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Implanon
What is Implanon?
Implanon is a thin, plastic, flexible rod (about ½ inch long) that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm and releases hormones into the bloodstream. Implanon protects against pregnancy for up to three years.
How does Implanon work?
Implanon contains the hormone progestin, which is released into the bloodstream after it is inserted underneath the skin of the upper arm. The release of progestin keeps the woman's ovaries from releasing eggs—ovulation. Pregnancy cannot happen if there is no egg released to join with the sperm. Also, the hormone thickens a woman's cervical mucus, which blocks sperm and keeps it from joining with an egg. Some people argue that the implant works by keeping a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine lining of the uterus, but there is no proof that this actually happens.
How effective is this method?
Implanon is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy (less than one out of 100 women a year will become pregnant using Implanon). It lasts up to three years.
Certain medications and supplements can make Implanon less effective. These include:
- rifampin (other antibiotics do not make Implanon less effective)
- certain medications taken orally to treat a yeast infection
- certain HIV medications
- specific anti-seizure medicines
- St. John's wort
What are the advantages of using this method?
- Implanon can remain implanted for up to three years.
- It is a hormonal method that can be used by women who cannot take estrogen.
- It gives continuous, long-lasting birth control without sterilization and there is no medicine to take daily.
- Nothing needs to be put in place before vaginal intercourse.
What are the disadvantages of using this method?
- Some women using Implanon will experience irregular periods, especially for the first 6-12 months of use. Some women will cease to have a period at all.
- Your clinician will discuss medically-recognized benefits and risks.
- Implanon does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
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Fertility-Based Awareness Methods (FAMs)
