Description
A contraceptive implant is a simple and reliable birth control option without daily hassles. According to Health Canada, they are 99.95% effective for up to 3 years.
It is also recommended for women who do not want to or cannot use birth control options that contain estrogen.
A contraceptive implant releases a small amount of hormone each day to prevent ovulation.
Who can access this clinic
This new service is intended for women aged 14 to 24 years old who want to prevent pregnancy. It is available at youth clinics and Aire ouverte offices.
This service is also available to women in other age groups at several of our facilities. You can make an appointment on Clic Santé.
Where this service is available
| Location | Making an appointment |
|---|---|
| Aire ouverte LaSalle: 7580 rue Centrale Kirkland: 2820 boul. Saint-Charles | On Clic Santé By phone: LaSalle: 438-864-4385 Kirkland: 438-820-6703 |
| Youth Clinic CLSC de Pierrefonds 13800 boul. Gouin Ouest Montréal (Pierrefonds), QC H8Z 3H6 | On Clic Santé By phone: 514-697-4110, extension 1313 |
| Youth Clinic CLSC du Lac-Saint-Louis 180 av. Cartier Pointe-Claire, QC H9S4S1 | On Clic Santé By phone: 514-697-4110, extension 1313 |
| Youth Clinic CLSC de Dorval-Lachine 3320 rue Notre-Dame Montréal (Lachine), QC H8T 1W8 | On Clic Santé By phone: 514-697-4110, extension 1313 |
| Youth Clinic CLSC de LaSalle 8550 boul. Newman Montréal (LaSalle), QC H8N 1Y5 | On Clic Santé By phone: 514-697-4110, extension 1313 |
| Youth Clinic St. Mary's University Family Medicine Group U-FMG 3777 rue Jean-Brillant Montréal, QC H3T 1Y2 | By phone: 514-734-7405 |
Other sites will soon be offering this service as well.
Contraceptive Implants and Breastfeeding
The risk of pregnancy with this method of birth control is very low because it prevents ovulation and you cannot forget to use it. According to Health Canada, they are 99.95% effective for up to 3 years.
- The implant is effective 7 days after insertion.
- You can become pregnant again as soon as it is removed.
Contraceptive Implants and Breastfeeding
Contraceptive implants do not affect a person’s ability to begin and continue breastfeeding. The level of hormones released is low and no side effects have been reported in infants.
The procedure
The contraceptive implant is a small stick that is 4 cm long and 2 mm in diameter, which is about the size of a match.
Insertion
The implant can be inserted once a professional has confirmed you are not pregnant.
It is inserted under the skin on the underside of your nondominant arm.
A local anaesthetic is used. Using a small, specially designed applicator, it takes only seconds to insert the implant. You will then touch your arm to that you can feel where it is. A bandage is applied to maintain light pressure for 24 hours.
Removal
The implant can be removed at any time.
The professional must locate the implant and then apply a local anaesthetic to the area. The insert is then removed using a small clamp. Adhesive butterfly strips are applied for three days, with a pressure bandage worn for the first 24 hours.
Choosing your method of birth control
It is essential to choose the method of birth control that best suits your health and lifestyle. A nurse will discuss the various birth control options with you.
The most effective methods are:
- the contraceptive implant (effective for up to 3 years)
- the levonorgestrel IUD (effective for 5 to 9 years, depending on the model)
- the copper IUD (effective for 12 or 19 years)
To help you make an informed choice, your healthcare professional may give you a document that compares the different options available: It's a plan.
What other options are there?
- Birth control pills
- Combination hormonal contraceptives (estrogen-progesterone)
- Progesterone-only pills
- Contraceptive injection
- Patch
- Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragm)
- Natural methods (calendar, withdrawal)
- Emergency contraception
There can be minor side effects with all types of birth control. Should you experience side effects, a healthcare professional can review your birth control method and adjust your prescription accordingly.