Hendrix Clinic and Counseling Center

What is it?
Implanon is a flexible plastic rod the size of a matchstick that is put under the skin of your upper arm and contains a hormone called etonogestrel.  Implanon is a single rod and will provide birth control for 3 years.  It can be removed at any time if you do not desire to use it the entire 3 years.

For more information about Implanon

How do I use it?

• The Implanon must be inserted by a trained healthcare professional.
• Timing of insertion is important. 
  • You may be asked to have a pregnancy test before insertion
  • Schedule the insertion at a specific time during your cycle
  • Use a backup method of birth control, such as condoms, for seven days after Implanon is inserted.
• After the insertion you will be provided with a removal date and it is your responsibility to keep track of when the implant is to be removed.

How effective is it?
Implanon is very effective because once the rod is placed there is no other action required by the user and about 1 in 1,000 women will become pregnant after the first year of use. 

What are the advantages?

• Does not interrupt sexual activity
• Convenient
• You do not have to think about your birth control method for 3 years

What are the disadvantages?

• Does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) including HIV/AIDS
• It is not known if Implanon is as effective in very overweight women
• A clinic visit is required for the insertion and removal of Implanon

Risks:

• Complications of insertion and removal may include:
• Difficult or impossible to remove
• Improper insertion – you and your healthcare provider should both be able to feel the implant under the skin after insertion
• Pain, irritation, swelling, bruising, scarring, and infection
• Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy occurring outside the uterus)
• Blood clots in legs, lungs, brain (stroke), heart, eyes
• High blood pressure
• Gallbladder problems
• Liver tumors – rare

Side Effects:

• Irregular and unpredictable bleeding – by far the most common side effect.  You may experience more bleeding, less bleeding, or no bleeding.
• Mood swings
• Weight gain
• Headache
• Acne
• Depression
• Breast pain
• Pain at the insertion site