When can I remove the dressings?
Your pressure dressing can be removed 48 hours after removal of the implant. The adhesive dressing and paper stiches can be peeled off after 5 days. Please keep the area dry over this time.
What should I expect to see and feel over the removal site?
After the local anaesthetic wears off, you may experience discomfort from bruising. If so, please take pain relief as required. Most bruising should go within 7 days of removal. You can carry out all usual activities. If the wound appears red and hot to the touch and you notice pus (yellow-white liquid), bleeding, swelling or intense pain at the site, please return to the clinic or your GP as you may need antibiotics for infection.
When can I rely on my new contraception?
If your implant was in date prior to its removal and your new contraception choice is started straight away, pills, patches, injections, new implants and both the Copper and hormone coil will start working immediately.
If your implant had expired or you delay starting your chosen new method of contraception, additional precautions will be required. The combined pill, implant, injection and hormone coil will require condom use for the next 7 days until it can be relied upon and 2 days for the progestogen only pill. The copper coil does not require the use of any additional precautions at any time. Your healthcare professional will let you know if there is a need to do a urine pregnancy test in 21 days’ time from any unprotected sexual intercourse.
Please speak to the Contraception and Sexual Health doctor or nurse if you require any guidance regarding natural family planning methods.
How soon can I become pregnant once the implant is removed?
Once the implant has been removed your usual level of fertility will return almost immediately.
Do I need to do anything?
If you wish to conceive, please remember to take folic acid “with vitamin D” supplements and eat folate rich foods such as fruit, vegetables and cereals. Folic acid deficiency has been identified as a key factor in the development of spina bifida.
Anyone trying to conceive should take 400 micrograms folic acid supplement from the time they begin trying to conceive until the 12th week of the pregnancy.
For more information about pre-conception advice, see the NHS Choices website.
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