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Implant

Please see below the topics we cover and view helpful videos:

What is the contraceptive implant?

The contraceptive implant is a small, flexible plastic rod that is placed just under the skin of your upper arm. It is about the size of a matchstick and is not usually visible, but you may be able to feel it.

We use Nexplanon, which is the most commonly used implant in the UK.

You do not need to be registered with our practice to have an implant fitted. As part of our enhanced contraceptive service, you can register with us specifically for this care, and with your consent we can inform your usual GP practice.

How does it work?

The implant slowly releases a hormone called progestogen, similar to the natural progesterone produced by your ovaries. It prevents pregnancy by:

  • Stopping ovulation (release of an egg)
  • Thickening cervical mucus to block sperm
  • Thinning the lining of the womb

How effective is it?

  • Over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
  • One of the most reliable forms of contraception available
  • Works continuously for up to 3 years

What is the fitting procedure?

The implant is inserted during a quick, simple procedure:

  • A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area
  • The implant is placed just under the skin of your upper arm
  • The procedure usually takes only a few minutes

No vaginal examination is needed.

Removal is also a straightforward procedure using local anaesthetic.

What happens after removal?

Your fertility returns to normal quickly after the implant is removed, and it is possible to become pregnant straight away.

Why choose the implant?

Long-lasting (up to 3 years)

  • No need to remember daily contraception
  • Suitable for many people who cannot take oestrogen
  • Safe and discreet

How is the implant fitted?

The contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) is fitted during a quick and simple procedure by a trained clinician.

Before the procedure

At your appointment, the nurse or doctor will:

  • Ask a few questions about your health
  • Confirm that the implant is suitable for you
  • Check there is no risk of pregnancy
  • Answer any questions you may have

During the procedure

  • You will be asked to lie down with your arm positioned comfortably
  • A small area on the inner upper arm will be cleaned
  • A local anaesthetic will be injected to numb the area. This may sting briefly
  • Once the area is numb, the implant is inserted just under the skin using a special
    applicator

The procedure usually takes only a few minutes.

After the procedure

  • A small dressing and sometimes a bandage will be applied
  • No stitches are needed
  • You will be shown how to feel the implant under your skin to check it is in place

Important to know

  • No vaginal examination is required
  • You may have some bruising, tenderness, or swelling afterwards
  • The implant will need to be replaced after 3 years

How is the implant removed?

The contraceptive implant can be removed at any time by a trained clinician. Although it works for up to 3 years, you can choose to have it removed earlier, for example, if you would like to become pregnant or wish to change your method of contraception.

Before the procedure

At your appointment, the nurse or clinician will:

  • Ask a few questions about your health and plans
  • Discuss ongoing contraception if you do not want to become pregnant
  • Offer an alternative method if needed
  • Answer any questions you may have

What happens during removal?

  • A small area of your upper arm (around 3 cm) will be numbed using a local anaesthetic injection. This may sting briefly but the area will quickly become numb
  • A tiny cut (incision) is made in the skin
  • The implant is gently eased out

The procedure usually takes a few minutes.

After the procedure

  • No stitches are needed
  • A small dressing will be applied to your arm
  • Keep the area clean and dry for 5 days
  • You may have some mild bruising or tenderness, which should settle quickly

Important

  • Your fertility can return very quickly after removal
  • Use alternative contraception immediately if you do not wish to become pregnant

What to wear

Please wear loose-fitting clothing or something that allows easy access to your upper arm.

There is information here about removing an implant:

What are the advantages of using an implant?

The contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) is a popular and highly effective method of
contraception.

Benefits include:

  • Works for up to 3 years
  • Safe to use while breastfeeding
  • No need to prepare for or interrupt sex
  • You don’t need to remember a daily pill
  • No vaginal examination is required
  • May help reduce heavy or painful periods (often after the first year)
  • Suitable if you cannot take oestrogen
  • Your fertility returns quickly after removal
  • May offer some protection against cancer of the womb (endometrial cancer)

Are there any side effects?

Like all medications, the implant can cause side effects. Many people have no problems, but it’s important to be aware of possible changes.

Common short-term side effects

These may occur in the first few months:

  • Spotty skin (acne)
  • Breast tenderness
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Changes in mood

Common longer-term effects

  • Changes in bleeding patterns are the most common effect
    * Periods may become irregular, lighter, heavier, or stop altogether
    * Some people have infrequent or prolonged bleeding

If bleeding is troublesome:

  • Speak to a healthcare professional
  • Treatment (such as short courses of hormones or other medication) may help
  • We may check for other causes, such as infection

Rare side effects

  • Infection at the insertion site
    * The skin around the implant can occasionally become infected
    * Antibiotics may be needed
  • Implant moving (deep implant)
    * Very rarely, the implant may move slightly deeper into the arm
    * This is not usually harmful
    * If it cannot be easily felt, you may be referred for removal using ultrasound
    guidance
  • Implant damage (breakage)
    * It is very rare for the implant to bend or break
    * If you are concerned it has moved or changed, please contact us for review

When to seek advice

Please contact the practice if you:

  • Cannot feel your implant
  • Have persistent or troublesome bleeding
  • Notice signs of infection (redness, swelling, pain)
  • Are worried your implant has moved or broken

Am I suitable for the implant?

The contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) is suitable for many people. However, it may not be recommended if you have certain medical conditions.

You may not be able to use the implant if you have, or have had:

  • Breast cancer
  • Severe liver disease or liver tumours
  • Unexplained vaginal bleeding (that has not yet been investigated)
  • Certain types of migraine (especially migraine with aura)
  • Severe heart disease
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)


Your GP or nurse will go through your medical history to make sure the implant is safe for you.

After having a baby

The implant can be fitted after childbirth:

  • It can be inserted at any time after birth
  • If fitted on or before day 21, you are protected from pregnancy immediately
  • If fitted after day 21, you will need to:
    * Avoid sex or
    * Use additional contraception (such as condoms) for 7 days

The implant is safe to use while breastfeeding and does not affect milk supply.

After a miscarriage or abortion

  • The implant can be fitted immediately
  • If inserted on or before day 5 of your cycle, you are protected straight away
  • If inserted after day 5, you will need to:
    * Avoid sex or
    * Use additional contraception for 7 days

If you are approaching menopause

  • The implant can be used safely during this time
  • You should continue contraception until you no longer need it
  • The implant must still be replaced every 3 years

Not sure if it’s right for you?

If you are unsure whether the implant is suitable, please book an appointment. We will discuss your medical history and help you choose the safest and most effective option for you.

When can the implant be fitted?

The contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) can be fitted at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you are not pregnant.

When does it start working?

  • If the implant is fitted on days 1–5 of your cycle.
    (day 1 is the first day of your period) You are protected immediately
  • If it is fitted at any other time in your cycle
    * It will take 7 days to become fully effective
    * You should:
    * Avoid sex, or
    * Use additional contraception (such as condoms) during this time

Pregnancy risk and testing

If there is a possibility you could be pregnant since your last period:

  • You may be asked to provide a urine sample for a pregnancy test on the day
  • In some cases, you may be advised to repeat the test after 3 weeks (21 days)

Switching from another contraceptive method

If you are already using another form of contraception (such as the pill, injection, or coil):

  • You may be advised to continue your current method for a short time
  • This ensures you remain protected until the implant becomes effective

Need advice?

If you’re unsure about timing or switching methods, please contact the practice. We can help you plan the best time to have your implant fitted and ensure continuous protection.

Does it hurt to get the implant fitted?

A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area on your upper arm, so the procedure itself should not be painful. You may feel a brief sting from the anaesthetic injection, but the area will quickly become numb.

Your clinician will make sure the area is fully numb before inserting the implant (Nexplanon)

What will it feel like afterwards?

After the procedure:

  • The small wound will be covered with a dressing (no stitches are needed)
  • You may experience some bruising, tenderness, or mild swelling
  • This usually settles within a few days

When to seek advice

Please contact the practice if you have:

  • Increasing pain or swelling
  • Redness or signs of infection

Any concerns about the implant

Aftercare: Implant fitting and removal

After your procedure with the contraceptive implant (Nexplanon), it’s important to follow some simple aftercare advice to help the area heal properly

Immediately after your procedure

  • The area will have been numbed with a local anaesthetic, which can last up to 2 hours
  • You may feel some tenderness or bruising later that day
  • You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed (unless you have been advised otherwise)
  • Occasionally, the anaesthetic can make you feel dizzy or sleepy.

If this happens, do not drive until you feel fully recovered.

Caring for the wound

After implant fitting

  • Keep the area covered and dry for 2 days

After implant removal

  • You will have small adhesive strips (steri-strips) over the wound
  • Keep the area covered and dry for 5 days

Bandage care

  • You may have a pressure bandage to reduce bruising
  • It should feel firm but not uncomfortable
  • If it feels too tight or your fingers swell, loosen it
  • You can remove the bandage after 24–48 hours
    * You may keep it on longer if you prefer

What to expect

  • Some bruising is common
  • A small scar may form
  • These will usually heal and fade over time

When to seek advice

Please contact the practice or call NHS 111 (out of hours) if you notice:

  • Redness, heat, or increasing pain
  • Swelling or discharge
  • Itching or signs of infection
  • Any concerns about the implant site

Important

If your implant has just been fitted and is not yet effective, remember to use additional
contraception as advised.

Page published: 20 April 2026
Last updated: 29 April 2026