8 things you need to know about the contraceptive chip

Manufactured by Organon International, Implanon, also popularly known as the “contraceptive chip”, has conquered women as a contraceptive method. In the shape of a 4 cm long flexible plastic stick, the technique, developed about four decades ago, recently arrived in Brazil and, according to research, has proven to be effective and long-lasting.

Developed with the aim of providing women with a safe, comfortable contraceptive method with few side effects, the implant was initially marketed in Brazil, but is currently also offered by the Unified Health System (SUS) for adult women of reproductive age between 18 and 49 years.

However, due to the fact that the procedure is a relatively new subject among the female public, there are still many questions about how it works. Therefore, gynecologists Dr. Flavia do Vale and Dr. Priscila Pyrrho explain how the chip works and how it differs from other contraceptive methods. Look!

1. Procedure with practically painless application

Inserted into the inner part of the upper arm, the implant takes just a few minutes to place and, according to Dr. Flávia do Vale, provides the sensation of applying an injection. “No stitches are needed after implant placement. Before the procedure insertion, local anesthesia is given so that the patient does not feel pain when this is happening. The implant is inserted (injected) under the skin on the inside of the upper arm. After inserting the implant, it is possible to feel the chip under the skin”, says the gynecologist.

2. Implanon is a highly effective method

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Implanon is a highly effective contraceptive method. That’s because it only has a 0.05% failure rate. Compared to other procedures, such as the IUD, it is the most indicated, since the latter has a failure rate of 0.2 to 0.8%.

“[A eficácia do Implanon, em comparação ao DIU e a laqueadura, é maior], but very similar. The IUD, for example, can move without giving symptoms, and tubal ligation or tubal ligation can recanalize,” explains Dr. Flavia of the Valley.

3. Lasts less than other contraceptives

Unlike the copper IUD, which must be changed every 10 years, and the hormonal one every 5 years, the Implanon, as explained by Dr. Flávia do Vale, must be replaced every 3 years. “When the implant is first inserted into the arm, it can take up to 7 days for it to start working to prevent pregnancy. But that [a troca do chip] it depends on the moment of your menstrual cycle and if you are already using contraception”, says the gynecologist.

4. Adaptation can last from three to six months.

According to the doctor. Priscila Pyrrho, the adaptation period will depend on how the woman’s organism will react to the action of the chip, as some patients usually have immediate adaptation. However, generally, the period takes from three to six months and, during this phase, the doctors explain that some side effects can be felt, such as:

• Hematomas and sensitivity at the application site (which usually disappear within a week);
• Headache;
• Sore and tender breasts;
• Acne;
• Mood change;
• Swelling;
• Reduction of libido;
• Insulin resistance;
• Testosterone drop;
• Discouragement;
• Tiredness;
• Difficulty gaining muscle mass.

In addition to these, Dr. Priscila points out the irregular bleeding. “The rate of women who have escape is very high. The idea is that the woman does not menstruate, but in the meantime [entre a colocação e a troca do Implanon]it is very common for them to have irregular bleeding, and this is what bothers women the most and makes them take it off”, says the gynecologist.

5. Association of drugs changes the effect of the chip

As the contraceptive leaflet informs, some drugs can interact with the chip and make it less effective, such as medicines used to treat epilepsy, tuberculosis and herbal medicines, such as St. John’s wort. In addition, Implanon can also interfere with the action of other medications, so it is always recommended to inform your doctor if you are taking other medications or have to take them.

6. There are few contraindications to the implant

Dr. Flávia do Vale explains that there are few contraindications to the device, but that, in some conditions, the risks outweigh the benefits and the implant should be avoided, such as:

• severe decompensated cirrhosis;
• Malignant liver tumors;
• Stroke;
• Transient ischemic attack (change in brain function);
• Thrombosis;
• Migraine aura.

In addition to these, Dr. Priscila Pyrrho adds: “The contraindications are: if you have any cancer whatsoever, it depends on progesterones, because it [Implanon] it is a progesterone; if you have any previous unknown bleeding, first you have to investigate, because, with vaginal bleeding, we cannot place it; or if you have an allergy to etonogestrel [hormônio liberado pelo chip]”, explains the professional.

7. avoid forgetting

By releasing hormones frequently, the technique is very suitable for those who forget to take the pill daily. “The implant constantly releases the hormone progestogen in your bloodstream, which prevents the release of an egg each month (ovulation). It also thickens cervical mucus, which makes it harder for sperm to move through the cervix, and thins the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg is less likely to implant,” explains Dr. Flavia of the Valley. However, according to Dr. Priscila Pyrrho, due to the constant release of hormones, the chip can also cause a high hormone dose.

8. It puts less strain on the liver system

Because it is not an oral medication, Implanon also has benefits on the hepatic system. “The method avoids the effect that we call the ‘first liver pass’, because it only passes through the liver once and this overloads the liver system less”, concludes gynecologist Dr. Priscilla Pyrrho.