The contraceptive implant is a flexible rod about the size of a matchstick.
It’s inserted just under the skin of your upper arm and slowly releases the synthetic hormone progestogen.
It can be left in place for up to 3 years.
A specially trained doctor or nurse can remove the implant at any time if you no longer want to use it.
It does not provide protection against STIs.
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How is it fitted?
A nurse or doctor will fit the contraceptive implant under the skin of your arm. It takes a few minutes.
The nurse or doctor will:
- use a local anaesthetic injection or spray so you will not feel pain;
- make a small cut in the skin of your upper arm;
- put the implant under your skin, which is about the size of a matchstick and will not be visible once fitted;
- seal the cut with a dressing, which you can remove once the cut has healed.
The implant works for 3 years and then needs to be replaced with a new one.
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Advantages
- Very effective and safe.
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Disadvantages
- Irregular periods.
- Other reported side effects of the contraceptive implant include headache, sore breasts, weight gain, acne, and thrush or bacterial vaginosis.
- Where to get it?