Nexplanon is the main contraceptive implant currently in use in the UK , according to NHS Choices. The implant is a small flexible tube about 40mm long that's inserted under the skin of your upper arm and slowly releases a chemical which halts ovaries from producing eggs.

When I had my consultation with my GP prior to having the implant fitted, I was told that it was the best contraceptive for woman of my age and it wasn't conveyed to me that there were any risks or side effects. In the weeks after having the implant, I experienced severe mood swings and gained a lot of weight. These side effects were NEVER highlighted to me. In 2015 I had the implant removed, and my ovaries are yet to produce an egg. After reading online and talking to many of my female friends, it's very common for this to happen after removal of Nexplanon. Again, this was NEVER highlighted to me.

The implant is being conveyed to young female patients as the best contraceptive to use, like me when I was 16 and very naive. GP's should be discussing the FULL health risks of Nexplanon with patients and it looks as if this isn't currently happening due to the amount of woman I have spoken to that were also unaware of the risks of the implant.