Contraceptive implant
The implant is a soft piece of plastic that is put in under the skin or your arm. It contains just one hormone, progestogen, which is similar to hormones produced by your body.
The implant is a long-acting method of contraception – it works for up to three years – so you don’t have to rely on remembering contraception.
It’s also one of the most effective methods of contraception — fewer than 1 in 1,000 people with the implant will get pregnant.
The implant works in three ways:
- Stops ovulation – this means your body doesn’t release an egg each month.
- Thickens cervical mucus – this makes it hard for sperm to get into the womb.
- Thins the womb lining – so if an egg were fertilised, it couldn’t grow there.
An implant has to be fitted by a trained doctor or nurse. It is not visible and fertility returns to normal as soon as it is removed.
The implant lasts for 3 years, so once it’s in, you don’t have to think about contraception every day.
It can change your bleeding pattern:
- Most people with have regular or irregular bleeding
- Some people have lighter bleeding
- Some stop having bleeding altogether
If bleeding becomes a problem, help is available — contact your local sexual health clinic or GP.
The implant is a great choice for long-term contraception that’s low-maintenance.
It needs to be fitted by someone with specialist training but the procedure is quick and easy.
The implant does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You’ll still need condoms for protection.
The implant is unaffected by sickness
The contraception implant is available from:
You can find your nearest GP or sexual health clinic using our find a service tool.