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IUD insertions

What is Implanon?

Implanon is a small, flexible plastic rod about 4 cm long that is inserted just under the skin of the inner upper arm. It slowly releases a low dose of the hormone progestogen and provides highly effective, long-acting contraception for up to 3 years.

How does Implanon work?

Implanon prevents pregnancy mainly by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg. It also thickens the mucus at the opening of the womb, making it harder for sperm to pass through.

It is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

What are the benefits of Implanon?

  • You won’t have to remember to take a contraceptive pill every day
  • It provides contraception for up to 3 years
  • It is more than 99% effective
  • It does not contain oestrogen
  • It can be used while breastfeeding
  • Periods may become lighter, less painful or stop altogether
  • It can be removed at any time if you no longer want it
  • Fertility usually returns quickly after removal

What are the downsides of Implanon?

The main disadvantage is that your bleeding pattern may be unpredictable. Periods may become lighter, stop altogether, or become irregular, more frequent or longer-lasting.

Other possible side effects include:

  • Headaches
  • Acne or other skin changes
  • Breast tenderness
  • Bloating
  • Mood changes

There may be temporary bruising, tenderness or swelling around the insertion site. A small scar may remain. Rarely, an implant may be inserted too deeply or become difficult to remove.

Implanon does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms provide the best available protection against STIs.

How is Implanon inserted?

Implanon is inserted under the skin of your upper arm by a trained doctor. Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, and the procedure usually takes only a few minutes.

Depending on when it is inserted, you may need to use condoms or another form of contraception for the first 7 days. Your doctor will advise you about this.

Do I need a check-up afterwards?

Implanon must be removed or replaced after 3 years, although it can be removed earlier if you wish.

Removal is performed through a small opening in the skin after local anaesthetic has been given. A new implant can usually be inserted during the same appointment.

Your fertility can return quickly after removal, so alternative contraception should be started immediately if you do not want to become pregnant.

How can I have Implanon removed or replaced?

A routine follow-up appointment is not usually required. You should be able to feel the implant under your skin.

Please make an appointment if:

  • You cannot feel the implant
  • The insertion site becomes increasingly painful, red or swollen
  • You develop troublesome or prolonged bleeding
  • You are concerned about side effects
  • You think you may be pregnant

If you cannot feel the implant, use back-up contraception until it has been checked.

Which doctors can perform Implanon insertions?

Dr Esther Dang Dr Esther Dang graduated from Monash University in 2007 and worked in various hospitals, including Eastern Health and Monash Medical Centre during her residency years. She has a Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology as well as a Diploma in Child Health via the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Dr Joanne Ung Dr Joanne Ung graduated from University of Adelaide in 2008. She enjoys all aspects of general practice including paediatrics, women’s health, family medicine and preventative health.
Dr Kristina Flego Dr Kristina Flego graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2000. She completed her Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Mercy Hospital for Women in 2006, gained the Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2008, and completed a Masters of Public Health at the University of Sydney in 2010. She enjoys all facets of general practice but has interests in antenatal pregnancy care and women’s health.
Dr Michelle Zhang Dr Michelle Zhang she gained her PhD at the University of Melbourne in 1994 and the Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2005. She enjoys all facets of general practice, with special interests in women’s health, menopause, mental health and dermatology.
Dr Maneesha Weerasinghe Dr Maneesha completed her medical studies at the University of Notre Dome in Western Australia. She enjoys all aspects of general practice.
Dr Cybele Tran Dr Cybele Tran obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Melbourne. Her qualifications include the fellowship of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) and a Certificate in Women’s Health. With multifold years of experience to her name, Dr Tran is a compassionate doctor with a patient-centred approach to health care. She provides consultations for all aspects of general practice and is passionate about Women’s Health and Children’s Health.
Dr Jason Oh Dr Jason Oh graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2000. In addition to several years at the Austin Hospital, he gained extensive experience caring for women and newborns as obstetrics and gynaecology resident at the Mercy Hospital for Women. He holds a Diploma of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

What is the cost of an IUD?

The costs involved are outlined below.

In November 2025, the Australian Government announced a Medicare boost for access to long-acting contraception. This has enabled us to bulk-bill IUD-insertion procedures for eligible patients.

Private fee Medicare rebate (Amount you receive back from Medicare)
Initial consultation (required for all patients) $92 $43.90
IUD insertion procedure Bulk billed
6 week post-insertion check $92 $43.90

How can I arrange to get Implanon?

You can call us on 98709000 to book an appointment. Please let our reception staff know that you would like to discuss getting an Implanon contraceptive implant.

We can also provide advice about other contraceptive options, including the contraceptive pill, IUD‘s and vasectomy.