Abortion And Contraception Services – Implant Contraceptive: Everything You Need To Know.

Abortion And Contraception Services – Implant contraceptive: What it is, how it works, and whether it’s right for you

The implant contraceptive is relatively new to South Africa, and for that reason there’s a lot of mystery and uncertainty surrounding it. Here, we explain what it is, how it works and where to get it. Abortion And Contraception Services. Abortion And Contraception Services

1. What is the contraceptive implant?

The implant Contraceptive is a tiny white plastic rod that is inserted under the skin of the inner, upper arm to prevent pregnancy.

2. How does it work?

The implant works by releasing small amounts of the hormone progestogen into the body. Progestogen stops ovulation (the release of an egg by the ovaries) and thickens the mucous at the opening of the uterus, so that sperm can’t get through. It also alters the lining of the uterus so that a fertilised egg can’t implant in it and start to grow.

3. When does it start working?

The implant is immediately effective if inserted during the first five days of your menstrual cycle, which starts with the first day of bleeding. The implant is effective after seven days if it is inserted at any other time in the menstrual cycle. Other contraceptive measures such as condoms should be used for these five to seven days, and dual protection should always be used to prevent the spread of STIs and HIV, as contraceptives cannot protect you against sexually transmitted infections. Abortion And Contraception Services. Abortion And Contraception Services

4. How long does it last for?

The implant contraceptive is effective for three years, after which it should be removed and replaced with a new one.

5. How long will it take for my fertility to return to normal after the implant contraceptive is removed?

Most women return to their normal menstrual cycle and fertility within a month of removing the implant. If you do not want to fall pregnant after the implant is removed, you need to use other methods of Contraception as soon as it is removed. Abortion And Contraception Services

6. How effective is the implant?

The contraceptive implant is very effective at preventing pregnancy, making it one of the more popular birth control methods. It is more than 99% effective.

7. What are the advantages of using the implant?

Using the implant is safe, simple, and convenient. Women like the implant because the ability to fall pregnant returns quickly once you stop using it. It can also be used safely while breastfeeding and it can be used by women who cannot take oestrogen. It provides continuous long-lasting birth control without Sterilisation and you don’t have to take medicine every day. Abortion And Contraception Services

8. What are the disadvantages of using the implant?

Some women may have undesirable side effects such as irregular bleeding, which can occur during the first six to 12 months of use. However, most women adjust to the implant with few or no side effects.

Get the implant and other birth control at Dr Leen Clinic.

Dr Leen Clinic provides a wide range of dependable, affordable and safe contraceptive options. We offer both long and short-term methods, and are able to advise you, professionally and confidentially, on the best option for you and your body. Abortion And Contraception Services

Make an appointment at your nearest Marie Stopes centre now to receive the implant contraceptive or to discuss more contraceptive options available to you. Abortion And Contraception Services

The Women’s Abortion and Contraception Service provides:

• Web information for women and pregnant people with an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
• Referral, support and information for health professionals
• Assessment and bookings for a medical or surgical abortion
• Pregnancy options counselling for women booked to have an abortion at the Women’s
• Follow-up post abortion clinical and psychological care as required
• Contraception services for complex medical issues, long acting reversible contraception (LARC) procedures

Options is an independent web-based information and phoneline service that provides a database of providers of sexual and reproductive health services in Victoria. These include medical and surgical abortion and long acting reversible contraception providers, and pregnancy options counselling services. A limited number of services are available on the website, more services may be available by contacting 1800 My Options directly (+27832195400) Abortion And Contraception Services. Abortion And Contraception Services

Clinical inclusion – Abortion And Contraception Services.

Abortion is provided at the Women’s in accordance with state legislation, The Abortion Law Reform Act 2008, and service capacity.

Services include: Abortion And Contraception Services

• Abortion up to 24 weeks on patient request
• Abortion requests after 24 weeks require assessment involving a multidisciplinary team and the agreement of two Medical Practitioners.

Given service capacity constraints it is important to make a referral as early as possible.

Priority access is given to:

• people with complex medical or social needs
• people who are vulnerable and/or disadvantaged
• young people
• people with a healthcare card.

Clinical exclusion

Determined case by case

Appointment

The intake team assess each request for an appointment according to need and service capacity. Once the criteria for referral is met, an appointment is offered. Appointment details are provided to the woman over the phone, by email or text (according to preference) Abortion And Contraception Services. Abortion And Contraception Services. Abortion And Contraception Services. Abortion And Contraception Services.

Referrals are actioned by the end of next business day.

Cost

People with a valid Medicare card are seen as a public hospital patient.

• There is no cost for the procedure.
• There may be a cost for additional pharmacy items.
• There is no cost for attending a pregnancy options counselling appointment.
• Patients who are assessed for care and are not Medicare eligible have an Individualised care plan and costing arranged.

Unplanned pregnancy information for patients

Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy?

In this section we aim to reflect the experiences of women and their need for clear, impartial and evidence-based information on the choices they can make for the difficult decision to continue or terminate their unplanned pregnancy. Abortion And Contraception Services

For some, what decision to make about an unplanned pregnancy is clear, for others it can be difficult and confusing.

When deciding what to do about an unplanned pregnancy, it is important to remember that you are the best person to make this decision. You, more than anyone else know what is important to you and what is best for you at this point in your life.

What is influencing your decision?

There are many different things that influence any decision we make in life. Use the picture below to help you think about what may influence your decision.

Activity: Write down some of the things which may influence your decision about your unplanned pregnancy.

Some tips to help you decide

• Think about how you are feeling and write these down; this can help if you’re feeling confused. The Children by Choice website includes a number of questions to help explore your feelings.
• Get advice from people you trust. This could be a friend, someone from your community, your local doctor (GP) or other health professionals like a counsellor.
• Get information about your options. Your GP or the websites listed below are a place to start.
• If you need more information, write a list of questions and ask your GP or a counsellor for advice.
• Think about your life now and how each of your options could change it.
• Talk through your feelings with people that can listen to you without judging you.
• Talk to someone who has had an unplanned pregnancy. Knowing more about their experience may help you.
• Make sure to look after yourself, both physically and emotionally.
• Whatever you decide to do, think about who can give you support and the kind of support you need.
• Trust yourself to make a decision that is right for you. Abortion And Contraception Services

Some other things to consider

• A pregnancy options counsellor can give you unbiased advice and support, and help you consider all of your options. Some of these services are free and all will respect your privacy. Call 1800 My Options or visit their website for more information. Abortion And Contraception Services
• Regardless of your decision about your unplanned pregnancy, you will soon need to make some practical arrangements.

What are your options?

Not every unplanned pregnancy is an unwanted pregnancy. When making a decision it is important to consider all of your options.

Pregnancy care

If you decide to continue with your pregnancy, speak with your local doctor (GP) about your pregnancy care options. Your GP can also talk with you about any concerns you have about your pregnancy and arrange any medical tests you need.

There may also be emotional and financial supports available to you. A Social Worker or Pregnancy Options Counsellor may be able give you more information about these.

Remember

There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to decide, no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ combination of things you can do to help you get there. Whatever you decide, and however you arrive at that decision, it is ‘right’ as long as it works for you.