All You Need to Know About the Implanon®: The Tiny Rod That Stops Pregnancy for 3 Years
- Samantha Pieterse
- Nov 6
- 8 min read
Ever wished birth control could just… do its job without daily reminders or monthly scripts?
That’s precisely why thousands of South African women choose the Implanon® contraceptive implant. But while it’s one of the most used methods in South Africa, it’s also one of the least understood.
How is it inserted? What does it really feel like? And what happens when it’s time to take it out?
Before you roll up your sleeve (or rule it out completely), here’s what you should know about Implanon® birth control, from insertion and side effects to cost and removal, all explained by a nurse who’s helped many women make the switch.
What Is the Implanon® (or Nexplanon®) Contraceptive Implant?
The Implanon® implant, also known as Nexplanon®, is a small, soft plastic rod about the length of a matchstick and roughly 2 millimetres wide. It’s smooth, flexible, and designed to sit just under the skin on the inner side of your upper arm.
Insertion is done by a trained healthcare provider under local anaesthetic, using a sterile, pre-loaded applicator that places the Implanon® beneath the skin through a tiny opening. Once in place, you can usually feel it with your fingers, but it’s not visible from the outside.
The implant itself is made of medical-grade plastic and contains a single, slow-release hormone. It’s completely sealed, free of latex, and designed to remain effective for up to three years before removal or replacement.
How the Implanon® Contraceptive Implant Works to Prevent Pregnancy
The Implanon® implant protects against pregnancy by releasing a hormone similar to the natural progesterone your body makes. This hormone changes the way your reproductive system functions to prevent fertilisation and implantation. Here’s how:
Prevents ovulation: The hormone stops your ovaries from releasing an egg each month. No egg means no chance for sperm to fertilise it.
Thickens cervical mucus: It makes the mucus in your cervix thicker, creating a barrier that sperm can’t easily swim through.
Thins the womb lining: The lining (endometrium) stays thin, so even if an egg were released, it wouldn’t be able to attach and grow.
Together, these actions make Implanon® one of the most effective birth control methods available (over 99% effective).
How Soon Does Implanon® Start Working?
Many women ask how quickly protection begins once it’s inserted. If the implant is inserted within the first five days of your period, it starts working immediately. If it’s placed at any other time in your cycle, you’ll need to use another form of contraception (like condoms) for the next seven days while the hormone levels build up.
Once active, the implant continues to function without requiring any additional action on your part.
💡 Prefer a hormone-free option? Learn about the Copper IUD and how it works.
The Implanon® in South Africa: Cost, Insertion, and Where to Get It
The Implanon® contraceptive implant is widely available in South Africa through both public and private healthcare services. The cost and waiting time can differ, depending on where you go and whether you’re having an insertion or removal.
In the private sector in South Africa, the Implanon®’s price typically ranges from R2500 to R3000 for insertion and R1500 to R2000 for removal. These costs usually include the consultation, sterile procedure, and follow-up dressing. Some medical aids may reimburse part of the fee, depending on your plan.
The Implanon® is also offered free of charge at many government clinics, although waiting times and appointment availability can vary.
At Mums & Bums Clinic in Centurion, we offer Implanon® insertion and removal services in a supportive setting. Appointments are quick and can be booked directly online, with no long queues or waiting lists.
💬 Book your Implanon® insertion or removal at Mums & Bums for professional, personalised care.
Implanon® Side Effects: What’s Normal and When to Seek Help
Like any birth control method, the Implanon® contraceptive implant can cause a few side effects while your system settles into its new rhythm. Most of these are mild and temporary, although it helps to know what’s normal and what’s not.
What’s Normal
Irregular bleeding: This is the most common change. Some women have spotting between periods, lighter, heavier, or no bleeding at all. These shifts are usually harmless and often settle after 6–12 months.
Headaches or mood changes: Fluctuating hormones can impact mood and energy levels. Regular sleep, hydration, and balanced meals can help stabilise symptoms.
Skin changes: Mild acne or breast tenderness may occur in the first few months.
Mild bruising or tenderness where the implant was inserted. This should fade within a few days.
Less Common Side Effects
Occasionally, women report:
Slight weight changes due to appetite shifts or water retention (not fat gain).
Pain, redness, or infection at the insertion site (rare, but worth checking if it doesn’t improve within a few days).
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
Reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience:
Heavy or persistent bleeding that interferes with your daily life.
Extreme pain, swelling, or discharge at the implant site.
Trouble feeling the implant under your skin (or if it feels like it’s moved).
Severe headaches, mood swings, or unexplained symptoms that don’t improve.
If the bleeding pattern feels unpredictable or frustrating, we can help manage it or explore other long-acting options, such as the 3-month contraceptive injection, which sometimes gives more predictable cycles.
💡 Curious about bleeding while on birth control?
Read our post on bleeding while using hormonal contraception for practical advice on what’s normal and when to check in.
Implanon® vs the 3-Month Contraceptive Injection
Both the Implanon® implant and the 3-month contraceptive injection are popular long-acting options in South Africa, and both contain progestogen-only hormones that stop ovulation. The main difference is how they’re given and how long they last.
If you’re deciding between the implant and the injection, here’s how they compare:
Implanon® Implant | 3-Month Contraceptive Injection | |
|---|---|---|
Duration | Multi-year coverage. | 12 weeks (must repeat every 3 months) |
Hormone | Etonogestrel | Medroxyprogesterone acetate |
How it’s given | A small implant is inserted under the skin | Injection into the buttock |
Effectiveness | Over 99% | Around 94–99%, depending on the timing of injections |
Periods | Irregular or no periods (often settle after 6–12 months) | Periods may stop altogether for some women |
Fertility return | Usually, within days to weeks after removal | It can take 6–12 months after the last injection |
Maintenance | “Fit and forget” | Requires regular clinic visits |
Both methods are safe and effective, but your choice depends on how often you want to visit a clinic and how your body handles hormones.
If you prefer a low-maintenance option, the Implanon® implant offers long-term protection with fewer appointments. If you’d rather start with a shorter-term option to see how your body responds, the injection can be a good first step.
Who Is the Implanon® Implant Best For?
The Implanon® contraceptive implant is ideal for women who want long-term, low-maintenance protection. It suits women at many life stages, from just after childbirth to perimenopause, and is especially helpful if you:
Want a low-maintenance option.
Can’t use oestrogen-containing methods because of migraines, high blood pressure, or breastfeeding.
Need a discreet method.
Need contraception that doesn’t affect fertility long-term (you can fall pregnant soon after removal).
Are looking for a reliable, reversible alternative to permanent methods like tubal ligation.
It might not be the best first choice if you already struggle with irregular bleeding, acne, or prefer a completely hormone-free option. In that case, the Copper IUD could be a better fit.
Implanon® Insertion and Removal: What to Expect During the Procedure
Getting or replacing the Implanon® contraceptive implant is a quick and simple procedure that can be done right here at Mums & Bums Clinic in Centurion. Both insertion and removal are performed under local anaesthetic, and the entire visit usually takes less than 20 minutes.
Implanon® Insertion
During the insertion, the skin on the inner side of your upper arm is cleaned and numbed. A small, sterile applicator will be used to place the Implanon® just under the skin. A small waterproof dressing is applied after insertion, and the site typically heals within a few days, no stitches required.
You’ll also receive a small card noting the date of insertion and when your next replacement is due. The implant starts working immediately if inserted during your period or within seven days if placed at a different point in your cycle.
Implanon® Removal
When it’s time for removal or replacement, the area will be numbed, a tiny incision will be made, and the implant will be removed. The procedure is quick and leaves minimal to no scarring. If you’d like to continue with the method, a new implant can be inserted immediately.
💬 Need your Implanon® removed or replaced?
Book an Implanon® removal in Centurion at Mums & Bums for a same-day visit.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Implanon® Contraceptive Implant
Like all long-acting methods, Implanon® has its pros and cons, and what’s a benefit for one woman may feel like a drawback for another. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages can help you decide whether this long-acting option fits your lifestyle.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Offers three years of protection with no daily effort. | Irregular bleeding or spotting early on. |
Almost invisible once inserted. | Must be inserted and removed by a trained provider. |
Safe while breastfeeding and postpartum. | May cause mood or skin changes (such as mild acne). |
Quickly reversible. | Limited removal access in some clinics. |
No oestrogen, suitable for women who can’t use combined pills. | Initial bruising or tenderness at the insertion site. |
If you’re unsure whether these trade-offs work for you, we can discuss how your health history, menstrual cycle patterns, and lifestyle may impact your experience.
💬 Considering your options?
Book a contraceptive consultation at Mums & Bums to chat through the advantages and disadvantages of Implanon® before you decide.
In Conclusion: Is Implanon® the Right Birth Control for You?
The Implanon® implant offers peace of mind, but no one birth control method works for everyone.
Some women enjoy how effortless it feels once inserted, while others prefer methods like the IUD or contraceptive injection if they want a hormone-free or shorter-term choice. What matters most is finding something that fits your body, goals, and lifestyle.
At Mums & Bums Clinic in Centurion, we take the time to talk through your options, answer your questions, and guide you through the process, from first insertion to future removal when you’re ready to plan your next chapter.
💬 Book your Implanon® consultation today for personalised care and honest answers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Implanon® in South Africa
Below are answers to the most common Implanon® FAQs South African women search for, from how long it lasts to side effects, cost, and what to expect after removal.
How soon does Implanon® start working, and how long does it last?
If the implant is placed within the first five days of your period, it starts working immediately. If inserted at another time, you’ll need to use protection for seven days. The birth control implant protects for up to 3 years. After removal, fertility usually returns within a few weeks.
Where can I get Implanon® inserted or removed in South Africa?
You can have the implant inserted or removed at Mums & Bums Clinic in Centurion, where registered nurses handle appointments in a family-friendly setting.
How much does Implanon® cost privately in South Africa?
In the private sector, prices typically range between R2,500 and R3,000 for insertion and R1,500 and R2,000 for removal. Fees depend on the clinic and whether your medical aid covers family planning services.
Does the Implanon® implant cause weight gain?
Not directly. Some women may notice mild water retention or changes in appetite, but studies have shown no consistent long-term weight gain linked to Implanon. Maintaining balanced meals and regular movement can help manage early hormonal changes.
Can Implanon® stop your period completely?
Yes, for some women. Around 1 in 5 users experience no periods after a few months, which is completely safe. Others may have lighter, irregular periods. Every cycle is different, but it is not harmful.
Is the Implanon® implant safe while breastfeeding?
Yes. It’s safe for breastfeeding mothers, and it doesn’t affect milk supply.
Can the Implanon move in my arm?
No, it stays just under the skin and is rarely displaced. You can feel it to check it’s in place.
💬 Still have questions?
Book a consultation at Mums & Bums Clinic to chat to us about the Implanon® and which birth control option suits you best.
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