Implanon is an established reversible contraceptive that is very effective in preventing pregnancy. It consists of a small rod containing a progestin hormone which is inserted in inside of the upper non-dominant arm. Local anaesthesia is used. It lasts for 3 years, then has to be removed. It is a very safe contraceptive. The main issue women find is irregular bleeding following insertion. This spotting often settles with time – up to a year. Implanon is better for bone health than Depo-Provera, the every-three-monthly injection (although Depo-Provera is still a very good and safe method of contraception).
Removal of the Implanon is required after 3 years, but is often requested earlier due to the bleeding or other side effects. Usually this is straightforward. A little local anaesthesia is injected under the Implanon, so as not to obscure it, and to raise it up a little. Then a small incision is made in the skin, and in the capsule that has usually formed around the device. The Implanon is then manoeuvred into the incision and removed. A replacement is then inserted into the same place, or a small plaster is used to cover the incision. A suture is not required.
Occasionally removal can be difficult due to the capsule that the body creates to surround the Implanon, or if it has been inserted too deeply. The more local anaesthetic and ultrasound can be helpful.