The contraceptive implant is a small plastic rod that sits under the skin of your upper arm. It stops you getting pregnant by releasing progestogen, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone.   Nexplanon is the brand of contraceptive implant used in the UK.

The implant is a long-term form of contraception. It works for 3 years. This means you do not have to think about it every day, or each time you have sex.

The implant is the most effective form of contraception. Fewer than 1 in 1,000 women with the contraceptive the implant will get pregnant in the first year of using it.

The implant works in 3 ways to prevent pregnancy. 

  • It stops your ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). 
  • It thickens the mucus in the neck of your womb (the cervix), making it harder for sperm to enter.
  • It thins the lining of your womb so that it’s tricky for a fertilised egg to attach there.  

Your doctor or nurse will use local anaesthetic to numb your upper arm. Then, they will insert the implant under your skin. It only takes a few minutes. You will not need stiches, but you may get a little swelling or bruising at the site. 

You can get an implant fitted at any time if you are not pregnant.  You can have it fitted after you’ve given birth and it’s safe to use when you’re breastfeeding. It can be replaced every 3 years until you reach the menopause.

The contraceptive implant is safe for most women. It is a good option if you cannot use contraception that contains oestrogen, such as the combined pill. You might also like it if you find it tough to remember to take a pill every day at around the same time.

Some medicines can make the implant work less well. Always chat to a doctor or nurse if you will be on medication while you have the implant in.

The implant may not be right for you if you:

  • have liver disease
  • have ever had breast cancer
  • have arterial disease (a disease that affects your arteries) or any history of stroke or heart disease
  • get unexplained bleeding after sex or between periods

If you are unsure whether it’s right for you, chat to us, your GP or a nurse to help you decide. 

Pros: 

  • It does not affect sex and you will not need to think about contraception for 3 years. 
  • Your natural fertility will return as soon as you take the implant out. 
  • It might make your bleeds lighter and shorter, or they might stop, which is not harmful.
  • It can ease period pains.
  • It is the most effective form of contraception.

Cons:

  • You will need to use condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • You need a specialist doctor or nurse to take it out if you change your mind.  
  • You might get side effects such as headaches, mood swings, breast tenderness and feeling sick, but these should stop after a few months. 
  • It might make your bleeds heavier or less regular.
  • It can sometimes give you acne or make your spots worse. 
  • The site of your implant can get infected, but this is uncommon. 

You can get the contraceptive implant from sexual health clinics, contraception clinics and some GP surgeries.  

Use our service finder, or ring our information and booking line on 0800 328 3383.