Implant/injection

These methods have a similar way of working to the contraceptive pill but are more effective because they do not depend on being taken daily and so have less chance of failure. Those people who struggle to remember to take their pill regularly every day often find this method preferable. The implant is a small (4cm long and 2mm wide) rod which is inserted under the skin, usually on the inside of the upper arm, and releases progesterone. It is usually effective for three years. It can be removed if required. It is over 99% effective. Women often find that their periods stop (amenorrhoea) whilst using a contraceptive implant. However, it can cause irregular bleeding at the beginning which can be very annoying, but this improves with time.

The injection also contains progesterone but only lasts for 8-13 weeks, depending on the brand used. It is also over 99% effective.

These contraceptive methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infection.