Welcome. This blog was created share the happenings of my life, and thoughts on issues pertaining to whatever I'm interested in. Much as I am apolitical (I rather not take sides), I often blog about sociopolitical and socioeconomic matters.

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Implanon: Contraceptive Implant in Singapore

I came to know of implanon in 2010.
It's not known that such a contraceptive method exists. Most still prefer less invasive methods of contraceptives using birth control pills, injection or even patch.

Contraceptive implant is very common in the West. However, doctors don't even advise on such methods unless one is in her mid thirties and wants to stop having children.

So what's implant, implanon or nex planon? Basically, the doctor inserts a tube of hormone (progestogen) into a layer of fat in the lady, right under the skin. The hormone slowly releases into the body and prevents pregnancy. It is far more reliable at preventing pregnancy than the condom. It's less tedious than the birth control pill, which has to be taken daily at the same time. It's less painful than injection, which has to be taken 4 times a year. It's far less invasive and has less side effects than intra-uterine devices, whether copper or hormone based.

If you're considering mid term contraceptive, and you're married (or settled on a singular partner), this can ease your worry of pregnancy and also improve your sexual relationship with your partner.

*implants do not prevent sexual transmitted diseases.

Costs of various contraceptive methods in Singapore (Oct 2015):
- Condom: $12 per month
- Birth Control Pills (Combined Oral Contraceptives)  $24 per month
- Implant $600 for 3 years: $17 dollars per month

Where did I get my Implanon
I got it at National university hospital  (NUH) Jurong Clinic for Women

How was the experience?
I called on my first day of period. They fixed my appointment on my 4th day of period (the norm).

Who was the doctor assigned to me?
Dr Chua. A female doctor who's in her fifties.

What did the doctor say?
You're very young. Do you want to try a more flexible contraceptive that's not so long term? No.
Your spouse doesn't want to use condoms? Yes.
You want to try birth control pills? (It's around the same price.)
What about injection? (Well its once every three months. Not injection!)
How did you hear about implanon? (Friend)

Are you aware that your period will be very irregular? Yes.

It's gonna have bruising. The implanon might move around. You might experience some bruising on first few days. Okay.

You sure? Yes.

Sign the consent form. We do it on your non master arm. (Ok. Left arm.)

What happened after signing the form?
I was told to lie down, stretch out my left arm and look away. "Don't move your arm." She cleaned my arm with disinfectant, injected anesthetic into my arm, and inserted implanon into my arm. The whole process took less than 3 min. The anesthetic jab was a bit painful, but the implanon wasn't.  Nurses were very caring and helped me off the bed.

Nurse wrapped my arm in crepe bandage to ensure the implanon doesn't move too much throughout the day. I look injured, but I feel fine.

How much does Implanon cost in Singapore? What's the price of Implanon in Singapore?
Consultation, implanon and anesthetic : $680

How did I feel on Day 1?
I ate at a hawker centre, took a bus home, texted my spouse, took a 3-hour nap, then slept for 9 hours at night.

There wasn't any pain, just slight acheing.

I didn't gain weight on Day 1. I lost 1kg overnight.

I perspired a lot on Day 2 morning. Hot flushes, I believe. I feel happy. My mood was really good. I seem to have decreased appetite. I had bread for breakfast, milk for lunch and Tom yam prawn soup and rice for dinner.

Did I do anything to the dressing?
Being first-aid trained, I knew I needed to shower without bandage. I did, but since the final dressing was water-proof, I removed the bandage, kept my dressing on and showered. Twice.

After my second shower on Day 2 afternoon,I removed the waterproof dressing,cleaned the sides of the wound with alcohol wipes (no I didn't touch the wound with that), applied antibacterial cream on the 2mm wound, stood in front of the fan to airdry my wound, then quickly replaced my dressing with a cotton gauze and a tergaderm  (waterproof airtight dressing). I wrapped my arm back in crepe bandage. I went to the toilet twice. Somehow Implanon promotes clearing of bowels for me.

I removed my bandage on Day 2 night, showered and slept.

Day 3:
I still have a bit of hot flushes in the morning and runny bowels (but not as bad as diarrhoea). I've had really sound perfect sleep on Day 1 and Day 2. Really happy through the day. Decreased appetite. Drank more water and avoided heavy lifting on left arm.  Avoided my cardio workouts too.

Was it worth it?
Yes.