Implant Contraception

Implant contraception involves inserting a rod under the skin. The rod releases into the bloodstream tiny amounts of the hormone progestin.

The first implant was the Norplant system, which used six rods that contained levonorgestrel. Due in part to serious complications, Norplant was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2002. The main complication was difficulty inserting and, in particular, removing the rods. (Many women experienced scarring.) In addition, some women who used Norplant experienced heavy irregular bleeding. A two-rod implant called Jadelle is sold in other countries, but not the United States.

In 2006, the FDA approved Implanon, a new implant contraceptive. In contrast to Norplant:

Implanon uses one rod, not six.
It is not inserted as deeply into the skin.
It uses etonogestrel, a different type of progestin than the levonorgestrel used in Norplant.
Only specially trained health care providers are allowed to insert and remove Implanon.
Implanon insertion takes about a minute and is performed with a local anesthetic in a doctor’s office. The rod remains in place for 3 years, although it can be removed at any time. (The removal procedure takes a few minutes longer than insertion.) After the rod is removed, a new one can be inserted.

Studies indicate that Implanon is safe. Irregular bleeding is the main side effect. However, some doctors are concerned that Implanon may have some of the same risks as Norplant.