The implant is a device that is placed under the skin of the upper arm (right or left). It releases a low but constant dose of a progesterone, a female hormone to thicken the cervical mucus and thin the lining of the uterus. In addition to this, it should also prevent ovulation.

No, the implant cannot be used as emergency contraception. This is because the implant takes around 7 days to become fully effective.

The most effective way to prevent a pregnancy is to have a copper coil fitted within 5 days of the unprotected sex or method failure.

The contraceptive implant is a flexible 4cm plastic rod – about the size of a matchstick.

Although it can easily be felt, it is not obviously visible, except to someone who is looking for it.

Whilst movement of the implant is rare, it is possible. It may move slightly from the site of insertion by 2-4cm. It is important to minimise the use of the arm for upto 48 hours after an implant fit, to ensure the implant remains correctly cited.

The implant works for 3 years at a time, and it must be removed and/or replaced by the end of the third year.

Although it can easily be felt, it is not obviously visible, except to someone who is looking for it.

Whilst it is only really after seeing you that we can make sure that you’re eligible for treatment, submitting our questionnaire (with pictures) will give us a very good idea.

The implant is fully effective for 3 years. It will lose its effectiveness immediately after it is removed.

It is highly unlikely for the implant to fail. It has a 0.1% failure rate, meaning that 1 in 1,000 people using the birth control implant will become pregnant in a year (which is better than male sterilisation (vasectomy), which has a 0.15% failure rate and is often irreversible).

At the end of the three years, the implant will lose its effectiveness, as the hormone levels in the implants drop. After they lose effectiveness, they may still release a small dose of hormone for several more years, which serves no purpose and is the reason why the device needs removing and replacing in that time frame.

There are multiple side effects of the contraceptive implant. Some of which are listed below. Sometimes these side effects may only be temporary, or come and go throughout the 3 years.

Whilst the implant may cause weight gain in some people, it is a very uncommon side effect and many people use the implant without gaining weight.

Although enlarged breasts aren’t reported as a common side effect of the implant, a small number of users have found that their breasts have gotten bigger after insertion. However, it is common for breasts to become tender and sore.

Vaginal discharge is dependent on hormones. If you are using a progesterone form of birth control — such as the implant — you may have discharge that is on the sticky, thick side. However, the smell of the discharge varies between people.

Your periods may become irregular, lighter, heavier or longer. 1 in 5 women having an implant notice their periods stop. The other 4 will have some type of bleeding.

The implant does not affect your long-term fertility. After the implant is removed, your fertility returns immediately.

It is not known whether the contraceptive implant use changes a woman’s risk for breast cancer. If you have breast cancer now, or have had it in the past, do not use a contraceptive implant as some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones including progesterone.

Acne is a known side effect of the implant due to changes in the hormone level of progesterone. If you suffer from acne, would like to try an implant and are concerned about worsening your skin condition, please book a family planning consultation with one of our clinicians.

Mood swings, nervousness, or depressed mood are all common side effects of the contraceptive Implant. If you feel like you may be suffering with depression, please speak to your GP.

Contraceptive implants are more than 99% effective and provide easy, long-term protection against pregnancy without having to remember to take a pill or how to use it correctly.

If you think your implant has broken, seek an assessment with a clinician. The device will still work if it has bent, but if it has completely broken it could cause some discomfort, so it would be advisable to have it removed and refitted. If you are unsure if it has broken, then use a barrier method of contraception or avoid sex until you have been assessed.

Most people can be fitted with the contraceptive implant. If you would like to know if the contraceptive implant is the right method of contraception for you, please contact our clinic to book a consultation.

Here at Clarewell Clinics we offer the implant to patients aged 18 and above. Patients who are under the age of 18 and are wanting to be fitted with the implant are able to do so on the NHS.

Yes, it is safe to use the implant whilst you are breastfeeding. It will not harm you or your baby.

The common antibiotics a doctor or nurse gives you will not affect your contraceptive implant. If you have a question regarding a specific antibiotic, please speak to your GP.