Contraceptive implant: what can be the side effects?

To protect yourself without thinking, here is in essence the promise of the contraceptive implant! Once set up by a general practitioner, a gynecologist or a midwife, usually on the inside of the arm, it will release a progestin hormone into the blood. The principle is the same as that of progestin-free pills without estrogen, the implant will make the body believe that this hormone intake is the result of pregnancy, ovulation will be suspended. The progestogen implant is a contraceptive solution suitable for all women, regardless of age, even when they are smokers or over 40 years old. Another notable advantage is that it is fully effective for three years or can be withdrawn at any time.

Headache, acne, weight gain: the most common side effects

The same applies to the contraceptive implant as any hormonal contraceptive, some women will suffer from transient side effects, others will not. The most commonly observed are:

• Acne : It is rare for an acne breakout to occur in a woman who had never had it before. However, under the effect of progestin contained in the implant, it is possible that women with a predisposition see their skin become oily, or even suffering from an attack of acne. It is important to know before choosing this method of contraception.
• Weight gain : In terms of weight gain, the effect of the contraceptive implant is very variable from one woman to another. Like acne, the implant can promote weight gain in women who are already overweight, tend to gain weight easily or have gained a lot of weight during pregnancy.
• Headache Headaches and migraines can occur as with any hormonal contraceptive.
• Tensions on the breasts

Bleeding and irregular menstruation: an unpredictable and troublesome side effect

Under the effect of the implant, ovulation is put to sleep, so it is very difficult to tell a woman who has just been implanted how her body will react and what she can expect from her menstruation. Some women will not have any rules at all (we use the term "rules" but these bleeds are actually purely artificial), which can be disruptive and make them fear pregnancy. Others will have irregular or less frequent rules, while others will have more frequent or unpredictable rules. A phenomenon that usually occurs only during the 6 months following the pose. If the implant carrier adapts to these bleeds, there is nothing special to do. If they become too troublesome or irregular, it is better to consider switching to another type of contraception.

Read also :

⋙ Contraception: copper or hormonal IUD, how to choose?

⋙ Contraceptive pill: what you need to know about this method of contraception

⋙ Contraceptive implant: what you need to know about this method of contraception