QuestionQUESTION: Does the implanon procedure an abortive method? I am supposed to have the procedure done next week, but I am confused because I DO NOT want to do it if it aborts...
ANSWER: Dear Lashea,
Implanon is not an abortion method - it is a contraceptive method (it is meant to prevent pregnancy). Typically doctors will do a pregnancy test before performing the procedure to implant the Implanon to make sure the woman is not pregnant. It is essentially the new alternative to Norplant. Implanon was approved in July, 2006 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Implanon is a flexible plastic rod about the size of a matchstick that is put under the skin on the inner side of your upper arm that contains a hormone called etonogestrel. Once implanted, it is effective birth control for up to three years. Implanon is considered to be more than 99% effective, meaning the chance of getting pregnant is less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women who use it for 1 year when it is inserted correctly.
The most common side effect is irregular bleeding, which is often the case when using a hormonal method of contraception. Other common side effects can include mood swings, weight gain, headache, acne, and depression.
Often women are encouraged to use a back-up method of birth control for at least one week after insertion of the Implanon. And, as with any hormonal birth control, this will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections or HIV.
You should not use Implanon if you:
- Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
- Have, or have had serious blood clots, such as blood clots in your legs (deep venous thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), eyes (retinal thrombosis), heart (heart attack), or head (stroke)
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Have liver disease
- Have breast cancer, now or in the past
- Are allergic to anything in Implanon
Those with the following should consult with their doctor at length before using Implanon:
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Headaches
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Gallbladder or kidney disease
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Allergic reaction to anesthetics or antiseptics. (These medicines will be used when Implanon is inserted into your arm.)
I hope this has helped you and answered your question - plus given you some more information about Implanon. I wish you well.
Brenda
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Brenda,
I think I worded my question wrong. I understand that it is a contraceptive, but if I were to get pregnant while having it, would it abort the baby? Sorry for the confusion.
AnswerDear Lashea,
There would not necessarily be any more chance of that happening than with any other contraceptive method. Anytime you are taking anything that inhibits pregnancy from happening, then a fluke pregnancy does occur, the pregnancy may be affected or could spontaneously miscarry. This can happen with birth control pills, a hormonal or copper IUD, a hormonal patch, Depo Provera injection, etc,.. You really cannot get away from that potentiality unless you go with male condoms only as a source of birth control.
Hope that helps. Be well!
Brenda
