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Contraceptive Implant Patient Advice - Barrack Lane Medical Centre
Before your appointment
- Please use a reliable method of contraception before your implant fitting so we can be sure you are not pregnant.
- You may need to continue your current contraception for 7 days after the implant is fitted.
- If you are only using condoms, caps or diaphragms, please do not have sex from the start of your period until your appointment.
- If you are unsure or worried about pregnancy risk, contact the surgery before your appointment.
- Please visit https://www.contraceptionchoices.org/FSRH/FRSH_CC/Contraception-Methods/Implant.aspx
Prior to you’re appointment.
During your appointment
- Please allow 30 minutes.
- Wear a short-sleeved top.
- The Nurse will explain the procedure.
- Your arm will be numbed with a local anaesthetic injection.
- The implant is placed just under the skin on the inner side of your upper arm.
- You will be asked to feel the implant after insertion. Please check it regularly while it is in place. If you are unable to feel it at any time, contact the surgery as soon as possible.
After your appointment
- A small dressing will be applied and should stay on for around 3 days.
- Your arm may be bruised, swollen or sore for a few days.
- Avoid heavy lifting until the area has healed.
- Use condoms for 7 days post fitting.
Bleeding changes
Bleeding changes are very common and may include:
- Lighter periods
- Irregular spotting
- Longer bleeding
- No periods at all
These changes are not harmful but can be unpredictable. Contact the surgery if bleeding is troublesome.
Possible side effects
Most people have no problems. Possible side effects include:
- Headaches
- Acne
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
- Weight change
Side effects often settle in the first few months.
How long does it last?
- The implant works for up to 5 years.
- It can be removed at any time.
Removal of the implant
- Your arm is numbed with local anaesthetic
- A small cut is made
- The implant is gently removed
Fertility returns quickly, so use contraception straight away if needed.
Important to remember
- The implant does not protect against STIs – condoms are recommended.
- If you have concerns, please contact the surgery.
Missed Appointment Policy – Implant and Coil Clinics
- Due to very high demand for implant and coil appointments, we operate a strict non-attendance policy.
- If you fail to attend your appointment and do not inform the surgery in advance, you will automatically be removed from our implant/coil waiting list. You will then need to contact Suffolk Sexual Health to arrange your care.
- If you need to rearrange your appointment, please ensure you contact the surgery at least 48 hours in advance so that the appointment can be offered to another patient.
- You may be offered one opportunity to reschedule your appointment. Failure to attend a rearranged appointment, or failure to provide adequate notice, will result in removal from the service, and you will be required to contact Suffolk Sexual Health.
- Thank you for your understanding and for helping us make best use of these limited appointments.
Author: Nurse Zoe Bernard, Practice Nurse
Published: Jan 16, 2026
Updated: 17.07.2026
Published: Jan 16, 2026