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 useTypical use
N/A99%
  • 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
illustration of a woman making a heart with their hands and smiling
illustration of a woman making a heart with their hands and smiling
  • 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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References

  1. NHS Inform. Contraceptive implant. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/contraception/contraceptive-implant/ Last accessed May 2025

  2. 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

  3. 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

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