Contraceptive implants are a convenient, highly effective, and long-term option for women who want reliable birth control without daily attention. Here is a complete list of everything you need to know before choosing it as your preferred method for delaying pregnancy or spacing between pregnancies. Always discuss with your healthcare provider to see if it’s the right method for you 👍🏽
A contraceptive implant is a small, flexible rod (about the size of a matchstick) that is placed under the skin of your upper arm. It releases a steady amount of hormone (progestin) to prevent pregnancy for several years without causing serious adverse effects.
The implant prevents ovulation (release of an egg) and thickens cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg. This makes it highly effective.
Depending on the type, implants can prevent pregnancy for 3 to 5 years. Your doctor will tell you the exact duration based on the brand used.
Insertion and removal are simple outpatient procedures done under local anesthesia. A small incision is made in your upper arm to place or remove the implant. The entire process takes only a few minutes.
Contraceptive implants are more than 99% effective—one of the most reliable reversible contraceptive methods available.
Yes, you or your healthcare provider should be able to feel it under the skin, but it is usually not visible from the outside.
Migration or breakage is extremely rare. If you cannot feel the implant or think it has changed position, contact your gynaecologist.
Yes. A trained healthcare provider can remove the implant at any time if you want to get pregnant or simply stop using it.
Yes! Fertility usually returns quickly after removal, and you can get pregnant soon afterward.
Common side effects include:
Most side effects improve with time. Severe side effects are rare but should be discussed with your doctor.
Implants are safe for most women, including those who cannot take estrogen-based contraceptives. Your doctor will check for any conditions that may affect safety.
Routine check-ups aren’t usually required. Visit your gynaecologist if you experience prolonged unusual bleeding, severe side effects, or suspect the implant has moved.
Yes! Implants are very safe during breastfeeding and do not affect milk supply.
Yes, in the initial months you may experience irregular spotting, lighter or heavier periods, or no periods at all. These are harmless and usually settle in a few cycles as your hormonal axis adjusts.
Yes. Your natural menstrual cycle typically returns within 1–2 months after removal.
Yes! Implants are safe for women who have never been pregnant, including teenagers. Your doctor will assess your overall health before insertion.
In many cases, implants can actually help regulate hormonal imbalance or heavy periods 😄. However, your doctor will guide you based on your specific condition.
Generally, one implant is effective for all body weights. You do not usually need more than one. Your doctor will confirm based on your health profile.
Implants are inserted and removed at hospitals, clinics, or certified family planning centers by trained healthcare providers.
No ❌. The implant does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use condoms for STI protection.
📍 Source: Dr. Shweta Mehta – DNB, Obstetrics & Gynaecology | United Multispeciality Hospital, Kandivali West, Mumbai.