Having a Contraceptive Implant fitted

• A contraceptive implant is a small, flexible rod that’s placed just under the skin on the inside of
• your upper arm.
• It releases a progestogen hormone like the natural progesterone produced by the ovaries.
• An implant works for three years.
• It is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Click the link below for more information on the contraceptive implant:
Contraceptive implant – NHS

We need to be certain that you are not already at risk of pregnancy. This is the case when:

• You are using a reliable form of contraception e.g. the contraceptive pill, implant, injection, coil, ring or patch. Condoms are only considered reliable if used consistently and correctly.
• OR, you have not had sex since the start of your last period
• OR, you have not had sex for 3 weeks and have a negative pregnancy test on the day.

• A small amount of local anaesthetic will be injected to numb the skin before the implant is inserted into the arm.
• A tiny scar may form at the site of insertion. There is a risk of bleeding or bruising, which is temporary and a small possibility of infection at the site of insertion.
• A dressing will be put on to help to keep it clean and dry and to reduce the bruising.
• It can take 7 days to be fully effective as a method of contraception, therefore another form of contraception may need to be used until then after fitting.

Check periodically that your implant is still in place. If you cannot feel the implant, you may not be protected against pregnancy. Use additional protection e.g. condoms and make an appointment with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Your periods may change:

• 1 in 3 women have irregular bleeding/spotting episodes.
• 1 in 4 women have no periods when using the implant.
• 1 in 5 women have more frequent or longer bleeding.

If this side effect occurs, you should speak to a healthcare professional as we can treat this if needed. Unfavourable bleeding patterns are common in the first few months after insertion and mostly improve the longer the implant is left in place.

Other side effects include:

• You may develop hormonal side effects including headaches, mood changes and acne. These tend to be most common in the first few months after insertion.
• The implant will not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Extra precautions such as condoms are required for this.
• Some medicines e.g. for epilepsy or TB may make the implant less effective.
• Always tell your healthcare professional that you’re using an implant if you are prescribed any medicines.
• If you notice any redness or pus around the wound, then please contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

The implant will need to be removed by a minor procedure involving local anaesthetic injection to numb the skin and a tiny incision (cut) through which the implant can be removed. This will result in a small scar. Occasionally, bruising/bleeding or wound infections may occur. If your implant has been removed, you will need to use alternative contraception immediately.

If the implant is difficult to remove, then you may need to be referred to a specialist centre to have it removed with the help of an ultrasound scan.

We will not contact you to remind you when the implant needs to be removed/replaced – it is your responsibility to arrange removal or replacement in the future