Choosing a Birth Control Method – Implant

(Updated June 2014) Description The implant is a progestin-only long-acting reversible contraceptive method. It consists of a single, matchstick-sized rod that contains the progestin etonogestrel (the same progestin contained in the vaginal ring). There are …

(Updated June 2014)

Description

The implant is a progestin-only long-acting reversible contraceptive method. It consists of a single, matchstick-sized rod that contains the progestin etonogestrel (the same progestin contained in the vaginal ring). There are two versions of the implant: NEXPLANON® and Implanon®. NEXPLANON® is the second generation of this implant. It contains barium to allow localization with X-ray as well as a new inserter. Size, active medication, and side effect profile are unchanged from Implanon®. The implant is effective for 3 years and is a good contraceptive choice for women who cannot use estrogen.

Use

The contraceptive implant is inserted in the subdermal tissue of the

Implant Implanon

inside aspect of the upper non-dominant arm. Once placed, it is not visible but is usually palpable. The rod must be inserted and removed by a trained provider. Because the insertion of the rod involves no incision, it is quick (less than 1 minute) and relatively painless.37 The implant must be removed within 3 years of insertion—a procedure that takes about 3 minutes. A new implant may be inserted in the same arm, and through the same incision from which the previous implant was removed.

Effectiveness

This method is extremely effective, with a failure rate of 0.05 percent.37

Risks

There is no evidence of connection between weight and effectiveness for the arm implant.38

Side Effects

As with other progestin-only methods, irregular endometrial bleeding and amenorrhea are common. In clinical studies, the bleeding patterns observed in women were irregular37 and included:

  • Bleeding irregularities, including infrequent bleeding (33.6%), amenorrhea (22.2%), prolonged bleeding (17.7%), and frequent bleeding (6.7%).
  • One study found that ethinyl estradiol may help control bleeding during the first few months of implant use.
  • Other side effects that led to discontinuation include weight gain (2.3%), emotional liability (2.3%), headache (1.6%), acne (1.3%), and depression (1.0%)37

Contraindications and Precautions

Medical Eligibility Criteria for the Contraceptive Implant
Category 4
(unacceptable health risk if the contraceptive method is used)
  • Current breast cancer
Category 3
(theoretical or proven risks usually outweigh the advantages of using the method)
  • Ischemic heart disease or stroke (current or history of)—for continuing method (i.e., if heart disease worsens in a woman who is already using the contraceptive implant)
  • SLE (positive for antiphospholipid antibodies or status unknown)
  • Migraine with aura—for continuing method (i.e., if migraines worsen in a woman who is already using the contraceptive implant)
  • Unexplained vaginal bleeding prior to evaluation
  • Breast cancer in the past; no evidence of disease for 5 years
  • Severe cirrhosis
  • Malignant liver tumor

Source: Reference 5

Advantages

  • High efficacy
  • Long-term
  • Rapid reversibility: after implant is removed, most women (94%) ovulate by 3 months, the majority within 3 weeks
  • Rapid procedure: insertion takes one minute and removal takes three minutes
  • Can use when lactating as soon as six weeks postpartum
  • Non-contraceptive benefits, such as improved dysmenorrhea and possibly acne

Disadvantages

  • Requires visit to trained clinician for insertion and removal
  • Irregular bleeding patterns
  • No protection against STIs

Counseling Messages

  • The implant provides 3 years of continuous pregnancy prevention and must be removed within 3 years; a new rod can be inserted at the time of removal.
  • Once placed, the implant is not visible but is usually palpable. (Providers may want to show women the implant and briefly describe the insertion and removal process.)
  • The contraceptive implant can cause bleeding irregularities, including amenorrhea.
  • Non-hormonal back-up contraception is needed for the first 7 days after insertion.
  • This method does not protect against STIs.
Drug Integrity Associate Audrey Amos is a pharmacist with experience in health communication and has a passion for making health information accessible. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Butler University. As a Drug Integrity Associate, she audits drug content, addresses drug-related queries

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