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Hormonal implant
What am I?
A small, flexible plastic rod that is fitted under the skin in your upper arm and lasts for 3 years1
Effectiveness2
| Perfect use | Typical use |
|---|---|
| N/A | 99% |
- Allows you to enjoy sex spontaneously without worrying about getting pregnant
- Requires minimal administration – once fitted by your healthcare professional, it doesn’t need to be replaced for a number of years1
- The hormonal implant needs to be administered by a healthcare professional1
- Headaches are a common side effect during the first few months3
- The hormonal implant doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – condoms should be used as well1
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NHS Inform. Contraceptive implant. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/contraception/contraceptive-implant/ Last accessed May 2025
NHS. How well contraception works at preventing pregnancy. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/choosing-contraception/how-well-it-works-at-preventing-pregnancy/ Last accessed May 2025
NHS. Side effects and risks of the contraceptive implant. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/contraceptive-implant/side-effects-and-risks/ Last accessed May 2025