Rwandan Women's Implant Experience with Implant Removal and Insertion

Hilary Schwandt, Western Washington University
Sequoia Dearborn, Western Washington University
Marina Koch, Western Washington University
Mya Landback, Western Washington University
Isabella Lowell, Western Washington University
Sandra Mumararungu, University of Rwanda
Sydney Patterson, Western Washington University
Aubree Radtke, Self employed
Iris Seiwerath, a student at Western Washington University
Biganette-Evidente Shemeza, INES-Ruhengeri – Institute of Applied Sciences
Nate Tatem, Western Washington University
Ruth Ufitimbabazi, University of Rwanda
Liz Uwera, INES-Ruhengeri – Institute of Applied Sciences
Seth L. Feinberg, Western Washington University

Family planning use increased in Rwanda from 17% to 64% between 2005 and 2020, the implant, at 27%, is the most common method. This study is interested in understanding the experience of Rwandan women with implant insertions and removals. In Rwanda, implant users can access implant insertions and removals in any facility, regardless of where they received services initially. Implant insertions and removals are in the upper arm, most often, and quick and painless, due to the use of anesthesia. Some users request implant insertion in their thigh, not all providers have experience doing so. After implant insertion or removal, clients are instructed to take care of their small wounds, avoid heavy work, and feel their implant often to ensure it is still there and it has not moved. Insertions and removals are well documented in the facility, but also by individuals – who take great care of their family planning client forms and remembering the date of their removal upon implant expiration. Removals can be more challenging when clients gain weight while using the implant of the implant has moved, or the implant was originally inserted “too deep” into the body, not just under the skin as is best practice.

Keywords: Family Planning and Contraception, Qualitative data/methods/approaches, Gender Dynamics

See extended abstract.