Worried about fertility

Q2A

Got a quick question ......

I am 23 and have always been responsable when it comes to sex I had the implant for 7yrs there first for 3 and second for 4 as I went a year over without realising. Since having the second removed 6 months ago I have only had 1 period. Over the 6 months I may have had unprotected sex once or twice but after takin a pregnancy test found I am not pregnant I am now begining to worry about my fertilaty and why I have not returned to a normal cycle. What should I do? And do I have a genuine reason to be worried? Also I have been checked for STDs and am completely clear.

Please help from K

This is our reply.......

Hi there, thanks for sending us your enquiry for the bulletin board,

Fertility - one of the benefits of Implanon (the implant) is that your pre-existing fertility returns quickly after the Implanon is removed. Within a few days of being removed, the hormone released by Implanon should be out of your system which means that your normal level of fertility should return. Ovulation can happen as soon as six days after the removal.

You havn't said what your menstrual pattern was during the seven years of having the implant inserted as this can also be disrupted during the time you have Implanon. So although you have only had one period, you may continue to exprience irregular bleeding, if this was the pattern prior or during the implant. It can take up to two years for your periods to settle back into a cycle, but every person varies with this. As you have not had a second period for a number of months, we would advise that you visit your doctor or nurse about this. They will be able to offer further accurate advice or choose to refer you to a gynaecologist for further investigation.

There are many health discussion forums online that feature women who have had similar experience to yours, regarding the irregular bleeding after the removal of Implanon. You may find it helpful to visit these sites for assurance that this side effect does occur.

You have said that you had the second one in for a period of four years as you hadn't realised the three years had elapsed. In this case, the implant does not stop working at the end of the three year period but it does stop being as effective. It would also be advisable to speak with the nurse or doctor about althernative contraceptive methods, if you feel this would suit you at present.

Sorry we're not able to give you a more definitive answer as to why you haven't returned to a normal cycle as there is no specific explanation for this.

best wishes

q2a

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