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Implant

Pregnancy prevention for 3 to 5 years, remove at any time

An effective, long-acting and reversible method of contraception

The contraceptive implant is a small, plastic rod (or sometimes 2 rods) that is put into the upper arm, preventing pregnancy for 3 to 5 years.

The implant is a long-acting method of contraception. Long-acting methods of contraception all have the advantage that, once in place, you don’t need to think about them until they need replacing and none of them interrupt sex.

At Marie Stopes Ghana, we recommend these types of contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancies as they are over 99% effective when used properly.

Effectiveness

Over 99%. If one hundred women used the implant for a year, then 99 women would not fall pregnant during that time.

Availability

Implants are available at all of our locations.

Pricing

Please contact our team for more information about pricing.

If you're considering an implant, or thinking about using a new method of contraception, it's a good idea to have a full consultation.

Call us toll-free for a confidential chat

0808 00 19/20

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Find our locations that offer contraception and family planning services

Implant advantages

Implants offer numerous advantages as a long-acting, reversible method of contraception.

  • Easily inserted by a trained Marie Stopes provider
  • It can last up to 3 years
  • Can be easily removed
  • Fertility returns rapidly after it is removed
  • It does not interrupt sex.

These benefits come from the correct use of a contraceptive implant when inserted by a trained provider. If using an implant, you should also make sure to follow any product manufacturer instructions.

 

Things to consider

When deciding if an implant is right for you, here are a few quick facts you should consider:

  • The implant is inserted like an injection
  • Irregular bleeding can occur, but this can often be managed with medication to help it settle down
  • Periods may stop, but this is nothing to worry about
  • It requires a simple procedure to remove it.

Other methods of contraception at a glance

Oral contraceptive pill

Oral contraceptive pill

The contraceptive pill is a short-acting contraceptive method.

Contraceptive pills contain hormones, similar to those naturally produced by a woman’s body. The pill needs to be taken at the same time every day to effectively prevent pregnancy. It’s ability to prevent pregnancy depends on a person using it correctly.

Condoms

Condoms

Male and females condoms are a barrier contraception method for preventing pregnancy and STIs.

When used correctly, condoms are highly effective. Condoms are also the only contraceptive method that protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and syphilis.

Injectable

Injectable

The injectable or contraceptive injection is an effective, long-acting and reversible method of contraception.

It works by releasing a hormone that stops eggs being released by the body. Injectables are highly effective, lasting 2 to 3 months (depending on the type used), but women must remember to return for another injection around this time or risk not being protected from pregnancy.

Intrauterine device

Intrauterine device

The IUD is a highly effective (99%), long-acting and reversible method of contraception.

It is a small, T-shaped device that is made from plastic and copper and works by stopping a man's sperm from meeting an egg and/or by stopping an egg implanting in the uterus. The procedure for inserting an IUD is simple, only taking a few minutes by a trained person. 

Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation

Tubal ligation is a permanent, irreversible contraceptive solution for women.

It is suitable for women who are sure they don't want anymore children.

The method involves a short surgical procedure, performed by a highly trained doctor that prevents woman's eggs and the man's sperm meeting, so a pregnancy can't occur.

Vasectomy

Vasectomy

A surgical procedure for providing a permanent contraceptive solution for men.

A vasectomy is a contraceptive method suitable for men who are sure they don't want anymore children.

It's a popular method of family planning chosen by millions of men worldwide. It's safe, effective and offers a permanent solution to contraceptive needs.

Oral contraceptive pill

The contraceptive pill is a short-acting contraceptive method.

Contraceptive pills contain hormones, similar to those naturally produced by a woman’s body. The pill needs to be taken at the same time every day to effectively prevent pregnancy. It’s ability to prevent pregnancy depends on a person using it correctly.

How an implant works

The contraceptive implant works by slowly releasing a hormone (progestin) in your blood and the hormone stops the body releasing an egg each month. The hormone also makes it harder for the man’s sperm to get into the womb.

Inserting the implant is a simple procedure that takes about five minutes. A trained person inserts the implant into the inside of your upper arm. Your arm is numbed before insertion so it is generally not painful.  Once inserted the implant does not move around your body. It stays where it is inserted. You can feel it under the skin. 

Dependent on when you get the implant inserted, it can take up to seven days for the implant to start working. You can use a condom during this time. It stops working when it is taken out, at which point your normal fertility returns.

Find your best fit

If you are unsure what method is best for you, take our online contraception quiz.

Get started

Looking for more information about implants?

Try visiting our frequently asked questions where we've provided some brief answers to some of our most commonly asked questions.

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