Can You Get Pregnant on Contraceptive Implants?

With a large failure of contraceptive implants being reported in the United Kingdom, it causes some question on the reliability of contraceptive implants. How effective is this method of birth control? Can you get pregnant on contraceptive implants?

News stories coming from the UK are reporting that nearly 600 women got pregnant while using Implanon contraceptive implants.

Although no contraceptive method is 100% effective, contraceptive implants such as Implanon boast a success rate of more than 99% when inserted properly. The unwanted pregnancies in the UK seem to be due to problems with the insertion of the device more than trouble with the contraceptive itself.

A newer version of Implanon was released in the UK in October of 2010. Nexplanon comes with a special applicator that gives more accurate insertion. When inserted properly, there is less risk of getting pregnant on these contraceptive implants.

When inserted properly, there is less risk of getting pregnant on contraceptive implants than certain other forms of birth control. Implants are just as effective as other hormone-based contraceptives, but you don't have to worry about remembering to take a pill, reapply a patch, or about improper positioning of some barrier types of contraception. You can read about the effectiveness of various birth control methods in an article by Unwirklich Vin Zant here at Yahoo! Contributor Network.

Once inserted at the doctor's office, implants can be forgotten about for up to three years. At three years, the device needs to be removed and replaced with a new one. If you would like to get pregnant while on contraceptive implants, you can have the device removed early.

According to the KK Thornton in an article on Yahoo! Contributor Network, there can be problems of finding the device when it comes time to remove it. If contraceptive implants are implanted too deeply, surgical methods to find and remove the device may become necessary.

If you are considering contraceptive implants as a means of birth control, speak with your doctor. There are many side effects associated with contraceptive implants in addition to difficulties with insertion and removal. Be sure that whoever inserts the device is trained in proper insertion and placement to reduce your risk of getting pregnant on contraceptive implants.

SOURCES:

James Meikle; Hundreds become pregnant despite contraceptive implant Implanon; The Guardian

Unwirklich Vin Zant; Contraception Methods: Risks and Information; Yahoo! Contributor Netowrk

K K Thornton; Implanon Side Effects: Are the Risks Worth the Convenience of a Contraceptive Implant?; Yahoo! Contributor Network