If you are under 18, please make sure you have your parents’ permission before providing us with any personal details.
The contraceptive implant is a small, flexible plastic rod that is placed just under the skin in the upper arm. It releases the hormone progestogen to prevent pregnancy.
The implant releases the hormone progestogen (similar to the hormone progesterone that women produce naturally in their ovaries) into your bloodstream to prevent the egg being fertilised by the sperm. Read more
It’s over 99% effective It works for up to three years It’s common to experience temporary side effects Bleeding patterns may be irregular or stop altogether
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The implant needs to be fitted by a specially trained doctor or nurse. It is available free of charge from contraceptive clinics, your GP and Brook. Find your nearest using our find a service tool. Read more
The implant releases the hormone progestogen (similar to the hormone progesterone that women produce naturally in their ovaries) into your bloodstream to prevent the egg being fertilised by the sperm. The implant interrupts the process by:
Pros
Cons
The implant needs to be fitted by a specially trained doctor or nurse. It is available free of charge from contraceptive clinics, your GP and Brook. Find your nearest using our find a service tool.
Contraception and sexual health services such as Brook are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16. Health professionals work to strict guidelines and won’t tell anyone else about your visit unless they believe you’re at serious risk of immediate harm.
Find out more about Brook’s confidentiality policy.
An appointment will typically include:
Some services may be able to fit it at the same appointment, or you may need a second appointment.
INFORMATION
You will not be required to have an internal or breast examination for the implant.
You can have the implant fitted at any time in your menstrual cycle if you are certain you are not pregnant. If the implant is fitted during the first five days of your period you will be protected from pregnancy immediately.
If the implant is fitted on any other day of your menstrual cycle, you need to use condoms or internal condoms for the first seven days. You may also be required to take a pregnancy test after the implant has been fitted. Nexplanon is the main contraceptive implant currently in use in the UK.
Once your arm has healed you will be able to do normal activities and you won’t be able to see it.
WARNING
Be careful not to squeeze or play with the implant because occasionally that can cause the small plastic rod to break. If you cannot feel your implant or it appears to have changed shape, or you notice any skin changes or pain around the site of the implant, visit a doctor or nurse and use condoms until you know that your contraception is definitely protecting you again
The implant can be left in place for up to three years.
The implant has to be removed by a specially trained doctor or nurse. They will:
If you want to continue using the implant, the new one can be put in at the same time and you will still be protected from pregnancy.
100% FREE & CONFIDENTIAL