Implanon® and mirena®

Implanon® and mirena®

One of the greatest recent advancements for women is the introduction of long acting reversible contraception (LARCs!), which provide very high-quality reproductive control. These can include an arm implant (Implanon), a 3 monthly injection (Depot Provera) or an intrauterine device (Mirena/IUD). Of these, on average 23% of female contraceptive users worldwide have an IUD – and this can be up to 40% depending on country and level of access.

The hormonal IUD is particularly popular because it has a number of advantages:

1. It usually reduces periods significantly and often makes them stop completely. In fact, it works so well that the government subsidies the hormonal IUD for women purely for heavy period control (rather than to stop pregnancy)
2. It lasts for 5 years and you don’t need to do anything. Which makes it both easy and cost effective.
3. It’s the only hormonal contraception that primarily acts locally rather than throughout the body. This means that you will still ovulate, and you are much less likely to have side effects. The device simply releases low levels of hormones within the uterus to temporarily thin the uterus lining (hence reducing periods) and thicken the cervical (sperm blocking) mucous.
4. It is very easy to remove (by a doctor) and your fertility will return to normal almost immediately after you do.

All LARCs are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, the IUD is >99% effective, where as the pill is usually 93-96% effective.

If you are considering a contraceptive implant/insertion or removal, then it is highly recommended that you make an appointment to discuss this with your general practitioner. If you have had this discussion and you want to have the procedure done, your next step is to make an appointment.

When booking your appointment, please let the receptionist know that you will be having a procedure done and correct time allocation will be given to you. Your appointment should take no longer than 15 - 30 minutes. For your convenience, we will add you to our records for a recall notice when you are due for review.

Private fees apply for the implant/insertion and removal of the Implanon or Mirena and for the consultation. Medicare does provide a rebate which will be processed for you on the day of your consultation.

Implanon and mirena are available at most pharmacies on prescription.

It is very easy to remove (by a doctor) and your fertility will return to normal almost immediately after you do.