What is Implanon?

Implanon is a small, thin, implantable hormonal contraceptive that is effective for up to three years. It was approved in July, 2006 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It does not contain estrogen. The implant is a flexible plastic rod the size of a matchstick that is put under the skin of a woman’s arm in an in-office procedure.

How does Implanon Work?

Implanon works in the following ways:

• by suppressing ovulation
• thickening cervical mucus prohibiting sperm to enter the uterus
• thinning the lining of the uterus to make it less suitable for a fertilized egg.

How Effective is it?

Implanon has a failure rate of less than 1% in the first year.

Who Should use Implanon?

Women who want a very effective, long-term, reversible method of hormonal birth control.

Who Should not use Implanon?

Women should not use Implanon if they:

• are pregnant or think they may be pregnant
• have, or have had serious blood clots (deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, retinal thrombosis) heart attack or stroke
• have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• have breast cancer, now or in the past
• are allergic to anything in Implanon

How is Implanon Inserted?

Implanon must be inserted and removed only by a health care provider who has completed a clinical training program specifically about Implanon. Insertion is a minor procedure that can be performed here at Family Tree. The insertion is done using a local anesthetic and generally takes a few minutes.