Contraceptive implant insertion package

Our consultant gynaecologists are expert in contraception and are here to answer all your questions and concerns

The all-inclusive package brings your consultation, gynaecology scan, the implant and its fitting together in one discreet London appointment, with a follow-up visit included.

What is the contraceptive implant?

The contraceptive implant is a small, flexible plastic rod — around 4 cm long and roughly the size of a matchstick — that is placed just beneath the skin of your upper arm. Once in position, it steadily releases a progestogen hormone, which works mainly by stopping the ovaries releasing an egg each month.

It is one of the most effective forms of contraception available, and because it works quietly in the background there is nothing to remember to take or use each day.

In the UK, the implant now provides protection for up to five years before it needs replacing, although it can be removed sooner at any time. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so condoms are still recommended for that purpose. If you are weighing up your options, a consultation with one of our consultant gynaecologists can help you decide whether the implant is likely to suit your circumstances.

The implant at a glance

A quick snapshot of what the contraceptive implant offers, based on current NHS guidance.

Over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when replaced on time
Up to 5 years of protection from a single implant
Around 4 cm flexible rod placed under the skin of the upper arm
A few minutes to fit under local anaesthetic

Is this package for me?

For women considering a contraceptive solution.

Reasons women choose the contraceptive implant

The implant is a popular long-acting option for a range of reasons. It may appeal to you if you:

want one of the most reliable forms of long-acting contraception available

prefer something you do not have to think about every day or before sex

would like protection that lasts for years but can be removed whenever you choose

would prefer, or need, contraception that does not contain oestrogen

want a fully reversible method with no built-in waiting period after removal

value a full consultation and gynaecology scan alongside your fitting

What is included in this package?

This packages includes

  • A consultation with a Consultant Gynaecologist, including gynaecology ultrasound scanning
  • Full history taking
  • Contraception review
  • Implant provision and insertion
  • Follow-up appointment

How the contraceptive implant is fitted: step by step

1

Consultation and history

You meet your consultant gynaecologist, who takes a full medical history, reviews your current contraception and talks through whether the implant is a good fit for you. Any gynaecology ultrasound scanning that would be helpful is carried out at the same visit.

2

Discussing your options

There is time to ask questions about how the implant works, what to expect and the alternatives, so you can make an informed choice before anything goes ahead. There is never any pressure to proceed on the day.

3

Fitting the implant

If you decide to go ahead, the consultant numbs a small area of your upper arm with local anaesthetic and gently places the implant just under the skin. The fitting itself takes only a few minutes.

4

Dressing and comfort

A small dressing is applied to the area, and you are given clear guidance on how to care for it over the next few days. Most women are able to return to their normal activities straight away.

5

Follow-up

A follow-up appointment is included in your package so anything you notice afterwards can be reviewed with your consultant, and your bleeding pattern and comfort can be checked.

How will I get my results?

We are also happy to send the conclusions and records of your consultation to your GP and arrange any further referrals as appropriate.

Further steps

Come in for a follow up appointment. If the check-up results in any concerns regarding your health, we will arrange a referral to the relevant medical professionals weather private or NHS – as you prefer and will follow up on any of your concerns.

After your implant is fitted

It is normal for the area of your arm to feel a little tender or bruised for the first few days, and any bruising can take a week or so to fade. You will be able to feel the implant under your skin, but it should not usually be visible, and most women return to their usual routine straight away.

Protection can begin immediately or after up to a week, depending on where you are in your cycle when the implant is fitted — your consultant will confirm your exact start date at your appointment.

Changes to your bleeding pattern are common, particularly at first, and often settle over time — your consultant can explain what to expect for you and what to do if anything feels wrong.

The implant is fully reversible, and if you later decide it is not right for you, removal is available separately through our contraceptive implant removal package.

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance specific to your individual circumstances.

Your questions answered

How much does contraceptive implant insertion cost in London?

Our contraceptive implant insertion package is £1,300; to arrange it, please call us on 020 3687 2939. The price covers a consultation with a consultant gynaecologist, gynaecology ultrasound scanning, full history taking, a contraception review, the implant itself, its insertion, and a follow-up appointment.

Because the implant and the fitting are provided together, there are no separate charges to arrange for the device. You can book your appointment through our gynaecology services or call us on 020 3687 2939 if you would like to talk it through first.

Who fits the contraceptive implant at your clinic?

Your implant is fitted by a consultant gynaecologist who is experienced in contraception. The same consultant carries out your consultation, reviews your history and contraceptive needs, performs any gynaecology ultrasound scanning, and inserts the implant during your appointment.

Having a consultant lead the whole appointment means you can ask questions and raise any concerns directly with the specialist looking after you, rather than being passed between different members of staff.

Do I need a GP referral to have a contraceptive implant fitted?

No, you do not need a GP referral to book the contraceptive implant insertion package. You can arrange your appointment directly with us online or by phone, and self-refer whenever suits you.

With your agreement, we are happy to send the conclusions and records of your consultation to your GP so your medical notes stay up to date. If anything comes up that needs further attention, we can arrange a referral to the relevant professionals, whether private or NHS, as you prefer.

What happens during a contraceptive implant appointment?

Your appointment begins with a consultation with a consultant gynaecologist, including full history taking, a contraception review, and gynaecology ultrasound scanning. Once your options have been discussed, the consultant provides and inserts the implant during the same visit.

A follow-up appointment is included in the package so any questions after your fitting can be reviewed. If a check-up ever raises concerns about your health, we will arrange onward care with the appropriate professionals, privately or on the NHS, according to your wishes.

Is a contraceptive implant a long-term form of contraception?

Yes, the contraceptive implant is a long-term contraceptive option, which is why many women considering ongoing contraception look into it. Our package is designed for women who want to discuss and, if suitable, begin this form of contraception with specialist guidance.

During your contraception review, your consultant gynaecologist will talk through how the implant fits with your circumstances so you can make an informed decision. This information is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; please consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance specific to your individual circumstances.

Can I have the contraceptive implant removed at your clinic?

Yes, implant removal is available separately from the insertion package. If you decide to have your implant taken out in future, you can arrange this through our contraceptive implant removal package.

Whether you are having an implant fitted or removed, your appointment is led by a consultant gynaecologist in a discreet London clinic, so you receive specialist care at each stage of your contraception.

How long does the contraceptive implant last?

The NHS advises that the implant works for up to five years before it needs to be replaced. It offers continuous cover throughout that time, with nothing to remember day to day.

You do not have to keep it for the full five years — the implant can be removed at any point if your circumstances or preferences change.

Does having the contraceptive implant fitted hurt?

The implant is fitted under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the procedure itself. Your consultant gynaecologist numbs a small area of your upper arm before gently placing the implant under the skin, and the fitting usually takes only a few minutes.

Afterwards, the area can feel tender for the first few days, and any bruising may take a week or so to fade fully — this is normal and settles on its own. If you have any concerns after your appointment, the included follow-up gives you a chance to raise them with your consultant.

Will the contraceptive implant stop my periods?

It might. The NHS advises that changes to your periods are very common with the implant. For some women periods stop altogether, while others notice lighter, more irregular or spotty bleeding, and a few find their periods become heavier or longer than before.

These changes are often most noticeable in the first few months and frequently settle with time. During your contraception review, your consultant gynaecologist can talk through what to expect so there are no surprises.

What are the side effects of the contraceptive implant?

The most common side effect is a change to your bleeding pattern, which the NHS describes as very common. Some women also report headaches, sore breasts or acne, although the NHS notes there is not enough evidence to say whether these are caused by the implant itself.

The implant is considered a very safe method, and serious problems are rare. Occasionally the site of the implant can become sore or infected, or the implant can move slightly from where it was placed. Your consultant gynaecologist will explain what to look out for, and the follow-up appointment included in the package is a chance to review how you are getting on.

How effective is the contraceptive implant?

The contraceptive implant is one of the most effective forms of contraception available. NHS guidance describes it as more than 99 per cent effective, with fewer than 1 in 100 women who use it becoming pregnant over a year.

Because it works automatically once fitted, its reliability does not depend on remembering anything day to day, which is part of why long-acting methods like the implant perform so well in practice. Bear in mind that it does not prevent sexually transmitted infections, so condoms may still be needed for that.

How soon does the contraceptive implant start working?

It depends on the timing. The NHS explains that the implant protects against pregnancy immediately if it is fitted during the first five days of your menstrual cycle. If it is fitted at any other time, you are advised to use additional contraception, such as condoms, for the next seven days.

During your appointment, your consultant gynaecologist will tell you exactly when you can rely on the implant, based on your cycle and any contraception you are switching from.

Can I get pregnant after the contraceptive implant is removed?

Yes. The implant is fully reversible — the NHS notes that it is possible to get pregnant soon after the implant is removed, so if you are planning a pregnancy there is no built-in waiting period once it has been taken out.

Removal itself is a short procedure carried out under local anaesthetic by a consultant gynaecologist, who can also talk through timing and planning for pregnancy as part of your care.

Contact

Do you want to know more or need a consultation?

Send us an enquiry

A clinician will reply within one working day.

For urgent matters please call 020 3687 2939.

Sources & clinical references

The figures and clinical statements on this page are drawn from the sources below. Guidance evolves — always discuss your individual circumstances with a clinician.

  1. NHSContraceptive implant
  2. NHSWhat is the contraceptive implant?2024
  3. NHSHow the contraceptive implant is fitted or removed2024
  4. NHSSide effects and risks of the contraceptive implant2024