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IMPLANON™
What is Implanon™?
Implanon™ is birth control that delivers a hormone called etonogestrel through a matchstick-size plastic rod that is inserted under the skin of your arm. Etonogestrel is a progestin, one of the hormones commonly found in birth control methods. You can use a single Implanon™ rod for up to three years.
What are the advantages?
Implanon™ does not contain estrogen, so you can use it even if you cannot use estrogen. Implanon is also very effective; fewer than 1 in 100 women per year get pregnant while using Implanon™. With Implanon™, you do not have to remember it daily like you would have to do with other birth control methods.
What are the disadvantages?
Implanon™ does not protect you from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. You may have minor side-effects like mood swings, weight gain, headache, acne or depression. The most common side-effect with Implanon™ is irregular and unpredictable bleeding. Your normal bleeding pattern will not help predict what your bleeding will be on Implanon™, and your bleeding pattern may vary a lot during the three-year use of your Implanon™ rod. Implanon™ must be inserted and removed by a health care provider, so it can be expensive.
 Who can use Implanon™?
Most women who are healthy can use Implanon™. Women who have health problems such as unexplained vaginal bleeding, liver disease, or previous or current breast cancer should not use Implanon™. Women who have or had diabetes, high cholesterol or triglycerides, headaches, seizures or epilepsy, gallbladder or kidney disease, depression, or high blood pressure should check with their health care provider before using Implanon.
Serious side effects to Implanon™ are very rare.
How do I get Implanon™?
Your healthcare provider will insert Implanon™ in a very minor surgical procedure. Implanon™ is inserted just under the skin on the inner side of your upper arm. After insertion, it's important to check that Implanon™ is in place by gently pressing your fingertips over the skin where Implanon™ was inserted. You will feel the small rod.
How much does the Implanon™ cost?
With a medical exam and insertion, the Implanon™ will cost anywhere from $400-$800.
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What is Implanon™?