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Contraceptive implant
contraceptive implant · birth control implant · arm implant · implant removal
The doctor places a small, flexible rod under the skin on the inner upper arm. It releases a hormone and prevents pregnancy for several years.
When you want reliable protection for years without daily pills.
⏱ Duration: placement usually takes 5 to 10 minutes; it usually works for 3 years, some types longer. Check which you have
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Timing. It is usually placed in the first days of your period. Then protection starts right away. Check with your doctor.
- Arm. It usually goes in the arm you use less.
What to bring
- Your ID
- A list of your medicines
- The date of your last period
How it goes
- You lie down, with your arm bent and placed behind your head
- The doctor finds a spot on the inner upper arm and marks it
- The skin is cleaned and numbed with a shot
- The rod is placed under the skin with a special applicator. It takes a few seconds
- The doctor feels that the rod is in place and lets you feel it too
- The spot is covered with a plaster and a tight bandage
What you'll feel
- The numbing shot stings
- You usually do not feel the placement, just pressure
- Afterward, the spot may ache, and a bruise can appear
Afterwards
- The tight bandage usually comes off after a day, the plaster after 3 to 5 days
- Periods may become irregular, lighter, or stop. This is common and usually safe
- Write down the date the implant needs replacing
- It can be removed at any time through a tiny cut with numbing
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Redness, pus, and pain at the spot, or a fever
- You cannot feel the rod under your skin: see a doctor, and use condoms
Common questions
Can people see the implant?
Usually not. It is under the skin. You can feel it with your fingers.
What will happen to my periods?
For many people they change: lighter, irregular, or they stop. If it bothers you a lot, tell your doctor.
How soon can I get pregnant after removal?
Usually quickly, even in the first month.