The Implant

What is the contraceptive implant?

The contraceptive implant is a small, flexible plastic rod (about the size of a matchstick) containing progestogen. It is inserted by a trained doctor just under the skin on the inside of the upper arm.

How long does the implant last?

The implant contains enough contraceptive hormone for up to three years. After that, it must be removed by a doctor and can be replaced if desired.

How does it work

The implant continuously releases a small amount of the hormone progestogen to prevent pregnancy by changing the cervical mucus and by preventing the egg from leaving the ovary.

Other considerations about the contraceptive implant.

The implant is inserted by a doctor in a short procedure using a local anaesthetic. Once inserted, the implant can be felt just under the skin but usually it can't be seen. It can be removed by your doctor at any time.

Return to pre-existing fertility usually occurs within the first cycle after removing the implant. Your doctor will be able to answer any questions you may have about the contraceptive implant.

The information provided on this website about medicines is taken from the relevant Product Information/Consumer Medicine Information leaflets. Please see your doctor or pharmacist for more information on individual options.

New! Contraception conversation starters!

Contraception use

Almost a quarter of women surveyed about contraception and choice admit they have never considered changing from the contraceptive method they are currently using.

Contraception use

1 in 10 women say they are too uncomfortable to ask their partner to wear a condom.

Unplanned pregnancy

A Marie Stopes International survey revealed that an unplanned pregnancy was a reality for over half of the 2,003 Australian women surveyed.

Unplanned pregnancy

60% of these women were using contraception at the time they fell pregnant.

Unplanned pregnancy

The chances of a woman becoming pregnant from a single act of unprotected sex increases from almost nothing on day one of her period to 25% on the day prior to ovulation.

Talking to your GP

Research shows that 3 out of 10 Australian women have never visited their doctor specifically to talk about contraception or to have a contraception check-up.

Talking to your GP

49% of all women said that their doctor had never asked about their contraception during a check up.

Talking to your GP

7 out of 10 women said that their doctor had never encouraged them to consider alternative forms of contraception.

References
Safer sex and contraception fast facts – Family planning Victoria. Available at www.fpv.org.au. [Accessed December 2010].
Marie Stopes International Australia. Media release: research shows women place low priority on contraception. 25 August 2010.
Marie Stopes International Australia. Real Choices: Women, contraception and unplanned pregnancy. January 2008. Available at www.mariestopes.com.au/research. [Accessed December 2010 ].
IMP-10-AUS-7288-PE. First issued February 2011.

References
Marie Stopes International Australia. Media release: research shows women place low priority on contraception. 25 August 2010.
Marie Stopes International Australia. Real Choices: Women, contraception and unplanned pregnancy. January 2008. Available at www.mariestopes.com.au/research. [Accessed December 2010 ].
IMP-10-AUS-7288-PE. First issued February 2011.

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