Implanon
The contraceptive implant is a hormonal implant the size of a matchstick that is inserted under the skin at the inner side of the upper arm.
This four cm-long implant contains etonogestrel, a progesterone-like hormone that stops ovulation.
The implant steadily releases a small amount of hormone. This helps to prevent pregnancy for three years.
The contraceptive implant is more than 99.9 per cent effective in preventing pregnancy.
Advantages
- Effective contraception for three years.
- You don't have to remember to use contraception every day.
- Low cost.
- 20% of women stop having periods.
- Can be used while breastfeeding
Disadvantages
- Women using implants have changes to their periods. Most women have less bleeding than before the implant, but some have more frequent or longer periods.
- Some women have side effects that may include headaches and acne.
IUDs
The IUD is a small contraceptive device that is placed inside the uterus. There are two kinds of IUD in Australia: Copper IUD and Mirena.
Both types are very effective methods of contraception and can stay in place up to five to ten years.
Mirena IUD
Mirena progestogen IUD is a small T-shaped device with a cylinder containing progestogen around its stem. It is 99.8% effective.
Advantages
- Considered one of the most effective forms of reversible birth control
- Can be used while breastfeeding
- No preparations needed before sex, though routine checking of the device strings by patient and physician is advised to ensure proper placement remains intact
- May experience lighter periods (some women stop having periods completely, see also amenorrhea)
- Effective for up to five years
- Have an effect that is rapidly reversible once device is removed
- Very cost effective
- Provides good alternative to sterilisation
In addition to birth control, hormonal IUD are used for prevention and treatment of:
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain
- Adenomyosis and dysmenorrhea
- Anaemia
- In some cases, use of a hormonal IUD may prevent a need for a hysterectomy.
Disadvantages
- Irregular periods and spotting between periods often occurs after insertion
- Other adverse effects associated with hormones
Copper IUD
The copper IUD is a small plastic device with copper wrapped around its stem. It is at least 99.4% effective.
Advantages
- Does not have any potential adverse hormone effects
- Can be used to provide emergency contraception if inserted within 120 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse
- It's immediately effective in action
Disadvantages
- Possibility of heavier menstrual periods and more painful cramps