Contraceptive Implant Treatment Online

Contraceptive Implant Overview and Key Facts

This section summarises key facts about the contraceptive implant, including effectiveness, duration of use, suitability, and important safety considerations.

This plastic, rod-shaped implant has been found to be more than 99% effective in women.
Once implanted, it remains functional for 3 years.
For women who are unable to use estrogen containing contraceptives, this is a preferable contraceptive method.
It is highly recommended for women who do not want to go through the stress of taking pills daily or those who have difficulty remembering to take their pills correctly.
The implant can always be removed, if you develop any side effects.
It doesn’t have any effect on fertility after removal.
When the plastic rod is newly implanted, you may develop bruises, swelling or tenderness around the implant site,
It may cause your periods to become lighter, heavier, irregular or longer.
One of the most common side effects is amenorrhea (complete absence of your period). You may need to consider this before making your decision.
Certain medications can alter its effectiveness
You may need to use a condom in addition to the implant because it offers no protection against STIs.

Key Facts About the Contraceptive Implant

Aspect	Details
Effectiveness	Over 99% when fitted correctly
Duration	Works for up to 3 years
How It Works	Releases progestogen to stop ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin womb lining
When It Starts Working	Immediate if fitted within 5 days of your period; use condoms for 7 days if later
After Birth	Can be fitted anytime; immediate protection if within 21 days postpartum
After Miscarriage or Abortion	Can be fitted immediately for full protection
Fertility Return	Returns quickly after removal
Side Effects	Headache, mood changes, irregular periods, breast tenderness (usually temporary)
Risks	Mild bruising or infection at insertion site (rare)
STI Protection	None — use condoms for STI prevention
Who Can Use It	Suitable for most women, including those who can’t take oestrogen
Medicines That Interfere	Rifampicin, certain epilepsy drugs, HIV meds, St John’s Wort
Removal	Quick procedure under local anaesthetic
Mobi Doctor Services	Online contraceptive advice, prescriptions, and follow-up support

How the Contraceptive Implant Works

This section explains how the contraceptive implant prevents pregnancy through hormonal mechanisms affecting ovulation and cervical mucus.

The plastic rod-shaped implant contains a hormone that is continually released into your bloodstream, which helps stop the monthly ova (egg) release from the ovary.

It also causes thickening and increased mucus production by the cervix, thereby preventing the sperm from passing through the cervix to get to the egg. The implant causes thinning of the lining of your womb to reduce the chance of implantation of a fertilized egg.

When the Contraceptive Implant Starts Working

This section outlines when contraceptive protection begins after implant insertion and when additional contraception may be needed.

As long as you are not pregnant or don’t suspect that you are, the implant can be fixed for you at any time during your cycle. Although the time in during which it is fixed determines how much protection it would offer you initially.

If it fixed anytime during first five days of your menstruation cycle, it would proffer immediate and complete protection against pregnancy.

However, if you have it fixed any time after the first five days of your cycle, you would be required to use an extra contraceptive method like condoms, for at first 7 days.

Using the Contraceptive Implant After Childbirth

This section explains how and when the contraceptive implant can be used after childbirth, including considerations for breastfeeding.

The implant can be fixed any time after delivery. If it is implanted within the first 21 days after delivery, it would proffer immediate and complete protection against pregnancy.

If it is implanted after the first 21 days after delivery, you would be required to make use of extra contraceptives such as condoms, for at least 7 days.

The implants can also be used during breastfeeding, as they are considered safe.

Contraceptive Implant After Miscarriage or Abortion

This section describes the timing and effectiveness of contraceptive implant use following miscarriage or abortion.

You can have the implant fixed immediately after a miscarriage and abortion. If this is done, it offers complete and immediate protection against pregnancy.

How the Contraceptive Implant Is Fitted and Removed

This section explains how the contraceptive implant is inserted and removed, including the role of trained healthcare professionals.

Local anaesthesia is administered to the area where it is to be fitted (usually the upper arm) to fix the implant. This helps to numb feelings around the selected area of the skin.

Afterwards, the implant is fitted beneath your skin, like an injection, which takes only a few minutes. Once the implant has been fixed, you will need no stitches to keep it in place.

Nexplanon can offer you protection for 3 years, after which you would need to replace it. You can use this contraceptive method for a long time, even up to menopause (when your monthly cycle stops naturally).

Just as it can be fixed at any time, it can also be removed any time you want, but it would require the help of a specially trained medical professional. Removing it would only take a few minutes, and a local anaesthetic would also be administered. To remove this implant from your skin, the doctor or nurse will make a small cut at the area of the implant and then gently pull it out.

Once the implant has been removed, it ceases to protect you from pregnancy.

Who Can Safely Use the Contraceptive Implant

This section reviews who can generally use the contraceptive implant safely and when medical advice is needed before choosing it.

Almost every woman can have the contraceptive implant fitted. However, it may not be recommended or suitable for you if:

Suspect that you might be pregnant
Are on certain medications that can alter it's effectiveness.
Want your monthly cycle to remain the same
Bleed in between your periods or after sexual intercourse.
Have or have any arterial condition or a history of heart conditions or a stroke.
Have been diagnosed with a liver condition.
Have or have had breast cancer previously.
Have any health condition that has an effect on the kind of contraception suitable for you? Ensure you consult your GP or nurse for professional advice or visit the nearest sexual health clinic to you for help.

Advantages of the Contraceptive Implant

This section outlines the main benefits of the contraceptive implant as a long-acting reversible contraception option.

It can be used for 3 years
Doesn’t interfere with sex.
It is suitable for women who cannot use oestrogen-based contraceptives, such as the contraceptive patch, combined contraceptive pill or the vaginal ring.
It is safe for breastfeeding mothers
It doesn’t have any effect on fertility after use- fertility remains as it was before use.
It may make your period lighter and less painful.

Disadvantages and Side Effects of the Contraceptive Implant

This section discusses possible side effects, limitations, and considerations associated with contraceptive implant use.

When the implant is initially fixed, you may experience some minor but temporary side effects for a few months. These symptoms include headaches, breast tenderness, nausea and mood swings.
It may cause your period to become irregular or stop altogether.
It may worsen your acne, if you have any or make you develop some.
You would require a minor procedure to get it fixed or removed.
It proffers no protection against STIs (sexually transmitted infections). In other words, you may need to use extra contraceptives such as condoms, especially if you are at a high risk of infection.

Medicines That Affect Contraceptive Implant Effectiveness

This section explains which medicines may reduce contraceptive implant effectiveness and when additional contraception may be required.

Certain medications can alter the effectiveness of the implant. Some of these medications include:

Medications used for the treatment of tuberculosis, HIV and epilepsy.
Herbal remedies such as St John’s Wort.
Certain antibiotics, such as rifampicin or rifabutin.

Women taking either of these medications would need to use extra contraceptives such as condoms or can use a different contraceptive method instead, which would have no effect on their medications.

Tell your doctor about your contraceptive implant if medications are prescribed for you. You can always ask your doctor if the medications being prescribed to you would affect the effectiveness of the implant.

Risks and Safety Considerations of the Contraceptive Implant

This section outlines potential risks and safety considerations related to contraceptive implant insertion and ongoing use.

In very few cases, the area of your skin where the contraceptive implant is fixed may become infected. You must take antibiotics to clear up the infection in such a situation.

However, it may be necessary to see your doctor or healthcare professional immediately if:

You can no longer feel the implant where it was fixed.
The shape of the implant changes
You get pregnant
You notice any skin discolourations, pain or other changes at the area where the implant was fitted.

Where to Get a Contraceptive Implant Fitted or Removed

This section explains where contraceptive implant fitting and removal services are available and how to access them.

All community contraception clinics
Certain genitourinary (GUM) clinics
Certain young people’s services.

The contraceptive services offered at these clinics are free and also kept private, regardless of your age (under 16 included). Not all doctors or nurses can fix or remove the contraceptive implants, so you may need to check at your surgery.

Contraceptive Implant FAQs

A contraceive implant is a small flexible rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm to prevent pregnancy. It slowly releases the hormone progestogen, which helps stop ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and reduces the chance of fertilisation.

The contraceptive implant is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and is considered one of the most reliable long-term reversible contraception methods. Once inserted correctly, it works continuously without needing daily reminders like the contraceptive pill.

Most contraceptive implants prevent pregnancy for up to three years before replacement is needed. A doctor or trained healthcare professional can remove or replace the implant at any time if you want to stop treatment or change contraception methods.

Online consultations can help assess whether the contraceptive implant is suitable for you. Mobi Doctor doctors review your medical history, migraine history, medications, smoking status, menstrual symptoms, and contraception needs before recommending hormonal contraception or referral for implant fitting where clinically appropriate.

Common side effects may include irregular bleeding, lighter periods, headaches, acne, breast tenderness, mood changes, or changes in libido. Some people stop having periods completely, while others notice spotting or unpredictable bleeding patterns during treatment. (nhs.uk)

The implant can affect menstrual bleeding in different ways. Some people have lighter or less frequent periods, while others experience irregular bleeding, spotting, or no periods at all during treatment. Bleeding changes are one of the most common reasons people consider changing contraception methods.

The contraceptive implant may not be suitable for people with certain liver conditions, unexplained vaginal bleeding, hormone-sensitive cancers, or some medication interactions. A medical assessment is important before starting hormonal contraception to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your health needs.

Medical assessment is important if you develop severe arm swelling, chest pain, breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding, severe headaches, signs of infection around the implant site, or sudden mood changes. Sudden severe symptoms should not be ignored while using hormonal contraception.

Mobi Doctor offers same-day online contraception consultations across Malta and Europe. Licensed EU doctors can assess your suitability for the contraceptive implant remotely, discuss hormonal birth control options, explain side effects, and advise when in-person fitting or further medical assessment may be necessary.

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