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Contraceptive Implants

We can now offer an additional contraceptive service in the Practice, as I have completed my training for the fitting and removal of contraceptive implants. The implant is a very effective method of contraception, and consists of a thin plastic rod which is inserted under the skin on the inner side of the upper arm. Once it has been inserted it lasts for 3 years, with no worries about forgetting to take the Pill! It is suitable for most women, and fertility returns to normal within a few days once the implant is removed.

The drawbacks are that it requires a minor procedure to insert or remove the implant, and some women can have problems with an irregular bleeding pattern. Having said that, most women who choose an implant find it very convenient, and are happy to continue with it as their usual contraceptive method.

If you are interested in knowing more about the implant, you can come and talk to any of the doctors or the Practice Nurse for further advice on this and your other contraceptive choices. If you do decide to try the implant, you will be given a normal surgery appointment to see me for implant insertion. If you already have an implant and wish to have it removed or changed, you will need to ask for a double appointment, as this takes a little longer.

We offer a range of contraceptive choices  including the combined pill, progestogen-only pill, contraceptive injection, contraceptive implant and condoms,  and we can also give advice about how to access other methods such as the coil or sterilisation, so if you want more information about any of these methods, please book an appointment. We can also carry out sexual health checks if you are concerned that you might be at risk of sexually-transmitted infections including chlamydia and HIV.