Contraceptive implant
The contraceptive implant protects against pregnancy for 3 years. It is sometimes called a hormonal implant.
How does it work?
- The contraceptive implant is a small rod in your upper arm, about as big as a matchstick.
- A doctor puts the implant just under the skin on the inside of your upper arm. You’re given a local anaesthetic so you don’t feel it being inserted.
- The contraceptive implant releases the hormone progestogen into your body. That prevents ovulation, so no egg is released. It also thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg. And it prevents a fertilised egg from implanting itself in the uterus.
- A contraceptive implant protects against pregnancy for 3 years.
- The contraceptive implant is very reliable. It’s even more reliable than the pill, as you don’t have to think about it every day.
How do you go about it?
- Ask your doctor if this implant is suitable for you.
- Go to a specially trained doctor to have the contraceptive implant fitted in your upper arm.
- The implant can be left in your arm for 3 years. But if you’re overweight, it is advisable to have it replaced after 2 years.
- Put the date for having the implant replaced in your diary.
What do you know about contraception?
Where can you get the implant?
You can have a contraceptive implant fitted at your doctor’s practice or by a doctor at a Sense clinic.
Your period
If you have a contraceptive implant, your period will change. You may bleed less, or not have a period at all. You may have some bleeding or spotting when you’re not expecting it. That’s perfectly normal and there’s nothing wrong. The contraceptive implant makes sure that you don’t ovulate, so no egg is released. And no mucus builds up in your uterus that would need to be discharged.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- The contraceptive implant is very reliable.
- You only need to think about it once every 3 years.
- The contraceptive implant is even reliable if you vomit or have diarrhoea.
- Periods are less painful.
- Having the implant fitted or removed from your arm is painless.
Disadvantages:
- It has to be fitted by a specially trained doctor or midwife.
- You might have side effects.
- You can’t plan or postpone your bleeds.
- The contraceptive implant doesn’t protect against STIs.
Are there any side effects?
When you first have the implant, you might have side effects like:
- irregular blood loss
- headaches
- acne
- hair loss
- painful breasts
- low moods
- weight gain
Usually, the side effects disappear after a couple of months. If a side effect becomes very unpleasant, go to your doctor or the Sense clinic.
When do you run the risk of pregnancy?
If the implant is left in for too long, you could get pregnant.