Contents
- 1 Contraceptive Implants
- 1.1 What Are Contraceptive Implants?
- 1.2 Birth Control Implant vs Birth Control Implant Singapore
- 1.3 How Does Birth Control Implant Work?
- 1.4 Who are Suitable Candidates?
- 1.5 Who is not suitable for Birth Control Implant?
- 1.6 Pros and Cons of Birth Control Implant
- 1.7 Risks of Birth Control Implant
- 1.8 Side Effects of Birth Control Implant
- 1.9 What You Can Expect
- 1.10 Best Time To Get Birth Control Implant
- 1.11 Birth Control Implant Removal
- 1.12 Services Offered
What Are Contraceptive Implants?
Birth control implants are a form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) that can be effectively used as birth control for up to 3 years.
The contraceptive implant is better known as birth control implant.
It consists of a small, thin and flexible plastic rod that a doctor inserts in the upper arm, just under the skin. This is used as a form of birth control. The implant is very small, similar to the size of a matchstick.
The implant is extremely popular and commonly used in western countries such as USA, UK and Australia.
It is fast gaining popularity in Asia and Singapore as well due to its convenience and ease of use.
- Highly effective 99.5%
- Discreet
- Easy to use
- Convenient
- Used for up to 3 years
- Minimally invasive procedure
- No downtime
Birth Control Implant vs Birth Control Implant Singapore
If you have come across these 2 terms and are wondering what is the difference between Birth Control Implant and Birth Control Implant, they are actually 2 interchangeable terms used to describe the same thing – the birth control implant.
The implant is known as either birth control implant or Birth Control Implant in different countries. In Singapore, both of these 2 terms are recognized and understood to be referring to the birth control implant.
Birth Control Implant Singapore
Birth control implant is the brand name of the contraceptive implant that is found in Singapore.
It consists of a tiny rod about the size of a matchstick that is inserted just under the skin of the upper arm.
This tiny rod contains the hormone progestin that is slowly released on a daily basis in the body. This then helps to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
The cost of birth control implant insertion in Singapore usually consists of the price of the implant device itself and the doctor’s procedural fee and consultation fee.
Do remember that the price paid allows for the implant to be used for 3 years, making it an extremely cost effective form of birth control.
Birth Control Implant Singapore
Birth control implant is the general term used to refer to the birth control implant in Singapore as well. It can be used interchangeably with birth control implant.
The cost of birth control implant in Singapore is similar to birth control implant.
How Does Birth Control Implant Work?
The birth control implant is a progesterone based type of contraception and contains a single type of progesterone hormone.
The implant releases small amounts of hormone into the body slowly, which helps to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation from taking place.
Pregnancy happens when ovulation occurs, the egg meets a sperm and the fertilized egg implants in the uterus.
The hormone progestin keeps the uterus lining thin, making it unfavourable for this to happen.
On top of this, the hormones also help thicken cervical mucus to help prevent sperm as well.
Who are Suitable Candidates?
Birth control implant is an excellent choice for women who do not intend to conceive in the next few years.
It provides reliable and effective birth control for 3 years, during which you do not have to worry about the risk of getting pregnant.
This is suitable for women who:
- Do not intend to conceive within the next 3 years
- Prefer a long acting reversible form of contraception
- Prefer planned parenthood
- Do not want to worry about family planning for the next 3 years
- Looking for a progesterone only method of contraception
- Not suitable for estrogen containing contraception
- Desire an extremely convenient and effective (99.5%) way to prevent pregnancy
Who is not suitable for Birth Control Implant?
Just like any other hormonal form of birth control, the contraceptive implant requires the regular use of hormones.
Hence, patient selection has to be done carefully, by an experienced physician who can advise you correctly.
This may not be suitable for women with some underlying pre-existing medical conditions eg previous breast cancer or blood clots etc, family history of blood clot disorder or women who are on certain long term medications.
Pros and Cons of Birth Control Implant
Pros
- highly effective 99.5%, low risk of failure amongst all the contraceptive options
- more effective than methods like the contraceptive pill, patch or vaginal ring
- efficacy is not user dependant
- does not interrupt sex, allows sexual spontaneity
- can be used effectively up to three years
- less invasive compared to the intrauterine device which is inserted in the uterus
- does not increase risk of ectopic pregnancy
- helps to improve period pain and heavy flow
- efficacy kicks in just seven days later
- Can be easily removed anytime you wish to conceive
- less likely to interact with other medicine you may be taking
Cons
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
- Minor procedure is required
- If side effects are unpleasant, you may be required to remove your birth control implant earlier than expected
Risks of Birth Control Implant
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Bruising
- Scarring
- Inserting at the incorrect insertion site
- Inserting at the wrong depth or too deep
- Injury to structures such as blood vessels, muscles or nerves
- Displacement or incorrect placement of the device
The risks of complications increase when the procedure is performed by inexperienced hands.
As such, it is extremely crucial for this procedure to be performed by an experienced doctor who has done this numerous times.
Dr Michelle has personally performed this procedure countless times over the years, ensuring that you are in safe hands with us.
Side Effects of Birth Control Implant
Most of the side effects are closely associated with the hormonal contents within.
Common side effects include:
- Irregular periods or spotting
- No periods at all
- Weight gain
- Bloating
- Headaches
Again, these side effects vary according to the individual and do not necessarily mean it will happen to you.
In the hands of an experienced doctor, these side effects can be easily managed.
Hence it is important to be assessed correctly by an experienced doctor on your suitability for the procedure.
What You Can Expect
Before The Procedure
Before going for the birth control implant procedure, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with an experienced doctor first to assess your suitability for the procedure.
We will go through a thorough medical history including checking for things like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, history of blood clots or noncancerous ovarian cysts.
It is also important to discuss your planned parenthood goals with your doctor as that will help us decide the most suitable contraceptive method for you.
During The Procedure
If you are determined to be a suitable candidate for the birth control implant, then the insertion procedure will be planned on a suitable date.
This procedure is performed in the clinic under a simple local anaesthetic.
We will first mark out the insertion site on the suitable part of the upper arm.
Then, a local anaesthetic will be injected to ensure the procedure is comfortable and painless.
Next, the doctor inserts the contraceptive implant, which is a rod about the size of a matchstick.
This is inserted just under the skin of your inner upper arm.
This location is discreet and the device will not be visible to other people.
After The Procedure
With the contraceptive implant inserted, the procedure is completed. A small bandage known as a pressure bandage will be wrapped around the arm to reduce bleeding or bruising.
Birth control implant will take one week to work, so it is recommended to abstain or use a secondary contraceptive method during this period.
In the hands of an experienced practitioner, the insertion of the contraceptive implant will take no more than 5 to 10 minutes.
With the contraceptive implant inserted, you may also expect slightly irregular vaginal bleeding which is an expected side effect.
Best Time To Get Birth Control Implant
The contraceptive implant can be inserted anytime within the menstrual cycle, as long as the woman is certain she is not pregnant.
Additional protection is required for the first 1 week until the contraceptive effects kick in.
Birth Control Implant Removal
Removal of the contraceptive implant is also performed in the clinic.
This procedure is also painless as local anaesthetic will be given prior.
A small incision will be made on the skin and the implant will be removed. A pressure bandage may also be applied on the arm after.
In experienced hands, this procedure should also take just around 10-15 minutes.
Some of the risks include being unable to locate the implant or having the implant break halfway during removal. Removal will have to be performed in a hospital setting in the event this happens.
As such, it is extremely important to have this procedure done by someone experienced to reduce the risk of such complications happening.
Once the birth control implant is removed, fertility is returned immediately. You will be able to get pregnant almost immediately after if you wish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the contraceptive implant is extremely safe. It is convenient, fuss-free and extremely effective with an efficacy rate of 99%.
The risk of getting pregnant with the contraceptive implant is extremely low, approximately 0.05%.
The contraceptive implant is one of the safest and most effective forms of birth control available.
Not to worry, birth control implant can be removed anytime within the 3 years, anytime you wish to conceive.
The return to fertility after removal is almost immediate, and you can start trying for a baby right away.
The insertion process of the contraceptive implant is completely painless as it is performed under local anaesthetic.
You will be able to feel a tiny rod about the size of a matchstick under your skin on a day to day basis, but it most definitely will not be painful.
Most women on the contraceptive implant will experience irregular periods or spotting which is the most common side effect.
A proportion of women may also have their periods stop completely.
This is due to the hormonal content in the implant and is to be expected.
These effects will be reversed once the birth control implant is removed and your menstrual cycle will return to what it was before.
Yes, the birth control implant may stop your periods. Just like the contraceptive injection, it is a progesterone based type of contraception. This thins out your womb lining to avoid pregnancy, which may also cause your periods to stop.
Do not worry as this is an expected side effect. It is not harmful and does not cause any side effects by stopping your periods. Your periods will return to normal when it is removed.
Services Offered
We offer the contraceptive implant at an affordable price in Singapore.
Birth Contraceptive Implant Insertion
Birth Contraceptive Implant Removal
Birth Contraceptive Implant Insertion
Birth Contraceptive Implant Removal
Think you need the Contraceptive Implant?
AUTHOR
Dr Michelle Chia
Medical Director
After graduating from the National University of Singapore, Dr Michelle's journey allowed her to train in Women's Health and Aesthetic Medicine. Her experience has led her to be featured on multiple media platforms including Radio Stations and prominent Magazines like Her World, Women's Weekly and CLEO. Her work has also received recognition both locally and internationally in several Medical Conferences.
Ezra Clinic is a Women’s Health, Wellness and Aesthetic Clinic that is conveniently located at the top floor of Royal Square Medical Suites in Novena, Singapore’s Medical Health Hub.
Helmed by Dr Michelle Chia, Ezra Clinic is your chosen one stop clinic for all your Women’s Health and Wellness needs.
Address
101 Irrawaddy Road #21-09, Royal Square Medical Centre, Singapore 329565