Contraceptive implant
PROS/CONS
Pros
Don’t need to remember to take/use it every day or every time you have sex.
Can’t forget to take it or use it in the wrong way. It is also not affected by vomiting or diarrhoea like some methods of contraception.
Is >99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Can stop periods in some women.
Upon discontinuation of use, fertility should return to normal.
Prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years.
Does not contain oestrogen but does contain progesterone.
With the implant in place you don't need to worry about contraception in the moment.
Can be used while breastfeeding four weeks after childbirth.
Cons
Your periods may become irregular, lighter, heavier or longer.
Some women prefer hormone free options.
Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
It may cause weight gain.
It may cause breast tenderness.
Can cause or worsen acne in some women.
Some women experience mood changes, including mood swings, depression, or depressed mood.
It requires a trained healthcare provider to fit and remove the implant.
The pros and cons listed are not exhaustive. Talk to your doctor or nurse for more information.
SIDE EFFECTS
Implant side effects
Some women may experience common hormonal side effects with the implant such as headaches, breast tenderness and abdominal discomfort.
Some women may experience lighter, less frequent periods while others may experience heavier and more irregular bleeding. Some women stop having periods altogether. The bleeding pattern experienced during the first three months is likely to continue.
Some women may experience weight gain and others weight loss whilst using the contraceptive implant.
You may experience mood changes whilst using the contraceptive implant.
You may get acne or your acne might get worse whilst on the implant. This is due to the hormone progestogen. Some forms of progestogen can stimulate androgenic activity in the body and cause overstimulation of the sebaceous glands. This can then cause oily skin, resulting in acne.
Vaginal infection
Headache
Breast tenderness/Breast pain
Increased appetite
Libido decreased
Dizziness
Hot flush
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Abdominal pain
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Nausea
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Flatulence
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Alopecia
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Dysmenorrhoea (period pain)
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Weight decreased
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Scarring - There may be a very small scar where the implant is inserted and removed.
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Infection - There is a very small risk of infection where the implant has been fitted.
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Misplacement - Very rarely an implant can be inserted too deeply, which could cause damage to blood vessels or nerves.
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Migration - It’s very rare, but in some cases the implant may move. You should check your implant regularly. If you cannot feel it seek medical advice.
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Ovarian cysts - Ovarian cysts can occur but these don’t usually cause any symptoms and tend to go away on their own.
PP-UN-WHC-GB-0075 September 2023
