WOMEN’S WELLNESS CLINIC | COIL FITTING | CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT

Contraceptive Implant (Nexplanon)

At Women's Wellness Clinic in Cambridge, we provide comprehensive contraceptive implant services, including the popular Nexplanon implant. This small, flexible rod is discreetly placed under the skin and continuously releases progesterone to prevent pregnancy for up to three years, offering a highly effective and convenient birth control option.

About the Nexplanon Contraceptive Implant

Nexplanon is a small, flexible rod inserted just under the skin of your upper arm. It releases progestogen into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.

  • Duration: Nexplanon is licensed for a contraceptive effect for three years after insertion. It must be removed and replaced, or another form of contraception used, at or before the three-year mark.

  • Patient Responsibility: It is your responsibility to keep a record of the implant's expiry date.

  • High Effectiveness: Nexplanon is a highly effective form of contraception, with less than 1 in 1000 women becoming pregnant while using this method.

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.

  • Oral Contraceptives: If you are taking the pill, continue to take it carefully up until the day of fitting and for 7 days after.

  • Contraceptive Injection: If you have had a contraceptive injection, come before the injection runs out (within 12 weeks and 5 days since the last injection).

  • 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.

  • Condom Failure & Emergency Contraception: If you have experienced a condom failure and taken emergency contraception in the 21 days before fitting, we probably cannot fit the implant until you have had a normal period. It may be best to try and abstain from sex during this period.

  • Out-of-Date Implant: If your current implant is out of date, you should not have sex for 21 days (3 weeks) before the appointment so that a pregnancy test is valid.

Preparing for your Implant Appointment

To ensure your comfort and the success of your procedure, please follow these important guidelines before your implant fitting or removal appointment:

General Appointment Information

  • Duration: Your appointment is scheduled for half an hour. For a more relaxed experience, it may be less stressful if children are left at home; however, where needed, we can usually offer a watchful eye or chair nearby.

  • Nutrition: Please make sure you have something to eat before your appointment.

  • Pain Relief: The fitting or removal process can be mildly uncomfortable. You may wish to take a tablet painkiller that is safe for you, approximately an hour or so before the procedure.

Important Note for Implant Removal

Be aware that your fertility can return immediately after implant removal. If you require a different form of contraception, please try to arrange this prior to your removal appointment to ensure continuous protection.

Process: 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.

  1. The device is then inserted just under the skin of your upper arm.

  2. After insertion, the clinician will ask you to feel the device under your skin. You should check this periodically over the three years.

  3. There is a low risk of the device moving, but if you cannot feel it, you should seek medical advice from your GP or family planning clinic.

  4. Avoid heavy lifting or heavy arm exercise during this time. The device can migrate or be expelled, so please ensure you do not push or 'play' with it after insertion.

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 implant insertion or removal:

Immediate Aftercare

  • Steristrips & Bandage: After insertion/removal, steristrips are placed over the cut site to help the skin edges 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.

Potential Side Effects & Long-Term Care

Bruising & Swelling: Some bruising or swelling at the insertion/removal site is normal.

  1. Infection Risk: There is a small chance of infection occurring at the wound site. Please report any signs of redness, pus, or fever (though rare) to your GP or our clinic.

  2. Scarring: A small scar will typically form, which will fade over time.

  3. Patient Card: You will be given a card with details of the arm the Nexplanon Implant has been 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.