About Contraceptive Implants
The Implant is more than 99% effective. Once the implant is in place, you do not have to think about it again for 3 years. A useful method for women who cannot use contraception that contains oestrogen. It is also useful for women who forget to take their pill at the same time every day.
The implant can be removed at any time within the 3 year period. Your natural fertility will return to normal very quickly.
When it is first inserted you may experience bruising tenderness or swelling around the implant site. This usually settles within a few days. Your periods may become lighter, irregular, heavier or longer, and may stop altogether.
What should I expect?
You will meet with a senior specialist nurse with over 20 years’ family planning experience, who will discuss your options with you and explain both the benefits and the risks, to allow you to make an informed decision. If you decide to go ahead and the nurse advises that the implant is suitable, she will explain the procedure to you and fit your implant in our dedicated procedure suite.
How does the implant work?
The implant steadily releases the hormone progestogen into the bloodstream, which prevents the release of an egg each month. It thickens the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for the sperm to move through the cervix, and it thins the lining of the womb, so a fertilised egg is less likely to implant.
When can the implant be fitted?
An implant can be fitted at any time during your cycle, as long as you are not pregnant.
If the implant is fitted during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle you are immediately protected against pregnancy. If the implant is fitted at any other time in the cycle, you will need to use additional contraception for the first 7 days.
Fitting and removal of contraceptive implant
A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area on the inside of the upper arm. The implant is then gently inserted under the skin. You will not need any stitches.
The implant can be removed at any time, a local anaesthetic is used and a tiny incision is made for the implant to pop out.
As soon as the implant is removed, you are considered fertile.
Contraceptive Implant Fitting FAQs
Can I have the implant fitted postnatally?
What are the advantages of a contraceptive implant?
- It works for 3 years
- It does not interrupt sexual intercourse
- Safe to use while breastfeeding
- Fertility will return to normal once the Implant is removed
- Can reduce heavy periods
What are the disadvantages of a contraceptive implant?
- You may experience temporary side effects in the first few months, such as, headaches, breast tenderness, mood swings, bleeding
- Your periods may be irregular, heavier and longer
- Your skin may be affected
- A small procedure is required for fitting and removal
What are the potential risks of a contraceptive implant?
How many appointments will I require to have a contraceptive implant fitted?
Family Planning Fees
Minor Procedures
Harley Street & City Clinic |
£Prices from | |
---|---|---|
Coil insertion (hormonal) | £395 | |
Coil insertion (copper) | £295 | |
Coil removal | £165 | |
Implant insertion | £295 | |
Implant removal | £165 | |
Cryotherapy | £150 | |
Stitching (new wound) | £250 | |
Stitch removal | £95 | |
Lipoma removal | Please call | |
Cyst removal | Please call | |
Mole removal | Please call | |
Skin tag removal | Please call |
Harley Street & City Clinic | Prices from |
Coil insertion (hormonal) | £395 |
hormonal coil | |
Coil insertion (copper) | £295 |
copper coil | |
Coil removal | £165 |
Implant insertion | £295 |
Implant removal | £165 |
Cryotherapy | £150 |
(up to 30 minutes) Additional consultation fee is payable |
|
Stitching (new wound) | £250 |
(up to 5 stitches) | |
Stitch removal | £95 |
(15 minutes) | |
Lipoma removal | Please call |
Cyst removal | Please call |
Mole removal | Please call |
Skin tag removal | Please call |