The contraceptive implant is very safe and serious side effects and complications are rare.
Side effects of the contraceptive implant
The contraceptive implant is very safe and serious side effects and complications are rare.
Changes to your periods
It’s very common to have a change in your periods after you have an implant fitted.
You may notice your periods:
- are lighter
- are less regular with light bleeding (spotting) between periods
- are heavier or more painful
- last longer
- stop completely
It’s also possible for your periods to become more unpredictable, for example having a heavy period followed by a very light period, or missing a period.
These changes are not usually anything to worry about, but if they become a problem for you contact a GP or sexual health clinic.
Other reported side effects
Other reported side effects of the contraceptive implant include headache, sore breasts, weight gain, acne, and thrush or bacterial vaginosis.
There's not enough evidence to say whether these side effects are caused by the implant.
If side effects are a problem for you, contact a GP or sexual health clinic for advice.
Find out about choosing a method of contraception, including side effects and risks of different methods.
Risks of the contraceptive implant
The contraceptive implant is very safe, but there are some risks including:
- infection where implant is put in – this can lead to swelling and pain at the site of the implant
- the implant moving out of place, usually a few centimetres away from where it was put in
If you think you have an infection or the implant has moved out of place then contact a GP or sexual health clinic.
Rarer, more serious risks include:
- a blood clot
- ectopic pregnancy in the rare case that the implant fails