Expert: Norman Solberg - 1/2/2009

Question
I had the Implanon implant fitted in Feb 08.  Before this i was having the Depo Provera injection every 12 weeks for about 8 years.  Whilst having the injecton, i had little or no bleeding.  However, since i had the implant fitted last Feb, I have had irregular bleeding with no real pattern to it.  Mt concern is though that I have been bleeding every day for the last 3 weeks.  The bleeding started as a regular period for about a week and then reduced to spotting.  This lasted 10 days or more and in the last few days it has gone back to heavier bleeding.  I gather that irregular/heavy bleeding is a side-effect of the implant.  Is this liekly to be the cause of the bleeding or should i go and see my GP?  I'm having the implant removed next week anyway, as my partner and I are going to try for a baby.  I'll be 38 in 2 weeks time.

Answer
I think the implant is the likely cause of your bleeding, which will probably resolve in time after the implant is removed.  If the bleeding is too heavy it can usually be controlled with some hormones.  At least talk to the doctor that will be removing the implant about the bleeding.