Boom in contraceptive implants 'will see pregnancy rates tumble'
THE popularity of the contraceptive implant has doubled in Lincolnshire over the past four years.
Figures show 3,461 women and teenage girls had an Implanon implant fitted during the 2009-10 financial year.
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In 2006-07, 1,719 women were fitted with the implant, which provides contraception for three years.
Kate Davies, locality manager for Lincolnshire Sexual Health Services, said the contraceptive had proven popular with teenage girls, particularly over the past eight months following a national TV advertising campaign.
And Ms Davies said this would have a knock-on effect of reducing the number of teenage pregnancies in Lincolnshire.
As reported in the Echo, there were 533 county girls aged 15 to 17 falling pregnant in 2007 – the latest statistics available – up 11 per cent from 480 in 2006.
Ms Davies said: "Without a doubt, the implant will lower the teenage pregnancy rate.
"It's a long-active method to avoid pregnancy, but we always advise teenagers to use a condom as well as having regular sexual health screenings.
"We have been using it for a number of years, but it is currently hitting the headlines, which is good because we need to avoid unwanted pregnancy as part of providing sexual health services."
Allison Lawrence, team manager for teenage services at Lincolnshire County Council, said the contraceptive implant could reduce the number of unwanted teenage pregnancies.
She said: "Nationally, the teenage pregnancy programmes support contraceptive implants in reducing teenage pregnancy.
"We are pleased to see the number of implants fitted in Lincolnshire has increased."
Nurse consultant Sally Wood, of Wragby Surgery, said: "The implants last three years and are quite expensive, so we encourage people to leave them in for three years.
"The pill is very effective if taken properly, but there are so many things that affect it such as antibiotics and sickness."
6 Comments
by lynn, lincoln
Friday, August 06 2010, 7:32PM
“I remember my 17 year old daughter saying 'mum I've something to tell you', well, as you can imagine my heart sank to my boots, thinking the worst, but she told me she had started smoking. I made sure she was protected against an unwanted pregnancy as soon as she had her first serious boyfriend.
I was not so lucky with my mum, I didn't have a clue about anything and had to find it all out for myself. I went on the pill one month before my wedding day. The best thing I ever did, long gone were the days of sickness and having to spend a whole day in bed because I was so ill.
At the age of 35, and two children later I had a hysterectomy, and this is truly the best thing I've ever, ever, done, no worries mate. The point being, you have to support your children in the best possible way.”
by Em, Lincoln
Friday, August 06 2010, 3:23PM
“Both my daughters are on this and both suffer terribly with heavy bleeding. They are both going to get the pill to try and control the bleeding to see if it regulates periods. A lot of their friends also have the implant and I dont know one of them that has been problem free.
Also @ AmeliaRanne A lot of young girls forget to take the pill or decide not to so thats why a lot opt for the implant.”
by Rose, Lincoln
Friday, August 06 2010, 12:43PM
“Not a fan, i completely agree with you!”
by AmeliaRanne, City
Friday, August 06 2010, 12:05PM
“Why do youngsters find it so difficult to use "ordinary" contraception?”
by Not a fan, Lincs
Friday, August 06 2010, 11:22AM
“I will be the first to applaud all teenagers and supporting parents/carers that are aware of sexual health and the prevention of unwanted pregnancies, however....
I have had first hand experience with Implanon and it isn't for everyone. Whilst the implantation is quick, easy and pain free, the side effects quickly kicked in: heavy bleeding (causing anaemia), tiredness, mood swings, acne, weight gain, headaches and a general feeling of being unwell. After 6 months I had to beg for the Implant to be removed, much to the disgust of my nurse who spent 15 minutes telling me how expensive this contraception was, how I hadn't given it a fair go, and how the side effects were nothing to do with it.
I am a grown women with a good understanding of my own body, and fortunately I had the sense not to be bullied in to keeping this drug in my system. Some teenagers will not be confident enough to make this choice.
Whilst I am aware that girls/women often find that they have to experiment with contraception to find one that suits them, the expense of this drug does mean that if it doesn't agree with you, you will be encouraged to keep it in regardless.
I'm not saying that Implanon isn't effective or for a second discouraging contraception, but it won't be for everyone.
Something needs to be done about the teenage pregnancy statistics, I'm not sure Implanon is the answer.
Medicine can prevent the pregnancy, condoms can prevent the spread of disease. But our kids will still be having sex (probably whilst intoxicated) and that's the problem.”
by NHS Lincs, Lincolnshire
Friday, August 06 2010, 8:54AM
“Call 01522 539145 to book a free and confidential sexual health appointment.
Appointments are available within 48 hours at locations throughout Lincolnshire.”