Contraceptive Implant
At Women's Wellness Clinic in Cambridge, we offer a full range of contraception services; including contraceptive implant procedures. The Nexplanon implant is a small, flexible rod placed under the skin that releases progesterone to prevent pregnancy for up to three years. Visit our experts in women’s wellness today.
WOMEN’S WELLNESS CLINIC | CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
About the Nexplanon Contracteptive Implant
Nexplanon is a small flexible rod that is placed under your skin. It releases Progestogen into your bloodstream over 3 years to prevent pregnancy.
Duration: Nexplanon is licensed for a contraceptive effect for three years after insertion. At or before 3 years it needs to be removed and replaced, or another form of contraception used.
Effectiveness: Nexplanon is a highly effective form of contraception, with less than 1 in 1000 women becoming pregnant using this method.
Patient Responsibility: It is the patient’s responsibility to keep a record of the implant's expiry date.
General Appointment Information
Duration: Your appointment is scheduled for half an hour.
Nutrition & Pain Relief: Please make sure you have something to eat before your appointment. The process can be mildly uncomfortable, and you may wish to take a safe tablet painkiller (like paracetamol) approximately an hour before the procedure.
Safe, Fast Implant Removal in Cambridge
Your implant can be safely removed at any point by our experienced clinicians. If your device is expired, causing unwanted side effects, or you are planning a pregnancy, we offer fast, private implant removal appointments, often available this week.
Important Note: Be aware that fertility can return immediately after removal. If you require a different form of contraception, please arrange this prior to the removal appointment.
Preparation & Safety
To ensure your comfort and the success of your procedure, please follow these important guidelines before your implant fitting or removal appointment:
Ensuring No Chance of Pregnancy (Prior to Fitting)
It is absolutely crucial that there is no chance you could be pregnant when we fit your implant. Please adhere to the following to ensure this:
Sexual Activity: Do not have unprotected sex from the start of your period until the insertion, unless you are using a method of contraception reliably and consistently.
Out-of-Date Implant: If your current implant is out of date, you should not have sex for 21 days (3 weeks) before the appointment so that a pregnancy test is valid.
Existing Coil: If you have a coil in place, we prefer to fit the implant first and then remove the coil at least one week later.
Insertion & Removal of Contraceptive Implant (Nexplanon)
The insertion and removal of the implant are minor surgical procedures, performed by a trained healthcare professional. Please inform your clinician if you have any allergies to local anesthetic or dressings.
Implant Insertion
A small amount of local anesthetic is used to numb the area.
The device is then inserted just under the skin of your upper arm using a specialised applicator.
After insertion, the clinician will ask you to feel the device under your skin.
Implant Removal
A small dose of local anesthetic is injected into the skin at the lower end of the implant to numb the area.
Once numb, a small cut is made through which the implant can be gently pushed to remove it.
Aftercare for Your Contraceptive Implant
Here's what to expect and important advice for the days and weeks following your procedure:
Immediate Aftercare
Steristrips & Bandage: Steristrips are placed over the cut site to help the skin heal. A pressure bandage will be applied to reduce the risk of bruising or swelling.
Keep Area Clean & Dry: You are advised to keep the area clean and dry for 5 days.
Bandage Removal: The pressure bandage can typically be removed after 24 hours.
Long-Term Care
Bruising & Swelling: Some bruising or swelling at the insertion/removal site is normal.
Checking the Device: You should check the device periodically over the three years. If you cannot feel it, you should seek medical advice from your GP or family planning clinic immediately.
Patient Card: You will be given a card with details of the arm the Nexplanon Implant is placed in, the date of insertion, and the date it's due for removal/replacement. It is your responsibility to ensure it is removed or changed on time.
