Can I use the contraceptive implant?
The contraceptive implant is not suitable for everyone.
The implant may not be suitable if you've ever had:
- a condition affecting your heart or blood vessels (cardiovascular disease), such as a stroke
- a liver condition, such as cirrhosis
- breast cancer
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
If you have any of these health conditions, talk to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist about whether the implant is suitable for you.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
You can have the contraceptive implant fitted any time after you've given birth.
If it's fitted before day 21 after the birth, you'll be protected against pregnancy straight away.
If it's fitted on or after day 21, you'll need to use additional contraception such as condoms for the next 7 days.
The implant is safe to use while breastfeeding and will not affect your baby or milk supply.
Using the implant after a miscarriage or abortion
If you’ve had a miscarriage or abortion, you can have the contraceptive implant fitted as soon as you want to.
If the implant is fitted within 5 days after a miscarriage or abortion, you’ll be protected from pregnancy immediately.
If it’s fitted more than 5 days afterwards, you'll need to use another type of contraception, such as condoms, until the implant has been in place for 7 days.
A doctor or nurse can give you more information.
Medicines and the contraceptive implant
Some medicines and herbal remedies can affect how the contraceptive implant works. It may not work properly to stop you getting pregnant.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before having a contraceptive implant fitted if you take medicine to treat TB (tuberculosis), epilepsy or HIV.
You should also ask for advice if you take griseofulvin (an antifungal medicine), or St John's wort (a herbal remedy).