Contraceptive Implant

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The contraceptive implant is effective against pregnancy for three years. It works by releasing a hormone slowly into the bloodstream from an implant inserted under the skin.

What is it?

The contraceptive implant is a small plastic rod containing a progestogen hormone, etonorgestrel and is inserted under the skin on the inside of the upper arm. The etonorgestrel hormone is released slowly from the implant into the bloodstream over three years. The contraceptive implant is very flexible and not easily visible.

How does it work?

The contraceptive implant works in three ways:
it stops the body from releasing an ovum (egg) every month
it makes the mucus in the cervix (the entrance of the uterus) thicker, so sperm cannot get through
it changes the lining of the uterus (womb), altering bleeding patterns

How effective is it?

When inserted correctly by a qualified doctor, the contraceptive implant is 99 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy.

Who can use a contraceptive implant?

The contraceptive implant is suitable for women:

looking for reliable long-term contraception
who cannot take oestrogen (found in most oral contraceptives)
who have difficulty remembering to take daily contraception

The contraceptive implant is not suitable for women:

with severe liver disease
who think they may be pregnant
who have abnormal vaginal bleeding
unable to take progestogens

Women who have recently had a thrombosis (blood clot) in the leg or the lung should discuss this contraceptive method with a doctor before use.

Insertion and removal

The contraceptive implant should be inserted between day one (first day of bleeding) to day five of a woman’s menstrual cycle. If inserted at this time the contraceptive implant is effective immediately.

Insertion by a doctor takes a couple of minutes. A local anaesthetic is given to numb the skin before inserting the contraceptive implant through a small hole, with no stitches required. A pressure bandage is then placed on the arm to reduce bruising. When the anaesthetic wears off some women may experience tenderness and bruising for a few days after.

A small layer of tissue forms around the contraceptive implant which will keep it in place. The contraceptive implant should be easily felt by a light touch to the skin.

It is recommended that the contraceptive implant be removed and replaced every three years. It is useful to make a note of the contraceptive implant insertion date.

The contraceptive implant can be removed at any time by a doctor. It is important to consider future contraceptive needs before removing the contraceptive implant, as its contraceptive effects will cease upon removal. Your doctor can discuss this with you further.

Advantages:

contraceptive effect lasts for three years
can cause light periods or no periods at all
is very cost effective
is suitable for women who cannot take oestrogen
women don't have to remember to take daily contraception
is not affected by stomach upsets (vomiting, diarrhoea)
can be removed at any time with pre-existing fertility returning rapidly
does not affect a mother's ability to breastfeed and does not harm a breast-feeding infant

Disadvantages:

many women experience irregular bleeding
few women experience frequent (usually light) bleeding
some women experience side effects such as weight gain or acne
a small number of women have reported side effects such as mood swings, abdominal pain, painful periods

Is there anything else I need to know?

You do not need to have a follow-up appointment with a doctor unless you are experiencing problems with the contraceptive implant.

The contraceptive effectiveness of the implant is unlikely to be affected by variations in body weight.

Certain medications may reduce the contraceptive effectiveness of the implant, including St John's Wort and some which are used to treat epilepsy or tuberculosis.

The contraceptive implant does not protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

Page last updated Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:08