Subdermal Contraceptive Device: The Implications for Reproductive Health.

Abstract:

The need to control population growth rate, meet family and improve health care status were among the reasons for the introduction of contraceptive device such as subdermal implant. The effectiveness of subdermal device tends to surpass other form of contraceptive and family planning methods as it guaranteed pregnancy prevention. This paper addresses contraceptive device such as subdermal implant and the role in reproductive health to promote the use of this device. The advantages of these subdermal implants include the long-term contraceptive action, low dose of highly effective contraception, and quick reversal to fertility after the removal of implants. It explains the mechanism of action of subdermal implant as it can be implanted in the upper arm of a woman to exhibit long-term contraception. Some of the benefits of subdermal implant are it last for 3-5 years, pregnancy can occur after removal, it does not affect breastfeeding and inexpensive and highly effective among others. The most common adverse effects of using subdermal implant are irregular vaginal bleeding, amenorrhea, headache while the disadvantages of contraceptive subdermal implant were inability to prevent sexually transmitted infections, contraindication with the use of antibiotic. It was concluded that Contraceptive use such as subdermal device reduces the need for unsafe abortion by preventing unwanted pregnancies thereby minimizes the cases of unsafe abortion that causes death. In regard to this, it was recommended that health providers and family planning professional should provide couples with contraceptive information to improve reproductive health. The paper recommended that couples should make joint decision on the choice of birth control device use such as subdermal implant. In addition, woman should go for contraceptive counselling on the suitable type of long lasting birth control method to reduce the risk of complications and side effects.