Fitting a Nexplanon Contraceptive Implant at Your GP Surgery 

📌 What is the Nexplanon Implant? 

Nexplanon is a small, flexible plastic rod (about 4cm long) inserted just under the skin of your upper arm. It releases a hormone called progestogen which: 

• Stops ovulation (release of eggs) 
• Thickens cervical mucus (to block sperm) 
• Thins the womb lining (to prevent implantation) 

✅ Benefits 

• Long-acting (up to three years) and reversible 
• Does not rely on you remembering to take a pill 
• Can reduce or stop periods for many people 
• Safe to use while breastfeeding 
• Fertility returns quickly after removal 

❗ Things to Consider 

• Some people experience changes to bleeding patterns (irregular, lighter, or no periods) 
• It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – you may still need to use condoms 

Please follow this link for information about the Nexplanon implant: https://www.contraceptionchoices.org/FRSH_CC/Contraception-Methods/Implant.aspx 

 📆 Before Your Appointment 

What to expect: 

• You will have a phone consultation with our nurse to discuss the implant, explain how it works and the fitting and what to do before your appointment, and to book you into one of our women’s health clinics for a fitting.  
• It’s important to avoid unprotected sex before your fitting and the nurse will discuss this.  

Timing: 

• Implants can be fitted at any time in your cycle as long as you’re not pregnant.  

 🏥 On the Day of Fitting 

• The procedure takes about 10–15 minutes 
• It is done under local anaesthetic – the area on your upper arm will be numbed 
• The implant is inserted just under the skin, usually in your non-dominant arm 
• A small dressing or bandage will be applied 

Pain: You may feel pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt 
Recovery: You can usually go home straight away and continue normal activities 

 🩹 Aftercare Advice 

• Keep the dressing on for 24–48 hours 
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity with that arm for 24 hours 
• Bruising, tenderness, or slight swelling at the site is normal 
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with any discomfort 
• A small scar may remain at the insertion site 

 🛑 When to Seek Medical Advice 

Contact your GP if you notice: 

• Severe or increasing pain 
• Redness, swelling or pus at the insertion site 
• You can’t feel the implant 
• Unusual or heavy bleeding 
• Any concerns about side effects or your general health 

 🔄 Follow-Up & Checking the Implant 

• You should be able to feel the implant under your skin (a thin, flexible rod) 
• A follow-up appointment is usually not required but do get in touch if you have concerns. For Yelverton patients if you have any concerns in the few weeks following the fitting please contact Tavyside Health Centre. If over three months since the fitting please contact Yelverton Surgery.  
• Keep track of when the implant needs replacing (after three years) 

📤 Removal or Replacement 

• Removal is a quick procedure, also done under local anaesthetic 
• You can choose to have a new one inserted at the same time if you wish to continue using this method of contraception 
• Fertility returns quickly after the implant is removed 

 ❓ Common Questions 

Q: Can anyone get the implant? 
A: Most women and people with a uterus can, but it may not be suitable if you have certain health conditions (e.g. history of breast cancer or liver disease). 

Q: What if I want to stop before three years? 
A: You can have it removed at any time – fertility will return quickly. 

Q: Is it safe with other medications? 
A: Some medications may make the implant less effective – always tell your doctor about any prescriptions or herbal remedies.