©Pregnancy bliss 2008
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Implant form of contraception
Implanon® is the progestogen (progestin) contraceptive preparation that is administered in the form of an implant. A thin flexible rod containing the hormone (Etonogestrel) is implanted under the skin and is effective for three years.
This is therefore suitable for those requiring long term convenient contraception. It is very effective. However, for a woman who is clinically obese, it may not last the prescribed 3 years and may have to be changed a few months earlier. Your doctor should be able to give you personalized guidance on this.
The intrauterine contraceptive device
This device, widely but probably unfairly known as the "coil", is an excellent contraceptive. Unbeknown to most people is the fact that there are three different types of intrauterine devices.
· The oldest is the non-
· The next is the medicated type (there is a variety of these). This is the most common type in use.
· The third, which has been available only in the last decade or so, is the progestin (progestogen) hormone carrying device. The type of progestin in this device is Levonegestrel
All types of intrauterine devices have excellent effectiveness, with the progestin device (Mirena®) being more effective than the combined pill, hitherto the most effective mode of contraception. In fact, this device is claimed to have a lower failure rate even when compared to female sterilization.
Using the intrauterine device in the postnatal period
The intrauterine device or coil, to call it by its historical moniker, is ideal for the postnatal period. However, two words of caution.
There is a slight increase in the tendency of the device to fall out, if inserted in the period soon after delivery. If this happens and the loss goes unrecognized, there is a risk of pregnancy because the woman will be under the illusion that she is protected.
Secondly, for the plain and the medicated devices, there is evidence that there is a slight increase in the risk of pelvic infection. So, while it is perfectly all right for a woman in a monogamous relationship, it is not ideal for one who is likely to have multiple sexual partners, as the risk of pelvic infection is then quite real.
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