Implant
Starting to use an implant
The implant is inserted under the skin of your upper arm by a trained professional and it lasts for three years.
Stopping using an implant
You can have the implant removed at any time; and your natural fertility will return very quickly. This means that once the implant is removed you could get pregnant as easily as if you had never had the implant.
Different types
In the UK implants inserted after October 2010 are called Nexplanon. Implants inserted before this are called Implanon.
They work in the same way but Nexplanon is designed to reduce the risk of insertion errors and is visible on an X-ray or CT scan.
There is no need for existing Implanon users to have their implant removed and replaced by Nexplanon ahead of its usual replacement time.
How they work
A small (40mm) flexible tube containing progestogen, the implant stops the release of an egg from the ovary by slowly releasing progestogen into your body. It thickens the cervical mucus and thins the womb lining. This makes it harder for sperm to move through your cervix and less likely for your womb to accept a fertilised egg.
Information prior to fitting
Please click here for information prior to your implant fit appointment. It is important that you read this information before attending the clinic.
Implant removal
For information on the removal process please click here and read the information provided. It is important that you read this information before attending the clinic.