Once fitted the implant is over 99% effective
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The implant is a small, flexible capsule containing the hormone progestogen (a similar hormone to the injection). It is placed under the skin on the inner side of the upper arm. It doesn’t take long to insert the implant under the skin and the doctor or nurse will give you a local anaesthetic first so that it doesn’t hurt.
The progestogen from the implant is released slowly into the body and after 3 years the implant is removed using a local anaesthetic, it can be replaced with another one at the same time if you want to continue using the implant for contraception. |
The progestogen works by stopping eggs from being released from the ovary. The progestogen in the implant also makes the mucus in the neck of the womb thicker, this makes it difficult for sperm to enter the womb.
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You don’t have to worry about contraception or getting pregnant for 3 years! |
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A lot of women find that there periods are much lighter and shorter and some may stop having periods while they have the implant in. |
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It’s hard to predict what a woman’s bleeding pattern will be when she has the implant, periods usually become irregular or can stop completely. A small number of women will have heavy or prolonged bleeding but this can settle down after a few months. |
The implant is over 99% effective once fitted however some over the counter and prescribed medicines can reduce its effectiveness, speak to your doctor or nurse if you’re worried.
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