The Contraceptive Implant
This is a Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC). LARC methods do not rely on you remembering to use them.
An implant can only be fitted by a doctor or nurse trained in this procedure. You will need to contact your GP or Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic.
An implant is a small flexible rod that is placed just under the skin on the inside of your upper arm. It releases the hormone progestogen and should be fitted, if possible, within the first 5 days of your period. You are then protected against becoming pregnant immediately.
If the implant is put in on any other day, you will not be protected against pregnancy for the first 7 days after it has been fitted. So, you will need to use another method such as condoms during that time.
The implant is over 99% effective at preventing a pregnancy. Less than 1 woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year.
How is it put in?
It does not take long to fit your implant.
Local anaesthetic is used and usually no stitches are needed.
You may have some tenderness and bruising the next day.
You can feel the implant with your fingers but it is not easily seen.
How is it removed?
A specially trained nurse or doctor will do this for you.
A local anaesthetic is again given before a very small cut is made, and the implant is gently taken out through the opening.
It only takes a few minutes.
Another implant can be put in at the same time.
If another implant is not put in, you will stop being protected against pregnancy straight away
How does it Work?
- The implant stops your ovaries producing an egg each month
- It thickens the mucus at the entrance to your womb to prevent sperm from meeting an egg.
- It thins the lining of the womb to stop an egg implanting.
Some medicines may stop the implant working. Please tell the nurse or doctor about any medicines you take regularly. This includes any medicines you have bought over the counter.
How long does it last?
It works for 3 years, but can be taken out at any time. This can take away the worry of thinking about contraception.
When your implant is removed your usual fertility returns immediately.
What are the advantages of the Implant?
- It does not interrupt sex
- You can use it if you are breast feeding
- It is a good method if you cannot use the combined pill
- It offers some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease
- It may offer some protection against cancer of the womb
- It can reduce painful, heavy periods
What are the disadvantages of the implant?
- Periods can sometimes change:
They may be come much longer
Or stop completely
Irregular periods or spotting between periods
They may last longer
They may be heavier - Some women may gain weight
- Sometimes women get headaches, spotty skin, mood changes and breast tenderness
Any of these may happen in the first year and might be a nuisance to you, but they are not harmful to you.
Are there any risks?
These are very rare.
Soon after it has been put in, it can cause an infection in your arm where it has been inserted.
Current research suggests that women who use hormonal contraception appear to have a small increase in the risk of breast cancer compared to women who don’t use hormonal contraception. More research is still continuing.
If you are concerned always chat to the nurse or doctor.
The implant will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections, we therefore recommend the use of condoms as well.