Contraceptive Implant
The contraceptive implant is a popular contraception choice for many women, largely due to the fact that they are long-acting and reversible. This means that women can simply have the implant fitted, and once it’s in, you don’t have to think about it, and you can have it removed at any point. This is a particularly good option for women who know that they are unlikely to remember to take the pill every day and for those who suffer with side effects of other contraceptive methods.
The contraceptive implant in the UK provides long acting contraception for up to 3 years. It is more than 99% effective and is one of the most effective methods of contraception available. The implant is a small (4cm), flexible, plastic rod which sits just under the skin on the inside of the arm.
How does the contraceptive implant work?
It works by releasing a slow and steady dose of the hormone progesterone into the bloodstream which prevents pregnancy in several ways:
- Suppressing ovulation – preventing the release of an egg from the ovaries each month
- Thickening cervical mucus – making it difficult for the sperm to move through the cervix
- Thinning the lining of the uterus – making it difficult for a fertilised egg to implant itself
What are the advantages of the Implant?
The contraceptive implant is highly effective (99%) and can safely remain in place for up to 3 years.
Some people are unable to use contraception containing oestrogen and so the implant is a good alternative contraception as it is progesterone only.
A major advantage is that it is reversible and those wanting to start a family can try as soon as the implant is removed. It is also safe to reinsert another implant as soon as the baby is born, even if breastfeeding.
It may also reduce heavy and painful periods, as well as not interfering with sex.
What are the disadvantages of the Implant?
The implant is not for everyone and some people experience side effects including:
- Headaches, nausea, mood swings and breast tenderness
- Periods may become irregular or stop completely
- Can cause spotting between periods
- Can cause acne
- Possible infection where the implant has been fitted
If these symptoms start to disrupt your daily life, it may be worth considering removal.
How is the implant fitted?
You will need to attend the clinic for an appointment with our specialist nurse to discuss if the implant is the right contraception for you.
Fitting the implant is a minor procedure done using local anaesthetic, and can be done during your consultation, if appropriate. You can book your appointment online or over the phone.
How is the implant removed/ replaced?
The implant is classed as a long-acting reversible contraception and can be removed at any time you wish.
You will need to attend the clinic for an appointment with our specialist nurse to remove the implant. It is a minor procedure and local anaesthetic is used.
The progestin-only implant releases hormones that prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years. If you wish to continue with the implant after that time as your method of contraception, it will need to be replaced. This involves removing the existing implant and re-inserting a new one.
How long does it take to fit an implant?
To have an implant fitted, the appointment usually lasts around 45 minutes.
During this time, your nurse will provide you with information about the contraceptive implant, talk you through the procedure, and answer any questions you may have before fitting the implant.
Local anaesthetic will then be administered and given adequate time to become effective, before a small incision is made in your arm and the implant is fitted. The nurse will then cover the area in a dressing to keep it protected for the first 24-48 hours.
The whole procedure usually takes around 30 minutes.
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FAQs
Most people can have the contraceptive implant, however, you should not have the implant if you:
- Are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
- Have liver disease or a liver tumour
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Have breast cancer or any other cancer that is sensitive to progesterone, now or in the past
- Are allergic to anything in the implant
The implant is perfectly safe to use.
However, like with many contraception/medication, it does come with some risks, these include:
- Ectopic pregnancy – there is a slightly higher chance of an ectopic pregnancy occurring if you become pregnant whilst on the implant.
- Ovarian cysts can develop on the ovaries. They normally go away on their own but sometimes treatment of even surgery is required to remove them.
- Breast cancer – while it is currently not known whether the implant increases a women’s risk of breast cancer, those who have or have had breast cancer should not use it as some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones.
- Blood clots – the implant may increase your chance of developing a blood clot, particularly if you have other risk factors such as smoking.
To have an implant fitted, the appointment usually lasts around 45 minutes. During this time, your nurse will discuss with you information about the implant, talk you through the procedure, and answer any questions you may have before fitting the implant. Local anaesthetic will then be administered and given adequate time to become effective, before a small incision is made in your arm and the implant is fitted. The nurse will then cover the area in a dressing to keep it protected for the first 24-48 hours.
The whole procedure usually lasts around 30 minutes.
Local anesthetic is used for both implant insertion and removal. You may feel a small pinch while the local anesthetic is being injected, but the actual insertion should be relatively painless. Once the anesthetic wears off, your arm may feel a little sore afterwards and there may be some bruising in the few days following.
Contraceptive implants last for three years, after which time you can either have it replaced or removed.
No, you can have the implant inserted at any time during your menstrual cycle, providing you aren’t pregnant. However, if you get your implant fitted during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle, you’ll be immediately protected from pregnancy.
A very small (few mm) scar might be left after you have the implant, however, this is hardly noticeable and on an area of your arm which is not very visible. Our expert nurses will take great care to ensure that any scarring is as minimal as possible.
Some women have reported that hormonal contraceptives such as the implant and the contraceptive pill cause weight gain. However, there is no definitive evidence to suggest this. If you think that the implant has caused you to gain weight, contact your GP to discuss your concerns.
After your implant is fitted, the nurse will show you how to check that it is in the correct position by feeling for it. You should be able to feel the implant simply by touching the area of your arm where it has been fitted.
No, the implant is a progestin-only implant and does not contain oestrogen. So, if you can’t take oestrogen due to certain health conditions, then it can be a good option.
The insertion site might feel uncomfortable for a few days after insertion, but you can expect to carry out normal activities such as driving. You should however avoid swimming or sports where your arm could be grabbed or knocked for a few days.
If you have the implant fitted during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle (day 1 being the first day of your period) then you’ll be protected immediately. If you have the implant fitted at any other point of your menstrual cycle, you will be protected after 7 days. During those 7 days, additional contraception such as condoms are necessary.
Every woman’s body can respond slightly differently and it can be difficult to predict. The implant can improve periods for many women, making them shorter, lighter and less painful. A third of women will stop getting their period after a year. However, for some women it can cause irregular bleeding and spotting between periods.
It can take between 3-6 months after insertion for bleeding to settle. If this persists much longer than that, contact Fleet Street Clinic and we will advise you.
