Implants
A tiny, flexible rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm that releases a controlled dose of hormones for up to three years, providing long-term contraception with minimal user maintenance.
- 99.95% effective
- Takes 1 week to start working
- It works by stopping you producing and egg
- It thickens the mucous at your cervix to prevent sperm making its way to your womb
- It thins the lining of your womb, making it difficult for fertilised eggs to implant
Information
The Contraceptive Implant is a progesterone-only method, which means it contains only one hormone. Once inserted, it is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. It takes about a week to start working and works by stopping ovulation, thickening the mucous at your cervix to prevent sperm from reaching the womb, and thinning the lining of your womb, making it difficult for fertilized eggs to implant.
The implant is inserted by a specially trained clinician in a simple and quick procedure. After selecting a site above your tricep on your less dominant arm, the area is cleaned, local anesthetic is used to numb the area, and the 2cm implant is inserted under the skin. A dressing is used over the area. Removal is also a simple procedure that can be done by a clinician. The area is cleaned, local anesthetic is used to numb the area, a tiny cut is made with a scalpel, and the implant is removed. A dressing is used over the wound.
As with any birth control method, there are side effects, benefits, and risks associated with the Contraceptive Implant. While it is an effective and long-term method, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some of the side effects, benefits, and risks of the Contraceptive Implant include:
Benefits:
- Highly effective at preventing pregnancy
- Long-acting – lasts for up to three years
- Reversible – can be removed at any time
- Can help with painful periods and Endometriosis pain
Side effects:
- Irregular and unpredictable bleeding can happen at any time – irregular bleeding patterns can be managed
- Headaches
- Acne
- Weight gain
Risks:
- Limited evidence to rule out a reduction in bone density
- Evidence too little to rule out an association with breast cancer, although unlikely
- Not enough evidence to rule out an association with ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers
The Contraceptive Implant may not be suitable for everyone. The following may mean that you are not suitable for the Contraceptive Implant:
- You are taking a medication that interacts with the Contraceptive Implant
- You have Ischaemic Heart Disease
- You have had a stroke
- You have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- You have or have had breast cancer
- You have severe Cirrhosis
- You have Hepatocellular adenoma or a malignant liver tumor
The Contraceptive Implant lasts for 3 years and can be removed before the end of this period, although it needs to remain in situ for at least 6 weeks. Consecutive implants can be inserted at the end of each 3-year period.
At The Centre for Health, we offer telephone consultations for £100 and the Contraceptive Implant for £105. If you require a home visit, the cost is an additional £400, or £500 if you require a home visit and the implant.