Implant

Pregnancy prevention for 3 to 5 years, remove at any time

Home Services Contraception and family planning Contraceptive implant

An effective, long-acting and reversible method of contraception

The contraceptive implant is a small, plastic rod (or sometimes 2 rods) that is put into the upper arm, preventing pregnancy for 3 to 5 years.

The implant is a long-acting method of contraception. Long-acting methods of contraception all have the advantage that, once in place, you don’t need to think about them until they need replacing and none of them interrupt sex.

At Marie Stopes, we recommend these types of contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancies as they are over 99% effective when used properly.

Ready to book?

If you’re starting to use contraception for the first time, or thinking about using a new method, it’s a good idea to have a full consultation.

Find our locations that offer contraception and family planning services

Implant advantages

Implants offer numerous advantages as a long-acting, reversible method of contraception

Easily inserted by a trained Marie Stopes provider
It can last up to 5 years
Can be easily removed
Fertility returns rapidly after it is removed
It does not interrupt sex.

These benefits come from the correct use of a contraceptive implant when inserted by a trained provider. If using an implant, you should also make sure to follow any product manufacturer instructions.

Things to consider

When deciding if an implant is right for you, here are a few quick facts you should consider:.

The implant is inserted like an injection
Irregular bleeding can occur, but this can often be managed with medication to help it settle down
Periods may stop, but this is nothing to worry about
It requires a simple procedure to remove it.

How an implant works

The contraceptive implant works by slowly releasing a hormone (progestin) in your blood and the hormone stops the body releasing an egg each month. The hormone also makes it harder for the man’s sperm to get into the womb.

Inserting the implant is a simple procedure that takes about five minutes. A trained person inserts the implant into the inside of your upper arm. Your arm is numbed before insertion so it is generally not painful. Once inserted the implant does not move around your body. It stays where it is inserted. You can feel it under the skin.

Dependent on when you get the implant inserted, it can take up to seven days for the implant to start working. You can use a condom during this time. It stops working when it is taken out, at which point your normal fertility returns.