The contraceptive implant offers a highly effective form of long-term birth control, with the added benefit of being very convenient and reversible. It consists of a small device that contains a synthetic version of the hormone progestin, which thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg and can suppress ovulation. The implant is available at family planning clinics that provide information and guidance about contraceptive options, assess an individual’s eligibility for the implant, and perform the insertion procedure.
While it is a popular and effective method of contraception, it’s possible to get pregnant shortly after an implant is removed. To give your body time to adjust and ensure accurate test results, it is generally recommended that you wait a few weeks after the implant has been removed before taking a pregnancy test.
However, this is only a general recommendation and your individual circumstances may require you to take a test sooner than this. It’s important to use backup contraception until your menstrual cycle has resumed and to track the dates of your ovulation and fertility cycles so that you can be aware of when it’s most likely that you could become pregnant.
If you’re considering the contraceptive implant, a healthcare professional is the best source of information and guidance about this and other reproductive health issues. They can also help you with a range of other concerns and questions, including whether the implant is right for you, how to use it, and the best way to manage side effects if they arise.