Contraceptive implant — the rods

The implant is two small rods — about the size of matchsticks. The rods are put under the skin in your inner arm. They slowly release a hormone called progestogen, which can stop your body from releasing an egg each month. The implant also thickens the mucus in your cervix — so sperm cannot get to an egg.

Typically, the implant is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. This means that for every 100 people using an implant, fewer than one will become hapū every year.

The implant is a long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). The implant can be used for a few months, or up to five years to prevent pregnancy.

You can get your implant removed anytime you want. 

Advantages?

• Long acting — works for up to five years
• No daily pill taking
• Doesn’t interfere with sex
• No one else needs to know you’re using it
• Useful for those who can’t take the combined pill — or if it’s hard to remember to take pills or get to appointments

Disadvantages?

• Doesn’t protect you from STIs
• You might have irregular periods or periods that last longer. This is quite common in the first 6 months — but it can last as long as you use the implant. This can be annoying, but it’s not harmful and the implant will still work. If the bleeding is a problem, you can get pills to help
• You might have a sore or bruised arm after the implant is put in or taken out
• There is a small risk of infection
• It’s not always easy for a nurse or doctor to find the implant when you want to have it removed. You might have to see someone else to get it taken out

• You’ll feel the implant under your skin
• You might have a sore or bruised arm after the implant is put in — there is a small risk of infection
• Your period might change. That means you might bleed: very often, not often at all, or have light but persistent bleeding. You might have a normal period or no period at all. Irregular periods, or periods that last longer, are quite common in the first 6 months of the implant. This is all safe for your body. If your bleeding becomes a problem, there are pills you can take that will help. Call us for advice
• Studies show that implants don’t cause any change in your weight, mood, sex drive, or give you headaches

You shouldn’t use implants if:

• You’ve had breast cancer
• When you’re taking certain medications — tell your nurse or doctor about the medications you take

At your appointment, one of our medical professionals will ask you questions about yourself and your health. We want to make sure that the implant is the best option for you. If everything sounds good, they’ll put an implant into your arm.

It’s important that you’re not at risk of pregnancy when you first get your implant put in. Using contraception like condoms, or the pill, can lower your risk of pregnancy before you get your implant put in.

We might offer you a pregnancy test before putting the rods in.

The appointment usually takes 30-40 minutes from start to finish.

After the appointment, most people can get on with their day. It’s common to have a little bruising or tenderness for the next few days — avoid heavy lifting during this time.

If you get the implant between day 1 and day 5 of your period, then you will be safe from pregnancy straight away. At any other time in your cycle, you’ll need to use condoms for the first 7 days of having the implants.

An implant must be put in or removed by a trained medical professional.

• An injection is used to numb part of your arm, so you don’t feel anything when the implant is put in
• The rods are put under the skin — special plasters are used to hold the skin together until the skin heals, and this is covered with a water resistant dressing
• The implant is taken out in the same way. It will leave a small scar

The implant doesn’t protect you from STIs.

The best way to protect yourself from STIs is to use condoms, lube, and oral dams when you have sex.  

Pregnancy is very rare with the implant. If you do become hapū and want to continue with your pregnancy, you’ll need to have the implant taken out. There is no extra risk for your pēpi.

You can become hapū as soon as your implant is taken out.

Almost anyone, at any age, can get an implant.

Make an appointment with us — we can help you work out if the implant is the best contraception type for you. If you decide to get the implant, we can put it in for you.

Your implant needs to be put in or taken out in by a trained medical professional.  

We are sexual wellness experts — our medical professionals are trained and practiced at putting in and taking out implants. 
 
Anyone can visit our clinics. If you want to talk to us, we want to talk to you. 

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