- The contraceptive implant is a small plastic rod, around 4 cm long, that a doctor or nurse puts under the skin of your arm.
- It prevents pregnancy by releasing the hormone progestogen. This stops the ovaries releasing an egg each month.
- The contraceptive implant is not suitable for everyone.
- The implant works for 3 years before it needs to be replaced.
- An implant is over 99% effective if it's replaced every 3 years. If not it's less effective.
- A specially trained doctor or nurse can remove the implant at any time if you no longer want to use it.
- Once the implant is removed your chance of getting pregnant will return to what it was before the implant was fitted straight away.
- You can compare different methods, including how well they work and side effects, when choosing a method of contraception.
Information:
The implant does not stop you getting or passing on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use a condom every time you have sex to protect you and your partner against STIs, including HIV.