Contraceptive Implant

It is a very effective form of contraception that does not require women to remember to take a pill. It is also very discreet but can be felt by the user under the skin of the upper arm. It can also be fitted at any point in the menstrual cycle or after birth or termination.

It is particularly suited for women who cannot for whatever reason use a contraceptive containing oestrogen, for example women with focal migraines or high blood pressure or who are overweight. It is also particularly suited for women who may find it difficult to remember to take a pill. It can also be used while breastfeeding.

Although most women have no side effects, some women can have side effects related to the progesterone such as fluid retention, breast tenderness or acne.

Some women find their periods change. In some women periods stop altogether, although the majority find this beneficial. Some women experience irregular bleeding.

The implant is fitted during an outpatient appointment by a consultant. Women will need an injection of local anaesthetic just under the skin that is on the inner aspect of the upper arm. The implant is then inserted but this should not be painful.

A bandage is normally placed around the upper arm for 24 hours. Some localised bruising or pain can occur but this usually settles after a few days.

Most side effects should they occur are short-lived and settle after a few months. Red flag symptoms are post-coital bleeding and persistent intermenstrual bleeding as well as pelvic pain, abdominal swelling/bloating & weight loss. Most settle within 6 months.

Very rarely, fitting can cause long-term local pain or discomfort.

The implant can be removed by a specialist at London Gynaecology or alternatively most NHS family planning clinics have a trained implant remover.

Removal can sometimes be difficult but is usually performed under local anaesthetic. Occasionally though a general anaesthetic is necessary especially if the implant is deep or cannot be located.

If you need to have a contraceptive implant removed, please read about our contraceptive implant removal service.

For further information visit, Sexwise which is run by the national sexual health charity FPA. FPA have more than 85 years’ experience looking after the nation’s sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing.

We offer packages for both coil fitting and removal. 

Find out more about our removal package here

You can learn more about our coil fitting package here