The Network are currently looking at the experiences of women using the
contraceptive implant, Implanon®. This work is funded by Organon.
Implanon® is a long acting contraceptive which comes in the form of a
non-biodegradable single rod implant, 4cm in length and 2mm in diameter
which is inserted under the skin into the subdermal plane with a disposable
insertion device. The implant releases 30-70 ug etonogesterol per day. It can
be removed at any time and the duration of use is 3 years. Implanon® is inserted
on days 1-5 of a menstrual period. The contraceptive efficacy is mainly due to
inhibition of ovulation and this is reversed within 3 weeks of removal.
This study started in 2002 and has been following 1000 women for three years.
The women are able to return to the clinics whenever they wish and monitoring
forms are completed. Any problems or side effects are noted. Some women do not
wish to be followed up until it is time for the implant to be removed. Forms
are completed at removal and at three months after removal if the women have
experienced any side effects while using the device. We are now at a stage where
all women have had the device removed and many refitted with another and we
are beginning to write up the findings.
As part of this work the Network are also looking at the doctors experiences
of removing the implant.
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