Self-care following a contraceptive implant

If you have recently had a contraceptive implant fitted, here are some tips to help you following the procedure:

• Keep the wound clean and dry and covered for 5 days.
• If the dressing becomes wet, change it for a small dry plaster. Take care not to touch the wound.
• A bandage may be applied, but this should be removed before you go to sleep – or sooner if uncomfortable.
• The area may feel sore but you can take your usual pain relief, like paracetamol.
• If you have any redness, swelling, itchiness, heat or a temperature, contact your sexual health clinic or GP as soon as possible.
• Avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise or activities using your arm for a few days.
• After 5 days, soak off any dressing in the shower or bath.

Ongoing contraception:

Implant inserted today? Use extra contraception like condoms for 7 days

Implant removed today? Your contraception protection stops immediately so you will need to use another method.

Implant replaced today (within expiry date)? No extra contraception is needed.

Other tips:

If at any time you can’t feel your contraceptive implant, contact your local sexual health clinic.

It’s a good idea to try and memorise or make a note of your expiry date. Clinics are unlikely to send reminders out so it is important to remember when your implant needs replacing.