Implanon is an implant that is inserted under the skin. The implant contains only one type of female hormone, a progestogen and so is called a progestogen-only contraceptive. Implanon is used to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years.

When Implanon is inserted correctly, the chance of becoming pregnant is very low, but as for all contraceptive methods protection is never 100%.

Implanon is inserted by your doctor or Family Planning Nurse directly under the skin of the inner side of the upper arm. It is very important that you can feel Implanon under the skin of your arm after insertion.  A small amount of etonogestrel (around 40 micrograms) is slowly released each day into the bloodstream.

Implanon works in two ways to prevent pregnancy:
1. It prevents ovulation (the release of an egg cell from your ovaries).
2. It changes the mucus in your cervix making it difficult for sperm to enter your womb.

A disadvantage is that many women have changes in menstrual patterns. Insertion and removal must be performed by trained professionals.