THE DA has welcomed the roll out of a relatively new contraceptive device, Implanon, at all Ekurhuleni clinics at a nominal charge of R96.52.
The device, effective for three years, is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It is suitable for most women who are able to use oral contraceptives.
Implanon is a thin, flexible plastic implant about the size of a cardboard matchstick. It can be removed at any time.
Like several other methods of birth control, such as the birth control shot, the birth control implant releases a hormone, progestin. The progestin in the birth control implant works by keeping eggs from leaving the ovaries. Pregnancy cannot happen if there is no egg to join with the sperm.
Most women can use the birth control implant safely. But all medications have some risks, so safety is a concern when choosing a birth control method.
Talk with your health care provider about your health and whether the implant is likely to be safe for you.
You should not use the implant if you are pregnant or have breast cancer.
All clinics have nursing sisters trained in its insertion which is a quick and painless procedure, Geoff Fenn said.
