The Student Room Group

Doctor's refusal to remove implanon

So basically the question is in the title.

I've had the contraceptive implant for about a year now and I have loved more or less everything about it.

However, since I had it put in I've went from 50kg to 72kg. (About 8stone to 11 stone). I kept saying to myself that I'd rather have put on weight than getting pregnant.

I've gone from a size 6/8 to a size 12/14 and it finally just got to the point I was really uncomfortable with myself. So then tonight I went to the doctor to get the implanon removed and she flat out refused to believe it was caused by the implant and told me to make an appointment with my doctor to get my thyroid checked.

She also said if that comes back fine then to go to weight watchers or something along the lines of that. I eat healthy and exercise every day and haven't managed to lose any weight.

The implant has been the only variable in my life for a year so I don't see what else it could be. How do I persuade her to take it out?

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tell her she is your doctor and her job is to respect your wishes. tell her you dont want to go to ****ing weightwatchers because thats insulting, and tell her to get it out of your arm before you sue her. big time.
She can't refuse you. If you can honestly say you've done everything normally- not eaten any more than usual or done less exercise- then it's not up to her if you have to keep it! Tell her that nothing in your lifestyle has changed apart from the implant, it's affecting your self esteem in how you look and you'd like it removed. If she still doesn't, see another doctor who will and put in a complaint about her.
Reply 3
Original post by Yellow-nutshell
She can't refuse you. If you can honestly say you've done everything normally- not eaten any more than usual or done less exercise- then it's not up to her if you have to keep it! Tell her that nothing in your lifestyle has changed apart from the implant, it's affecting your self esteem in how you look and you'd like it removed. If she still doesn't, see another doctor who will and put in a complaint about her.


This! And keep a record of exactly what you#'re eatin to show you're not exaggerating what your diet is like
Original post by Yellow-nutshell
She can't refuse you.


She can and has.

People these days are deluded into thinking doctors have to do what they say when they say. Its not the case.
Threatening complaints does nothing either because you don't have a valid case.

Removing an implanon needs a surgical procedure. Albeit a minor one. You don't want to do that if you don't have to - ergo checking there are no other causes for the sudden weight gain.
Furthermore the doctor is not going to perform an elective procedure on the evening GP list. it needs booking some time in advance. Hell, the doctor you saw might not even be able to remove it herself.
http://www.implanon-usa.com/HCP/insertionRemoval/howToInsertAndRemoveImplanon/index.asp?C=26946404911513657407

See this link to understand the implanting and removal of an implanon device.
Reply 5
Original post by Jamie
She can and has.

People these days are deluded into thinking doctors have to do what they say when they say. Its not the case.
Threatening complaints does nothing either because you don't have a valid case.

Removing an implanon needs a surgical procedure. Albeit a minor one. You don't want to do that if you don't have to - ergo checking there are no other causes for the sudden weight gain.
Furthermore the doctor is not going to perform an elective procedure on the evening GP list. it needs booking some time in advance. Hell, the doctor you saw might not even be able to remove it herself.
http://www.implanon-usa.com/HCP/insertionRemoval/howToInsertAndRemoveImplanon/index.asp?C=26946404911513657407



See this link to understand the implanting and removal of an implanon device.


The appointment was booked a month in advance and the doctor knew what I was there for. She was qualified to remove the implant. I understand that it may have been something else that caused the weight gain so I'm having my thyroid checked by my own doctor.

I also know how the implant is removed and inserted I wouldn't have had it done if it wasn't. I was prepared for the side effects as well and didn't mind gaining a small amount of weight but the amount I have gained is quite extreme.

Thanks for all the advice.
Original post by Jamie
She can and has.

People these days are deluded into thinking doctors have to do what they say when they say. Its not the case.
Threatening complaints does nothing either because you don't have a valid case.

Removing an implanon needs a surgical procedure. Albeit a minor one. You don't want to do that if you don't have to - ergo checking there are no other causes for the sudden weight gain.
Furthermore the doctor is not going to perform an elective procedure on the evening GP list. it needs booking some time in advance. Hell, the doctor you saw might not even be able to remove it herself.
http://www.implanon-usa.com/HCP/insertionRemoval/howToInsertAndRemoveImplanon/index.asp?C=26946404911513657407

See this link to understand the implanting and removal of an implanon device.


If a doctor can refuse to help a patient in the way they request surely that is completely contradicting the idea that a doctor is there to help?

I'm sorry but I just disagree that, if someone is unhappy and being affected by something that can be solved (and very quickly in this case), then yes a doctor can suggest other options and explain that there might be other reasons but at the end of the day it's the patients body and should always have the right to say no and choose their treatment.

I'm sure if you were in that position you would be saying the same. I'm also sure that the OP is sensible enough to make sure it's not down to anything else before removing what is otherwise generally a hassle-free form of contraception.
Original post by Yellow-nutshell
If a doctor can refuse to help a patient in the way they request surely that is completely contradicting the idea that a doctor is there to help?

I'm sorry but I just disagree that, if someone is unhappy and being affected by something that can be solved (and very quickly in this case), then yes a doctor can suggest other options and explain that there might be other reasons but at the end of the day it's the patients body and should always have the right to say no and choose their treatment.

I'm sure if you were in that position you would be saying the same. I'm also sure that the OP is sensible enough to make sure it's not down to anything else before removing what is otherwise generally a hassle-free form of contraception.


The doctor is not there to facilitate the patients whim of the day. They are there to provide healthcare. They are there to look after the patients best interest.

An implant causing so huge weight gain is not so believable. It is therefore in the patients best interest to explore other causes first. Just because the patient believes they know the cause, does not make it so.

Same goes for investigations. Just because a patient comes demanding a 'scan' because they have sprained their ankle, does not mean
a) the doctor has to do it
b) there is any benefit in doing it
c) it is going to change the outcome.


If you go to america and properly pay for your healthcare (amount you pay NHS for healthcare is very little in comparison to other countries) then they will do whatever the hell you ask - regardless of whether it is good for you.
Original post by ArtemisRose

I also know how the implant is removed and inserted I wouldn't have had it done if it wasn't. I was prepared for the side effects as well and didn't mind gaining a small amount of weight but the amount I have gained is quite extreme.


Quite agree that if it is the implanon causing the weight gain it needs to come out. THe problem is the weight won't just fall off you after its out, so its best to keep everything the same for the moment whilst other causes are checked, and then remove the implanon.

Otherwise you might take it out, wait months hoping to lose weight, only to find out it was something else all along.

Best of luck
Reply 9
Original post by Jamie
Quite agree that if it is the implanon causing the weight gain it needs to come out. THe problem is the weight won't just fall off you after its out, so its best to keep everything the same for the moment whilst other causes are checked, and then remove the implanon.

Otherwise you might take it out, wait months hoping to lose weight, only to find out it was something else all along.

Best of luck



Thanks for the advice, that's what I'm doing at the moment.
Original post by Jamie
The doctor is not there to facilitate the patients whim of the day. They are there to provide healthcare. They are there to look after the patients best interest.

An implant causing so huge weight gain is not so believable. It is therefore in the patients best interest to explore other causes first. Just because the patient believes they know the cause, does not make it so.

Same goes for investigations. Just because a patient comes demanding a 'scan' because they have sprained their ankle, does not mean
a) the doctor has to do it
b) there is any benefit in doing it
c) it is going to change the outcome.


If you go to america and properly pay for your healthcare (amount you pay NHS for healthcare is very little in comparison to other countries) then they will do whatever the hell you ask - regardless of whether it is good for you.


^ This

As stated, the doctor doesn't have to do what you request. Maybe he didn't phrase it to you properly, but his meaning would be that you should get your weight gain problem checked out first as he believe the implanon is not causing the huge weight gain.
(edited 14 years ago)
Three stone is rather a lot to put on in a year, if you don't mind me saying so.

You're doctor may well have "flat-out refused" to believe your diagnosis of implanon, because that is totally implausible (I don't actually know exactly how implanon effects your weight, so maybe it is possible, but 3 stone is a hell of a lot given implanon doesn't actually involve a very high dose of hormones - it's progesterone only and at a dose less than most pills), especially because you are eating healthily and exercising.

I mean.. don't you want to find out if you have a thyroid problem or one of a host of other diseases that can cause the kind of weight gain you're talking about? What has made you dismiss the possibility of hypothyroidism?

I really sympathise, don't get me wrong, but don't presume you know more than your doctor (well, not always anyway). It would be irresponsible of her to remove your implant and just send you on your way - when that might be unnecessarily depriving you of contraception, and not finding a solution to the problem at all.

EDIT: Although, don't let your doctor ignore the problem, or blame it on a bad diet if you know that your eating habits haven't changed. Weight gain like that should be investigated, and if a thyroid test comes back negative it could still be something else.
And if you ultimately still want your implanon removed, that is your right.
(edited 13 years ago)
You will naturally put on weight between 17 and 18 so that is a variable, you may have developed extra muscle, slower metabolism etc etc.

Ask the doctor to fully explain her reasons and that you wish to have it removed because of how you feel. It's your body after all
(edited 13 years ago)
Reply 13
I don't understand this refusal.

I work as a student midwife, and if a woman refuses treatment, or would like something specific done then we HAVE TO oblige.

It is her right to refuse treatment, of course this may lead to further investigation by social services etc in rare cases, but that is different entirely from this situation.

He/she cannot refuse to remove the implant. He is just trying to make sure that the weight gain is related, since that seems to be your only problem, but if you'd have stood there and said I demand you take it out, you're well within your rights to have it removed. Doctors have to respect peoples wishes and choices for their own care. I went to get my implant taken out and she initially said we won't take out your coil for another week due to the implant taking a week to work, I asked her to remove it then and their because it was so painful. She agree'd but I had to sign a disclaimer in my notes that said I had refused the standard procedure of care and the risk of pregnancy was my own resposibilty etc. I'm wanting my implant removed now because I am DONE with hormonal contraception, I am a totally different person on it and I hate it!!! As a student midwife I know the menstrual cycle inside out and I am going to try natural family planning, I've even bought a lady comp. Get this thing out of meeee!!!!!
Original post by Kayt123
I don't understand this refusal.

I work as a student midwife, and if a woman refuses treatment, or would like something specific done then we HAVE TO oblige.

It is her right to refuse treatment, of course this may lead to further investigation by social services etc in rare cases, but that is different entirely from this situation.

He/she cannot refuse to remove the implant. He is just trying to make sure that the weight gain is related, since that seems to be your only problem, but if you'd have stood there and said I demand you take it out, you're well within your rights to have it removed. Doctors have to respect peoples wishes and choices for their own care. I went to get my implant taken out and she initially said we won't take out your coil for another week due to the implant taking a week to work, I asked her to remove it then and their because it was so painful. She agree'd but I had to sign a disclaimer in my notes that said I had refused the standard procedure of care and the risk of pregnancy was my own resposibilty etc. I'm wanting my implant removed now because I am DONE with hormonal contraception, I am a totally different person on it and I hate it!!! As a student midwife I know the menstrual cycle inside out and I am going to try natural family planning, I've even bought a lady comp. Get this thing out of meeee!!!!!


Whilst I realise that you are right and all your points are perfectly valid, you do realise that this thread is five years old, right?
Reply 15
Original post by Plumstone
Whilst I realise that you are right and all your points are perfectly valid, you do realise that this thread is five years old, right?


Yeh just realised that, hahaha, oops..sorry!

I've been obviously searching for this kind of thing as I've been looking at birth control options and stuff and this thread came up in my search and I didn't even think to look at the date.
Original post by Kayt123
Yeh just realised that, hahaha, oops..sorry!

I've been obviously searching for this kind of thing as I've been looking at birth control options and stuff and this thread came up in my search and I didn't even think to look at the date.


Don't worry, there's always a chance that someone else is going through something similar and finds it useful :smile:

I only gave you the heads up because sometimes the mods tell people off for "reviving ancient threads".
Reply 17
Original post by Plumstone
Don't worry, there's always a chance that someone else is going through something similar and finds it useful :smile:

I only gave you the heads up because sometimes the mods tell people off for "reviving ancient threads".


Thanks chicken :smile:

Sorry mods! :colondollar:
I have the contraceptive implant and ive had the same problems with weight gain and more. But i haven't gone to the gp and asked for it removing because over the (almost) 3 years ive had it ive developed a fear of needles. Im just really scared for the actual removing. Is it okay or is it eugh?
This has actually helped me a lot even though I am like 6 years late!!

I have only had the Implant for a month and it is the worst thing I have done, my moods are everywhere and I am just being awful to everybody!! I have the day off work tomorrow to go to the family planning clinic but was worried they would refuse, but I gather it is my body!!