Implanon, sometimes called ‘the Rod’, is a common, long-acting, reversible contraceptive method that is available in Australia.
The Implanon device is small, flexible rod approximately the size of a matchstick, inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It steadily releases a hormone called etonogestrel over three years, which prevents pregnancy by:
- Thickening the mucus in the cervix to block sperm entry.
- Inhibiting ovulation, meaning no egg is released from the ovaries.
According to Royal Womens’ Hospital, the Implanon is 99.8% effective during the three years the implant is in place.
Booking an Implanon consult
Before booking the Implanon insertion, you must have a consultation with your GP.
The pre-consult will involve:
- Reviewing medical history
- Discussing side-effects and considerations
- Explaining the insertion process
- Deciding the suitable date with the timing of your menstrual cycle
- Pregnancy test
During the pre consult appointment, you will also receive a script for the Implanon device. You will need to obtain the device from a pharmacy and bring it to your insertion appointment. You will be responsible for the cost of the implanon. Estimated cost for the device is
- Medicare – $30.60
- Concession – $6.90
- Private – (if you don’t have medicare) $171.39
It always recommended that you discuss your birth control options with your doctor, to determine the best possible solution for your personal situation.
Insertion Procedure
The Implanon insertion procedure is a quick and simple process that can be completed in a matter of minutes.
For optimal results, the implant should be inserted during the first three days of your menstrual cycle, provided that you are not pregnant. The tiny, flexible rod will be inserted into your upper arm using local anaesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
When it comes to the lifespan of the Implanon, it should be removed or replaced after three years. However, if you have other reasons for wanting it removed earlier, this can be done using a gentle ‘pop out’ technique following a small incision made under local anaesthesia.
Estimated Fees for Implanon
Cost & Time | Medicare Rebate | Out-of-Pocket (after medicare reimbursement) |
|
---|---|---|---|
Pre-Consult 15 minutes All patients having an implanon insertion (including replacements) require a pre-consult |
$98 | $42.85 | $55.15 |
Implanon Insertion 15 - 30 mins Patients must obtain the device from pharmacy |
$280 + $20 nurses fee | $83.40 | $216.60 |
Implanon Removal 15 - 30 mins |
$200 | $83.40 | $116.60 |
Implanon Removal & Reinsertion Patients will need to book a pre-consult, on a different day, before the reinsertion procedure. Patients must obtain the device from pharmacy. |
$280 + $20 nurses fee | $142.25 | $157.25 |
All procedures (removal and insertion) will require a concurrent appointment with the nurse, which can be booked by our friendly reception staff.
Implanon insertion or replacement can be completed by Dr Emma Hattle, Dr Joey Siu, Dr Deepti Bhatt, Dr Ciaran Laughlin and Dr Magdalena Matthews.
Implanon removal is a simple appointment that can be completed by Dr Emma Hattle, Dr Joey Siu, Dr Ciaran Laughlin, Dr Magdalena Matthews and Dr Deepti Bhatt.


Implanon, sometimes called ‘the Rod’, is a common, long-acting, reversible contraceptive method that is available in Australia.
The Implanon device is small, flexible rod approximately the size of a matchstick, inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It steadily releases a hormone called etonogestrel over three years, which prevents pregnancy by:
- Thickening the mucus in the cervix to block sperm entry.
- Inhibiting ovulation, meaning no egg is released from the ovaries.
According to Royal Womens’ Hospital, the Implanon is 99.8% effective during the three years the implant is in place.
Booking an Implanon consult
Before booking the Implanon insertion, you must have a consultation with your GP.
The pre-consult will involve:
- Reviewing medical history
- Discussing side-effects and considerations
- Explaining the insertion process
- Deciding the suitable date with the timing of your menstrual cycle
- Pregnancy test
During the pre consult appointment, you will also receive a script for the Implanon device. You will need to obtain the device from a pharmacy and bring it to your insertion appointment. You will be responsible for the cost of the implanon. Estimated cost for the device is
- Medicare – $30.60
- Concession – $6.90
- Private – (if you don’t have medicare) $171.39
It always recommended that you discuss your birth control options with your doctor, to determine the best possible solution for your personal situation.
Insertion Procedure
The Implanon insertion procedure is a quick and simple process that can be completed in a matter of minutes.
For optimal results, the implant should be inserted during the first three days of your menstrual cycle, provided that you are not pregnant. The tiny, flexible rod will be inserted into your upper arm using local anaesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
When it comes to the lifespan of the Implanon, it should be removed or replaced after three years. However, if you have other reasons for wanting it removed earlier, this can be done using a gentle ‘pop out’ technique following a small incision made under local anaesthesia.
Estimated Fees for Implanon
Cost & Time | Medicare Rebate | Out-of-Pocket (after medicare reimbursement) |
|
---|---|---|---|
Pre-Consult 15 minutes All patients having an implanon insertion (including replacements) require a pre-consult |
$98 | $42.85 | $55.15 |
Implanon Insertion 15 - 30 mins Patients must obtain the device from pharmacy |
$280 + $20 nurses fee | $83.40 | $216.60 |
Implanon Removal 15 - 30 mins |
$200 | $83.40 | $116.60 |
Implanon Removal & Reinsertion Patients will need to book a pre-consult, on a different day, before the reinsertion procedure. Patients must obtain the device from pharmacy. |
$280 + $20 nurses fee | $142.25 | $157.25 |
All procedures (removal and insertion) will require a concurrent appointment with the nurse, which can be booked by our friendly reception staff.
Implanon insertion or replacement can be completed by Dr Emma Hattle, Dr Joey Siu, Dr Deepti Bhatt, Dr Ciaran Laughlin and Dr Magdalena Matthews.
Implanon removal is a simple appointment that can be completed by Dr Emma Hattle, Dr Joey Siu, Dr Ciaran Laughlin, Dr Magdalena Matthews and Dr Deepti Bhatt.