When the options for contraceptives have increased so much, difficulty in choosing the suitable one also arose. Implanon is an artificial way of contraceptive which works with hormones. Proper use will serve the purpose of contraceptives and cause fewer side effects. The rule of the first 7 days is very important.
So, are you wondering what this Implanon 7 day rule is?
The Implanon 7 day rule is very simple. It implies that you’ve to abstain from coitus or use any other contraceptives for the first 7 days. This is for days other than your period. Otherwise, it becomes immediately effective if you implant it during the first 5 days of the period.
To know more details on this, have a read on the following segments.
Implanon should be inserted within 5 days of 1st-trimester abortion or miscarriage
Table of Content
Implanon 7 Day Rule
The Implanon is placed within the first 5 days of the menstrual cycle. It starts with the first day of the period. If it is implanted at any other time then it doesn’t work immediately. It takes about 7 days to reach a contraceptive state.
So, other contraceptive methods should be used during this period. Or, one can abstain from having sex if other contraceptives are not preferable for her. Otherwise, there is a chance of pregnancy.
The 7 Day Rule In Particular Conditions
The rule applies similarly in different situations like,
After Abortion or Miscarriage
- Implanon should be inserted within 5 days of 1st-trimester abortion or miscarriage
- It should be inserted between 21 to 28 days following the 2nd-trimester loss of the fetus.
- If the above recommendations are not followed, immediate contraception isn’t achieved. Then a barrier method of contraception is needed for 7 days after insertion.
Postpartum Conditions
- For non-lactating mothers, it is inserted between 21 to 28 days postpartum.
- For lactating mothers, it should not be inserted until the 4th postpartum week is over.
- If these rules aren’t followed then a barrier contraceptive method is needed for 7 days after insertion.
Switching From Other Contraceptive Methods to Implanon
- You might be switching it from combined hormonal contraceptives. In that case, it’s inserted on the day following the last active oral pill. Or, on the same day of removal of the vaginal ring or transdermal patch. It can also be inserted following the usual tablet-free or placebo tablet interval.
- You might be switching it from progestin-only contraceptives. In that case, it is inserted on the day of the next due injection. Or, within 24 hours of taking the last minipill. Or, on the same day of removing the previous intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD).
- If one deviates from these guidelines then she must use barrier methods for the next 7 days.
It is a soft, flexible, progestin-only implant of 4 cm length and 2 mm diameter. It is preloaded in a sterile applicator and injected subdermally from it. The insertion site is 2 inches above the elbow joint. And, in the inner side of the non-dominant arm.
What to Do If You Forgot to Follow the 7 Day Rule?
If you’ve already had unprotected sex within 7 days of insertion, take an emergency pill immediately. Still, if pregnancy occurs and you decide to continue it, you must remove the Implanon quickly. And if you decide to do an abortion, the Implanon can remain inside during the procedures. It can then continue its term of contraception as usual.
Now that you know everything about implanon 7-day rule, it’s time to gain some knowledge on the basics of it. It’s always safe to remain informed about the contraceptive that you are using.
Implanon- a General Overview
It is hormonal and can be doubtful to a new person. But as you’ll get to know more, you’ll realize that there is almost nothing to worry about.
How to Use It?
- You have to go to the physician twice to insert an Implanon. Firstly to consult about your overall state of health and get the prescription. And, secondly after collecting the Implanon from the pharmacy to implant it.
- It is a soft, flexible, progestin-only implant of 4 cm length and 2 mm diameter. It is preloaded in a sterile applicator and injected subdermally from it. The insertion site is 2 inches above the elbow joint. And, in the inner side of the non-dominant arm.
- A trained person will place your non-dominant arm in the proper position. Then the inserting site will be marked. The mark along with its surrounding area will be sterilized. A local anesthetic like lidocaine will be injected along the mark and direction of implanting. The Implanon will then be injected carefully in the subdermal region and the applicator removed after completion.
- After implanting, it needs to be palpated by the specialist and also the patient. It is removed or exchanged with another Implanon after 3 years.
How Implanon Produces Contraception?
It is progestin-only and does not contain estrogen. It works mainly in 3 ways:
- It thickens the cervical mucosa, so sperm can’t enter more inside for fertilization.
- It decreases endometrial thickness and prevents a fertilized zygote from implantation. That is, it prevents pregnancy at this point.
- It alters the motility of the fallopian tubes. As a result, it prevents the ovum and sperm from reaching each other.
It also has effects upon follicular development and ovulation in the ovaries.
Adverse Effects
Most people face few or no side effects. But some of you might encounter it. So, let’s take a look at them:
Common Symptoms
These include,
- Nausea, dizziness, bloating, stomach cramping
- Depression and mood swings
- Acne, hair loss, breast tenderness, weight gain
- Flu-like symptoms, back pain, body ache, etc.
Uncommon Symptoms
These are rare but associated with Implanon. They are,
- Pain, numbness, tingling
- Bruising, infection, slight bleeding, scar formation at the site of insertion.
Severe Complications
These may include,
- Ectopic pregnancies
- Thrombotic disorders
- Liver disease
- Immune system disorders like anaphylactic reactions.
- Migraine
- Decreased libido
- Aggravation of angioedema.
These can be prevented and controlled up to a great extent. Proper indications and contraindications are to be followed.
Indications of Using Implanon
Implanon (etonogestrel implant) is becoming popular gradually due to its compatibility and effectiveness. The indications include,
- Women who are at risk of using combined oral pills due to cardiovascular issues can use Implanon.
- Suitable contraceptive for young women with risk factors for neoplasia.
- A good indication for lactating mothers.
- Women with endometriosis, functional ovarian cyst.
- Multiparous women with the risk of pregnancy
- Women with symptomatic pelvic inflammatory disease and iron deficiency anemia. Implanon helps to protect against these disorders too.
Contraindications of Implanon
Implanon should be avoided in case you have,
- Breast or genital cancer
- Known or suspected pregnancy
- Suspected malignancy
- Current deep vein thrombosis
- Hypertension, history of stroke or heart attack
- Women breastfeeding a baby of fewer than 6 weeks old.
- Allergic reaction to any of the Implanon or anesthetic components.
- Abnormal uterine bleeding without any known diagnosis.
The Dos and Don’ts of Using Implanon
The precautionary measures in case of using Implanon are:
- If the tip of the applicator was already opened then don’t use it.
- Keep the bandage in your arm for the next 24 hours after implanting the Implanon.
- Use other contraceptives like condoms for the next 7 days. This is if you haven’t inserted it during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle.
- Remember to remove it by the end of the 3rd year.
- If you can’t palpate it then tell your doctor about that.
- If it is implanted too deeply then its removal becomes very difficult or impossible.
- Keep the insertion area dry for 2 days
- Remember that it doesn’t protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.
FAQs
Is Implanon harmful in pregnancy?
Yes, you must check and be sure that you’re not pregnant before inserting Implanon. Although there is no evidence for teratogenicity, studies are still going on. Nevertheless, the Implanon must be removed if pregnancy is to be continued.
Can Implanon protect against STDs?
No, Implanon doesn’t give protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). So, be careful about this.
How effective is Implanon?
It is 99% effective and becoming very popular day by day. However, if unfortunately, one gets pregnant then the pregnancy is terminated. Otherwise, the Implanon is removed.
What happens if the Implanon is left for too long?
Implanon should not be used beyond its expiry date which is usually 3 years. Though the implant itself is not harmful, it becomes less effective with declining hormone levels. The women who are at risk of pregnancy should replace it with another Implanon every 3 years. Or, use other contraceptive methods.
Conclusion
You must be clear by now about the Implanon 7 day rule, right? If you are a suitable candidate then Implanon is a good promising contraceptive for you. With a little bit of consciousness about the rules of using it, you can have a well-planned family. Have a resourceful confident journey of your reproductive health.
