Implanon, a small under-the-skin contraceptive device inserted into a woman’s forearm and is effective for up for three years, is now freely available at the DUT Isolempilo Campus Health Clinic for students and staff.
This latest addition to the Clinic’s family planning offering was launched this week at the University’s Steve Biko Campus.
Sooriagandhi Wardthen, Isolempilo Campus Health Clinic Manager, said the main aim of the new offering is to prevent unplanned pregnancies, especially among students. “We want students to make an informed decision from the choice of contraceptive method available. The implant is a sub dermal contraceptive implant that has not been available previously at the DUT Campus Health Services. The student could choose to have this hormonal method inserted into the arm that works for three years to prevent pregnancy,” she said.
DUT Maritime Studies student, Sinenhlanhla Msimang, said she chose Implanon over other contraceptive methods for its “simplicity”. “It’s my first time using a contraceptive but because it takes three years, I think it is a good choice for me. I would encourage other students to go for it too in order to avoid unplanned pregnancies. At first (before having the device inserted) I was scared because it was my first time doing it and seeing all the nurses around me frightened me a little bit. After the whole process, I felt proud. It was a good experience,” she said.
Another participating student, Anele Jojo, who is doing her third year in Public Relations, said having the device inserted was a wise decision for her, adding that she encourages other students to also consider it.
“Our girls now have a contraceptive they can use for three years rather than going to the clinic every two or three months for contraception,” said Dr Mala Panday, a Gynaecologist and Obstetrician. “It’s actually 99.7% effective. We know that there is no contraceptive that is 100% effective beside abstinence,” she said.
The implanon insertion day was organised by DUT Health Clinic Public Relations intern Amanda Magocoba.
– Sihle Ndebele and Mxolisi Ntanzi
Pictured: A DUT student having the Implanon contraceptive inserted under the skin of her arm.The medical device remains effective up to three years.
