The contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) is a small flexible plastic rod that's placed under the skin in your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. It releases the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy and lasts for 3 years.

At a glance: the implant

• The implant is more than 99% effective.
• Once the implant is in place, you don't have to think about it again for 3 years.
• It can be useful for women who can't use contraception that contains oestrogen.
• It's very useful for women who find it difficult to remember to take a pill at the same time every day.
• The implant can be taken out if you have side effects.
• You can have it removed at any time, and your natural fertility will return very quickly.
• When it's first put in, you may feel some bruising, tenderness or swelling around the implant.
• Your periods may become irregular, lighter, heavier or longer.
• A common side effect is that your periods stop (amenorrhoea). It's not harmful, but you may want to consider this before deciding to have an implant.
• Some medicines can make the implant less effective.
• It doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you may need to use condoms as well.

How is a contraceptive implant fitted or removed?

A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area on the inside of your upper arm. The implant is then inserted under your skin – it only takes a few minutes to put in and feels like having an injection. You won’t need any stitches after your implant has been fitted.

Nexplanon works for 3 years before it needs to be replaced. You can use this method until you reach the menopause, when a woman's monthly periods stop naturally.

The implant can be removed at any time by a specially trained doctor or nurse. It only takes a few minutes to remove, and a local anaesthetic will be used. The doctor or nurse will make a tiny cut in your skin to gently pull the implant out.

As soon as the implant has been removed, you'll no longer be protected against pregnancy.

Advantages and disadvantages of the implant

Advantages:

• it works for 3 years
• it doesn't interrupt sex
• it's an option if you can't use oestrogen-based contraception, such as the combined contraceptive pill, contraceptive patch or vaginal ring
• it's safe to use while you're breastfeeding
• your fertility will return to normal as soon as the implant is taken out
• it may reduce heavy periods or period pain

Disadvantages:

• you may experience temporary side effects during the first few months, like headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood swings
• your periods may be irregular or stop altogether
• you may get acne or your acne might get worse
• you'll need a small procedure to have it fitted and removed
• it doesn't protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you may need to use additional contraception (such as condoms) as well