Implant Contraception

Abstract

The experience of 6 million Norplant users has led to several more advanced implants. Implanon is a single-rod implant system containing a low androgenic progestin and requires 1 to 2 minutes for insertion and removal. Like other implants, Implanon prevents pregnancy by changing the character of the cervical mucus and interfering with luteal function. Unlike Norplant, though, Implanon is designed to prevent ovulation for the full duration of use. Implant contraception has several advantages over other types of contraception including high efficacy, minimal required maintenance, absence of estrogen, and rapid return of fertility after discontinuation. Implants can be a good choice for adolescents; women with hypertension, diabetes, anemia, endometriosis, or other medical problems; and women who are breast-feeding. Irregular bleeding is the most common adverse effect of implants and can be treated with several medication regimens. Preinsertion counseling, however, is the most important factor in ensuring satisfaction with implants. Unfortunately, no implant system is currently available in the United States since August 2000, but Implanon is expected to reach the U.S. market within the next 2 years.

Side effects and acceptability of Implanon®: A pilot study conducted in eastern Turkey

“…Changes in fibrinogen, platelets, protein S levels, PT and PTT were not significant, confirming findings of previous studies on Implanon 17 . The most common bleeding patterns were amenorrhoea, prolonged bleeding and irregular bleeding, as reported in other studies 8,9 . It has been stated that abnormal bleeding with Implanon 1 correlates with a lesser proliferation and thickness of the endometrium 9 , as we observed.…”

Hormonal contraception: recent advances and controversies

“…Studies of forearm bone density in adults have yielded conflicting results, with both increases and decreases reported (55,61). The levonorgestrel implant should not decrease bone density as much as DMPA, because estrogen levels are not as consistently suppressed (18), and 19-norprogestogens have a beneficial effect on bone (62).…”

“…Among newer implant delivery systems currently under development, biodegradable progestin implants in the form of rods and pellets have the advantage that the implant does not need to be removed (18).…”

Hormonal contraception: recent advances and controversies

“…Studies of forearm bone density in adults have yielded conflicting results, with both increases and decreases reported (60,78). The levonorgestrel implant should not decrease bone density as much as DMPA because estrogen levels are not as consistently suppressed (79), and 19-nortestosterene progestogens have a beneficial effect on bone (80).…”