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Please read this information carefully when you book your implant fitting.
It is important that you read the information below when you book your appointment and then again before you attend your appointment to have a implant fitted.
If you are worried or have questions, you can call the clinic or speak to the nurse/doctor before the fitting, and it’s ok if you change your mind.
If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please contact the clinic as soon as possible. Contact details for all Brook clinics can be found in our service finder: brook.org.uk/find-a-service.
Please make sure you have read and understand the information below before you attend your implant appointment.
It is very important that there is no chance of you being pregnant when you have your implant fitted (or re-fitted).
At the start of the appointment, the nurse/doctor will ask you to confirm:
There are risks involved in all medical procedures. Please make sure you understand the below risks associated with the implant. You can ask the doctor/nurse to explain in more detail at your appointment if you want to.
Make sure that you have had breakfast/lunch on the day of your appointment, and that you are well hydrated (have had enough to drink). Don’t drink alcohol or take drugs before your appointment.
Having the implant fitted shouldn’t be painful, though it could be a bit uncomfortable. If you are worried, a painkiller can be taken around an hour before your appointment.
If you have any questions about the implant or about the fitting procedure, make a note of these and make sure you ask the nurse/doctor before they start the procedure.
Be sure to follow any other guidance given to you at the time of booking your appointment.
If you want to bring someone with you to your appointment, please call the clinic beforehand to let them know. If you do bring someone with you, it’s important to understand that there might be times where the nurse/doctor has to ask you sensitive or personal questions – you might want the other person to leave the room whilst you answer these.
If you have anxiety around needles and are preparing for an implant procedure, there are several strategies you can use to make the experience more manageable. First, take time to understand the process by asking your healthcare provider to explain the steps in detail. Knowing what to expect can help reduce fear of the unknown. Bring a friend for emotional comfort, having someone with you can help you feel more at ease. Let your provider know about your anxiety so they can allow extra time, take breaks if needed, and ensure the procedure moves at your pace.
Distractions can also be helpful—consider listening to music during the procedure to shift your focus. Bringing a stress ball or engaging in mindfulness techniques like deep breathing can also help calm your nerves. Many clinics offer chaperones for added support, so don’t hesitate to request one. If sensation is a concern, ask about using a local anaesthetic or numbing cream to minimise discomfort during insertion, as you may feel some pressure but little to no pain.
To prepare mentally, practice relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation or deep breathing exercises, to help calm your mind and body. Lastly, plan something comforting or enjoyable for after the procedure, like meeting a friend or indulging in a favourite activity, to reward yourself for facing the experience. Remember to communicate openly with your healthcare provider—they are there to support you and make the process as smooth as possible.
Bleeding patterns following the insertion of an implant can be unpredictable, especially during the initial months. The vast majority of individuals experience irregular bleeding, which may include spotting, prolonged periods, or no bleeding at all. This is a common side effect and varies from person to person. Over time, some find their bleeding patterns settle into a routine, while others may continue to experience irregularities. If you have concerns about your bleeding or if it becomes bothersome, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for advice or potential management options.
Bruising is a possible side effect after implant insertion, although it varies from person to person. Some people may experience mild bruising around the insertion site, which is usually due to the needle used to place the implant or the movement of the tissue during the procedure. The bruising typically fades within a few days to a week. If the bruising is significant or persists, it’s a good idea to consult your healthcare provider to ensure everything is healing as expected.
The level of discomfort during and after implant insertion varies from person to person. While most people experience only mild discomfort or a feeling of pressure during the procedure, some may feel slight pain or discomfort. You may also experience some soreness or bruising at the site afterwards, but this usually subsides after a few days. If you’re feeling particularly anxious about pain, speak to your healthcare provider in advance to discuss pain relief options.
After the implant is inserted, it’s important to care for the site to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid touching the site with unwashed hands. You may notice a small scar, but it should heal over time.
Watch out for signs of infection at the insertion site. These can include the area feeling hot to the touch, becoming red, or becoming increasingly sore. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
It’s normal to feel the implant under the skin, but don’t play with or manipulate it excessively. If you cannot feel the implant at all, or if you have concerns about its position, be sure to follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure everything is in place and healing correctly.
Make sure you know when your implant is due to expire. It might be good to add a reminder to your Google or Apple calendar for three years’ time.
If you have any worries about the implant, you can get back in touch with Brook and a nurse/doctor will be able to support you.
If you think you may have an infection (if your arm is red, hot or swollen) or feel unwell, you should seek medical advice immediately.
Remember: there may be some bruising to the implant site shortly after your fitting, and you may see changes to your periods.
The length of time you should keep your bandage on after the implant procedure will be discussed with you by your doctor or nurse. There isn’t a standard duration, as it can vary depending on your individual healing process and the specific care instructions provided. In general, the key is to keep the area clean and dry. Your healthcare provider will guide you on when it’s safe to remove the dressing, and when you can begin to gently clean the area.
You can typically resume sexual activity a few days after the implant insertion. However, to ensure immediate effectiveness, it’s important to consider the following: If you inserted the implant during the first 5 days of your period, it’s immediately effective.
Otherwise, you’ll need to use a barrier method of contraception, like condoms, for the first week.
If you were already using another reliable hormonal contraceptive before the implant insertion, it might be immediately effective. It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the specific effectiveness in your case.
It’s normal to experience some pain or discomfort after a contraceptive implant fitting. To ease the pain, try taking over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, applying a cold compress to the area, resting your arm, elevating it, and avoiding touching the insertion site.
You can generally return to most normal activities, such as light exercise, within a few days after the implant insertion. However, it’s important to listen to your body and avoid strenuous activities, like heavy lifting or intense workouts, for at least a week.
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