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Implanon™ - Contraception

Introduction | Treatment

Introduction

Implanon™ is the latest advancement in female contraception. Implanon is a state-of-the-art single-rod implantable contraceptive method that lasts for up to three years. Implanon is ideal for women who prefer not to think about birth control every day, week, or month. Implanon is reversible; it can be removed at your request. The FDA approved Implanon in 2006.

Implanon is a small rod that contains a contraceptive hormone. It is inserted in your arm during a short in-office procedure. Implanon is not noticeable, providing you with a discreet method of birth control.

Implanon releases a low steady dose of etonogestrel (progestin). Implanon does not contain estrogen. Implanon prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs. Implanon is one of the more effective methods of birth control. Studies show that the chance of getting pregnant with Implanon is very low, with less than one pregnancy per 100 women who used Implanon for a year.

Your doctor will review the risks and side effects associated with Implanon. You may experience a change in your menstrual periods, such as irregular, unpredictable, or absent bleeding. Implanon is not a recommended method of contraception for women who smoke or have a history of blood clots.

Treatment

Implanon is a small rod, about the size of a matchstick. Your doctor can quickly insert Implanon in your arm during an in-office visit. You will need to use another form of birth control for one week following the insertion.

Implanon is effective for three years. At three years, the used Implanon insert needs to be removed. Your doctor can quickly remove the Implanon insert in a short in-office visit. You may have another Implanon insert implanted at that time.

The effects of Implanon are totally reversible. You may choose to have your Implanon insert removed before three years. After removal, you will return to your pre-existing fertility level.

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Author Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on January 15th, 2013. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.