Contraceptive Implant Insertion

Contraceptive Implant Fitting: Effortless Protection for Years

In a busy world, choosing a contraceptive that you don’t have to think about every day can be a game-changer. The contraceptive implant is a hugely popular long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) method, offering highly effective, discreet, and hormone-based protection for three years.

At Happiher, we believe that the fitting process for your chosen method should be as simple and comfortable as the method itself. Dr. Manou Kaur provides an expert, specialist-led service, ensuring your implant is fitted with precision and care, giving you immediate peace of mind.

What is the Contraceptive Implant?

The implant (brand name Nexplanon®) is a small, thin, flexible rod, about 4cm long—the size of a matchstick. It is placed discreetly under the skin of your inner, upper arm.

How it Works:
The implant works by slowly and continuously releasing a very low dose of the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream. This hormone provides powerful contraceptive protection in three ways:

1. It consistently prevents ovulation (the release of an egg) each month.
2. It thickens the mucus in your cervix, making it difficult for sperm to travel through.
3. It thins the lining of the uterus, making it less likely to accept a fertilised egg.

It is over 99% effective, making it one of the most reliable forms of contraception available.

The Fitting Procedure: A Quick and Simple Process

One of the best things about the implant is how straightforward the fitting is. The entire process is completed in minutes.

1. Consultation: First, we will have a chat to confirm the implant is the right choice for you and answer any questions.
2. Numbing the Area: The most important step for your comfort. Dr. Kaur will administer a small injection of local anaesthetic under the skin of your chosen arm (usually your non-dominant one). This completely numbs the area, ensuring the rest of the procedure is painless.
3. The Insertion: Once the area is numb, the implant is inserted just under the skin using a specially designed, sterile applicator. The applicator is then removed, leaving the implant perfectly in place.
4. Final Check and Dressing: Dr. Kaur will gently feel your arm to confirm the implant is in the correct position. A small dressing and a pressure bandage are applied to the area to minimise any bruising.

That’s it. The entire fitting process is designed for maximum comfort and simplicity.

Is the Implant the Right Choice for You?

The implant is an excellent choice for many women, but it’s important to consider its characteristics.

You might love the implant if:

• You want a highly effective, long-term method you don’t have to remember to take daily.
• You are happy to use a hormone-based method.
• You would prefer not to have internal examinations for your contraception.

How it might affect your periods:
The effect on periods is variable and is the main reason some women choose to have it removed. For many, periods become much lighter or stop altogether, which is a significant benefit. For others, they may experience irregular spotting or bleeding, especially in the first few months. It’s not possible to predict exactly how your body will respond.

Your Patient Journey

• The Appointment: A standard consultation slot is enough time to discuss everything and perform the fitting.
• Aftercare: The pressure bandage can be removed after a few hours, and the small dressing after a day or two. It’s normal to have some tenderness or bruising at the insertion site for a few days. You should avoid heavy lifting with that arm for a day or so.
• Effectiveness: The implant is effective immediately if fitted during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle. If fitted at any other time, you will need to use additional contraception (like condoms) for the first 7 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does the fitting hurt?
   No. After the small sting of the local anaesthetic injection (similar to any injection), the area will be completely numb. You will not feel the implant being inserted.
2. Can you see the implant under the skin?
   You can’t usually see it, but you will be able to gently feel it with your fingertips, which is how you know it’s there and working.
3. Will it affect my fertility in the future?
   No. The implant is completely reversible. As soon as it is removed, your fertility and your natural cycle will return to what is normal for you.
4. What if I want it removed before the three years are up?
   You can have the implant removed at any time. The removal process is also a simple procedure performed under local anaesthetic.

Get Three Years of Worry-Free Contraception

Enjoy the freedom and confidence that comes with one of the most effective long-acting contraceptives available.