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Health Topics
Implanon (implant)
Online Birth Control Education

Implanon is a progestin hormone containing rod that is inserted under the skin of a woman’s arm. It works by releasing a constant low hormone level keeping the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation), thickening the cervical mucus and changing the lining of the uterus. It provides contraception for at least 3 years and can be removed at any time.

Advantages

  • Highly effective
  • Easy to use
  • Does not interfere with sex
  • Contains no estrogen

Disadvantages

  • Unscheduled and irregular bleeding (may decline after 3 months of use)
  • Needs to be inserted by a health care provider
  • Offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections

When Implanon Should Not Be Used

  • Unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Breastfeeding women less than 6 weeks after birth
  • Active hepatitis
  • Current breast cancer
  • Current blood clot

Return of Fertility

  • After Implanon removal, most users ovulate within 6 weeks. 

Availability & Efficacy

  • Availability: Not available at Student Health and Counseling Services, but appointments with an SHS provider are available for consultation and referral to an outside provider.
  • Failure rate: Typical use: 0.05%, Perfect use: 0.05%

Recommended Resources

 

Online Birth Control Education
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last reviewed: Spring 2005