Certainly, many women have questions and concerns about the effectiveness of the contraceptive implant, especially when they exhibit symptoms that may resemble pregnancy symptoms. Is it really possible for pregnancy to occur despite the presence of the implant?

What is the contraceptive chip?

It is one of the methods of contraception and is a modern and effective method to prevent pregnancy for a long time. It is a small, flexible plastic penis approximately the size of a matchstick, about 4 cm, that is implanted under the skin of the upper arm.

The strip contains the hormone progestin, which is released slowly and continuously into the bloodstream and works to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus as well as thinning the uterine lining. 

The contraceptive chip is characterized by:

• It is one of the most effective methods of contraception, with a success rate of more than 99%.
• The chip lasts up to 3 years. 
• Ease of use, as it is installed and removed by a specialized doctor in a simple and quick procedure using local anesthetic.
• It is reversible, meaning the chip can be removed at any time, and fertility returns to normal quickly after removal.
• Suitable for breastfeeding as it does not affect the quantity or quality of breast milk.

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What are the disadvantages of the contraceptive chip?

Before explaining the symptoms of pregnancy with the implant, let us explain to you the most prominent disadvantages of the implant. As much as the contraceptive implant has many advantages, it has some disadvantages and side effects that a woman must be aware of before deciding to use it. The most prominent of these disadvantages are:

• Changes in the menstrual cycle, which is the most common side effect. The patch may cause irregular bleeding or spotting between menstrual cycles, especially in the first months after insertion, and it may make menstrual cycles heavier or longer or make them lighter or shorter.
• Complete cessation of the menstrual cycle, which occurs in about 20% of users. It is considered safe from a medical standpoint, but it may cause anxiety in some women.
• Weight gain in some women, which may be due to fluid retention or increased appetite.
• Headache and breast pain.
• The appearance of acne, as a result of hormonal change.
• Feeling nauseous and dizzy, especially at the beginning of using the SIM. 
• Mood swings and depression, due to the effect of the hormones contained in the chip.
• Cost: Its initial cost may be high compared to some other contraceptive methods, but it is beneficial in the long term.
• There is a small possibility of complications, such as inflammation or infection at the implantation site, or the chip moving from its place. There is also a very small risk of blood clots, especially in smokers.

Does the contraceptive implant move out of place?

Yes, it is possible for the contraceptive implant to move out of place, but it is rare, because the modern design of the implant and the method of insertion make it extremely difficult to move after the tissue around it has healed within a few weeks of insertion. 

It is normal for the contraceptive chip to move very little, a few millimeters over time, and this does not affect its effectiveness, but large displacement or migration. These are very rare cases where the chip may move a greater distance from its original location. The probability of this happening is very small.

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Is it possible to get pregnant with a contraceptive chip?

Many women wonder about the symptoms of pregnancy with the implant and the possibility of it occurring. Yes, it is possible to become pregnant with the contraceptive implant, but it is a very rare possibility. 

This is because the contraceptive patch is one of the most effective methods of contraception available, but no method is 100% effective. The contraceptive patch is 99% or more effective. This means that with ideal use, less than one woman out of every 100 women using the patch may become pregnant within a year. This makes it more effective than the pill, patch, or condom.

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What are the symptoms of pregnancy with the chip?

Since the contraceptive patch stops ovulation in most cases, the most obvious symptom of pregnancy, which is the absence of the menstrual cycle, is not considered a reliable sign because the cycle is often irregular or stops at all with the use of the patch.

Therefore, you should pay attention to other symptoms, and symptoms of pregnancy with a common chip include the following:

• Nausea, especially in the morning, is one of the most classic symptoms, especially in the first months.
• Extreme fatigue than usual and exhaustion that cannot be explained by normal daily activity.
• Changes in the breast, such as feeling pain or tenderness to the touch, feeling swollen and heavy, and the nipples may become darker in color or more sensitive.
• Urinating more frequently than usual, even before the period is late.
• Severe mood swings and rapid changes in feelings due to hormonal change.
• Cravings or aversion to food.
• Mild cramps or light bleeding may result from the implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterine wall.
• Headache and dizziness. 
• Constipation with back pain. 

Frequently asked questions

How do I know that I am pregnant while I have a SIM card?

You can know this by the appearance of pregnancy symptoms with the chip that we have explained above, especially in the case of interruption of the menstrual cycle due to the chip. You can pay attention to those symptoms and then perform a home pregnancy test one to two weeks after the date of the occurrence of the relationship that you suspect.

What invalidates the contraceptive patch?

In general, the contraceptive patch is very resistant to failure because it does not depend on remembering to take it daily like pills. However, there are rare factors that can reduce its effectiveness or slow its effect, the most prominent of which are:

First: the effect of some medications

 It can speed up the metabolism of the hormone in the body, making the strip less effective. Examples include:

•  Epilepsy medications: such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, topiramate, and primidone.
• Tuberculosis medications: such as rifampicin. 
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) medications and some antiretrovirals.
• Some herbal medicines: such as St. John's wort, which is used in some cases of mild depression.

Second: Problems related to the chip itself, for example:

• The expiration of the period. The chip is effective for a limited period, usually 3 or 5 years depending on the type. After this period, it stops releasing the hormone in sufficient quantities to prevent pregnancy and must be replaced. 
• Incorrect insertion: In very rare cases, if the chip is not inserted correctly under the skin from the beginning, it may not work as it should. 
• Extreme displacement, which is very rare as we discussed above.
• In specific medical conditions, such as weight, some studies indicate that women with a very high body mass index, usually above 30 or 35, may be at greater risk of pregnancy with some progestin-only methods, such as the strip.

In conclusion, although the contraceptive patch is considered one of the most effective methods, awareness about the symptoms of pregnancy with the implant remains necessary, as these symptoms overlap with the side effects of the implant, which may cause anxiety. 

If you have any concerns or inquiries, Al Mousa Specialist Hospital provides integrated health care through a medical team specialized in women’s health, and you can rely on their experience to provide accurate diagnosis and the necessary follow-up, ensuring you peace of mind and good health.

 Do not hesitate to book an appointment through our numbers listed on the website to obtain professional medical advice and answer all your questions.

Medical references

Birth Control Implant (Contraceptive Implant) – healthline

Is it possible to get pregnant while on birth control? – medicalnewstoday