Birth Control Implants and IUDs

The contraceptive implant is a thin, flexible plastic rod that is roughly 4cm long. It is placed under the skin of the upper arm and releases a continuous low dose of progestogen hormone into the body. This prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to enter the uterus (womb). This form of birth control lasts for three years after insertion, is 99.9% effective, and can be removed at any time.

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped device that is placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. A highly reliable method of birth control, the IUD is over 99% effective and is available in both hormonal and non-hormonal forms.

There are two types of hormonal IUDs available. The first is a small plastic device that releases a slow, continuous dose of progestogen into the uterus. In doing so, it changes the womb lining and thickens the cervical mucus to prevent pregnancy. This IUD lasts for 5 years and is 99.8% effective as a form of birth control.

On top of being an effective form of hormonal birth control, this IUD is also often used to manage the following:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Severe period pain/cramps
• Endometriosis symptoms
• Adenomyosis symptoms

The second type of hormonal IUD is slightly smaller than the first and contains a lower dose of progestogen, providing an effective contraceptive method without necessarily stopping the menstrual cycle. Its smaller size tends to make insertion less uncomfortable, making it a more suitable choice for younger women and women who have not given birth. This IUD lasts for up to 5 years and is 99.7% effective as a form of birth control.

The non-hormonal IUD is a small device made of plastic and copper. It prevents pregnancy by changing the lining of the womb and releasing a small, continuous amount of copper to affect the movement and viability of sperm. As a form of birth control, this IUD is 99.2% effective and lasts either 5 or 10 years, depending on which copper IUD you choose.

Once you have had an initial consultation and received your implant prescription, your birth control implant can be inserted by one of our trained doctors. We will clean a small area of skin on the inside of your upper non-dominant arm before numbing this area with a local anaesthetic injection to reduce any discomfort.

Then, we insert the implant under the skin using a specialised device. Once inserted, we will place a small bandage over the incision area and advise you on aftercare. The procedure is typically quick and simple, with the entire appointment usually taking no longer than 20-30 minutes. Afterwards, we will schedule you in for a follow-up appointment to check on the placement and discuss any side effects.

After attending your initial consultation and obtaining your birth control IUD prescription, you can book an appointment to have your IUD inserted by a doctor at our clinic. The procedure involves inserting a speculum into the vagina and cleaning the cervix with an antiseptic. Once the cervix has been cleaned, we will place a specially designed applicator into your cervical canal and use it to insert your IUD into your uterus.

After removing the applicator, your birth control IUD will remain in place, and its strings will be cut to an appropriate length for your body. This will allow you to routinely check the placement of your IUD without the strings causing pain, discomfort, or becoming a persistent distraction.

The entire appointment should take between 30 minutes to an hour. During the procedure, you may feel some discomfort. We will advise you on how to manage this discomfort and properly prepare for the procedure during your initial consultation.

Finding the right method of birth control will require an in-depth discussion between you and your doctor. At Clayfield Medical Centre, we are committed to making sure every one of our patients can make the best contraception choice for their health and well-being. When you book a consultation appointment at our clinic, we will go over:

• Your health history
• Your lifestyle
• Your current and future family plans
• Any medications you currently take
• The associated costs
• Your contraception preferences
• The benefits, risks, and possible side effects of each contraceptive method