The contraceptive implant.

Author(s): Hohmann H, Creinin MD

Affiliation(s): Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA. hhohmann@mail.magee.edu

Publication date & source: 2007-12, Clin Obstet Gynecol., 50(4):907-17.

Publication type: Review

Contraceptive implants provide long-acting, highly effective reversible contraception. Currently, the only subdermal implant available to women in the United States is the single rod etonogestrel implant, Implanon (N.V. Organon, Oss, the Netherlands) approved by the Food and Drug Administration in July 2006. Implanon is currently approved for 3 years of use, provides excellent efficacy throughout its use, and is easy to insert and remove. Similar to other progestin-only contraceptives, Implanon can cause irregular vaginal bleeding. Implanon has been shown to be safe to use during lactation, may improve dysmenorrhea, and does not significantly affect bone mineral density, lipid profile, or liver enzymes.