Some women living in the UK have two contraceptive implant rods because they were fitted with a different implant system in South America. At Holistic Gynaecology Clinic London, we are experienced in removing both single-rod UK implants and two-rod implants inserted overseas, with consultations available in English, Spanish and Portuguese, but also German and French.
What Is a Contraceptive Implant?
A contraceptive implant is a small flexible rod placed just beneath the skin of the upper arm.
It slowly releases a progestogen hormone that prevents pregnancy by:
- preventing ovulation
- thickening cervical mucus
- thinning the lining of the uterus
It is one of the most effective forms of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), with an effectiveness of over 99%.
Why Is There One Rod in the UK?
In the UK, the standard contraceptive implant is Nexplanon®, which consists of a single rod containing etonogestrel.
Nexplanon® provides contraception for up to three years and is inserted into the inner side of the non-dominant upper arm under local anaesthetic.
Because only one rod is used, many UK healthcare professionals may be unfamiliar with women who present with two implant rods inserted abroad.
Why Do Some Women Have Two Rods?
Several countries in South America have historically used two-rod contraceptive implant systems, such as Jadelle®, while availability varies between countries and over time.
Women who have moved to the UK may therefore have two rods in their arm rather than one.
This is completely normal for the implant system they received.
Different implant systems contain different hormones, durations of action and insertion techniques.
Can Two-Rod Implants Be Removed in the UK?
Yes.
However, removal can occasionally be more challenging because:
- there are two separate rods to locate
- the rods may have been inserted several years ago
- scar tissue can develop around the implants
- documentation about the original implant may not always be available
An experienced clinician should assess the arm before attempting removal.
Contraceptive Implant Removal at Holistic Gynaecology Clinic London
At Holistic Gynaecology Clinic London, we provide assessment and removal of contraceptive implants inserted both in the UK and overseas.
Our team is trained to remove:
- single-rod implants (such as Nexplanon®)
- two-rod implant systems commonly inserted in South America
- implants requiring careful localisation and removal
Every consultation includes an individual assessment so that the safest removal technique can be chosen.
Care for International Patients
Many women living in London originally had their contraception inserted in:
- Brazil
- Peru
- Colombia
- Chile
- Ecuador
- Bolivia
- Argentina
- Venezuela
- Paraguay
- Uruguay
- other Latin American countries
Discussing intimate healthcare in a second language can sometimes be stressful.
For this reason, we offer consultations in:
- 🇬🇧 English
- 🇪🇸 Spanish
- 🇵🇹 Portuguese
Our aim is to ensure every woman feels understood and supported throughout her consultation.
What Happens During Implant Removal?
Your appointment generally includes:
- medical history review
- examination of the implant site
- confirmation of the implant position
- local anaesthetic
- careful removal of the implant(s)
- wound care advice
- discussion of future contraception if required
Most procedures are completed during the same appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to have two contraceptive implants?
Yes. Some implant systems used in South America consist of two rods rather than one.
Is a two-rod implant more effective?
Both one-rod and two-rod systems are highly effective when correctly inserted. The effectiveness depends on the specific implant system rather than simply the number of rods.
Can a UK clinic remove implants inserted overseas?
Yes. At Holistic Gynaecology Clinic London, we have experience removing contraceptive implants inserted outside the UK, including two-rod systems commonly seen in women who previously lived in South America.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes.
Do you speak Portuguese?
Assisted by Health Assistants
Why Choose Holistic Gynaecology Clinic London?
We believe women deserve personalised, compassionate care.
Our clinic offers:
- specialist women's health care
- experience with international contraceptive implant systems
- English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and German consultations
- holistic and evidence-based advice
- personalised contraceptive counselling
Whether your implant was inserted in the UK or overseas, we are here to help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
References
- Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH). Progestogen-only Implant Guideline. 2021.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers. 2022.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Long-acting reversible contraception.
- Croxatto HB. Progestin implants for female contraception. Contraception.
- Jadelle® (levonorgestrel implants) Prescribing Information.
- Nexplanon® Summary of Product Characteristics (MSD).
