Contraceptive implant
How to
How is the implant fitted?
You will need to book an appointment at a contraceptive clinic or with your Doctor. This appointment will typically include:
A few questions about your medical and family history, to work out what method would suit you best.
You’ll discuss other medicines you are taking in case they can make the implant less effective.
The doctor or nurse will take your blood pressure and will weigh you.
A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area on the inside of your upper arm.
The implant is then inserted under your skin – it only takes a few minutes to put in and feels like having an injection. This is done using a needle-like inserter.
You won’t usually need any stitches after your implant has been fitted. A small dressing will be added to protect it and help stop any bruising.
Local anaesthesia is used so there should be very little pain, and the procedure takes only a couple of minutes. There might be a bit of bruising or soreness or swelling afterwards.
The implant can be removed at any time by a specially trained doctor or nurse. A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area on the inside of your upper arm. The doctor or nurse will make a tiny cut in your skin to gently pull the implant out.
As soon as the implant has been removed, you'll return to normal fertility.
The contraceptive implant is prescribed and fitted by a trained healthcare professional.
You can get the contraceptive implant for free, even if you're under 16, from:
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Contraception clinics
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Sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
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GP surgeries
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Some young people's services
Some (but not all) GPs or practice nurses are able to fit and remove implants, so you'll need to check at your GP surgery. Alternatively, most sexual health clinics will be able to do this for you.
PP-UN-WHC-GB-0075 September 2023
