Services
Implanon Contraceptive Implant
Long-Term Birth Control for Up to 3 Years
If you are looking for a reliable contraceptive method without having to remember a pill every day, Implanon NXT may be an option worth considering.
Implanon NXT is a small, flexible contraceptive implant placed under the skin of the upper arm. It contains etonogestrel 68 mg, a type of progestogen hormone that is slowly released to prevent pregnancy.
Implanon NXT provides up to 3 years of contraception and is a reversible form of birth control.
At Klinik Caring, Taman Impian Emas, Skudai, Johor Bahru, our female doctors provide private contraceptive counselling, Implanon insertion and removal services to help you make an informed choice.
What Is Implanon NXT?
Implanon NXT is a contraceptive implant placed under the skin.
It is a small, flexible rod measuring approximately 4 cm long and 2 mm wide, and is usually inserted under the skin of the inner upper arm of your non-dominant hand.
Implanon contains etonogestrel, a progestogen hormone, and does not contain estrogen.
It mainly works by:
- Preventing ovulation
- Thickening the mucus at the cervix, making it harder for sperm to pass through
This provides highly effective contraception without the need for daily medication.
How Effective Is Implanon?
Implanon NXT is one of the most effective long-acting reversible contraceptive methods available.
It is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Unlike contraceptive pills, you do not need to remember to take it every day, every week or every month.
This makes Implanon a convenient option for women who often forget their pills or prefer a low-maintenance form of contraception.
How Long Does Implanon Last?
Implanon NXT provides contraception for up to 3 years.
At the end of the third year, the implant should be removed or replaced.
If you would like to continue using Implanon, a new implant can usually be inserted after the old one is removed.
You do not have to keep Implanon for the full 3 years.
It can be removed earlier if:
- You want to become pregnant
- You want to change your contraceptive method
- You experience side effects
-
You no longer wish to continue using it
Who May Consider Implanon?
Implanon may be suitable if you:
- Want long-term contraception
- Often forget to take contraceptive pills
- Prefer not to think about contraception every day
- Want a reversible contraceptive method
- Prefer a contraceptive option without estrogen
- Do not want an IUCD / IUD placed inside the uterus
- Do not plan to become pregnant in the near future
Suitability depends on your individual medical history and current health.
Our doctor will discuss your contraceptive options with you before insertion.
How Is Implanon Inserted?
Implanon is not placed inside the uterus.
It is inserted just under the skin of your upper arm.
Before insertion, our doctor will review your:
- Medical history
- Menstrual cycle
- Current contraceptive method
- Recent sexual activity
- Possibility of pregnancy
During the procedure:
- You will lie comfortably on the examination bed.
- Our doctor will identify the correct area on your non-dominant upper arm.
- The skin will be cleaned.
- Local anaesthetic will be given.
- The Implanon rod will be inserted just under the skin.
- Our doctor will check that the implant can be felt under the skin.
- A dressing will be applied.
Implanon insertion is a minor outpatient procedure and does not require hospital admission.
Does Implanon Insertion Hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used before the implant is inserted, so you should not feel significant pain during the procedure.
You may feel a brief stinging sensation when the local anaesthetic is given.
After insertion, the upper arm may temporarily have:
- Mild pain
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Tenderness
These usually improve gradually.
Will Implanon Affect My Period?
Yes. Changes in menstrual bleeding are one of the most common effects of Implanon.
Every woman may respond differently.
Your periods may become:
- Irregular
- Lighter
- Heavier
- Longer
- More frequent
- Associated with spotting
- Completely absent for some time
Approximately 1 in 5 women may have no bleeding, while around 1 in 5 may experience frequent or prolonged bleeding.
This is why it is important to understand the possibility of irregular bleeding before choosing Implanon.
If you develop persistent, unusually heavy or troublesome bleeding, our doctor can assess you.
If My Period Stops, Does It Mean I Am Pregnant?
Not necessarily.
Some women stop having periods while using Implanon because of the effect of the hormone on the menstrual cycle.
However, you should consider a medical review or pregnancy test if you:
- Develop pregnancy symptoms
- Are unsure whether the implant is still effective
- Are taking medication that may interfere with Implanon
- Cannot feel the implant
- Have other reasons to suspect pregnancy
Does Implanon Cause Weight Gain?
Some women report weight gain or changes in weight while using Implanon.
However, this does not happen to everyone.
Body weight can also be affected by:
- Diet
- Physical activity
- Age
- Sleep
- Lifestyle
- Other medical conditions
If weight gain, acne, mood changes or other hormonal side effects are important concerns for you, discuss them with our doctor before choosing Implanon.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Implanon?
Apart from menstrual changes, some women may experience:
- Headache
- Acne
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
- Changes in appetite
- Weight changes
- Abdominal discomfort or nausea
- Pain or bruising at the insertion site
Not everyone will experience these side effects, and the severity varies from person to person.
If side effects are affecting your daily life, our doctor can discuss whether to continue Implanon or consider another contraceptive method.
Who May Not Be Suitable for Implanon?
Implanon is suitable for many women, but it may not be appropriate for everyone.
Our doctor will assess you carefully if you have:
- Known or possible pregnancy
- Active venous thromboembolic disease
- Known or suspected hormone-sensitive cancer
- Certain severe liver conditions
- Liver tumours
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Allergy to any component of Implanon
Your individual medical history is important when deciding whether Implanon is suitable for you.
Can Other Medications Affect Implanon?
Yes.
Some medications and herbal products can reduce the level of etonogestrel in the body and may reduce the contraceptive effectiveness of Implanon.
Examples include certain:
- Anti-seizure medications
- Antibiotics such as rifampicin
- HIV medications
- Antiviral medications
- St. John’s Wort
If you take long-term medication, supplements or herbal products, please inform our doctor before insertion.
In some situations, an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method such as condoms may be recommended.
When Can Implanon Be Inserted?
Implanon can be inserted at different times during the menstrual cycle, as long as our doctor can reasonably confirm that you are not pregnant.
If you are not currently using hormonal contraception, insertion is commonly arranged during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle.
Timing may be different if you are switching from:
- Contraceptive pills
- Contraceptive injections
- Another contraceptive implant
- IUCD / IUD
In some situations, you may need to use condoms or another additional contraceptive method for the first 7 days after insertion.
You do not need to work this out yourself.
Our doctor will advise you based on your menstrual cycle, recent sexual activity and current contraceptive method.
Can Implanon Be Inserted After Childbirth?
Yes, Implanon may be used after childbirth.
The most suitable timing depends on your individual situation, including whether you are breastfeeding.
If you have recently delivered, please let us know:
- Your delivery date
- Whether you are breastfeeding
- Whether your period has returned
- Whether you have resumed sexual activity
- Whether you are currently using contraception
Our doctor will advise you on the appropriate timing.
Can I Use Implanon While Breastfeeding?
Implanon can be considered during breastfeeding.
A small amount of etonogestrel may pass into breast milk, but it is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding when appropriately prescribed.
If you are breastfeeding, let our doctor know during your consultation so we can assess your individual situation.
How Soon Can I Get Pregnant After Removing Implanon?
Implanon is a reversible contraceptive method.
After removal, the contraceptive effect stops and normal ovulation and menstrual cycles can return quickly.
This means pregnancy may be possible soon after removal.
If you do not want to become pregnant after removing Implanon, discuss another contraceptive method with our doctor before removal.
How Is Implanon Removed?
Implanon should be removed by a healthcare professional trained in the procedure.
Our doctor will first locate the implant under the skin.
The removal process usually involves:
- Cleaning the skin
- Giving local anaesthetic
- Making a small incision near the end of the implant
- Gently removing the implant
- Applying a dressing
If the implant is in the expected position and can be easily felt, removal is usually a straightforward outpatient procedure.
If the implant cannot be felt, further assessment may be needed to locate it before removal.
Can I Replace My Implanon Immediately?
Yes.
If you would like to continue using Implanon, a new Implanon NXT can usually be inserted immediately after the old implant is removed.
Our doctor will assess the insertion area and advise you accordingly.
Can Implanon Move Inside My Body?
Implanon should remain under the skin of the upper arm and should usually be easy to feel after insertion.
Rarely, if an implant is inserted too deeply, it may move from its original position and become more difficult to remove.
This is why Implanon should be inserted and removed by healthcare professionals trained in the correct technique.
If you were previously able to feel your implant but suddenly cannot, arrange a medical review.
Does Implanon Protect Against Sexually Transmitted Infections?
No.
Implanon only helps to prevent pregnancy.
It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections such as:
- HIV
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Syphilis
Condoms are still recommended if protection against sexually transmitted infections is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Implanon the Same as a Contraceptive Implant?
Implanon NXT is a type of contraceptive implant.
It is sometimes simply called Implanon, birth control implant, arm implant or contraceptive rod.
Where Is Implanon Inserted?
Implanon is inserted under the skin of the inner upper arm, usually on the non-dominant arm.
It is not placed inside the uterus.
How Long Does Implanon Last?
Implanon NXT provides contraception for up to 3 years.
It should be removed or replaced by the end of the third year.
How Effective Is Implanon?
Implanon is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
It is one of the most effective long-acting reversible contraceptive methods.
Can Implanon Stop My Period?
Yes, this can happen.
Some women may stop having periods while using Implanon.
Other women may experience irregular, frequent or prolonged bleeding.
The bleeding pattern is different for each person.
Does Implanon Make You Gain Weight?
Some women may experience weight gain or weight changes, but not everyone will.
If weight management is an important concern for you, discuss this with our doctor before insertion.
Does Implanon Contain Estrogen?
No.
Implanon contains etonogestrel, which is a progestogen hormone.
It does not contain estrogen.
Can I Use Implanon If I Have Never Had Children?
Yes.
Having never given birth does not automatically prevent you from using Implanon.
Our doctor will assess your medical history, health and contraceptive needs before recommending it.
Can Implanon Be Removed Early?
Yes.
Implanon can be removed at any time if you:
- Want to become pregnant
- Want to change contraception
- Experience side effects
- No longer wish to use it
Which Is Better: Implanon or IUCD?
There is no single contraceptive method that is best for every woman.
Implanon is placed under the skin of the upper arm and contains a progestogen hormone.
Copper IUCD is placed inside the uterus and does not contain hormones.
Mirena is also placed inside the uterus and releases a small amount of levonorgestrel.
Our doctor can help you compare these options based on your menstrual pattern, medical history, lifestyle and future family planning goals.
👉 [Learn More about IUCD / IUD →]
Implanon Consultation, Insertion & Removal in Johor Bahru
At Klinik Caring, Taman Impian Emas, Skudai, Johor Bahru, our female doctors provide private and comfortable contraceptive counselling.
We provide:
- Implanon NXT consultation
- Implanon insertion
- Implanon removal
- Implanon replacement
- Family planning and contraceptive counselling
- Assessment of menstrual changes and side effects
- Discussion of other long-term contraceptive options
Our doctor will first understand your medical history, menstrual pattern and future pregnancy plans before helping you choose a contraceptive method that suits your needs.
Wondering Whether Implanon Is Right for You?
If you are looking for a long-term, convenient contraceptive method without having to take a pill every day, you can start with a consultation with our female doctor.
You do not need to decide on Implanon before your appointment.
Understand the benefits, possible side effects and other contraceptive options first, then make a decision that feels right for you.
👉 [Book an Implanon Consultation]
📍 Klinik Caring, Taman Impian Emas, Skudai, Johor Bahru