Contraceptive implant

What is an implant?

An implant is a small flexible rod that is placed just under the skin in your upper arm. It releases a hormone called progestogen which is similar to the natural hormones that are produced by your body. The implant works for three years. It is a very effective contraceptive method.

The main way the implant works is to stop your ovaries releasing an egg each month (ovulation). It also thickens the mucus from your cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus (womb) and makes the lining of your womb thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.

Your appointment allows time for the procedure itself. If you would like to discuss your contraceptive options in detail, please book a general contraceptive appointment. This will be in addition to the appointment for your procedure.

Timing of fitting an implant

  • If the implant is put in during the first five days of your period you will be protected against pregnancy immediately
  • If the implant is put in on any other day you will not be protected against pregnancy for the first seven days after it has been fitted. So you will need to abstain from sex or use an additional method of contraception during this time

The procedure

Fitting

  • It only takes a few minutes to fit the implant. The doctor or nurse will clean your arm with antiseptic solution and then give you a small local anaesthetic injection. When your arm is numb they will insert the implant. A dressing is then applied which needs to be kept clean and dry
  • After it has been fitted the doctor or nurse will check your arm to make sure that the implant is in position. You will also be shown how to feel the implant with your fingers, so you can check it is in place
  • The area may be bruised and slightly swollen for a day or two
  • If you have any signs of infection such as redness, tenderness or discharge make an appointment to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible

Removal

  • The doctor or nurse will feel your arm to locate the implant, clean the area with antiseptic solution and give you a small local anaesthetic injection. They will then make a tiny cut in your skin and gently pull the implant out. A dressing is then applied which needs to be kept clean and dry
  • If you want to carry on using an implant, the doctor or nurse can put a new one in at the same time
  • Occasionally, an implant is difficult to feel under the skin and is not so easy to remove. If this happens, you may be referred to a specialist clinic

What risks are there to having an implant fitted or removed?

Having an implant fitted or removed is a very safe and simple procedure. With any medical intervention there are always some risks, which you must be aware of before proceeding:

Implant fitting

  • Bleeding and bruising at the insertion site
  • Infection at the insertion site
  • Changes to periods - Your periods will probably change. In some women periods will stop completely. Most women will have irregular periods. These changes may be a nuisance but they are not harmful. If you do have prolonged bleeding you may be able to have medication that can help control the bleeding
  • Hormonal side effects - You may get hormonal side effects, this is more common when you first start using the implant and usually improves within a few months. Hormonal side effects include headaches, breast tenderness, mood changes and acne

The following risks are very rare:

  • Contraceptive failure – The implant is over 99 per cent effective. Less than one woman in every 1,000 will get pregnant over three years. Some medicines may make the implant less effective. These are called enzyme-inducing drugs. If you are taking these medicines it will be recommended that you use additional contraception, or that you change your method of contraception. Always tell your doctor or nurse that you are using an implant if you are prescribed any medicines
  • Implant breakage
  • Deep insertion of the implant
  • Damage to blood vessels and nerves
  • Insertion of the implant into a blood vessel

Implant removal

  • Bleeding and bruising at the removal site
  • Infection at the removal site
  • Scarring

The following risks are very rare:

  • Damage to blood vessels and nerves

Further information about the contraceptive implant can be found in the ‘Contraception’ section of our website:

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