Contraceptive Implant Fitting
Whatever your reason for having a contraceptive implant fitted, we’re here to make sure that you don’t have to wait any longer than you want to.
We can fit the implant in the same appointment as your consultation so there’s no need for a second visit.

Convenient appointments
6 days a week
Highly confidential service
And discreetly located clinics
Specialists in contraception
From busy NHS clinics
Is the implant right for me?
An implant is a safe and effective method of contraception for most women.
Before getting we recommend you visit this page on the NHS to learn more about the implant.
You will have a chance to ask any questions you may have about the implant from your specialist before it is fitted.
It is important for you to understand that the only way of knowing if the implant suits you or not is giving it a try. If for some reason you wish to have your implant removed, for whatever reason, we can easily do it for you.
How does the implant fitting work?
Step 1: Prepare for your appointment
The implant can be fitted at any time during the menstrual cycle, as long as there has been no risk of pregnancy since your last menstrual period.
If inserted during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle, you will be protected immediately from pregnancy.
If inserted at any other time, you will not be protected from pregnancy straight away, and will need to use an additional method of contraception for another 7 days.
If you would like to have an existing implant or coil removed in the same appointment, please let us know at the time of booking.
Step 2: Begin with the initial consultation
We begin by undertaking a consultation to review your medical, sexual & contraceptive history.
We will be able to discuss any concerns you may have about the implant and whether another method might be better suited for you.
If we find there to be a risk of pregnancy, we will undertake a pregnancy test in the appointment.
Step 3: Cleaning the site of implant insertion
We will clean the area of your arm where the implant is to be fitted, with an antiseptic wipe, before administering the local anaesthetic.
Step 4: Administer the local anaesthetic
Your clinician will then offer you a local anaesthetic injection in your upper arm to numb the area where the implant will be fitted. This should make the procedure as painless as possible.
We use the smallest available needle when administering the local anaesthetic.
Step 5: Inserting your implant
We will then insert the implant under the skin in the inner side of your upper arm.
The procedure does not usually hurt, does not normally take longer than a few minutes and does not require stitches.
If you are looking for an implant replacement, please let us know beforehand so we can do this immediately after removing the old one.
Step 6: Dressing the arm & aftercare
After the procedure, the clinician will check that the implant can be felt in your arm, and show you how to feel it is in place.
The area will be cleaned and dressed with steristrips, a plaster and a bandage. We advise you keep the bandage on for 24-48 hours and the area clean and dry.
We will also provide you with an implant card so you are aware when it is due for removal/replacement.
What are potential side effects?
It is very likely that your bleeding patterns can change and either you may have more frequent/heavier bleeding or no bleeding at all.
Patients may also experience hormonal side effects such as headaches, breast tenderness, mood swings, acne, weight gain and nausea.
The side effects tend to settle after 3-6 months.

How much does an implant fitting cost?
Implant Fitting £250
- Initial consultation
- Discussion of other methods of contraception
- Fitting of a new implant, same appt. as consultation, if safe to do so
- Cost of the implant
Implant Replacement £300
- Initial consultation
- Discussion of other methods of contraception
- Removal of previous implant
- Fitting of a new implant, same appt. as consultation, if safe to do so
- Cost of the implant
How long does the procedure take?
Appointments are approx. 30 minutes long.
This includes enough time to discuss the method of contraception for you and fit the implant in the same appointment.
Read what our patients say
What is the contraceptive implant?
The contraceptive implant is a small plastic rod which releases progestogen into your body to prevent pregnancy. It is about the size of a matchstick (approx 4cm), and is inserted into your upper arm, and can be left for up to three years.
Also known as Nexplanon or Implanon, it is a long acting reversible contraception (LARC), and does not require the user to do anything once it is put in. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
How does the implant work?
Once fitted, the implant releases the progestogen hormone into your body to inhibit ovulation and prevent the release of an egg each month.
Progestogen also thickens cervical mucus which makes it much harder for sperm to enter the uterus and reach the egg. This hormone also thins the lining of the uterus, making the uterus less likely to accept a fertilized egg.
How effective is an implant?
The implant is a form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). LARCs are extremely effective forms of contraception, as there is no room for user error.
The implant is over 99% effective once fitted, and lasts for 3 years.
What are the benefits of the contraceptive implant?
- Once fitted, it is 99% effective and you do not need to do anything to be protected from pregnancy for 3 years.
- It is ideal for those who forget to take a daily pill
- The implant does not contain estrogen, so is suitable for those who are unable to use estrogens (such as those in the combined pill, patch and vaginal ring)
- It does not impact sex or daily activities
- No one can tell that you are using birth control
- The implant does not affect your ability to get pregnant in the future, and your fertility normally returns straight after removal
- In some women, it can make periods lighter, shorter and less painful, or even stop them completely
- It can be used after giving birth and will not affect your milk supply.
Do I need to prepare for the procedure?
You do not need to do anything to prepare for your appointment. However, wearing a top where the sleeves are easy to roll high up the arm will be helpful.
When should I have the implant fitted?
The implant can be fitted at any time during the menstrual cycle, as long as there is no risk of pregnancy.
If the implant is fitted during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle, you will be protected immediately from pregnancy.
If inserted at any other time, you will not be protected from pregnancy straight away, and will need to use an additional method of contraception for another 7 days.
Can I have the implant fitted as emergency contraception?
No, the implant cannot be used as emergency contraception.
The IUCD (or the copper coil) is used as emergency contraception and has the highest efficacy rate in preventing an unwanted pregnancy.
Does the procedure hurt?
You should not feel any pain during the procedure, as the area will be numbed with a local anaesthetic injection. This can not take away a pressure feeling when the implant is placed. Our specialists will walk you through what to expect and how to be prepared during the consultation.
You may ask any questions you may have then and discuss ways in which to make the procedure more comfortable.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, you can bring someone with you to your appointment.
Is the procedure carried out by a male or a female clinician?
We have both male and female clinicians available to fit implants.
If you would prefer a female clinician, or you would like to have a female assistant present during your appointment, please do let us know when booking your appointment so that we can make the necessary arrangements for you.
Will I need a time off after the procedure?
Most patients do not need any time off work after the procedure.
Do I need to have a check up after an implant fitting?
It’s not always necessary to have a check up after an implant fitting, unless you are experiencing symptoms of infection (pain, fever, swelling), you think the implant has changed shape in your arm, or you can no longer feel it.