Contraceptive Implant Removal

Contraceptive Implant Removal

A contraceptive implant is usually a thin, matchstick sized plastic rod, that is inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm. The implant will slowly release a hormone called Progesterone which acts to prevent pregnancy. Implants are generally effective for up to three years but then need to be removed and replaced.

When Should My Contraceptive Implant be Removed?

Get your Implant removed when:

• It has expired. They generally last for around three years.
• You experience side effects including breast pain, back pain, nausea, or headaches.
• Your Implant is no longer in the right position, or it has broken.
• You want to get pregnant.

How an Implant is removed

The removal procedure is very similar to getting the implant inserted. The clinician will locate your implant by feel, and after numbing the area with a local anaesthetic, will make a small incision in your arm. Your implant will then be easily pulled out.

Once your implant has been successfully removed, the site will be cleaned and dressed.

How should you prepare for your implant removal?

You don't need to do anything special. Removing an implant is routine and is generally done quickly and with little pain or discomfort. Removing your contraceptive implant generally takes less than a minute.

You will need to think about contraception after your implant has been removed as you can get pregnant immediately after its removal.

What does it feel like?

You should not feel any pain as a local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area.

Will you have any side effects?

You should not experience any side effects following a contraceptive implant removal. Some localised pain or selling at the site of removal is possible. If you experience severe redness, any discharge from the incision, fever or sign of infection, please seek medical advice.