Dr Lisa Neligan
Contraceptive Implant
The contraceptive implant is a very effect method of preventing an unplanned pregnancy.
At the Kingsbridge GP Clinic our experienced GPs can perform this quick and simple procedure. Once inserted the implant offers contraceptive cover for around three years.
The Contraceptive Implant – What You Need To Know
The contraceptive implant is a small flexible tube about 40mm long that’s inserted under the skin of your upper arm. If implanted correctly, the implant is more than 99% effective. Fewer than one woman in 1,000 who use the implant as contraception will get pregnant in one year.
It’s very useful for women who know they don’t want to get pregnant for a while. Once the implant is in place, you don’t have to think about contraception for three years.
It can be useful for women who can’t use contraception that contains oestrogen and a good option for women who find it difficult to take a pill at the same time every day.
If you have side effects, the implant can be taken out. You can have the implant 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.
In the first year after the implant is fitted, your periods may become irregular, lighter, heavier or longer. This usually settles down after the first year.
A common side effect of the implant is that your periods stop (amenorrhoea). It’s not harmful, but you may want to consider this before deciding to have an implant.
Some medications can make the implant less effective, and additional contraceptive precautions need to be followed when you are taking these medications.
The implant does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). By using condoms as well as the implant, you’ll help to protect yourself against STIs.
Who can use the implant?
Most women can be fitted with the contraceptive implant. It may not be suitable if you:
- are at risk of osteoporosis
- think you might be pregnant
- want to keep having regular periods
- have bleeding in between periods or after sex
- have arterial disease or a history of heart disease or stroke
- have a blood clot in a blood vessel (thrombosis)
- have liver disease
- have migraines
- have breast cancer or have had it in the past
- have diabetes with complications
- have cirrhosis or liver tumours
Costs
We’ll give you a clear price guide upfront of the costs involved and explain what’s included.
Steps to get started
If you are considering a contraceptive implant, you can arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.
If you’re using health insurance
Check with your provider to see what’s covered. We’re happy to help with any paperwork and can work directly with many insurance companies to make the process smoother for you.
If you’re paying for treatment yourself or using a payment plan
We’ll give you clear information about costs and help you plan your care. You’ll know exactly what to expect, with no hidden fees.
Book an Appointment
To make things easier, you can book a new consultation appointment online.
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