Implanon affects ovulation by changing the hormones that cause an egg to be released each month and also thicken the mucus at the neck of the uterus (womb), blocking the sperm.

You may not be able to have an Implanon if you: 

• are currently pregnant
• have breast cancer
• have severe liver disease
• have abnormal vaginal bleeding
• are taking certain medication

• Implanon can be inserted at any time 
• You may need to have a pregnancy test three to four weeks after insertion to check that you weren’t already pregnant at the time of insertion 
• It can take seven days to start working as a contraceptive

• It is the most effective method of contraception 
• Once inserted, you can forget about it for three years 
• There is rapid return to usual fertility (ability to have a baby) once it is removed
• It is safe to use when breastfeeding
• Implanon can be taken out at any time by a trained doctor or nurse 
• May make your period lighter, or less painful or may stop it all together (this is completely safe)
• May help control acne
• Not affected by infections like gastro

• Bruising and mild soreness at the site of insertion or removal that can last up to two weeks. A small scar will remain 
• Initially users may experience three to five months of frequent and irregular bleeding between periods. Medication is available to help with these symptoms
• 20% of users will stop having periods completely (this is completely safe) 
• Some users may experience acne, breast tenderness, moodiness, increased appetite and headaches 

If you have persistent bleeding, contact Family Planning Tasmania. 

If Implanon does not work and you get pregnant, there is no evidence that it will have a negative effect on the pregnancy if you wish to continue with it 

There are a small number of medications that can stop Implanon from working properly. Your doctor or nurse will be able to advise you of this in detail.

Implanon is inserted via a minor surgical procedure. The procedure is carried out by a trained professional in a health clinic. 

At the insertion appointment: 

1. local anesthetic is given to numb the skin
2. Implanon is inserted using a special applicator with no stitches required
3. a pressure bandage is applied to reduce the chance of bruising

You can get an Implanon inserted at Family Planning Tasmania clinics, some GPs, private gynaecologists and in public hospitals. 

It is safe to have an Implanon inserted as soon as you have a baby. 

Implanon insertion at Family Planning Tasmania involves three appointments:

Assessment

• Discuss the procedure
• Check suitability
• Do necessary tests
• Arrange contraception until Implanon is inserted

 Insertion

• Insert Implanon

Follow up

• Check Implanon site
• Perform pregnancy test

Implanon can be inserted at any time that pregnancy can be confidently excluded. If pregnancy can not be excluded, you may need a pregnancy test four weeks after insertion to rule out pregnancy.

• Never attempt to remove an Implanon yourself. Removal should be undertaken by a trained health professional who will remove it by applying a local anesthetic and making a small cut in the skin. Very rarely, one stitch may be required. 
• It is important to consider your future contraception needs before you have the Implanon removed as the contraceptive effects cease immediately upon removal. 
• Your menstrual cycle will usually return to normal within six weeks of getting Implanon removed. Fertility quickly returns to normal so it is important that you use alternative contraception as soon as the Implanon is removed.