Dear Pepper,

It does not necessarily hurt when the implant is inserted or removed -- but it can.

When the implant is inserted or removed, your health care provider will numb a small area of your arm with painkiller. Insertion only takes a few minutes; removal takes a little longer. Some women may feel pain or soreness where the implant was placed.

Serious problems with the implant are rare, and they usually have warning signs.  If you have severe arm pain or bleeding, pus, or increasing redness or pain at the insertion site, talk to your health care provider immediately.

Implanon is a thin, flexible plastic implant about the size of a cardboard matchstick. It is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It protects against pregnancy for up to three years.