How is the contraceptive implant inserted?

The implant, such as Nexplanon or Implanon NXT, is fitted at a gynaecologist's clinic with a very small surgical procedure. The doctor will first give you some local anaesthetic to numb the skin of your inner arm. Then the implant, which is a small plastic rod with hormones, is inserted just under the skin of your inner arm.

 

Once the procedue is done you will be able to feel the rod under the skin but there shouldn't be any discomfort. Be sure to check it's still there and hasn't moved from time to time. If you think the rod is changing its position, speak to your doctor.

 

For the implant to be immediately effective against pregnancy, time the insertion either during your period or immediately after the last tablet in a contraception pill pack.