kaz

[KAZ]

Kaz Me again...Sorry....I don't think your Depression is related to the implant, I worry about anyone taking Prozac as it can be very dangerous! Speak to your doctor about getting off of it, try St Johns wort instead and get yourself referred for CBT

Good luck!

Kaz xxx