The Jadelle Implant: Your Guide to "Fit and Forget" Contraception

finding the right contraceptive method can be a challenge. You want something reliable and safe, but you also want a method that fits your lifestyle. For many women, the daily hassle of remembering a pill is a major stress factor.

Enter Jadelle—a Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) that offers up to 5 years of protection without the daily admin.

At 1 Health in Wigram, our qualified medical team provides expert insertion and removal services to help you take control of your reproductive health.

What is Jadelle?

Jadelle is a small, flexible contraceptive implant. It consists of two thin, silicone rods—each about the size of a matchstick—that are inserted just under the skin of your upper, inner arm.

Once in place, it slowly releases a hormone called levonorgestrel (a progestogen) into your bloodstream. It is one of the most effective forms of birth control available, with a success rate of over 99%—making it more effective than the pill, the patch, or condoms.

👉 Need a Jadelle Insertion or Removal in Christchurch? [Click Here to Book a Sexual Health Consultation with Our Wigram Team]

How Does it Work?

Jadelle works in three smart ways to prevent pregnancy:

1. Stops Ovulation: It suppresses the hormones that cause your ovaries to release an egg each month.
2. Thickens Cervical Mucus: It creates a sticky barrier at the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to swim through to meet an egg.
   
3. Thins the Lining: It thins the lining of the uterus (endometrium), making it less suitable for a fertilized egg to implant.

The "Fit and Forget" Advantage

Why are so many women switching to implants like Jadelle?

• Longevity: One procedure provides protection for 5 years.
  
• Convenience: No daily pills to remember, no pharmacy runs, and no interruption to spontaneity.
• Reversibility: If you decide you want to start a family, or if the method doesn't suit you, we can remove it at any time. Your fertility returns to normal almost immediately.

The Insertion Procedure: What to Expect

Many patients are nervous about the "insertion," but the procedure at 1 Health is quick, simple, and performed under local anaesthetic.

1. Preparation We will check your medical history and ensure you are not pregnant. The best time for insertion is usually within the first 7 days of your menstrual cycle to ensure immediate protection.

2. The Insertion (10–15 Minutes)

• You will lie down comfortably with your arm positioned upwards.
• We inject a local anaesthetic to numb the area. This stings briefly, but it ensures you feel no pain during the actual insertion.
  
• Using a specialized device (trocar), the two small rods are slid under the skin through a tiny puncture wound. No stitches are required.

3. Aftercare We will apply steri-strips and a bandage to keep the area clean and minimize bruising. You should keep this bandage on and dry for 3 days.

Managing Side Effects: What is Normal?

Like all hormonal contraceptives, Jadelle can cause side effects. The most common change is to your menstrual bleeding pattern.

• Irregular Bleeding: This is very common, especially in the first 3–6 months.
  
• No Periods (Amenorrhea): About 20% of women stop having periods altogether (which many find to be a benefit!).
  
• Prolonged Bleeding: Some women experience longer or more frequent spotting.

If bleeding becomes bothersome, please book an appointment with our GP Services. There are medications we can prescribe to help regulate it.

Other potential side effects can include mild headaches, mood changes, or breast tenderness, though these often settle after a few months. 

Is Jadelle Right for You?

Jadelle is suitable for most women, including those who cannot take estrogen-based contraception (like the combined pill). However, it may not be suitable if you have:

• A history of breast cancer
• Severe liver disease
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding

Is Jadelle Funded in NZ?

Yes! The Jadelle contraceptive rods are fully funded in New Zealand. Talk to our team to see if you qualify for funded or subsidised clinical insertion and removal appointments at our Wigram practice

Removal: Easy and Quick

Should you reach the 5-year mark, or if you decide to change methods, removal is straightforward.

We use local anaesthetic to numb the arm, make a tiny 2mm incision near the tip of the implants, and gently slide them out. You can even have a new Jadelle inserted through the same incision on the same day if you wish to continue protection.

Ready to Discuss Your Options?

Contraception is personal. What works for your friend might not be right for you.

At 1 Health, we offer a judgment-free, confidential environment to discuss your reproductive health. Whether you are considering Jadelle, the IUD, or oral contraceptives, we are here to guide you.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) Pricing

To provide absolute financial transparency for our patients, our structured, out-of-pocket clinical fees for contraceptive consultations and procedures are detailed below:

Jadelle Subdermal Implants:

• Step 1: Initial Consultation – $120.00
• Step 2: Insertion or Removal Appointment – $220.00 (Separate appointment)

IUD (Intrauterine Device) Procedures:

• Step 1: Initial Consultation – $120.00
• Step 2: Procedure Appointment Options:
• IUD Insertion Appointment – $250.00
• IUD Removal Only Appointment – $85.00

Clinical Note: Depending on your age, enrollment criteria, or specific public health funding pathways in Canterbury, some contraceptive consultations or surgical procedures may qualify for full or partial public subsidies. Please discuss your individual eligibility with our nursing team or clinical lead during your initial step 1 consultation.