The Implant

Everyone is talking about the implant

What is it?

A small 40mm flexible tube containing progesterone (this is a hormone that the body usually produces.). The implant is inserted under the skin of your upper arm by a trained doctor or nurse, and it lasts for three years.

You can have the implant removed at any time, and once the implant is removed, you could get pregnant as easily as if you had never had the implant.

In the UK, implants inserted after October 2010 are called Nexplanon. Implants inserted before this are called Implanon. They work in the same way.

How does it work?

The implant stops the release of an egg from the ovary by slowly releasing progestogen into your body. It thickens the cervical mucus and thins the womb lining. This makes it harder for sperm to move through your cervix, and less likely for your womb to accept a fertilised egg.

How effective is it?

If implanted correctly, it is more than 99% effective. Less than one woman in 1000 will get pregnant in one year.

Added benefits

• It is very useful for women who do not want to get pregnant for a while. Once the implant is in place, you do not have to think about contraception for three years.
• It can be useful for women who cannot use contrtaception that contains oestrogen.
• It is very useful for women who find it difficult to take a pill at the same time every day.
• It is not affected by antibiotics
• If you have side effects, you can have it taken out.

What else should I know?

• The implant is put in by a specially trained doctor or nurse. They will numb your skin first and then insert the implant with a small needle type device.
• When the implant is first put in, you may feel some bruising, tenderness or swelling.
• In the first year after the implant is fitted, your periods may become irregular, lighter, heavier or longer. This usually settles down after the first year.
• A common side effect of the implant is that your periods stop (amenorrhoea). It is not harmful but you may want to consider this before deciding to have an implant.
• Some medicines, such as medication for HIV or epilepsy, or homeopathic remedies such as St Johns Wort, may reduce the effectiveness of the implant. Ask your doctor for more details or contact the FPA.
• If you have any problems or questions, or you want the implant removed, see your doctor or nurse.
• By using condoms as well as the implant, you will help to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Where can you get an implant?

• Your own GP may provide it
• Contraceptive Services (Family planning)

If you live in Leicester City, you can also visit:

• Choices
• SHACC
• Weekender

Before you go, you need to be sure that you are not pregnant.