What is the contraceptive implant?

• 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.

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.

Where can I get a contraceptive implant?

Contraception services are free and confidential on the NHS.

You can get the contraceptive implant from:

• sexual health clinics, also called family planning or contraception clinics
• some GP surgeries
• some young people's services (call the national sexual health helpline on 0300 123 7123 for more information)

Can I use the contraceptive implant?

The contraceptive implant is not suitable for everyone.

The implant may not be suitable if you've ever had:

• a condition affecting your heart or blood vessels (cardiovascular disease), such as a stroke
• a liver condition, such as cirrhosis
• breast cancer
• unexplained vaginal bleeding

If you have any of these health conditions, talk to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist about whether the implant is suitable for you.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

You can have the contraceptive implant fitted any time after you've given birth.

If it's fitted before day 21 after the birth, you'll be protected against pregnancy straight away.

If it's fitted on or after day 21, you'll need to use additional contraception such as condoms for the next 7 days.

The implant is safe to use while breastfeeding and will not affect your baby or milk supply.

Using the implant after a miscarriage or abortion

If you’ve had a miscarriage or abortion, you can have the contraceptive implant fitted as soon as you want to.

If the implant is fitted within 5 days after a miscarriage or abortion, you’ll be protected from pregnancy immediately.

If it’s fitted more than 5 days afterwards, you'll need to use another type of contraception, such as condoms, until the implant has been in place for 7 days.

A doctor or nurse can give you more information.

Medicines and the contraceptive implant

Some medicines and herbal remedies can affect how the contraceptive implant works. It may not work properly to stop you getting pregnant.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before having a contraceptive implant fitted if you take medicine to treat TB (tuberculosis), epilepsy or HIV.

You should also ask for advice if you take griseofulvin (an antifungal medicine), or St John's wort (a herbal remedy).

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