At National Pharmacy Hamrun Malta we are now offering contraceptive implant insertions at our gynae clinic. It's easy to stay protected from pregnancy with a contraceptive implant. You won't have to remember to take any medicines or do anything once it's fitted. It releases the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy and lasts for 3 years.
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What is a contraceptive implant?
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It's a small, flexible plastic rod that's around 4cm in length with a diameter of 2mm and is fitted in the skin of your arm.
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The implant releases the hormone progesterone which stops the ovaries from releasing an egg every month, a process called ovulation. You can't get pregnant if ovulation doesn't happen. It also thickens the mucus in the cervix (the opening of the uterus) and stops sperm from going up any further.
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Although no contraceptive is 100% effective, the implant provides protection in more than 99% of women, making it one of the most effective contraceptives available.
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How is a contraceptive implant inserted?
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It's fitted at a doctor's clinic during a very small surgical procedure. The doctor will first give you some local anaesthetic. Then, the implant is inserted just under the skin of your inner arm. This won't be painful.
Once it's done, you'll be able to feel the rod under the skin but there shouldn't be any discomfort.
Once the implant is in place, you don't have to think about it again for 3 years.
It can be useful for women who can't use contraception that contains oestrogen.
It's very useful for women who find it difficult to remember to take a pill at the same time every day.
The implant can be taken out if you have side effects.
You can have it removed at any time, and your natural fertility will return very quickly.
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Contraceptive implants are inserted by our resident gynaecologist Dr Sarah Sultana Grixti.
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