Contraception_Implanon

Question 1

Implanon

1. What is it, how does it work to prevent pregnancy?
2. What are the side effects?
3. How is it inserted
4. If not removed in 4 years
5. How do you counsel women about the chance of bleeding?
6. If bleeding on the implanon - strategies

Answer 1

1. Releases the hormone progestogen (hormone similar to progesterone) into the bloodstream
   - stops ovulation
   - thickens the mucus of the cervix so the sperm cannot enter the uterus
   - changes the lining of the uterus making it unsuitable for pregnancy
2. Headaches, mood changes, breast tenderness, acne, weight gain or loss, decrease libido
3. It’s a flexible rod inserted under the skin, minor procedure with local anaesthetic
4. can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy

5. 
1 in 4 will not have any bleeding 
1 in 4 will have normal/regular periods
1 in 4 will have light spotting 
1 in 4 will have heavy periods 

6. Wait and see if light spotting for 3-6 months
   If bleeding ongoing use NSAID (e.g. Ponstan) and Transemic Acid
   Or use low dose pill for 2 months, once off pill can have recurrent bleeding

Question 2

Absoulute contraindication for implanon?

Answer 2

Current breast Cancer (LARCS as first line contraception, racgp 2017)