The contraceptive implant

A contraceptive implant is a small, flexible rod that's placed just under the skin on your upper arm. It releases a progestogen hormone similar to the natural progesterone produced by the ovaries. It works for three years.

How effective any contraceptive is depends on how old you are, how often you have sex and whether you follow the instructions.

If 100 sexually active women don't use any contraception, 80 to 90 will become pregnant in a year.

The implant is over 99% effective. Less than one implant user in 100 will get pregnant in one year. When the implant is used for three years. The implant is a method of long lasting reversible contraception (LARC). LARC is very effective because it doesn't depend on you remembering to take or use it.

How does the implant work?

The main way it works is to stop your ovaries releasing an egg an egg each month (ovulation). It also:

- thickens the mucus from your cervix (neck of the womb), making it difficult for sperm to move through it and reach an egg.

- Makes the lining of the uterus (womb) thinner so it's less likely to accept a fertilised egg.

Where can I get an implant?

Only a doctor or nurse trained to fit implants can insert the implant. You can go to a contraception or sexual health clinic or to the doctor or nurse at a general practice. All treatment is free and confidential.

Can anyone use an implant?

Most women can have an implant fitted. The doctor or nurse will need to ask you about your own and your family's medical history to make sure that the implant is suitable for you if:

- You think you might already be pregnant

- You don't want your periods to change

- You take certain medicines

You have now, or had in the past:

- arterial disease or history of serious heart disease or stroke

- disease of the liver

- breast cancer

- unexplained vaginal bleeding (for example, bleeding between periods or after sex).

What are the advantages of an implant?

- It works for three years

- You can use it if your breastfeeding.

- Your fertility will return to normal as soon as the implant is taken out.

- It may reduce heavy, painful periods

What are the disadvantages of an implant?

- Your periods may change in a way that isn't acceptable to you.

- You may get temporary side effects when you first start using the implant. These should stop within a few months. They may include headaches, breast tenderness and mood changes.

- You may get acne or your acne may get worse.

- It's not suitable if you use enzyme- inducing drugs

- It requires a small procedure to fit and remove it.

- An implant doesn't protect you against sexually transmitted infections, so you may need to use condoms as well.

Are they any risks?

- Very rarely, soon after the implant is put in, you may get an infection in your arm where it's been inserted.

- Research about the risk of breast cancer and hormonal contraception is complex and contradictory. Research suggests that women who use hormonal contraception may have a small increase in the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer compared to women who don't use hormonal contraception.

When can I start using an implant?

You can have an implant fitted at any time in your menstrual cycle if it's certain that you're not pregnant. If the implant is put in during the first five days of your period you'll be protected from pregnancy for the first seven days after it's been fitted. You'll need to avoid sex or use additional contraception, such as condoms during this time.

I've just had a baby. Can I use an implant?

The implant can be put in any time after the birth. If it's put in on, or before, day 21 you'll be protected from pregnancy immediately. If the implant is put in later than day 21 you'll need to condoms, for 7 days.

An implant can be used safely while you're breastfeeding and won't affect your milk supply.

Can I use an implant after a miscarriage or abortion?

The implant can be put in immediately after a miscarriage