The implant is a long-term contraceptive for women. The flexible, matchstick-sized plastic rod is inserted under the skin of your upper arm, where for a total of three years it continuously releases a stable dose of hormones that prevent pregnancy. With a pearl index of 0 to 0.08 it is considered a very safe contraception method. Moreover, once you have the implant put in, you do not have to remember taking a contraceptive regularly.
Effect & expiry period of the contraceptive implant
The hormone dose that the implant constantly releases into the blood, has various effects on the female body. One the one hand, it prevents monthly ovulation. On the other hand, it thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to get into the uterus. This way, fertilisation and thus pregnancy can be prevented.
You can easily make an appointment at VenusMed in Vienna. Either by phone on +43 1 890 80 70, via email at info@venusmed.at or by using our contact form below. We also give appointments at short notice!
The contraceptive implant usually stays in the body for three years. During this time, it is constantly effective. If you want to remove it earlier than that, it can be done by a gynecologist. Once the implant is removed, your fertility is usually restored immediately. Therefore, if you decide you want to get pregnant before the three-year contraceptive period ends, you can fall pregnant directly after the removal of the implant.
Implant vs. birth control pill vs. intrauterine device (IUD)
The contraceptive implant is suitable for women who are looking for a long-term contraceptive that, unlike with the birth control pill, they do not have to “think” about and therefore cannot forget to take. What is more, the implant is a good option for women who often suffer from diarrhea or vomiting. While in this case the contraceptive protection of the pill may stop, there is no influence on the implant’s effect. Also, if a doctor has advised you against using the birth control pill (for example, if you are a smoker or have a blood clotting disorder), the contraceptive implant can be a good, safe alternative for you.
One reason that can speak against an IUD and for the contraceptive implant is, if your uterus is too small for the IUD. Since the implant is in the upper arm, it cannot irritate or injure the sensitive uterus, as an IUD might do in rare cases. However, in contrast to the hormone-free copper coil for example, contraception with the implant is based on hormones, which some women may want to avoid. Eventually, it depends on many individual factors which contraceptive is best for you in the end. Our experts at VenusMed are happy to help you.
Fitting & removal of the contraceptive implant
The contraceptive implant is fitted by one of our specially trained gynecologists, usually between the first and fifth day of your cycle. After it has been placed, you will be protected against pregnancy straight away.
However, if it is certain that you are not pregnant, you can also have the implant fitted on any other day of your cycle. Although, in this case, you should use additional contraception for the first seven days after fitting, such as a barrier method (condoms, diaphragm).
The insertion of the implant is usually quick and painless. First, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area on the inside of your upper arm. The implant is then placed directly under your skin with an applicator. Finally, you will get a bandage, which you can remove after 24 hours.
You can easily make an appointment at VenusMed in Vienna. Either by phone on +43 1 890 80 70, via email at info@venusmed.at or by using our contact form below. We also give appointments at short notice!
For the removal or replacement of the implant, your doctor will make a tiny cut in your skin under local anesthesia to gently pull it out. It is immediately possible to replace it and fit a new implant if you like. Finally, the cut is then closed with a plaster.
Side effects of the contraceptive implant
A frequent side effect of the contraceptive implant can be irregular bleeding. One in five women may experience absent periods, while one in four women may experience increased bleeding.
In rare cases, the hormones released by the contraceptive implant may cause side effects, which can roughly be compared to the side effects of the mini-pill. Headaches, mood changes, lack of libido, depressive states, acne, or tender breasts might occur.
Costs of the contraceptive implant
| Service | Length of Contraceptive Effect | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Contraceptive implant | 3 years | 520 € |
Of course, we accept payment in cash and by debit- (Maestro) or credit card.
Of course, we accept payment in cash and by debit- (Maestro) or credit card.
FAQs about the contraceptive implant
The implant constantly releases hormones into the blood, which prevent monthly ovulation. They also thicken the cervical mucus. This makes it more difficult for sperm cells to enter the uterus.
In very rare cases, the implant may get bent or break in your arm. In this case, however, its functionality is not affected. Yet, if your implant is bent or broken, we recommend you to consult a doctor to be on the safe side.
The contraceptive implant can stay in the body for up to 3 years, during which it continuously releases a stable dose of contraceptive hormones.
If you wish, it is also possible to have the implant removed by a gynecologist earlier before its expiry. After removal, fertility is restored immediately.
At VenusMed, the contraceptive implant costs 520 €. Since it is effective for 3 years, the annual contraception costs amount to around 170 €.
The contraceptive implant’s pearl index is 0 to 0.08 – this means that out of 10,000 women who have had sex for 1 year, a total of 0 to 8 of them fell pregnant. Thus, like with any other contraceptive, there is a little chance of an unwanted pregnancy, but it is very unlikely – The contraceptive implant is one of the safest contraception methods for women.
Terminology
For doctors, medical terms are important and a matter of course. However, the terminology can often puzzle patients. In our glossary we explain the medical terms which are often used in our clinic environment.
Contact
You can simply contact us by phone on +43 1 890 80 70, or via email at info@venusmed.at. From Mo-Fr between 11 am and 5 pm you can also directly come by VenusMed in the medical centre Schwedenplatz, Laurenzerberg 2, 1010 Vienna.