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Implant – Jadelle

More than 99% effective – one of the most effective forms of contraception. A Fit & Forget Contraception. The implant, sometimes known as “rods”, are two small implants placed under the skin in the upper arm.

Overview
How it Works
Pros & Cons
FAQs

Overview

The contraceptive implant is two small, flexible plastic rods that are placed just under the skin in the upper arm. It releases the hormone progestogen to prevent pregnancy. Jadelle is the funded implant available in New Zealand.

Key Facts

  • It is a Fit & Forget contraception – the implant Jadelle lasts up to 5 years.
  • They are small, the size of matchsticks – 4.2cm long, 0.2cm wide.
  • It is suitable for most wāhine/women+, including those who are young and those who have not had children.
  • It is effective in 7 days.
  • It is common to experience temporary side effects.
  • Bleeding patterns may be irregular or stop altogether.
  • It does not protect you from STIs.

How it Works

The implant releases a hormone (progestogen) similar to the hormone that is produced naturally in the ovaries. It stops the egg and sperm from meeting.

The implant:

  • Stops ovulation.
  • Thickens the cervix mucus, making it hard for sperm to get through.
  • Thins the womb lining, so a fertilised egg is less likely to implant.

 

The implant can be put in at any time you choose. Additional precautions need to be taken should you have any chance of pregnancy during the implant insertion appointment.

A trained nurse, midwife, or doctor fits it in your upper arm. The picture shows where the implant is fitted in your arm.

Pros

There are loads of things about the implant that are good for your body as well as your sex life.

  • You can really Fit & Forget it! No more worrying about missing a pill, injection, etc.
  • No sex interruptions.
  • Really effective (99%). Only 1 in 100 people will get pregnant each year.
  • Lasts up to 5 years.
  • You can take it out whenever you want.
  • There is no evidence that it causes additional weight gain.
  • Your fertility goes back to normal as soon as it is removed, with no long terms side effects.
  • It is not affected if you have diarrhoea or vomiting (like some methods).
  • Good for those who can’t use oestrogen contraception (such as the combined pill).
  • Works while breastfeeding and can be fitted after the birth of your child.
  • As effective as sterilisation but reversible.

Cons

Lots worry about negative side effects, but for many people, they’re not a problem. Most
people adjust to having an implant pretty quickly but give yourself time. It could take a few
months.

  • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • It is common to experience temporary side effects during the first six months, like headaches,
    nausea, breast tenderness and mood swings.
  • Protects you 7 days after insertion.
  • Bleeding patterns may be irregular or stop altogether (this usually settles down after a year).
    This is safe for your body. If your bleeding becomes a problem, contraception pills can be taken
    to help.
  • You might have a sore or bruised arm after the implant is put in or taken out. There is a small
    risk of infection.
  • You might have a sore or bruised arm after the implant is put in or taken out. There is a small risk of infection.
  • You will need to see a trained nurse, midwife or doctor to have the implant fitted or removed.

FAQs

An implant needs to be fitted by a nurse, midwife or doctor who has been specially trained. It is available FREE* from a range of services.

The implant is suitable for most people of all ages, including those who are young.

An appointment will typically include:

  • A few questions about your medical and family history, to work out what method would suit you best.
  • You’ll discuss other medicines you are taking in case they can make the implant less effective.
    The nurse, midwife or doctor will take your blood pressure and will weigh you.
  • Some services may be able to fit it at the same appointment, or you may need a second appointment.

Fitting the implant (shouldn’t take longer than 5 minutes):

  • You will be asked to sit on a chair or lay on the bed.
  • Remove the clothing from your arm.
  • The two rods are 4cm long (about the size of a matchstick or hair pin), and is put under the skin in your upper arm by a specially trained nurse, midwife or doctor.
  • You will be given a local anaesthetic injection, to numb this part of your arm before the implant is put in.  You may find that the local anaesthetic injection into your skin is slightly painful.
  • It should only take a few minutes.
  • You won’t need any stitches.
  • Bruising is common, especially for people that bleed more than others at point of insertion. The area may be slightly tender for a few days, but a small dressing will be added to protect it and help stop any bleeding. It usually takes a week for the insertion scar to heal completely.
  • You can have the implant fitted at any time in your menstrual cycle if you are certain you are not pregnant.
  • If the implant is fitted during the first five days of your period you will be protected from pregnancy immediately.
  • If the implant is fitted on any other day of your menstrual cycle, you need to use condoms or internal condoms for the first seven days.
  • You may also be required to take a pregnancy test after the implant has been fitted.
  • Once your arm has healed you will be able to do normal activities and you won’t be able to see
    it.

Yes, you can feel it in your arm. But don’t squeeze or play with it. Sometimes that can break
the small plastic rods.


If you can’t feel it, it changes shape, or you notice any changes to your skin or you have pain
where it has been inserted, visit a nurse, midwife, or doctor. Use condoms until you’re sure
it’s protecting you again.

The implant can be left in place for up to five years.

The implant has to be removed by a specially trained nurse, midwife or doctor. They will:

  • Give you a local anaesthetic.
  • Make a small cut in your skin.
  • Gently pull the implant out.
  • Have a dressing put on your arm (which you should keep on for a few days to reduce bruising and to keep it clean and dry).
  • It may leave a small scar.
  • If you want to continue using the implant, the new one can be put in at the same time and you will still be protected from pregnancy.

The implant must be replaced every five years and must be replaced at the same time, otherwise you will not be protected from pregnancy.

Some medicines can reduce the effectiveness of the implant, such as those used to treat epilepsy, HIV and tuberculosis (TB) and the complementary medicine St John’s Wort. Commonly used antibiotics do not reduce the effectiveness of the implant, but it is always best to check with the doctor, midwife, nurse or pharmacist first.

Your period can change while the implant is in your body. You might have spotting between periods, or have longer, heavier periods. Some may have irregular bleeding the whole time. Others don’t get periods for a while. Some have regular month periods. It’s a bit uncertain, but most manage irregular or heavy periods well by taking a contraceptive pill.

If bleeding worries you, talk to a nurse, midwife, or doctor. They can give you contraceptive
pills to reduce heavy or regulate irregular bleeding with the implant.

The implant is much more reliable in preventing pregnancy than taking the pill as contraception on its own.

Note: Wāhine/women+ includes consideration of whānau and social context and is intended to be inclusive of gender diverse people who share some of the health needs of women but do not identify as women. (RANZCOG, 2022)

Fit & Forget Contraception

Emergency Contraception

Other Contraception

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