Female Pellet Post-Implantation Instructions

• After insertion, you will need to wait in the doctor’s office for a minimum of 20 minutes to ensure you tolerated the procedure well. After this time, you will be allowed to leave. You can drive home.
• You should leave the bandage on for 24 hours, then take a shower, remove the bandage, and wash the wound with soap and water only.
• Do not apply any lotion, cream, or gels to the wound for 3 days.
• You should avoid vigorous physical activity for 72 hours (about 3 days) following the insertion of the pellets, longer if the area is tender or red.
• You should avoid swimming, saunas, whirlpools for 3 days.

The most common undesired effect that occurs in patients receiving pellet insertion is for the area to be slightly tender where the pellets were placed. However, the pain should be minimum and easily relieved with two Tylenol regular strength caplets. If the area is more painful than this, call your physician.

Infrequently, patients develop hematoma (a blood clot) around the pellets due to excessive bleeding at the site of the insertion. This blood clot is not dangerous and cannot travel to the lungs or cause a stroke. It can, however, be uncomfortable and sometimes causes bleeding, usually a quick gush of blood, possibly extruding pellets with it. If the bleeding is heavy or lasts for more than ½ hour, call your physician.

If you develop more than minor pain unrelieved with Tylenol, redness, swelling or notice pus at the wound site, call your physician right away. If an infection does develop, your physician will want you to receive oral or intramuscular antibiotics right away. Delay could result in the spreading of the infection and the pellets inadvertently falling out. You may shower in 24 hours. Wash with soap and warm water. Do not use Hydrogen Peroxide or any antibiotic ointment. A dry dressing may be applied during the day to protect the incision. After the first 24 hours, leave the incision open to air at night.

Although uncommon, if a pellet does fall out, do not attempt to put it back in. Simply let your physician know that one or more pellets came out. Your physician calculates your next dosage based on the number and strength of each pellet, which was inserted.

If you develop vaginal bleeding, spotting, severe cramps, or extreme fatigue, contact your physician immediately. If you develop clitoral enlargement, experience hair loss (male patterned baldness), acne, oily skin, or facial hair, please let your physician know at your next appointment. In general, pellet implants are extremely safe and effective. If you are having side effects that concern you, please do not hesitate to contact your physician.