Implant - Children By Choice

Implant

SUMMARY

A small, flexible rod that’s placed just under the skin of your upper arm by a trained nurse or doctor.
It slowly releases a hormone called progestogen to prevent pregnancy.

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How it works

The hormone stops eggs from being released by your ovaries.
It also thickens the mucus in your cervix, which makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg.

Effectiveness

Advantages

Things to keep in mind

Not every nurse or doctor is trained to insert or remove implants, so you may need to see a specialist.
There may be an upfront cost for the procedure.
It doesn’t protect against STIs, so using condoms as well is recommended if you want protection from infections.
Your periods may change, becoming lighter, irregular, or stopping altogether.

Will anyone know I’m using it?

The implant is placed under the skin of your upper arm. You or someone else might be able to feel it if they press on the spot.
Once it’s in place, it’s not visible.

Could someone tamper with it?

Yes. Someone could remove it by force.
If the implant is cracked while it’s still in place, it may not last the full 3 years. Because of this, it may not be the best option for people who are experiencing, or at risk of, physical violence.

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