Contraceptive implant Gdańsk - Insertion and Removal

A contraceptive implant is a small, flexible rod placed under the skin of the upper arm. It gradually releases a hormone to prevent pregnancy, providing long-acting, reversible contraception without the need to take a daily pill.

At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre in Gdańsk, we offer consultations, contraceptive implant insertion, replacement and removal. Appointments are available with Dr Marek Korożan, Dr Dominika Kozikowska and Dr Volha Khitrun.

How does the contraceptive implant work?

The implant contains etonogestrel, a hormone belonging to the progestogen group. It works mainly by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to enter the uterus.

The hormone enters the bloodstream and acts throughout the body. The implant does not contain oestrogen, so it may suit some women who cannot use combined hormonal contraception. An individual assessment is still necessary to check whether it is appropriate for you.

How long does the implant last, and how effective is it?

Under the Polish prescribing information, Implanon NXT is licensed for use for up to 3 years. Keep a record of your removal or replacement date and follow the advice provided at your appointment.

The contraceptive implant is more than 99% effective during the first year of use. Its effectiveness does not depend on remembering a daily dose, but correct insertion, timely replacement and interactions with certain medicines remain important.

The implant does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms help reduce the risk of transmission.

Who may benefit from a contraceptive implant?

The implant may be an option for women who:

• want long-acting, reversible contraception,
• find it difficult to remember a daily contraceptive pill,
• prefer a method that does not involve placing a device inside the uterus,
• need contraception without oestrogen, following assessment by a doctor.

You do not have to keep the implant for the full 3 years. You can request removal earlier if your preferences or circumstances change.

How to prepare for contraceptive implant insertion

During your consultation, the gynaecologist will review your medical history, check for contraindications and exclude pregnancy. Be ready to discuss your last period, current contraception, medical conditions, medicines and supplements.

A routine hormone blood test panel is not required before starting this method in an otherwise healthy patient. Any additional investigations will depend on your symptoms and medical history.

If you are attending for replacement or removal, bring the records from your previous insertion, including your implant card if you have one.

What happens during contraceptive implant fitting?

The procedure takes place in the clinic under local anaesthesia. Using a dedicated applicator, the doctor places the implant just beneath the skin on the inner side of the upper arm, usually in your non-dominant arm.

Insertion itself usually takes a few minutes. The appointment also includes assessment, local anaesthesia, checking the implant’s position and explaining aftercare. Both you and the doctor should be able to feel the implant beneath the skin after insertion.

When does the contraceptive implant start working?

If you have not used hormonal contraception during the previous month, the recommended insertion time is between day 1 and day 5 of your menstrual cycle, counting the first day of your period as day 1. No additional contraception is needed when it is fitted within this timeframe.

Insertion at another time may be possible once pregnancy has been excluded, but you will need additional protection, such as condoms, for the following 7 days. Different instructions apply when switching from another contraceptive method or after childbirth, miscarriage or abortion. Your doctor will explain the advice relevant to you.

How does the implant affect periods?

Changes to your bleeding pattern are one of the main possible effects of the contraceptive implant. You may experience irregular spotting, more frequent or prolonged bleeding, lighter periods or no periods at all. It is not possible to predict exactly how your bleeding pattern will change.

Irregular bleeding alone does not mean that your contraceptive protection has decreased. If bleeding is troublesome, heavy or changes after a settled pattern, arrange a consultation. Your gynaecologist will assess the cause and discuss management options.

When is the contraceptive implant unsuitable?

Contraindications listed in the Polish prescribing information include:

• an active venous blood clot, including deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism,
• a known or suspected cancer sensitive to sex hormones, including breast cancer,
• current or previous liver tumours, whether benign or malignant,
• severe liver disease until liver function has returned to normal,
• unexplained vaginal bleeding,
• an allergy to any component of the implant.

Pregnancy must also be excluded before insertion. A history of blood clots or other significant medical conditions requires an individual assessment. The contraindications to an implant are not identical to those for contraceptive pills containing oestrogen.

Possible side effects and interactions with medicines

In addition to changes in bleeding, reported symptoms include headaches, acne, breast tenderness, mood changes and changes in weight. Not every symptom experienced during use is necessarily caused by the implant. Discuss any troublesome symptoms with your doctor.

Certain medicines, including some treatments for epilepsy, tuberculosis or HIV, and herbal products containing St John’s wort can reduce contraceptive protection. Tell your doctor or pharmacist that you have an implant before starting any new medicine or supplement.

Aftercare following implant insertion

You may notice mild bruising, tenderness or swelling around the insertion site. Follow the instructions provided about dressings and caring for the area.

Contact a doctor if you develop increasing pain, redness, discharge from the wound, fever or numbness in your arm, or if you can no longer feel the implant. If the implant cannot be felt, use additional non-hormonal contraception, such as condoms, until its presence has been confirmed.

Contraceptive implant removal and replacement

The implant is removed under local anaesthesia through a small incision in the skin. It does not dissolve and must be removed by an appropriately trained healthcare professional.

If the implant cannot be felt or is positioned deeply, it must first be located, for example by ultrasound. These cases may require referral to a service experienced in complex implant removal.

If you wish to continue using this method, a new implant can usually be inserted during the same appointment. If you prefer a different method, your doctor will explain how to maintain continuous contraceptive protection.

How quickly does fertility return after implant removal?

Fertility can return quickly, and pregnancy is possible before your first period after removal. However, regular menstrual cycles cannot be guaranteed to return within one month for every patient.

If you do not wish to become pregnant, arrange your next contraceptive method before having the implant removed.

Contraceptive implant in Gdańsk – cost and appointments

Visit Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre at 2 Tartaczna Street in Gdańsk’s Śródmieście district. Dr Marek Korożan, Dr Dominika Kozikowska and Dr Volha Khitrun provide contraceptive advice and implant insertion, replacement and removal.

When booking, please specify which type of appointment you need. Our reception team will confirm the current cost and explain whether it includes the implant, insertion and consultation.

To arrange an appointment, contact our reception team, call +48 58 719 10 25 or check availability on ZnanyLekarz.