Contraceptive implant

What is the contraceptive implant?

The implant is a small, flexible tube about the size of a hairgrip. It's inserted under the skin in the inner upper arm. It slowly releases the hormone progestogen and works for three years. It's a long-acting reversible method of contraception. There has been only one implant available in the UK since December 2010, called Nexplanon which contains etonogestrel and is visible on x-ray. However many women will still have older implants which are still working, such as Implanon, but these did not show up on x-ray.

How does it work?

The main way the implant works is by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). It also:

• Thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to reach an egg.
• Makes the lining of the womb thinner so it's less likely to accept a fertilised egg.

How reliable is it?

The contraceptive implant is more than 99 per cent effective. This means that using this method, fewer than one woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year. All long-acting reversible methods of contraception are very effective because while they're being used you don't have to remember to take or use contraception.

Myths about the contraceptive implant:

• It will move around your body. Not true - once fitted in the arm, just under the skin, it does not move.
• It's less effective if you weigh more than 70kg. Not true - it's effective whatever weight you are.

How to use the contraceptive implant

The implant can be inserted up to and including the fifth day of a period. If fitted at this time it's effective straight away. If it's fitted at any other time, additional contraception has to be used for seven days. Once it's in place there's nothing to remember until it needs to be changed or you want it removed.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of using the contraceptive implant include:

• It's very effective
• It doesn’t interrupt sex
• It works for three years
• It can be used by women who cannot use estrogens or who are breastfeeding
• Your normal fertility returns as soon as it's removed
• It may give you some protection against cancer of the womb
• It offers some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease
• It may reduce heavy, painful periods

The disadvantages of using the contraceptive implant include:

• Your periods may become irregular, longer or stop
• Acne may occur
• Some women report mood changes and breast tenderness
• It requires a small procedure to fit and remove it

Other things you may want to consider:

• Once you've had the implant fitted, you can forget about it
• You don't need a cervical screening test or an internal examination to have the implant
• The implant does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections

Who can use the contraceptive implant?

Most women who want to use an implant can have one fitted. But it may be unsuitable if you:

• Think you might already be pregnant
• Do not want your periods to change
• Take certain medicines - always check
• Have active liver disease
• Have breast cancer now or within the past five years
• Have thrombosis, heart or circulatory disease
• Have migraines with aura

Where can I get the implant?

The implant is free on the NHS from contraception clinics, sexual health clinics and general practice.

Advice and support

Call the FPA helpline on 0845 122 8690.