IMPLANON™ is a small, thin, implantable hormonal contraceptive that is effective for up to three years. It has recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Implanon is a type of birth control for women. It is a flexible plastic rod the size of a matchstick that is put under the skin of your arm.  Implanon contains a hormone called etonogestrel. You can use a single IMPLANON™ rod for up to three years. Because Implanon does not contain estrogen, your healthcare provider may recommend Implanon even if you cannot use estrogen.

What if I need birth control for more than three years?

You must have Implanon removed after three years. If you want to continue using Implanon, your healthcare provider can put a new Implanon under your skin after taking out the old one.

What if I change my mind about birth control?

Your healthcare provider can remove Implanon at any time. If you want to become pregnant after Implanon removal, your ability to get pregnant may return quickly. If you don’t want to get pregnant, you should start another birth control method right away.

How does Implanon work?

Implanon prevents pregnancy in several ways. The most important way is by stopping release of an egg from your ovary.  Implanon also changes the mucus in your cervix and this change may keep sperm from reaching the egg. Also, Implanon changes the lining of your uterus.

How well does Implanon work?

If Implanon is inserted correctly, your chance of getting pregnant is very low (less than one pregnancy per 100 women who use Implanon for one year). It is not known if Implanon is as effective in very overweight women because studies did not include many overweight women.

Who should not use Implanon?

Do not use Implanon if you

• Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant

• Have, or have had serious blood clots, such as blood clots in your legs (deep venous thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), eyes (retinal thrombosis), heart (heart attack), or head (stroke)

• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding

• Have liver disease

• Have breast cancer, now or in the past

• Are allergic to anything in Implanon

Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any of the conditions just listed. Your healthcare provider can suggest another method of birth control.

In addition, talk to your healthcare provider about using Implanon if you have or had

• Diabetes

• High cholesterol or triglyceride

• Headaches

• Seizures or epilepsy

• Gallbladder or kidney disease

• Depression

• High blood pressure

• Allergic reaction to anesthetics or antiseptics. These medicines will be used when Implanon is inserted into your arm.

If you have any of these conditions, your healthcare provider can explain what to do.

How do I use Implanon?

The doctors at the Center for Women's Health will insert (or remove) Implanon in a minor surgical procedure in the office. Implanon is inserted just under the skin on the inner side of your upper arm.

What if I become pregnant while using Implanon?

You should see your healthcare provider right away. It is important to remove Implanon and make sure that the pregnancy is not ectopic (occurring outside the womb). Based on experience with birth control pills, Implanon is not likely to cause birth defects.

What if I want to become pregnant or want to stop using Implanon for another reason before three years?

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Last modified: 01/18/09 08:45:10 PM