Patients needing a reversible form of contraception now have a new option.  In July, the FDA approved the new IMPLANON system (etonogestrel implant) for birth control.   About the size of a matchstick, it is made of a soft medical polymer and is inserted beneath the skin on the inner side of a woman’s upper arm.  The insertion is done in the office using a local anesthetic.

IMPLANON continually releases a low, steady dose of progestin (etonogestrel) for a period of up to three years.  After insertion, it is generally not visible and removal can occur at any time at the request of the user, after which fertility promptly returns. 

This device has been used worldwide by approximately 2.5 million women in more than 30 countries since 1998.  Only healthcare providers that have been trained by Orgenon USA, the makers of the device, will be able to order IMPLANON and offer its insertion.  Dr. Nancy Lieb of Tyler Obstetrics & Gynecology is the only gynecologist  designated an instructor in the insertion of this device in our area. 

Women who might consider a progestin-only contraceptive include the large number of women who should not use estrogen-containing birth control, especially cigarette smokers.  Safety of this method is not proven in smokers, and it is still advised by the makers of IMPLANON that users should refrain from smoking.  Women who have experienced bothersome side effects on the birth control pill might do better on a progestin-only method. 

Several years ago, the NORPLANT system was introduced, involving insertion of several rods; it is no longer available.  The greatest problem with the NORPLANT was its very tedious and difficult removal.   This has not been a problem with IMPLANON.

As with any progestin-only method of contraception, users of IMPLANON can experience irregular bleeding or even the absence of menstrual bleeding.  Some have reported headache, acne, and emotional changes, common to all hormonal contraceptives.  Insertion complications were low (3.6 % reported some symptoms related to the insertion site) and removal complications were even lower (1.7%).

If you have interest in IMPLANON, call our office for more specifics or to ask about scheduling an insertion.  You can also log on to the IMPLANON web site or call 1-877-IMPLANON (1-877-467-5266) for additional information.