Contraceptive implant

Contraceptive rod, the rod, the bar, Implanon.

A small plastic rod that is inserted under the skin of your upper arm that slowly releases one hormone (progestogen). It lasts for up to 3 years.

The Implanon NXT is the only contraceptive implant available in Australia.

Some of the more common uses of contraceptive implant include:

• preventing pregnancy
• reducing period pain

The contraceptive implant works by:

• stopping ovulation (eggs being released from the ovaries)
• thickening cervical mucus so sperm can’t get through to the fallopian tubes (where eggs are fertilised)
• thinning the lining of the uterus so if an egg is fertilised, it is less likely to implant to start a pregnancy

The contraceptive implant can start working quickly to prevent pregnancy, but the timing depends on when you get it inserted in your menstrual cycle.

If you get the contraceptive implant inserted within the first 5 days of your period starting, you are protected straight away.

If you get the contraceptive implant inserted more than 5 days after your last period started, it will take 7 days before you are protected. Use backup contraception (e.g. condoms) or avoid having sex for those first 7 days to prevent pregnancy.

99.9% effective.

• Get the contraceptive implant replaced every 3 years.

It is a good idea to write down when you got the contraceptive implant inserted, so you can remember when it is time to get it replaced.

The contraceptive implant is less effective if you wait more than 3 years to get it replaced.

Some medicines reduce the effectiveness of the implant, including some epilepsy medications.

It is best to check with a healthcare professional if any new or current medications or supplements you take will decrease the effectiveness of the contraceptive implant.

No.

Internal and external condoms are the only types of contraception that protect against STIs.

The contraceptive implant needs to be replaced every 3 years.

It can be removed at any time if you don’t want to use it anymore.

The contraceptive implant can be felt just underneath the skin of your upper arm.

As with all medications, some people may experience side effects.

Some possible side effects include:

• irregular, unpredictable bleeding patterns, ranging from little to no bleeding for prolonged periods of time, to more frequent, heavier bleeding
• acne may develop, improve or worsen
• headaches
• mood changes
• sore or tender breasts
• low sex drive

In very rare instances, the implant may move from where it was originally inserted. If you can’t feel it under your skin, see a healthcare professional immediately.

You may also experience some temporary side-effects at the site where the implant is inserted or removed, including:

• bruising
• soreness
• itchiness
• bleeding
• infection (rare)
• a small scar

Side effects vary between different people. Some people experience no side effects, or experience positive changes while using the contraceptive implant. Side effects can settle after a few months. If the side effects of the contraceptive implant bother you, you may want to try a different type of contraception.

Some common health conditions and lifestyle factors that may stop you from using the contraceptive implant include:

• history of stroke
• heart disease (current or past)
• breast cancer (current or past)
• severe liver disease or liver cancer
• unexplained vaginal bleeding

It is important to talk with a healthcare professional about your full medical history when deciding which contraception option is the safest and most suitable for you.

You will need a prescription. You can get one from a doctor (either a GP or relevant specialist, e.g. a gynaecologist) or nurse practitioner. They should ask you questions about your medical history and might do some tests to ensure that the implant is a safe option for you before prescribing.

It is possible to get a prescription at:

• a GP clinic
• a specialist appointment
• a telehealth appointment (online or over the phone)
• sexual health clinics
• family planning clinics

Once you have a prescription, the contraceptive implant can be bought at most pharmacies, including online pharmacies.

The implant needs to be inserted and removed by a trained healthcare professional. They will insert it into your upper arm through a small procedure, using local anaesthetic to numb the area. You cannot insert or remove the implant yourself.

The contraceptive implant is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which makes it cheaper for those who hold a current Medicare card.

The contraceptive implant lasts for 3 years. The cost per implant is:

• PBS price: up to $25
• PBS price for concession card holders: up to $7.70
• Private prescription: between $160–180

Although some healthcare professionals bulk bill (which means you won’t pay anything to see them), some may charge out-of-pocket costs for the appointments needed to get your prescription and to have the contraceptive implant inserted and removed.

No, the contraceptive implant has no impact on long-term fertility.

Your fertility should return to normal soon after you have the implant removed but your menstrual cycle might take a little while to settle.

You can start using the contraceptive implant straight after having a baby, even if you are breastfeeding. You should get the contraceptive implant within 21 days of giving birth to avoid pregnancy.