Implant

A small soft tube is placed under the skin of the inner upper arm. It steadily releases a progestogen hormone into the bloodstream to make the womb an unsuitable place for a fertilised egg to attach.

Pros:

• Single rod works for 3 years.
• When the implant is taken out a woman’s fertility will return immediately.
• You don’t have to think about contraception for as long as the implant works.

Cons:

• Does not protect against STIs.
• Periods are often irregular for at least the first year, with some bleeding in between, or may be missed.
• May be temporary side effects such as headaches and breast tenderness.