The contraceptive implant is a small plastic rod, around 4 cm long, that a doctor or nurse puts under the skin of your arm. It prevents pregnancy by releasing the hormone progestogen. This stops the ovaries releasing an egg each month. The implant works for 3 years before it needs to be replaced. An implant is over 99% effective if it's replaced every 3 years. A specially trained doctor or nurse can remove the implant at any time if you no longer want to use it and once the implant is removed, your chance of getting pregnant will return to how it previously was straight away.
The contraceptive implant is very safe and serious side effects and complications are rare. There is a small risk of infection where implant is put in, which can lead to swelling and pain at the site of the implant, and of the implant moving out of place, usually a few centimetres away from where it was put in.
It’s very common to have a change in your periods after you have an implant fitted.
If you are thinking of having an implant with us, please read the below information.
Is the implant right for you?
Before you book your appointment for your implant fit, please make sure that you can answer yes to the following statements:
I have read the information about the implant
I know that my bleeding pattern will change and that I may experience no periods, irregular bleeding or prolonged bleeding.
I have contacted the clinic if I am taking topiramate or medicine for epilepsy, .
I understand that the clinician will not fit/exchange the implant if they are concerned that I may be pregnant
I understand it is important to use contraception reliably prior to your implant fit
I understand that an implant may fail as contraception in less than 1 woman in every 1000 that have them fitted.
I understand that I may have significant bruising after the procedure and a small scar.
I understand that there is a small risk of infection after the procedure and will seek medical advice if the implant site becomes red, hot and swollen.
I understand that occasionally implants are difficult to remove and may need removal by a specialist practitioner with the help of an ultrasound scan.
Before you book your appointment for your implant fit, please make sure that you can answer yes to the following statements:
I have read the information about the implant
I know that my bleeding pattern will change and that I may experience no periods, irregular bleeding or prolonged bleeding.
I have contacted the clinic if I am taking topiramate or medicine for epilepsy, .
I understand that the clinician will not fit/exchange the implant if they are concerned that I may be pregnant
I understand it is important to use contraception reliably prior to your implant fit
I understand that an implant may fail as contraception in less than 1 woman in every 1000 that have them fitted.
I understand that I may have significant bruising after the procedure and a small scar.
I understand that there is a small risk of infection after the procedure and will seek medical advice if the implant site becomes red, hot and swollen.
I understand that occasionally implants are difficult to remove and may need removal by a specialist practitioner with the help of an ultrasound scan.
Between 29th August and 5th September 2025, there will be some disruption to our testing services
🧪 Our hospital trust are changing their laboratory system
❌ We won't be able to carry out any non-urgent testing, so we'll be suspending our Test and Go (TAG) clinics and won't be able to test you during appointments or walk ins if you are asymptomatic (you don't have any symptoms)
✅ If you're experiencing symptoms, please continue to contact us as normal. Our team will be able to advise you on the best course of action. You can also contact your GP, but be aware that they may be facing the same challenges
❤ Under 25? Visit the Young People page on our website for information on other ways of testing
🫶 Thank you for your patience whilst we work through this challenge
