Key Facts about the Implant

The contraceptive implant is two small, flexible plastic rods that are placed just under the skin in the upper arm. It releases the hormone progestogen to prevent pregnancy. Jadelle is the funded implant available in New Zealand.

• It is a Fit & Forget contraception – the implant Jadelle lasts up to 5 years.
• They are small, the size of matchsticks – 4.2cm long, 0.2cm wide.
• It is suitable for most women, including those who are young and those who have not had children.
• It is effective in 7 days.
• It is common to experience temporary side effects.
• Bleeding patterns may be irregular or stop altogether.
• It does not protect you from STIs.

How it works

The implant releases the hormone progestogen (similar to the hormone progesterone that women produce naturally in their ovaries) into your bloodstream to prevent the egg being fertilised by the sperm.

Pros & cons

• Implants are at least 99% effective. Only 1 in 100 people will get pregnant each year.
• It is common to experience temporary side effects.
• Bleeding patterns may be irregular or stop altogether.
• It protects you from pregnancy up to 7 days after you have had it fitted.
• It is reversible – you can get it taken out when you like.
• It does not protect you from STIs.
• You will need to see a nurse, midwife or doctor to have the implant fitted.

Where to get it

The implant needs to be fitted by a doctor, midwife or nurse who has been specially trained. It is available FREE* from a range of services. Click here to find your nearest service.

*See Terms & Conditions.

The implant releases the hormone progestogen (similar to the hormone progesterone that women produce naturally in their ovaries) into your bloodstream to prevent the egg being fertilised by the sperm. The implant interrupts the process by:

• stopping ovulation, thickening the mucus around the cervix, which makes it harder for sperm to get through
• making the lining of the womb thinner so that a fertilised egg is less likely to implant.

The implant can be put in at any time you choose. The implant is fitted in the upper arm by a trained nurse, midwife or doctor.

Many women wonder where the implant is fitted in their body. This image from Family Planning show the position of the implant in the arm. 

Pros

There are loads of things about the implant that are good for your body as well as your sex life.

• You can really Fit & Forget it! No more worrying about missing a pill, injection, etc. 
• It does not interrupt sex.
• Implants are at least 99% effective. Only 1 in 100 people will get pregnant each year.
• Once you have had it fitted, it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years.
• It protects you from pregnancy immediately.
• It is reversible – you can get it taken out when you like.
• There is no evidence that it causes additional weight gain.
• Your fertility returns to normal as soon as it is removed, with no long term effects.
• The implant is not affected by diarrhoea or vomiting (like some methods).
• It can help reduce heavy periods and reduce period pain.
• It is an option for people who can’t use contraception containing the hormone oestrogen (such as the combined pill, contraceptive patch, or the vaginal ring).
• The implant does not affect breastfeeding and can be fitted after the birth of your child.

Cons

Everyone worries about negative side effects, but for many people, they’re not a problem. Most people adjust to having an implant pretty quickly, but give yourself time. It could take a few months.

• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• It is common to experience temporary side effects during the first six months, like headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood swings.
• Bleeding patterns may be irregular or stop altogether (this usually settles down after a year).
• This is safe for your body. If your bleeding becomes a problem, contraception pills can be taken to help. 
• You might have a sore or bruised arm after the implant is put in or taken out. There is a small risk of infection.
• You will need to see a nurse, midwife or doctor to have the implant fitted.

Where to get the implant?

An implant needs to be fitted by a nurse, midwife or doctor who has been specially trained. It is available FREE* from a range of services.

Who can get a implant?

The implant is suitable for most women of all ages, including those who are young.

What happens at an appointment?

An appointment will typically include:

• A few questions about your medical and family history, to work out what method would suit you best.
• You’ll discuss other medicines you are taking in case they can make the implant less effective.
  The nurse, midwife or doctor will take your blood pressure and will weigh you.
• Some services may be able to fit it at the same appointment, or you may need a second appointment.

Fitting the implant (shouldn’t take longer than 5 minutes):

• You will be asked to sit on a chair or on the bed.
• Remove the clothing from your arm.
• The two rods are 4cm long (about the size of a matchstick or hair pin), and is put under the skin in your upper arm by a specially trained nurse, midwife or doctor.
• You will be given a local anaesthetic injection, to numb this part of your arm before they put the implant in.
• It should only take a few minutes.
• You won’t need any stitches.
• The area may be slightly tender for a few days, but a small dressing will be added to protect it and help stop any bruising.
• You can have the implant fitted at any time in your menstrual cycle if you are certain you are not pregnant.
• If the implant is fitted during the first five days of your period you will be protected from pregnancy immediately.
• If the implant is fitted on any other day of your menstrual cycle, you need to use condoms or internal condoms for the first seven days.
• You may also be required to take a pregnancy test after the implant has been fitted.

Once your arm has healed you will be able to do normal activities and you won’t be able to see it.

Can I touch the implant after it is fitted?

Yes you will be able to feel the implant in your arm. Be careful not to squeeze or play with the implant because occasionally that can cause the small plastic rods to break. If you cannot feel your implant or it appears to have changed shape, or you notice any skin changes or pain around the site of the implant, visit a nurse, midwife or doctor and use condoms until you know that your contraception is definitely protecting you again.

How is the implant taken out?

The implant can be left in place for up to five years.

The implant has to be removed by a specially trained nurse, midwife or doctor. They will:

• Give you a local anaesthetic.
• Make a small cut in your skin.
• Gently pull the implant out.
• Have a dressing put on your arm (which you should keep on for a few days to reduce bruising and to keep it clean and dry).
• It may leave a small scar.
• If you want to continue using the implant, the new one can be put in at the same time and you will still be protected from pregnancy.

What can make the implant less effective?

The implant must be replaced every five years and must be replaced at the same time, otherwise you will not be protected from pregnancy.

Some medicines can reduce the effectiveness of the implant, such as those used to treat epilepsy, HIV and tuberculosis (TB) and the complementary medicine St John’s Wort. Commonly used antibiotics do not reduce the effectiveness of the implant, but it is always best to check with the doctor, midwife, nurse or pharmacist first.

I’ve heard that you can bleed with the implant and that worries me?

With the implant there is the chance of irregular bleeding, especially for the first 6-12 months. This could mean spotting in between periods or having longer, heavier periods. Some women have irregular bleeding the whole time the implant is in. On the other hand, some women get no periods at all, at least for a while. A little unpredictable, but most women seem to do okay and if the bleeding is worrying you, you can see a nurse, midwife or doctor for the contraceptive pill to help you manage it.