Tell me about the contraceptive implant

[Golden Phoenix]

Howdy all.

I've been considering the implant because it seems so darn convenient. Have it fitted, ignore it for 3 years. Simple.

HOwever i'm trying to find info about the implant for heavier women. I am morbidly obese (though i amcurrently dieting and have lost about 2 stone) and i have read some literature which says the implant may not be suitable for me due to my larger size.

Other info says that i needn't worry.

Is there anyone here who is on the heavier side and uses the implant? Or anyone here using the impant in general, a bit of first-hand advice is always welcome.

[Ryda Wong, EBfCo.]

Mainly, the concern with Implanon and obesity centers around vascular problems, and the concern is the same as with oral contraceptives. If you are healthy, then I wouldn't worry. If you have vascular issues, I would.

I'd talk to a physician (or, hey, visit one of our clinics across the pond, if you have PP there) about that concern, but I don't see it as being all that worrisome.

Folks who have it, in general, like it. I'd be freaked out by not having my period, to be frank.

[Mosherette]

I know two people who have had it, and they were happy with it for its contraceptive properties - but the removal once it's done with is not as near as easy as it's made out to be, apparently.

[Spookshow Baby]

I have it, and have had it replaced once.
I LOVE it.
semi-irregular (period every month and a half or so)bleeding is slightly irritating, but most of the time it is light enough that all I have to do is wear old panties.
Took a little bit to fish it out of my arm, but that was because I used to play with it, and flexed it too much.
I love not having to worry about "Did I take my pill?" "Oh dear, does that upset stomach mean I'm not covered this month?"

[ElapheG]

I'm heavy and used to have an implant. I loved it - totally convenient, and fun to use to freak people out by showing them how you could feel it under your skin I enjoyed not having a period. Neither insertion nor removal were problematic; I went to the local sexual health centre, where they're used to doing it, and had no problems.

The only downside I found was that I had much worse mood swings than usual. At first I thought it was because shortly after I had it done I moved to Norway for uni, where I was quite lonely, but the moodiness continued after I came home. It did stop once I had the implant removed. I now have an IUS and find that great too.