I looked online and asked friends. Of course condoms are a no brainer. For the ease of my own mind I wanted to use condoms and another form of contraception so I fully covered the right ground. After getting some leaflets from my local family planning and sexual health clinic, I found the implant would be the best form of contraception. I've been on the pill before and put A LOT of weight on with it, I'm also very forgetful so taking a pill once a day wasn't gunna be for me. If you're sick then the pill doesn't work as well. Just to ease my mind I thought it'd be best to go with a more permanent procedure such as the coil, implant or hormone injections.
I looked into hormone injections but I'd forget to get them done during the 8-12 weeks duration. With me being busy a lot at uni and between coming home and being at uni seeing my boyfriend and friends, as well as doing all my work and reading. I didn't think it was ideal for me.
The coil, I'm already very anxious about things and wasn't worried at all about the procedure to get it fitted rather it can be moved and then it's contraceptive abilities are prevented. You have to check the threads or string often to see that it's in place. Too much of a worry and faff for me.
The implant seemed the best, one injection that is first numbed with a local anesthetic so you only feel the anesthetic injection which is no worse than having a blood test. You can't feel the implant being injected due to the area now being numb. It lasts three years, which is perfect for me. After reading the leaflet I booked into my sexual health clinic to talk about it and possibly have it fitted. I went with my boyfriend and other best friend who was also contemplating getting the implant. Me and her went in and asked some questions we had about the implant. Here's what we wanted to know.
Weight: Having gained weight on the pill I asked about gaining weight on the implant. The nurse replied saying "Any form of contraception other than condoms will increase you're appetite due to the increase in hormones. It's not directly linked with weight gain but so long as you can control your appetite you should be fine." Since this is my third week having the implant and I've been on a diet and fitness kick. I haven't gained any weight in fact I've lost 7 pounds over the three weeks. So it hasn't effected my diet, sometimes I feel peckish but it's having the will power to not snack.
Periods/ Bleeding: It wasn't clear in the leaflet about periods so I asked the nurse and she said "It's different for every girl. Some are very lucky and don't bleed at all others have periods others have very light bleeding and occasional spotting and some unfortunately bleed for long periods of time heavily. But you can come back to us and we'll try and put you on the pill as well to regulate the bleeding." Due to me having intense migraines when on the pill last time around she said this wouldn't be an option for me, if I bled heavily and it's a problem for me I'd have to have it removed. I was due to come on at the end of the month and have done now. I start very heavy but so far it's been very very light like insanely. The nurse also said "The pattern of bleeding within the first three months is usually what to expect for the next three years." If you need the reassurance of your period each month then this method of contraception may not be for you.
Acne/ Spots: I've suffered from acne in the past and so I asked about this and the nurse said "It can induce acne or make it worsen due to the increase in hormones." I've had a slight increase in spots this past week but that's due to me being due onto my period I think and I usually get a hormonal break out. I'll see if it persists.
Getting it fitted: As said before you're numbed with a local anesthetic injection first, so its a tiny little prick that barely hurt. I looked away as she injected the implant into my arm. I felt nothing. It was pain free I felt fine. The next day my arm hurt quiet a bit and did for the next two days. Nothing extremely painful just like muscle pain. I found it a little uncomfortable at night to sleep those days but after the first 5 days of having it done I was fine. I did have a big bruise but that didn't bother me I just wore jackets or cardigans.
Over all I'd give the implant so far 5/5. The pain was nothing and if you're scared of getting one fitted because you've heard horror stories. Ignore them it's not true. Definitely make an appointment at your local sexual health clinic, or brooke and speak to someone about your options. It's worth it.
Hope this helps,
Bekka.
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