What is the Implant?

The Implant is a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method, licensed for 3 years of use for

contraception. It is a single, flexible, plastic rod, 4 cm in length and 2 mm in diameter.

It provides highly effective contraception for 3 years after insertion.

• The implant is more than 99% effective.
• Once the implant is in place, you don't have to think about it again for 3 years.
• It can be useful for women who can't use contraception that contains oestrogen.
• It's very useful for women who find it difficult to remember to take a pill at the same time every day.
• The implant can be taken out if you have side effects.
• You can have it removed at any time, and your natural fertility will return very quickly.
• When it's first put in, you may feel some bruising, tenderness or swelling around the implant.
• Your periods may become irregular, lighter, heavier or longer.
• A common side effect is that your periods stop (amenorrhea). It's not harmful, but you may want to consider this before deciding to have an implant.
• Some medicines can make the implant less effective.
• It doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you may need to use condoms as well.
• The health care professional is specially trained to fit contraceptive implants and will check your suitability for the method during your consultation.

Following your fitting:

In rare cases, the area of skin where the implant has been fitted can become infected. If this happens it is important you contact us as you may need antibiotics.

You should also take advice from your GP, a Health Professional or our clinic if:

• you can't feel the implant
• the implant feels like it's changed shape
• you notice any changes to the skin or feel any pain at the site of the implant
• you become pregnant

In rare cases location and removal of the implant may be difficult because the implant is not where it should be. Special procedures, including surgery in the hospital, may be needed to remove the implant.

Insertion into a blood vessel, damage to surrounding nerves and other structures and the implant moving to a new site in the body are very rare complications of the procedure

If you have any questions after reading this information, please talk to your nurse in clinic when you attend your booked appointment.

If for any reason you can’t make your appointment, please cancel by calling 0300 123 5474 or visiting our online booking page. Cancelling your appointment means we can free up your slot for someone else.

We look forward to seeing you at your appointment.

Thank you.